By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 54 seconds ago

Right now, it’s fair to say that Disney is a victim of its own success. The House of Mouse decided to get into the streaming game with Disney+, and they made this new platform the home of all things Marvel and Star Wars. They succeeded in containing the world’s two biggest intellectual properties under one roof, but this came at a cost. The MCU began to suffer under its own weight, and fans began to resent many of the new shows on Disney+. The most common complaint is that most of these series felt like annoying “homework” they had to watch just to understand the next big Marvel movie.

Is that criticism fair? That’s debatable. While some Marvel shows on Disney+ stand alone, some are basically required viewing if you want to follow along with the newest films. However, when watching The Mandalorian and Grogu, I couldn’t help but feel like movie writer Dave Filoni was trying to avoid comparisons to Marvel by creating a movie that required no homework whatsoever. He succeeded in making a movie that fans could enjoy even if they’ve ignored Star Wars for the last two decades. This approach backfired, though. While the latest Star Wars is amazingly accessible, it’s so disconnected from the franchise that it feels completely meaningless. 

Way Too Much Homework

Complaints about Marvel TV shows feeling like homework are tied to broader debates about what, exactly, a movie should be. Many like the idea of a film as being a self-contained unit of entertainment unto itself. This is one (admittedly, of many) problem that certain Star Wars fans had with the Prequel Trilogy and the Sequel Trilogy: interesting characters like Count Dooku and Snoke are placed onscreen with no real introduction or fanfare. The assumption made by those in charge of Star Wars (George Lucas and, later, Disney) is that fans could simply get these characters’ backstories in various books and comics and didn’t need to see it onscreen.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe took this idea and made it much, much worse. You had to watch entire films (like the solo Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America movies) to really understand big team-ups like The Avengers. Later, Disney+ became home to shows you had to watch ahead of movies. Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness makes no sense without watching WandaVision, for example, and The Marvels makes no sense without watching Ms. Marvel. This led to widespread fan complaints that Disney had basically assigned homework and that we’d need to watch eight hours of a TV show just to understand a movie. 

No Homework (And No Meaning)

Initially, this wasn’t really a problem with Star Wars because The Rise of Skywalker was so bad that we went seven years before seeing a new film in the franchise. That meant that various Disney+ shows in a galaxy far, far away could mostly stand on their own. But The Mandalorian and Grogu finally brought Star Wars back to theaters, and we’ll be getting more franchise films (like Starfighter) in the coming years. Mandalorian and Grogu writer and new Lucasfilm President Dave Filoni seemingly tried to avoid the homework problem by making a movie that requires almost no prior Star Wars viewing whatsoever, a decision that became something of a double-edged sword.

On one hand, Filoni made The Mandalorian and Grogu the most accessible Star Wars film since A New Hope. If someone only vaguely remembers an episode or two of The Mandalorian Season 1, they can follow along. They know the title characters, and Din Djarin even gets a new version of his old ship back. Even if you’re a Star Wars fan who never watched the show at all, it’s easy to follow along with the plot. The Boba Fett-looking man and his Baby Yoda sidekick are the good guys, the Stormtroopers are the bad guys, and all you have to do is turn your brain off and watch. 

Two Hours Of Your Life You’ll Never Get Back

On the other hand, Filoni’s ultra-accessible writing is a big part of why The Mandalorian and Grogu failed. The movie doesn’t touch on or resolve any of the major plot points from The Mandalorian or advance Din Djarin or Grogu’s characters in any meaningful way. It’s such a disposable plot that if The Mandalorian ever gets a Season 4, you could skip the film entirely before watching the new season. If the show doesn’t get another season, though, this movie is the worst kind of finale for these characters because there are no significant payoffs to ongoing mysteries like Grogu’s past or Din Djarin’s future with the Mandalorians and the New Republic.

All of this underscores how cynical The Mandalorian and Grogu really is. Disney didn’t create this movie to provide an emotionally rewarding sendoff, and they obviously didn’t make it because the writers had a great story to tell. No, the House of Mouse just wanted to put Star Wars back in theaters with a film that would wash The Rise of Skywalker out of our mouths. The idea is to prime audiences for more Star Wars films in the coming years, but the effort backfired. If this is the best thing you can put onscreen today, why would anyone spend good money to see the crap you put onscreen tomorrow?

So, congrats, Dave Filoni (and cowriters Jon Favreau and Noah Kloor): you played yourself. You solved the homework problem that has plagued Marvel by creating the most accessible Star Wars film in half a century. But the result is a disconnected mess, one that pisses off fans of The Mandalorian while making everyone else wonder why this film was even made. At least failures like the prequels and the sequels were trying to tell a meaningful and impactful story. All that The Mandalorian and Grogu is telling us is that Yoda’s admonition of Count Dooku applies very much to Clone Wars showrunner Filoni: “much to learn, you still have.”

NBA player Anthony Edwards’ high earnings have been revealed amid his child support battle with ex Alexandria Desroches.

