By Robert Scucci
| Published 23 seconds ago

1985’s Invasion U.S.A. Holy crap, what a movie. Chuck Norris doesn’t kill terrorists. Terrorists kill themselves when they learn that Chuck Norris is coming for them. This movie was made possible by Cannon Films, the studio that also brought us 1987’s Masters of the Universe and 1989’s Cyborg. The latter was famously written in a single weekend by Albert Pyun after Masters of the Universe underperformed, its sequel plans fell apart, and Cannon needed to repurpose expensive sets and props in a last-ditch effort to recoup their losses.

In case you’re wondering what caliber film Invasion U.S.A. is, the above paragraph is all the explanation you need. It was written by Chuck Norris and James Bruner, and directed by Joseph Zito, best known for classic punishers like 1979’s Bloodrage, 1984’s Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter, and 1984’s Missing in Action, another powerhouse Chuck Norris vehicle that sits with a 19 percent critical score on Rotten Tomatoes but is revered as a cult classic.

One Lone Badass Against Every Single Terrorist

Chuck Norris is retired CIA Agent Matt Hunter in Invasion U.S.A., and before things truly heat up, he’s totally fine with his quiet life. He rides around on his airboat with his best friend John Eagle (Dehl Berti), wrestles alligators, and rocks a full Canadian tuxedo like it’s standard issue. What Matt Hunter doesn’t know yet is that he’s about to be forced out of retirement when he learns that his old rival Mikhail Rostov (Richard Lynch) is back to his old tricks.

And what are Mikhail Rostov’s old tricks, you ask? It’s a bit convoluted, but here’s what I picked up after watching Invasion U.S.A., not knowing what I was getting into. Rostov, a Soviet terrorist, wants to create civil unrest in the United States. He first leaves his mark by posing as the Coast Guard and murdering a group of Cuban refugees. He then walks into a flop house, shoots a random dude in the dick, and throws a cocaine-addicted woman through a window.

By themselves, these sequences are unintentionally hilarious, but they also establish exactly what kind of menace Rostov is. These incidents are just the tip of the iceberg, because what he plans next is total anarchy. Rostov, haunted by nightmares of Matt Hunter finally delivering brutal justice, decides to assassinate him so he can finally stop looking over his shoulder. He screws it up, misses his target, blows up Hunter’s swamp house, and kills John Eagle in the process. That’s enough to bring Hunter out of retirement so he can make Rostov’s nightmare come true after all.

Rostov and his goons, thinking they’ve eliminated Matt Hunter, show up in suburban neighborhoods with bazookas and start blowing up random houses. They hit a mall with enough explosives to blow the Santa display into the stratosphere. They show up at public spaces and mow down people coming out of church. All of these acts of terror build toward race wars and full societal collapse. Chuck Norris drives around in his truck wearing driving gloves, because he needs to keep his hands fresh for combat.

More Collateral Damage Than You Could Ever Reasonably Count

Everything explodes in Invasion U.S.A. There is a very clear bad guy and good guy here, and Rostov has a very specific, very insane calling card. He shoots multiple people in the crotch as if it’s his signature move. He literally pulls down the waistband, inserts the muzzle, and starts blasting. Right in the family jewels. He does this a lot. It’s a perfect action movie if these are the kinds of thrills you seek. As Matt Hunter gets further into his crusade for justice, he stays stoic, confident, and ready to tell the higher-ups exactly what they need to do to make sure America rebuilds and remains a dominant world power.

It’s all so stupid, but it’s such a great flick to throw on with friends. The rewind-and-laugh-your-ass-off value on this one is off the charts, making it perfect for a group setting. If you want to celebrate one of Cannon’s most insane clunkers from the 80s, you can stream Invasion U.S.A. for free on Tubi as of this writing.

Young and the Restless had Nick Newman (Joshua Morrow) kidnapped by Matt Clark (Roger Howarth), and this week, Adam Newman (Mark Grossman) is snatched, too. So, things are looking really dire for the Newman brothers, and we have to wonder who is going to save Nick and Adam. Could it be the ladies?

