Although Apple TV had been producing interesting shows from its launch in late 2019, the streaming service announced itself as the “go-to” place for science fiction fans with the success of Severance. A mind-blowing, philosophically arresting series packed with twists and turns, Severance offered a compelling central mystery that was backed up by strong satire about the unhealthy work-life balance of modern employees. The first season was a masterpiece that stands as one of the best of the decade, but Severance reached its emotional apex in Season 2 with the episode “Chikhai Bardo.” It’s a series that is often defined by its biggest revelations, but “Chikhai Bardo” helped flesh out a second-tier character in the most visceral, heartbreaking way possible.

One of the biggest revelations in the first season of Severance is that the enigmatic wellness counselor Ms. Casey (Dichen Lachman) is actually Gemma, the wife of Mark (Adam Scott), whom he previously believed had been killed in a car accident. The twist has significant revelations regarding the way that Mark has conducted himself as a Lumon employee, but “Chikhai Bardo” is the first Severance episode to explore events from Gemma’s perspective, providing an opportunity for Lachman to shine. The title itself is a reference to the “moment of death” in Tibetan religious culture, and that theme of loss is presented in complex ways through the growth and collapse of Gemma’s relationship with Mark.

“Chikhai Bardo” Is One of the Best Episodes of ‘Severance’

It may not have been the first episode of Severance to be told in a non-linear way, but “Chikhai Bardo” has a significantly different style compared to the rest of the show because of its director. Ben Stiller is often thought of as the primary creative force behind Severance, and while he directed many of the best episodes, “Chikhai Bardo” was helmed by cinematographer Jessica Lee Gagné in her Severance directorial debut. Gagné had previously worked with Stiller on the underrated crime series Escape at Dannemora, and certainly knows how to heighten suspense within a confined environment. However, “Chikhai Bardo” is the rare flashback episode that doesn’t feel like a hazy memory, because reality is always visceral when it’s occurring. By diving back into the events that shaped both Mark and Gemma into the people that they became, Severance analyzes how significantly they have changed during their time at Lumon.

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“Chikhai Bardo” explores the early romance between Mark and Gemma, and how quickly their relationship fell apart as a result of her miscarriage. The episode was a reminder of how tactile the world of Severance is, and that its reality is one that doesn’t feel that far removed from the present; the fact that Lumon’s technological advances have in no way led to better medical treatment, specifically for women, is certainly something that is discussed. Although the “chikhai bardo” phrase is referenced directly in the episode, it could refer to multiple things; the death in question may have been the couple’s unborn child, but it also refers to the collapse of Gemma and Mark’s relationship, as they both grow more insular once she finds it impossible to conceive. Their frustrated, easily manipulated state makes it easier for Lumon to divide them and take advantage of the growing rift. While Mark is lied to and forced to accept the story that his wife was killed, Gemma is slowly adjusting to her new reality on the Lumon testing floor, realizing that she will never be able to revert to her life before.

Gemma Scott Is the Most Tragic Character in ‘Severance’

The thematic “moment of death” in “Chikhai Bardo” isn’t just the erasure of Mark’s memory of Gemma, but the loss of the prior versions of both characters. After spending time under Dr. Mauer (Robby Benson), one of the show’s best villains, Gemma truly becomes “Ms. Casey,” leaving everything in her life outside of Lumon behind. This is also the moment in which Mark’s mental health takes a turn for the worse, and his “outie” becomes hounded by grief and depression; the only escape from the tragedy of Gemma’s supposed death is within Lumon, which gives more power to his “innie.” Even if Gemma is alive, Mark grows so adjusted to his role as an employee that the person he was before begins to fade away. It’s because of the events in “Chikhai Brado” that Mark’s final choice during the now-iconic ending of Season 2 hits even harder.

Severance is often thought of as purely an intellectual series, but “Chikhai Bardo” shows how tragic the series is when its sci-fi ideas are explored in depth for the consequences that they may have. That viewers already knew when the episode began where Gemma and Mark would end up only makes it more painful; the kaleidoscopic approach to the timeline reflects the confusion that both characters faced after their minds were corrupted by Lumon technology. Although it is very much a standalone installment, “Chikhai Bardo” also functions as an important part of the show’s serialization because it sets up Mark’s reawakening. Shocking episodes like “Cold Harbour” and “The We We Are” might be among Severance’s most iconic moments, but its installments like “Chikhai Bardo” raise the bar to a new standard of what sci-fi television can achieve.

“Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Kyle Richards is opening up about Robert Cosby Jr.’s “incredibly moving” memorial service. During a new interview, the veteran reality star revealed why she chose to attend the 23-year-old’s homegoing in Salt Lake City following his unfortunate death.

Kyle Richards Opens Up About Robert Cosby Jr.’s ‘Incredibly Moving’ Memorial Service

Speaking with PEOPLE, Richards shared that she chose to attend the memorial service in Utah to support Mary Cosby. “I don’t know her well, but she’s somebody who’s always been kind when I have met her, and as a mother and a fellow Housewife, I just felt I needed to be there and show up and support her,” she said.