According to court documents filed on May 19 and obtained by Us Weekly, Edwards, 24, monthly gross income was listed as $4,783,744. His adjusted income, which is configured after tax deductions, was $4,778,744.

Edwards’ seven-figure income includes his monthly salary of $3,416,288.00 as a player for the Minnesota Timberwolves. He also receives additional income from endorsements and interest dividends. His endorsements earned him $1,360,956 while he received $3,250 from dividends.

Desroches income was listed at $0, per the docs.

Related: Anthony Edwards Faces New Paternity Lawsuit From Ex Over Child Support

Anthony Edwards has been hit with another paternity lawsuit. On April 21, per documents obtained by Us Weekly, Alexandria Desroches filed a combined petition for custody, child support and a declaration of paternity against her ex — 23-year-old Edwards — in New York. The documents claim the NBA star is the biological father of the […]

Edwards signed a five-year designated rookie maximum extension contract with the Timberwolves for $244,623,120. The agreement went into effect during the 2024 season. Edwards will remain under that contract until he is eligible for free agency in 2029.

At the time of filing, Edwards was paying Desroches $3,222 in child support for their son, Amir, whom they welcomed in 2023. It’s noted that $3,222 is the basic child support obligation per month, according to the docs.

An additional child support worksheet was completed later that month on May 21. The updated document listed Edwards’ monthly gross income as $3,364,911.06, a million less than he originally listed.

Desroches’ listed her monthly gross income as $1,016, per the child support worksheet.

The basic child support obligation was still listed at $3,222. However, $9,279.00 added for deviations from presumptive child support. Edwards must pay Desroches a total of $12,500 in child support per month.

In April, Desroches filed a combined petition for custody, child support and a declaration of paternity against Edwards. The documents claimed that Edwards is the biological father of Amir who was born in October 2023.

“She is raising a child as a single mother and has an open-door policy for [Anthony] to see the child,” Desroches’ lawyer Al Hedayati told In Touch in April.

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Us previously reached out to Edwards’ spokesperson for comment but did not hear back.

Meanwhile, Edwards is also involved in another paternity suit with ex Ayesha Howard over their daughter Aubri’ Summers Howard. Edwards filed a paternity suit in October 2024.

According to docs obtained by Us, the athlete asked for a DNA test using a “neutral and licensed laboratory.” Edwards was “not seeking child custody or visitation of Aubri” and claimed “the only issues to be resolved [were] financial in nature,” per the filing. Howard has sole legal and physical custody of Aubri.

Science fiction is still popular in Hollywood, with a new Star Wars movie dominating the box office and Steven Spielberg’s Disclosure Day just around the corner.

The genre is also popular on Hulu, which just added a slew of new films that deal with aliens, robots and groundbreaking inventor Nikola Tesla.

The streamer just added Descendent, one of those under-the-radar flicks you discover on streaming and wonder why no one else has seen it.

Watch With Us also recommends you stream the early Christopher Nolan hit The Prestige, which features Tesla and a gaggle of feuding magicians, and the Will Smith action picture, I, Robot.

‘Descendent’ (2025)

Like a lot of soon-to-be first-time fathers, Sean (Ross Marquand) is nervous. His wife, Andrea (Sarah Bolger), is depending on him to be a good dad, and he’s already feeling the pressure before the baby is even born. After he has a strange encounter with what could be a UFO, Sean’s behavior begins to change for the worse. He becomes increasingly paranoid, leading him to hallucinate strange visions of a spaceship and a dog he gave up as a child two decades ago. Was Sean touched by an angel alien? Or have his ambivalent feelings about becoming a parent caused him to go cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs?

Descendent is a lo-fi thriller with a high-concept premise — what if aliens were real, and they’re here to tell you you’re going to suck as a dad? To its credit, the movie never fully reveals what’s going on with Sean; the director, Peter Ciella, leaves it up to you to decide. The film gives you enough clues to support a variety of theories, from the sensible (Sean’s just insecure) to the out-there (aliens are invading and Sean is patient zero). If you’re a sci-fi fan looking for an alternative to big, noisy blockbusters like Independence Day, Descendant is a good film that will inspire some robust debate with the people you’re watching it with.

‘The Prestige’ (2006)

Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) are Victorian-era magicians who used to be friends but are now bitter rivals. Both men are obsessed with outdoing one another and frequently sabotage each other’s magical acts. When Borden pulls off the seemingly impossible task of teleporting himself across a stage, Angier becomes determined to discover the secret behind his trick. But the more he discovers about Borden, the worse his life becomes until he’s driven to commit an act that no magic trick can erase.

That’s just the tip of the convoluted iceberg that is The Prestige, a thriller that is as engrossing as it is confusing. It should come as no surprise that it’s directed by Christopher Nolan, who loves a good pretzel-shaped narrative. In this film, he blends magic, science, cloning and Nikola Tesla in a perplexing plot I’m still trying to figure out. Miraculously, that only enhances the film’s entertainment value.