We’re going to talk about Nick and Adam being at horrible Matt’s mercy and of course he doesn’t have much mercy and if Adam and Nick are going to survive this I think they are going to need help. I mean Adam was just conked in the head and Nick’s high on all kinds of bad drugs. So it looks bad. Let’s just talk about what’s ahead.

Matt Tells Adam That Nick Overdosed on Young and the Restless

Adam and Chelsea Lawson (Melissa Claire Egan) were horrified this week when Matt told them that Nick overdosed and died. And of course, Adam flips out and insists that Matt is lying about Nick being dead. And Matt says that Nick was using both fentanyl and cocaine and that the drugs won. So, Adam demands that Matt take him to see Nick whether his brother is dead or alive.

And at first, Matt refuses because he’s running a long con, right? But then Adam threatens to kill him and he warns Matt that he himself has done some pretty bad things in the past. Adam says he’s done things that would impress a sick freak like Matt. So he finally pretends to relent and tells Adam yes. And Chelsea wants to go with them to see Nick, but Matt shuts that down immediately and tells Chelsea no because he’s scheming.

Matt Attacks Adam on Y&R

Then Matt takes Adam down to the storage room where he is keeping Nick. And then Adam sees his brother on the floor and Nick is tied up and he’s lying there all limp. Of course, Adam’s worried and he bends down to check Nick for a pulse.

And that is when Matt bashes Adam in the head with a fire extinguisher. So that’s got to hurt. And then Matt leaves Adam and Nick both locked in the storage room together. So, now Matt has both of the Newman boys in his clutches.

Chelsea May Call Sharon on Young and the Restless

And I don’t think anybody, not even Riza Thompson (Tina Casciani), knows where Matt has stashed Nick. And that means they’ve got no idea where to start looking for him and Adam. Now we had Matt and Adam leaving Riza with Chelsea when they took off.

So, we’ll see if Matt shows back up to, you know, do some wicked villain laughter.

Or if he just heads back to Riza’s room to wait on her. So, I guess we’ll see if he taunts Chelsea or not. Matt seems like the kind who would show up to do a villain monologue. But either way, when Adam doesn’t return to the hotel room, whether Matt stops by or not, I’m sure that Chelsea is going to panic.

And I think she’s going to call Sharon Newman (Sharon Case) and let her know that Matt told them that Nick overdosed and died. Chelsea may also tell Sharon that Adam suspected that Nick is addicted to painkillers.

And then Chelsea is probably going to tell her Adam left with Matt to see what happened to Nick. Now Adam has also disappeared. And of course Sharon’s going to freak out. An official Young and the Restless spoilers say that she heads to Vegas by the end of this week.

Young and Restless: Noah Wants to Go after Matt

And already back in Genoa City, Noah Newman (Lucas Adams) was pushing and said he wanted to go to Vegas, but Sharon doesn’t want their son in more danger. I suspect if she leaves without Noah, he and Sienna Bacall (Tamara Braun) may still follow along because things are about to hit fever pitch.

Now, Sharon knows that Matt wants to kill Noah because he slept with his wife, Sienna. We’ll see if Sharon goes ahead and just takes off without even telling Noah that way she can try and keep him safe in Genoa City.

All The Main Players May Wind Up In Vegas on Y&R

And in the end, all the main players may wind up in Vegas. We could see Adam there. Obviously, he’s there and he’s with Nick. Chelsea’s already gone there. Sharon’s on the way soon. And Noah and Sienna might follow.

And after Matt leaves Adam and Nick in the storage room, he may circle back and also try and hurt Chelsea or kidnap her, too. So, we also have to see which side that Riza is going to fall on.

She had been partnering with Matt for a while, but she thought his name was Ronnie. And then Adam told her what a dangerous psycho that he is. But Rizza may just be paralyzed with fear, especially when she sees what he’s been doing with the Newmans.

So, Matt might also chuck Chelsea in with Adam and Nick so he’s got all his targets in one room like fish in a barrel. And either way, I think Matt’s going to warn Riza she better not turn on him or else. But she likes Adam even though she feels like he tricked her. And Riza may hope that by siding with Adam, he’ll take out Matt and then Riza can take over the whole Vegas operation herself.