Richards went on to say that the service was “so incredibly moving,” adding that she’d never “experienced something like that” before.

According to Richards, attending the religious event left her with a profound sense of gratitude. “I’m so grateful that I had the opportunity to be there and support her and experience something like that. Like I said, I will never forget that day ever in my life,” she said.

Kyle Richards Says She And Mary Cosby Are ‘Texting’ Back And Forth Following Her Son’s Homegoing

While Richards and Mary aren’t incredibly close, the two Bravo stars have been in communication since Robert’s memorial service. Richards shared that the pair had been “texting back and forth” and later explained how appreciative she was that the “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” star even invited her.

“I appreciated her having me there because I just, like I said, I was so touched by it,” Richards said. “I just can’t imagine what she’s going through.”

According to a previous report from The Blast, Robert passed away in February 2026 after Utah police responded to a call of a potential overdose.

Mary confirmed Robert’s death in a social media post of her own, writing, “Our beloved son Robert Jr. has been called home to the Lord.”

She added, “Though our hearts ache, we take comfort in God’s promise and in knowing he is finally at peace. We are grateful for your prayers and trust in the Lord to carry us through this time of sorrow.”

Kyle Richards Wasn’t The Only ‘Real Housewives’ Star In Attendance

“Real Housewives” figurehead Andy Cohen revealed on his radio show, “Andy Cohen Live,” that while he wasn’t able to attend Robert’s memorial service, several of the franchise’s marquee players did.

In addition to Richards, Cohen shouted out “Real Housewives of Atlanta” stars Cynthia Bailey and Shereé Whitfield, as well as Mary’s “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” peers, Heather Gay, Lisa Barlow, Meredith Marks, Bronwyn Newport, Whitney Rose, Angie Katsanevas, and Britani Bateman.

“I love it that they went,” Cohen shared. “I think that is so kind. [Whitfield, Bailey, and Richards] are real ones, those three.”

Cohen also dished on the service, revealing that he heard it was “so uplifting and so moving and absolutely, kind of, rapturous.” He continued, “And Mary was on one, I mean, in a spiritual way. She was spiritually on one, let me say that.”

Mary’s Son Remembered For His Faith Following His Death

Robert’s death came as a surprise to many, considering he spoke with his mother during “RHOSLC” season 6 about his addiction struggles and shared that he believed he was making progress.

In an online obituary, Robert was remembered as a “bright, loving, and gifted young man whose compassion and gentle spirit touched everyone he met,” according to The Blast.

“Robert loved his parents with a fierce and unwavering devotion, and his mother was his closest confidante,” the obituary continued. “His first and greatest love, however, was for God. Baptized in Jesus’ Name and filled with the Holy Ghost, he was cherished as the First Son of the Faith Temple Pentecostal Churches.”

Bailey Recalled Being ‘Paralyzed’ By The News Of Robert’s Passing

During an episode of her “Humble Brag” podcast, Bailey recalled being “paralyzed” by the news of Robert’s passing. Elsewhere in the episode, the “RHOA” alum shared how she believed Mary was processing her tragic loss.

“I think there’s levels, there’s shock, there’s just processing the reality of the situation,” Bailey shared. “I know I’m doing a horrible job of trying to explain this to you guys, but I just don’t know any other way to do it. I just wanted to recognize that we are all supporting Mary Cosby and her family. This was a huge hit for the Bravo universe. She’s such a big part of it.”

Social media users are dropping strong reactions after Michael B. Jordan won “Best Actor” over Timothée Chalamet at the 2026 Oscars, also known as the 98th Academy Awards.

RELATED: Awww! Michael B. Jordan Stepped Out Alongside His Mom For Critics’ Choice Awards & Folks Are Calling Them Twins! (PHOTOS)

Michael B. Jordan Wins “Best Actor” Over Timothée Chalamet At The 2026 Oscars

According to Firstpost, the Oscars 2026 culminated in a showdown between Michael B. Jordan and Timothée Chalamet for the title and award of “Best Actor.” Per the outlet, Chalamet served as an “early frontrunner” for the award. This, by way of his December 2025 role in ‘Marty Supreme.’ A film that follows the life of 23-year-old Marty Mauser, who pursued a relentless career in table tennis. Meanwhile, Michael B. Jordan seemed to trail Chalamet’s lead with his dual role in the April 2025-released film, ‘Sinners.’ This film was set in 1932 and followed twin brothers as they returned to their hometown and encountered supernatural spirits.

Per the outlet, Chalamet secured the “Best Actor” award at the recent Golden Globes. Additionally, he also won “Best Actor” at the recent Critics’ Choice Awards. However, Michael B. Jordan recently took home the “Best Actor” award at the 32nd Annual Actor Awards.

Ultimately, at tonight’s Oscars awards, fans decided that Michael B. Jordan deserved the win!

Social Media Reacts

Social media users reacted to Michael B. Jordan’s win in TSR’s comment section.