It’s fun watching Jackman and Bale one-up each other, and the supporting cast, which includes Scarlett Johansson as a love-struck magician’s assistant and David Bowie as Tesla, constantly surprises you. After The Prestige, Nolan graduated to bigger, more mainstream films like The Dark Knight and this summer’s epic The Odyssey, but you’d wish he’d return to making schlocky period thrillers like this one.

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‘I, Robot’ (2004)

It’s 2035, and humanoid robots help humanity with all the menial tasks they are no longer willing to do. Things are going great until the unthinkable happens — a world-famous scientist is found dead, and it looks like one of the robots he created, Sonny (Alan Tudyk), did it. But as Detective Del Spooner (Will Smith) interrogates Sonny, he begins to realize Sonny might be innocent — and the pawn in a larger conspiracy that could spell doom for humankind.

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Liberally adapted from Isaac Asimov’s classic short-story collection of the same name, I, Robot is an odd blend of “hard science fiction” and mindless action. The movie works because both are expected so well, with Sonny’s artificial humanity brought to fascinating life by Tudyk’s nuanced vocal performance and still-impressive special effects, and Spooner’s frequent battles with all kinds of rogue technology. I, Robot is good enough to warrant a watch, but its flaws make you wish someone would remake it as Asimov intended.

Ali Larter might be the queen of vacation fashion. Each time the Landman star shares photos from a trip, we find ourselves filled with envy, wanting to shop every (expensive) piece she’s wearing. Her latest getaway is no different, but in between lusting after her swim coverups and straw hats, we found ourselves focused on one stylish item in particular: Larter’s super chic, geometric sunglasses, which, of course, are from Miu Miu.

If you don’t have $548 to drop on a pair of shades (or would rather not risk something so pricey ending up scratched at the bottom of your bag), all hope of snagging the style is not lost. Sojos makes an eerily similar option that has the same fun, funky shape — and right now, it’s just $17 on Amazon.

Get the Sojos Retro Polarized Sunglasses for $17 (originally $20) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

ICYMI, Sojos is an eyewear brand famous for dropping designer lookalikes, and it truly outdid itself with these Miu Miu-inspired shades. Described as “retro irregular sunglasses,” the pair features hexagonal lenses set in golden metal frames, giving you that cool-girl, high-fashion look for the price of a work lunch salad. Still, this pick doesn’t skimp on protection. The Retro Polarized Sunglasses are built to block out UVA and UVB rays, and offer enough coverage to keep you from squinting as you show them off outdoors.

Related: Ali Larter‘s Strapless Mini Dress Is a Warm-Weather Must-Have

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Ali Larter is 50, fabulous and fashionable as ever. The actress recently celebrated her milestone birthday in the Bahamas with loved ones and shared snaps of the tropical getaway on Instagram. Naturally, a series of bikini pics had us gawking at Larter’s impressive abs (courtesy of Brooke Wyndham’s exercise program, perhaps?), but it was the […]

However, if you really want to spice things up, the same Sojos style comes in a variety of colorful alternatives, many of which might be better suited for indoors, nighttime or a cloudy day. With the rose gold and pink pair, your look may read more Bella Hadid than Larter, but there’s a time and place for everything — so maybe scoop up two!

Reviews make it clear that purchasing these sunglasses won’t leave you feeling disappointed or duped. Those who have added them to cart have been pleasantly surprised by the quality, calling them “well-made” and highlighting the “cool fashion-forward look.”

“Can’t stop wearing these!” one person wrote. “Bought them for a weekend beach trip and got so many compliments on them. The look high-end without the price tag!”

“I REALLY love these!” said another shopper. “Have a few Sojos and got these because they were a throwback to what I wore in the early 2000s, and they are super fun! Nice weight to them and polarized, which is a must for me. They are not flimsy and bendy; these are very well made. Will buy in other shades.”

Sunglasses might be considered a year-round accessory, but with beach, pool and patio dining season just kicking off, they’re about to become a necessity rather than an afterthought. Pull a Larter by scooping up this geometrical, designer-inspired pair that’ll add some spice to every outfit — even if you’re rocking a bikini!

Get the Sojos Retro Polarized Sunglasses for $17 (originally $20) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

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If there’s one thing Jamie Lee Curtis is famous for — you know, aside from her stellar acting and memorable roles — it’s her pragmatic, relatable approach to life. She’s pro-aging versus going under the knife, and when it comes to concerts, she’d prefer they started much earlier (“Why are there no matinees?” she once asked during a […]

Maura Higgins is not interested in pursuing romantic connections at this point in her life.

“I’ve been celibate for like a year and a half now, which is great,” Higgins, 35, exclusively told Us Weekly while promoting her partnership with Wingstop. “I feel great. I’m like a new woman, not dating, not even speaking to anyone.”

Higgins noted that she doesn’t “have the time” for a love life considering she’s heading to the ballroom soon to begin Dancing With the Stars season 35 and will be “on a flight every three days” beforehand.

“I actually don’t have time for it, even if I wanted it — which I don’t, by the way,” Higgins quipped with a laugh.