Sharon, Chelsea, And Riza May Team Up on Young and the Restless

And once Sharon’s in Vegas, I think we could see her and Riza and Chelsea plotting and scheming. But Riza would have to pretend to still be on Matt’s side to make this work. And I’m betting he would be thrilled to find out that Sharon is in Vegas because Matt has always been fixated on Sharon.

If you remember, he raped her back in the day. I’m sure Matt is gonna try and hurt Sharon because he has many times in the past. But Chelsea and Sharon are tough and they’re not going to back down from Matt. They are not going to let him win and they are certainly not going to lose Nick and Adam.

Will Riza Turn against Matt on Y&R?

And don’t forget Riza is a tough cookie, too. And she might be on board to help because she is starting to see just how evil Matt is. I expect Riza has resources of her own in Vegas because she’s the one who’s been running things there while Matt was off in LA for so long. And when Chelsea asks Riza what side she’s on, she calls Matt a maniac.

But Riza also said she’s not about to pick a fight with Matt, but she may not have a choice. So Riza and Chelsea bickered a little, but I think once Sharon arrives, she and Chelsea may be able to get Rizza fully on their side. And Sharon and Chelsea are going to need all the help that they can get.

Now, we know Rizza has a gun because she pulled it on Adam when he first came back. So hopefully Rizza gets the chance to grab it and either shoot Matt or hold him at gunpoint so Sharon and Chelsea can run in and give Matt a beat down and restrain him long enough to call the police and get him arrested.

We’ll see if they can work that out. I do think that he is planning ahead and thinking ahead and is a couple of moves ahead of them because Nick and Adam were in reactionary mode where Matt was plotting and scheming proactively.

The Ladies May Save The Day on Young and Restless

But once Sharon arrives in Las Vegas, obviously she’s going to be on Matt’s radar and things could get really dangerous really fast. We were promised a big showdown with Nick and Sharon and their allies against Matt. And with May sweeps starting up next week, it is nearly time for the big boss battle.

I think it’d be really cool if instead of the men saving the day that it might be Sharon and Chelsea who swoop in to rescue Adam and Nick. And now that Adam told Chelsea he’s sure about Nick’s drug addiction, of course, that’s another issue and another weakness that’s going to make things messier.

And we’ll see if Matt keeps forcing drugs on just Nick or if Matt also turns around and tries to force some drugs on Adam also just to put him in a weakened state. Hopefully Sharon and Chelsea can find Nick and Adam and save them from Matt and put that villain down once and for all. And before all is said and done, Riza and Sienna might help out. And it could be all the ladies beating Matt at his own twisted game.

Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, postponed his upcoming show in the city of Marseille after French authorities said they would seek to ban the concert.

RELATED: Copy & Paste! North West Gives Hilarious Ye Parody During Viral Fit Check Moment (VIDEOS)

Why Did Ye Cancel His Show In France? 

Ye’s decision came a week after he was banned from entering the U.K. Wireless Festival had booked him to headline in July. However, he faced backlash over his history of antisemitic remarks. On Tuesday (April 14), he shared the update on the Marseille show.

“After much thought and consideration, it is my sole decision to postpone my show in Marseille, France until further notice,” Ye wrote on Wednesday on the social network X. “I know it takes time to understand the sincerity of my commitment to make amends.”

The rapper, who changed his name in 2021, had been expected to play at Marseille’s Stade Vélodrome on June 11.

What Did French Authorities Say About Kanye West?

French Interior minister Laurent Nuñez had pledged to explore “all possibilities” to make sure the show would not go on as planned, according to his office. Also, earlier this year, Marseille Mayor Benoît Payan opposed the rapper’s visit to one of France’s most multicultural cities. The city has a history of immigration stretching back centuries.

“I refuse to let Marseille be a showcase for those who promote hatred and unabashed Nazism,” Payan said. “Kanye West is not welcome at the Vélodrome, our temple of community and home to all Marseillais.”

Ye has drawn widespread condemnation for making antisemitic remarks and voicing admiration for Adolf Hitler. He previously released a song called “Heil Hitler” and advertised a swastika T-shirt for sale on his website last year. Officials in Australia canceled the musician’s visa in July after the release of the single.