Before He ______ “Best Actor” Over Timotheé Chalamet At The 2026 Oscars, Michael B. Jordan Was Making Headlines By Way Of His Brother

Before Michael B. Jordan _____ the “Best Actor” award at the 2026 Oscars, he was making headlines by way of his brother, Khalid Jordan. As The Shade Room previously reported, earlier this month, Khalid took to his Instagram to share a hilarious clip, which included him doing a voiceover. In the clip, the audio was spoken by someone who was bragging about their famous and well-endowed older sibling.

Ultimately, the clip of Khalid doing the voiceover and seemingly speaking about his brother left social media users in stitches.

RELATED: Oh, He Got Jokes! Clip Posted By Michael B. Jordan’s Brother Khalid Has Social Media Crackin’ UP

Rosamund Pike is recalling her decision to get pregnant immediately after her Gone Girl success.

“I’m not very strategic in terms of career, making sure I am in the right place, meeting the right people,” the actress, 47, admitted during an interview with The Sunday Times published on Saturday, March 14. “I made Gone Girl, I got pregnant, I wasn’t there to do all the schmoozing and ride the whole shebang. I could have been so much more strategic.”

She continued, “I was at a point where I could have got a lot of jobs but took myself out of the running for 18 months, which was sort of insane.”

Pike starred in the 2014 psychological thriller, directed by David Fincher, alongside Ben Affleck, Neil Patrick Harris, Carrie Coon and Emily Ratajkowski. The film made over $369 million worldwide against a $61 million budget, making it one of Fincher’s most successful and lucrative films of his career.

The actress also welcomed her two sons, Solo and Atom, in 2012 and 2014, respectfully. She shares her boys with longtime boyfriend Robie Uniacke, a businessman the actress has been linked to since 2009. (Uniacke, 65, has four children from previous relationships.)

“I’ve got my kids homeschooling me,” Pike said during a 2021 interview on The Graham Norton Show, revealing that her partner learned Mandarin so their sons could grow up bilingual.

“[Uniacke’s] basically talking to them in a language I don’t understand,” she continued, “so I thought maybe [the Covid-19] lockdown was a good opportunity for me to catch up.”

During a 2015 appearance on the now-defunct The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Pike opened up about life as a mom of two, admitting that she was taking her youngest to business meetings while trying to balance her work and parenting responsibilities.

“I am just taking him around with me,” she said of her son Atom. “It has a very interesting effect on people because they don’t expect it. I’m turning up to meetings because what do you do — you’re a mom and you got a baby who needs to eat.”

When speaking to The Sunday Times, Pike said the fact that her career took a hit as a result of her pregnancy is “absolutely” a testament to how unequal the entertainment industry treats men and women.

“This is the part of the interview where I get uncomfortable,” she quickly added. “Yes, it’s a churning feeling. I start to feel a bit ashamed.”

Lindsey Vonn isn’t interested in discussing her skiing future after suffering a devastating leg injury at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.

“No, I’m not ready to discuss my future in skiing,” Vonn, 41, wrote via X on Sunday, March 15. “My focus has been on recovering from my injury and getting back to normal life. I was already retired for 6 years and have an amazing life outside of skiing. It was incredible to be #1 in the world again at 41 years old and set new records in my sport, but at my age, I’m the only one that will decide my future.”

The athlete continued, “I don’t need anyone’s permission to do what makes me happy. Maybe that means racing again, maybe that doesn’t. Only time will tell. Please stop telling me what I should or should not do. I’ll let you know when I decide.”

Vonn’s public declaration comes just days after she shared a brutal video of her injured leg on Friday, March 13. In the clip shared via the Olympian’s Instagram Story, Vonn could be seen breathing heavily as a physical therapist pushed her injured leg down for just a few seconds. Vonn then grimaced in pain and bit her lip as the therapist began counting during the exercise.

Related: Lindsey Vonn Shares Update After 4th Surgery: ‘Please, Don’t Be Sad’

Lindsey Vonn is not asking for any sympathy after undergoing her fourth surgery following her catastrophic 2026 Winter Olympics crash. “Surgery went well today!” Thankfully I will be able to finally go back to the US! Once I’m back I will give you more updates and info about my injury… But until then, as I […]

“Had to do this…,” Vonn captioned the video, simultaneously giving fans and followers a glimpse at two separate surgery spots on her leg, covered by large bandages.

The difficult-to-watch video was followed by a second clip of her physical therapy, showing the athlete happily riding a recovery bike and pedaling smoothly.

“So I could do this,” Vonn wrote alongside the video, showing that — in some cases — pain really is a prerequisite for gain.

Vonn made her return to the Olympics in Italy in February, despite completely tearing her ACL during a World Cup race in Switzerland days earlier on January 30.

Just 13 seconds into her Olympic run, Vonn crashed, severely injuring the same leg. The athlete could be heard screaming in pain before she was airlifted to a nearby hospital, where she underwent four surgeries before she was able to return to the United States.

Vonn later revealed that the doctors saved her leg from a probable amputation.

“Dr. Tom Hackett saved my leg,” Vonn shared via social media on February 23. “He saved my leg from being amputated. He did what’s called a fasciotomy, where he cut open both sides of my leg and kind of filleted it open so to speak, let it breathe, and he saved me.”

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.