Related: Maura Higgins Says ‘Absolutely Not’ to Starring on ‘The Bachelorette’

Maura Higgins has no interest in following in Taylor Frankie Paul’s footsteps as the next Bachelorette. “Absolutely not,” the Traitors breakout star told Entertainment Tonight on Wednesday, April 22, at Hulu’s Get Real event, responding to fans calling for her to be on the ABC reality dating show. Higgins said, “Guys, I’m 35!” going on […]

After Rob Rausch infamously betrayed Higgins in season 4 of The Traitors (which Rausch, 27, ultimately won), she shared during press interviews that she had been celibate for a whole year. While reflecting on her time in the show’s Scottish castle, Higgins told Us that she learned one valuable lesson: “Don’t trust men.”

“It’s a hard one, because I do tend to trust people until they do me wrong,” Higgins explained to Us. “A show like Traitors, it’s just a game. Yeah, there was that initial shock and all of that, but it’s not real life. But I am a loyalist, and loyalty means a lot to me. With friends and in relationships, if you can’t trust someone, then what really is left?”

In the wake of Rausch’s onscreen betrayal, the pair hashed out their friendship, and he ultimately gifted Higgins a burgundy-colored Birkin bag. For Higgins, “all was forgiven” before receiving the luxurious gift from Rausch.

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“The Birkin was just the cherry on top, really,” Higgins told Us. “I didn’t really take it hard, if I’m being honest. Like, yeah, I was shocked — and because I thought I was gonna win — but I didn’t really take it that hard. Like, I got over it so quickly. I knew it was just a game, and I had a lot of fun. I met amazing friends, and Rob played a fantastic game. And then I got a Birkin out of it, so I kind of feel like the winner.”

Related: Maura Higgins Doesn’t Know Who Kyle Cooke Is After His ‘WWHL’ Shoutout

Maura Higgins is weighing in on whether she would be interested in pursuing someone in the Bravo world — including Summer House’s Kyle Cooke. “I don’t know who Kyle Cooke is,” Higgins, 35, exclusively told Us Weekly, while promoting her partnership with Uber IrishXit. “Does he have a big ego? I’ve never watched Summer House […]

Higgins — who knows a thing or two about loyalty — is bringing this mentality to her partnership with Wingstop to launch their new rewards program, Club Wingstop. While celebrating the launch, Higgins curated a limited-edition “Club in a Box” (featuring one of her signature berets and more) for fans to purchase online for 94 cents starting Monday, June 1.

“Obviously, I know a lot about loyalty from doing reality TV for many years. This is kind of like a taster of what members can get. They can get access to new flavors and events, and it’s just very exciting,” Higgins told Us, sharing that her go-to order is lemon pepper, fries and a “big-ass ranch” on the side. “Fans have been wanting this for a long time, so it’s about time.”

Milly Alcock is facing increased online attention ahead of DC’s “Supergirl,” as her recent remarks about critics and fandom culture spark debate and add to early concerns about the film’s box office outlook.

With projections suggesting a modest opening and heavy competition in the summer slate, the conversation around the film has expanded beyond performance expectations to Alcock’s public comments and rising profile in Hollywood.

The actress, however, also reflects on her journey from humble beginnings to leading a major superhero role.

Milly Alcock has become the center of a growing online debate surrounding DC’s upcoming “Supergirl,” after recent comments she made about critics sparked backlash and renewed scrutiny ahead of the film’s release.

According to Page Six, early box office projections for the June 26 release suggest a soft opening, with industry estimates placing its domestic debut between $47 million and $65 million and a total U.S. run potentially ranging from $107 million to $181 million, according to “Box Office Theory.”

With a reported production budget of around $170 million and marketing costs pushing total expenses close to $245 million, analysts say the film may need about $425 million worldwide to break even.

Against that backdrop, Alcock’s remarks during a Variety interview have drawn significant attention.

What The Actress Said About Her Critics Being ‘Christian’ Dads

While responding to online criticism, the actress dismissed anonymous accounts, including users identifying as religious parents, saying many lacked credibility.

“It’s from a lot of people whose profiles have no photo, who are burner accounts,” she said, adding that she sees profiles that read like “Dad of four, Christian,’ which is hilarious to me.”

Alcock went on to say, “If you’re p-ssing the right kind of people off, you’re doing OK,” a comment that quickly circulated across social media and intensified debate around her public image ahead of the film’s release.

The actress also expanded on her broader views about fandom and celebrity culture, suggesting that distrust in traditional institutions has pushed many people toward online spaces for validation and guidance.

Speaking further on the topic of fandom, Alcock argued that governments don’t always have “anyone’s best interests at heart” and that audiences often turn to “online forums to find that guidance.”

However, she cautioned that this kind of emotional reliance on celebrities or fictional characters can become unhealthy, creating what she described as “an unhealthy relationship with a person” who will ultimately disappoint.

Alcock’s remarks have divided opinion online. Some critics believe her comments risk alienating audiences and dampening enthusiasm for the film, while others defended her stance as pushback against online harassment.