Ye Previously Apologized For His Past Antisemitic Behavior

The 48-year-old apologized in January with a letter published as a full-page advertisement in The Wall Street Journal. He said his bipolar disorder led him to fall into “a four-month long, manic episode of psychotic, paranoid and impulsive behavior that destroyed my life.”

In his latest message on X, Ye said: “I take full responsibility for what’s mine but I don’t want to put my fans in the middle of it. My fans are everything to me. Looking forward to the next shows. See you at the top of the globe.”

I know it takes time to understand the sincerity of my commitment to make amends

I take full responsibility for what’s mine but I don’t want to put my fans in the middle of it

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My fans are everything to me

Looking forward to the next shows

See you at the top of the globe 🌏

— ye (@kanyewest) April 15, 2026

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Associated Press reporter Samuel Petrequin contributed to this report via AP Newsroom. 

A glamorous night meant to showcase Hollywood connections has instead sparked fresh questions about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

After a series of cozy images from a Netflix event mysteriously vanished, insiders are now offering clues behind the decision, leaving fans wondering what really happened behind the scenes.

Harry And Meghan Photos Disappear After Netflix Event

What began as a routine industry gathering quickly turned into a puzzling situation.

Photos of Harry and Meghan attending a Netflix celebration for the series “Beef” were initially released to the press, only to quietly disappear days later.

The images, taken at a California event, showed Meghan warmly interacting with Ted Sarandos and his wife, Nicole Avant.

In several shots, the Duchess of Sussex appeared relaxed, sharing laughs and embracing the couple.

Yet, shortly after their release via Getty Images, most of those photos were removed.

Only a single group shot featuring Harry, Meghan, Sarandos, and Avant remains publicly available.

Notably, every image showing physical closeness between Meghan and the Netflix executives was taken down, fueling speculation that the decision was far from random.

Harry And Meghan Face Backlash Over ‘Cringeworthy’ Images

Before their disappearance, the photos had already stirred intense online reactions. Social media users did not hold back, with many criticizing the tone and optics of the images.

Some labeled the pictures “cringeworthy,” while others claimed Meghan appeared “needy” and “desperate” to signal closeness with Netflix leadership. The criticism intensified amid ongoing rumors that Sarandos may have cooled on the Sussexes professionally.

There were also remarks about the styling itself, with some viewers calling the images unflattering.

Meghan’s green silk outfit, which stood out during the event, became a talking point as the commentary spread.

The backlash seemed to grow rapidly, raising questions about whether public reaction played a role in the decision to pull the images from circulation.

Getty Confirms Netflix Requested Removal Of Harry And Meghan Images

The mystery deepened when Getty Images confirmed that the request to remove the photos came directly from Netflix.

A spokesperson explained to the Daily Mail, “Those images were shot for Netflix and they have asked for them to be removed, so we can no longer license them.”

That statement immediately shifted attention to the streaming giant’s role in the situation.

According to insiders, all event photos typically undergo approval before being released, making the removal after publication highly unusual.

Sources familiar with such processes noted that a delay of around 24 hours before releasing the images was already out of the ordinary, suggesting that Netflix may have been particularly cautious from the outset.

Even more striking was the suggestion that removing images after they had already been distributed is rare.

One insider described the move as “highly unusual, if not unheard of,” adding that it was their belief that the request could only have come from the Sussexes, who are touchy about their public image.

Past Harry And Meghan Photo Controversies Resurface

For observers, the situation felt oddly familiar. The disappearance of the Netflix event photos echoes a previous incident involving Harry and Meghan.

Last year, images of the couple attending Kris Jenner’s birthday celebration were also removed shortly after being shared online.

The event, hosted at Jeff Bezos’ Beverly Hills home, sparked controversy due to its timing.

The party took place just before Remembrance Sunday, when members of the royal family traditionally honor fallen soldiers in the UK.

Reflecting on that moment, Kim Kardashian later explained during an appearance on her sister’s “Khloe In Wonderland” podcast, “it was totally cool to post,” before adding, “Mom and Meghan have been friends for some years now, and they have a really sweet relationship.”