The discussion has also drawn comparisons to previous Hollywood controversies involving public statements made by lead actors in major studio releases, a recent one being the Disney live-action remake of “Snow White,” which bombed at the box office.

Meanwhile, “Supergirl” faces a crowded summer box office window, with major releases such as Disney’s “Toy Story 5,” “Minions & Monsters,” and the live-action “Moana” all arriving within weeks of its release.

The Actress Reflected On Her Rise To  Fame And The Pressure Of Leading ‘Supergirl’

Alcock, who first rose to prominence as young Rhaenyra Targaryen in HBO’s “House of the Dragon,” has since taken on roles in projects like “Sirens” before landing the lead role in “Supergirl.“

She has also acknowledged the pressure of stepping into a major superhero franchise, admitting she is mindful of audience expectations but trying to manage what she can’t control.

“Of course I’m scared,” she said earlier this year. “Of course, I want people to like me and the movie. But, ultimately, it’s out of my control.”

In her Variety cover story, the 26-year-old actress shared that her early life and career were far from glamorous. Before her breakout roles, Alcock said she was living in the attic of her family home and working part-time in a Sydney restaurant while auditioning for roles.

“I sound like a Roald Dahl character,” she joked, recalling how she also worked as a dishwasher in an open kitchen where customers could see her. “I was washing these dishes so proudly and so terribly.”

Milly Alcock Is ‘Excited’ For All The Young Women Who Are Going To Watch ‘Supergirl’

Alcock first gained recognition starring in the Australian series “Upright,” which ran from 2019 to 2022, before her career shifted dramatically with her casting in “House of the Dragon.”

That role paved the way for her selection as Kara Zor-El in James Gunn’s DC universe, beginning with “Supergirl.” She is also expected to reprise the character in the follow-up film “Man of Tomorrow,” slated for 2027.

Reflecting on her rapid rise, Alcock admitted she is especially looking forward to young women connecting with the character on screen. “I am so excited for all the young women who are going to see this.”

Alongside the demands of fame, Alcock has also spoken about navigating online criticism as someone who “grew up online,” saying she tries not to engage with negativity while adjusting to life in the spotlight.

“Supergirl” is set to hit theaters on June 26.

By Robert Scucci
| Published 41 seconds ago

Here’s a rhetorical question for you: Who’s the best Batman? That’s right, Michael Keaton. I’ll bet you’re wondering what an article about Frasier has to do with Batman, which forces me to direct your attention to the Season 9 episode, “Wheels of Fortune,” in which we learn that Frasier’s ex-wife Lilith has a disgraced half-brother, Blaine Sternin, portrayed by the best Batman himself. Most conflicts in Frasier come down to an epic battle of the wits, and our favorite titular gasbag certainly meets his match here.

Normally, Frasier and Niles spend their days looking down their noses at everybody else through a lens of self-righteous, tongue-in-cheek pomposity, including their retired cop dad Marty, Frasier’s radio producer Roz Doyle, sports shock jock Bulldog, and just about anybody else who crosses their paths. In “Wheels of Fortune,” however, Frasier comes to intellectual and spiritual blows with Blaine Sternin, a con artist of the highest order who’s working yet another scheme that Frasier sees through immediately while everybody else falls for it hook, line, and sinker.

It’s Michael Keaton at his scummiest, and he’s truly in his element, making for one of the more entertaining episodes this late in the series’ run.

Charm Is The Viscous Grease With Which He Lubricates His Flim-Flam Machine! 

Up to this point in Frasier’s run, we’ve never even heard of Blaine Sternin, and rightfully so. Frasier’s divorce from Lilith before the events of the series has him living on the other side of the country, only seeing his son Frederick during holidays or school breaks. Once Frasier realizes that a run-in with Blaine is imminent, however, we quickly learn why he’s avoided any form of contact with the man for the sake of his own mental health and personal finances.

The episode kicks off with Frasier wrapping up his call-in show at KACL when Roz steps into the booth to let him know that Blaine, who he hasn’t heard from in years, is looking for him. Frasier immediately assumes that his ex-half-brother-in-law is back to his usual tricks, the most egregious involving Blaine stealing his antique salt server years ago. All signs suggest that Blaine wants to reconcile with Frasier, but Frasier wants no part of it because he assumes the worst is about to happen.

Back at his apartment, Frasier warns Niles, Marty, and Daphne about Blaine just before hearing a knock at the door. It’s Blaine, but now he’s confined to a wheelchair and supposedly a Born-Again Christian. He quotes scripture, encourages everybody to say grace before dinner, and reveals his true intentions: he’s starting a career as a preacher and will be speaking in town the following day. He also alludes to being $1,000 short on the room deposit needed to make that happen, though he assures Frasier he’s not asking for a handout.

Frasier, neither impressed nor willing to believe that Blaine is actually paraplegic, remains on high alert while the rest of the group slowly warms up to him. He’s right to be wary because the last time he fell for Blaine’s tricks, he lost a significant amount of money on “Kelp Futures.”

As you would expect, Frasier gets humbled in the worst possible way when he tips Blaine out of his wheelchair during the event before receiving confirmation from the doctor that Blaine is actually crippled. Publicly humiliated, Frasier makes a sizable donation to save face, only to later learn that Blaine was faking the whole thing after all. It’s one of those rare instances where Frasier becomes so obsessive in sizing somebody up that he comes off as irrational and absurd, only to be completely vindicated in the end because you never mess with Batman.

This Isn’t The Only Batman To Frasier Pipeline

“Wheels of Fortune” is a top-tier Frasier episode that would never have landed nearly as well without Keaton’s legendary performance. Going back to his stand-up days, when he made esoteric jokes about Bazooka Joe comics, Keaton has always carried this wry smile and borderline sleazy energy without ever feeling outright sleazy. Something about his smirk always suggests he’s up to something, and he fully leans into that energy in “Wheels of Fortune.”

But the Batman-to-Frasier pipeline doesn’t stop there. In the 2005 sports dramedy Game 6, Keaton’s Nicky Rogan has an extramarital affair with one of his investors, Joanna Bourne, portrayed by Bebe Neuwirth, who of course portrays Lilith in Frasier. In other words, Lilith and her half-brother Blaine are romantically involved in this context, which would absolutely make Frasier’s blood boil if he ever walked in on them getting down to business. Fortunately for the world-weary psychiatrist, these two fictional worlds will never collide because if they did, I don’t think the man would ever recover from it.

Frasier is streaming on Paramount+.

Jennifer Lopez might not be looking for a relationship, but she isn’t against exploring new connections.

The triple-threat entertainer has been going solo since her marriage to Ben Affleck ended in 2024 after two years. Their divorce was finalized in January 2025.

With her recent press tour with actor Brett Goldstein for their rom-com, “Office Romance,” getting tongues wagging, sources say Lopez and her co-star more than enjoyed making the project together.

As fans await the highly anticipated Netflix rom-com on June 5, an insider dished on the buzz that Lopez and Goldstein’s chemistry has generated.

Spilling the tea on the truth of the co-stars’ relationship, the source said, “Her flirty energy with Brett is genuine. She really likes him.” However, that doesn’t mean a relationship is in sight for the “On The Floor” singer, who is “in a great place on her own right now.”

According to the informant, Lopez’s priority remains her family and career, as she is enjoying her life the way it is. It is also a touchy moment for the actress whose twins, Emme and Max, are heading off to college soon.

“She’s looking forward to taking a special trip with the kids before they leave for school. It’s an emotional time for her, but she’s incredibly proud of them,” the insider told People Magazine.

Lopez Gushed About Her ‘Chemistry’ With Co-star Brett

It is no surprise that Lopez and Goldstein’s connection is drawing so much attention, as the actress herself has gushed about it.

Earlier this month at the Netflix Upfront event, the 56-year-old revealed she had always been drawn to her co-star from the start. “We had great chemistry to begin with. It just grew as we did the film together,” she explained.

Lopez also showered praises on Goldstein, noting she was a “huge fan” after seeing him in “Ted Lasso.” However, the English actor was nothing like she expected.

According to her, she had anticipated that the 45-year-old would be as brash as his character on the show, but that was far from the case. “You get this kind, gentle but also very smart person that is so charming,” the Latina star shared with People Magazine.

Brett Goldstein Wrote The Script With The ‘Anaconda’ Star In Mind

During the event, Goldstein also revealed that when he wrote the script alongside Joe Kelly, he couldn’t help but have Lopez in mind, describing her as “the best rom-com star.”

The actor noted it was easy to create the story around the New York native, so his focus was on making a storyline that was worthy of the A-lister. Luckily, she loved the script.

“Office Romance” tells the story of a CEO at a prominent company who falls for her recently hired employee, and they have an affair. However, at some point, they decide to stop playing by their rules and follow their passion.

Is It A Real Connection or a Publicity Stunt?

With Lopez and Goldstein’s connection appearing convincing, sources behind the scenes say things are not as they seem.

As previously reported by The Blast, an informant explained that the actors are only playing up the dating rumors for the sake of the movie and, especially, Goldstein’s budding career.

“Brett is a star, but he isn’t a leading man that everyone knows about and cares about,” elaborated the source. “This movie he is doing with Jen, it is her job to make him, and she is taking on that position to heart.”

J-Lo is reportedly also loving the attention of the “showmance” while letting Goldstein share in some of the spotlight.

Why Alex Rodriguez Reached Out To Jennifer Lopez

As Lopez and Goldstein’s bond continues to make headlines, reports suggest the “Maid In Manhattan” actress is receiving attention from her former ex, Alex Rodriguez.

The former MLB player recently became single following his breakup with Jaclyn Cordeiro after three years together.

Now that he is back on the market, Rodriguez allegedly quietly reached out to Lopez with the hopes of reigniting the spark.

Per The Blast, the retired athlete “never fully got over” Lopez, and reconnecting with her felt “inevitable” now that he is alone. Fans may recall that the pair were an item for four years before their engagement ended in 2021.

Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers for Sheriff Country Episode 20.Sheriff Country and its sister series, Fire Country, both had hugely contrasting season finales. The Fire Country Season 4 finale had a surprisingly idyllic happy ending with absolutely no cliffhangers. Meanwhile, Sheriff Country did something completely wild and unhinged in its first season finale, “Mexico.” Although Sheriff Mickey Fox (Morena Baccarin) took down Alec Kane (Wes Chatham) and arrested her wicked ex-sister-in-law, Miranda Fraley (Kelli O’Hara), another gigantic bombshell dropped in her lap at the end. Eva Santos (Rachel Ticotin), the Deputy Director of the DEA, who was previously investigating Mickey for wrongdoing after arresting her father, Wes Fox (W. Earl Brown), is revealed as Mickey’s long-lost, presumably dead, mother, Sarah Bernal Fox. Sheriff Country has taken some wild swings and plot developments before, but this crazy plot twist completely loses the plot for the freshman drama.

Eva’s Reveal Came Out of Nowhere in ‘Sheriff Country’

Ultimately, the Eva revelation comes off as thinking up the craziest idea possible, throwing it at the proverbial wall, and seeing if it sticks. The show previously established that Mickey lost her mother at a young age, so the revelation came out of nowhere. Earlier in the season, Mickey talked about her parents’ arrest for their criminal activities, and it was stated that Sarah died in prison from viral pneumonia while awaiting trial. In another episode, Wes visits Sarah’s grave, so there was no reason to doubt Sarah’s death or suspect a greater mystery at work.

The revelation that Eva Santos is Mickey’s mother was absolutely shocking, but it also felt incredibly forced. It’s been a recurring habit for Sheriff Country throughout the season, and that’s not a compliment. It’s much like the casual reveal that Nathan Boone (Matt Lauria) was secretly married to Nora (Susan Misner). However, viewers later learned that Boone only married Nora, the spouse of Boone’s late partner, out of a sense of guilt and obligation, and the subplot grew ridiculously convoluted and overwrought. Sheriff Country leans too heavily on unrealistic melodrama that produces moments of shock and awe but lacks narrative credibility and cohesion.

Mickey’s Mother Being Alive Creates Too Many Plot Holes

The Eva Santos development fails so catastrophically because it raises multiple logistical questions and creates plot holes that a truck can drive through. To offer some semblance of an explanation, Sheriff Country showrunner Matt Lopez informed Soaps that Eva assumed the identity of Sarah Berrnal when she was a young DEA agent, and she was embedded in Edgewater to report back on Wes Fox. Instead, she fell in love with Fox, married him, and the couple started a family. Sheriff Country now expects viewers to accept that after starting a family with Fox and raising their child, she faked her death and resumed her identity at the DEA. Additionally, Eva climbed the ladder, reaching the position of deputy director. It’s improbable that after marrying and starting a family with Wes, she would have a strong career at the DEA and become one of their most senior officers.

For one thing, it’s highly illogical that Eva would be able to return to her old life in the DEA and become a high-ranking government official. The public clearly knew about the arrest of the Fox family, and Eva’s superiors would also know about her daughter. Plus, it’s equally irrational that Eva would be able to maintain the secrecy of her dual identity. Moreover, how did Mickey not recognize Eva at all? Mickey obviously held memories of her mother and was old enough to remember what happened to her parents. It’s not a memory she blocked out.

Why Did Eva Attempt To Blackmail Mickey?

Image via Darren Goldstein/CBS

Right before Wes reveals that Eva is Mickey’s mother, Eva meets with Mickey, explaining that Wes accepted a deal from the DEA to act as an informant against the Bulgarian drug cartel in Edgewater in exchange for his release, and she wants to conduct a joint operation with the sheriff’s office. Mickey outright refuses since she wants nothing to do with her father following his latest betrayal. Eva then proceeds to blackmail Mickey, her own daughter, threatening to reveal Mickey’s romantic relationship with Alec Kane and ruin her reputation.

Eva knows Mickey is her daughter, and Wes is about to be brought in, which would divulge Eva’s secret. Why is Eva attempting to blackmail Mickey right before her whole world is shattered by finding out that her mother has been alive for the last 35+ years? Perhaps a wiser move would be to lead with the mother reveal before attempting to blackmail Mickey. Not to mention, Eva’s gambit makes her extremely unlikable. Earlier, she came off as a strict yet fair agent, but her attempt at coercing Mickey makes her appear more malevolent and sinister. Sheriff Country’s outlandish plot developments will certainly persist when the show continues for Season 2 later this fall on CBS.

“Sex and the City” star Jason Lewis is chasing an entirely new high career-wise!

After a brief hiatus from being seen, the actor has resurfaced with a detailed master plan of how the next phase of his career would pan out and what is required of him to achieve that.

Jason Lewis was famous for playing Smith Jerrod, a younger romantic partner of Samantha Jones, played by Kim Cattrall, in the final season of the super successful HBO show “Sex and the City.” He continued his journey with the franchise by returning for both “Sex and the City” movies.

Three years after leaving California for Costa Rica, the actor revealed he has fully thrown himself into a new passion, which will birth a fantasy book series that has grown far beyond what he envisaged. He revealed that most of his days include surfing, learning Spanish, and waking up at 4 a.m. to write. 

Lewis shared that he has created a blueprint of an expansive literary universe consisting of three interconnected trilogies spanning different eras, all centered on themes of power, agency, tyranny, and redemption.

The actor shared that he put an interesting twist on the project by choosing to start right at the end, which means that the first book he intends to release is actually the seventh installment in the nine-novel fantasy saga.

Lewis admitted that he knew his creative idea was a big dream, but he had no idea it would expand into a universe, which would require him to uproot his entire life from California to Costa Rica.

The budding author continued to The Hollywood Reporter that he also knew his new mission required time, space, and a healthier lifestyle that would allow him to focus on writing while staying connected to his hobbies.

Jason Lewis Credits ‘Star Wars’ For Inspiring His Unconventional Fantasy Epic

Lewis continued that settling into his new normal required him to embrace a life of discipline, which begins from the moment he wakes up.

His daily ritual includes completing between 1,000 and 2,000 words just within the limits of his concentration, of course, after his morning walk and a cup of coffee.

The unusual structure of assembling his book’s release is also a nod to his admiration of one of the biggest sci-fi projects, “Star Wars,” which also revealed part of its story in an order different from chronological.

Prior to his role as Samantha Jones’ devoted boyfriend, Smith Jerrod on “Sex and the City,” Lewis was one of the most recognizable modeling faces.

The actor broke onto the scene in the last golden age of male supermodels, when supermodels had their faces photo-shopped into world-celebrity status. 

Lewis’ career was, however, not confined to the fashion limelight, as he was known for his work on high-profile campaigns and magazine covers. He has already developed that kind of on-screen magic when he was cast as Smith on HBO’s popular series. 

The love interest was one of the most endearing in the show, thanks to his acting skills, which added a natural charm and refined confidence to the role.

The ‘Sex And The City’ Star Broke Three-Year Silence With Surprise Update For Fans

On May 21, PEOPLE shared that Lewis appeared on Instagram with an explanation surrounding his protracted disappearance from the radar.

The HBO star surprised fans with a new video message, declaring that after three years, it was time to interact with the public again.

In the video, the 54-year-old actor explained that he intentionally went quiet to focus on a project that demanded his full attention.

“I went quiet. Not because I have nothing to say, but because I had something to do. The kind of creative work that doesn’t leave room for much else, and I made my peace with that,” he explained.

While he stopped short of revealing all the details, Lewis hinted that he has reached a point where he is finally ready to start sharing more of what he has been working on. A few years before his hiatus, Lewis had addressed questions surrounding his appearance on the “Sex and the City” revival series.

He explained that he was never approached about playing Jerrod, but he had so much love for the franchise, which made him a household name.

The Former Model Raved About His Partner’s Love For Him In 2020

In 2020, the fan favorite popped the question to his long-time girlfriend, Liz Godwin, about four years after they met for the first time at a party in Miami.

As shared by PEOPLE, Lewis described Godwin as a constant source of love and encouragement who goes through the best and worst times with him. 

He credited her with helping him grow as a person and said her acceptance of his marriage proposal was one of the greatest blessings of his life. The actor shared that he had strategized the proposal to surprise Godwin. 

He hosted a day of climbing and beach fun disguised as a trip out to Malibu with friends and family. Godwin finished his climb at a point that overlooks the sea, as Lewis was at the top with a ring, and down on one knee during the beautiful sunset. According to him:

“I anchored myself to the rock, clipped her to me, just in case, then got on one knee and did ‘the thing.”

For her part, Godwin affirmed that their relationship has been filled with love, support, fun, and personal growth. She expressed excitement about spending the rest of her life with Lewis and building a future together as husband and wife.

Jason Lewis’ On-Screen Love Interest Also Tied The Knot Last Year

The Blast shared in 2025 that Cattrall officially wed her long-time boyfriend Russell Thomas in an intimate ceremony set in the Old Town Hall, Chelsea, in London. The wedding was a private affair with only 12 close friends and family members in attendance. 

Cattrall wore a chic Dior suit styled by Patricia Field, paired with vintage-inspired accessories. The pair first met in 2016 after Cattrall appeared on BBC Radio’s Woman’s Hour. 

Thomas reached out on social media and began to build a friendship-based relationship with them, which eventually became a romance of sorts.

After years of keeping their relationship largely out of the spotlight, the couple has now made it official with a low-key celebration focused on love and family.

Before marrying Thomas, Cattrall had been married three times. She previously married Larry Davis in 1977, but that relationship did not last long.

After her third marriage in 2004, the actress took her career and personal development seriously for several years before falling in love again with Thomas.

Jason Lewis is set to capture hearts with his fantasy series!