She continued, “After it was posted, I think they realized it was Remembrance Day, and they didn’t want to be seen at a party, even though it’s already up, you know, and then taken down.”

The parallels between the two situations have only intensified speculation that image control plays a significant role in how Harry and Meghan manage their public appearances.

Netflix Relationship With Harry And Meghan Under Scrutiny

Beyond the photos themselves, the situation has reignited broader questions about Netflix’s relationship with the couple.

Harry and Meghan signed a widely reported $100 million deal with Netflix after stepping back from royal duties in 2020. The partnership led to several projects, including the high-profile documentary series “Harry & Meghan.”

However, recent developments suggest that the collaboration may not be as strong as it once appeared. Their deal was reportedly downgraded to a “first look” arrangement, and Netflix has since stepped away from their lifestyle brand partnership.

Reports have also claimed that the brand associated with Meghan struggled commercially, with mentions of “$10 million” in unsold stock circulating.

Adding to the uncertainty, a recent report suggested that Netflix was “done” with the Sussexes, though both the company and Meghan’s legal representatives denied the claim.

Still, insiders have indicated that the streamer is “broadly” moving on, and that recent ventures tied to the couple have not delivered the expected success.

Against this backdrop, the removal of the event photos takes on added significance. Whether it was a response to public backlash, a matter of image control, or something more strategic, the decision has left many wondering what is really happening behind the scenes.

For now, one thing is clear: even a single set of photos can spark a wave of questions when it comes to Harry and Meghan.

Heidi Klum made SoHo her personal runway last week, strolling through shops with her pup in one arm and a sleek black handbag draped over the other. We found a twin on sale for just $30 on Amazon, and it has the same expensive look that makes Klum’s street style so magnetic.

Don’t get Us wrong, Klum’s furry friend is adorable, but her handbag look totally stole the show. She styled it a little black dress, heels and sunnies with it — no bright colors or accessories needed. Classy and effortlessly chic, this sophisticated lookalike works with fancy and casual outfits alike.

Get the Chicarousal Crossbody and Handbag for $30 (was $43) on Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

This leather-looking bag could totally be designer, featuring intricate stitching, gold accents and structured handles that add to the luxe appeal. Plus, the bag holds its shape, so it doesn’t collapse when you set it down at brunch.

Related: Rich Moms Visit Martha‘s Vineyard Each Spring — 19 Inspired Looks, From $5

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There’s a reason rich moms flock to Martha’s Vineyard every spring — and totally dress the part. Their outfits are preppy, billowy and luxe, channeling coastal chic and country club vibes at the same time. Fortunately, these elevated spring pieces mirror the aesthetic despite starting at just $5. Whether you’re brunching with the girls, planting […]

What seals the deal? This chic piece is two basically bags in one. You can carry it by the handle for Klum’s polished, put-together look, or clip on the crossbody strap when you want your hands free. The adjustable drop means it sits comfortably, whether you’re 5’2″ or closer to Klum’s model height.

Inside, the organization is genuinely impressive. This stylish bag is mega spacious, fitting iPads, cosmetics and even books. It has two roomy compartments, slip card slots and a zipper pocket for small essentials that always get lost (we’re looking at you, lip gloss).

With two ways to wear it, this structured handbag is a wardrobe staple you’ll wish you had years ago. It works for in-office days, date nights and yes, walks around Manhattan’s most stylish neighborhood. At just $30, it’s a no brainer for Us.

Get the Chicarousal Crossbody and Handbag for $30 (was $43) on Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

Not what you’re looking for? Shop other bags on Amazon and don’t forget to check out Amazon’s Daily Deals here!

Kandi Burruss has the internet leaning in after dropping a rehearsal clip that has folks raising eyebrows. Her preview didn’t give everything away, but let’s just say the message is loud enough to get people talking.

RELATED: Todd Tucker Sparks Reactions After Sharing Message For Kandi Burruss Ahead Of Her One-Woman Show (PHOTO)

Kandi Sparks Buzz With Cheating Lyrics In Rehearsal Clip

In a recent Instagram video, Kandi is seen in what appears to be a rehearsal space, holding a mic, seemingly preparing for an upcoming performance. While singing, she belts out, “When I got home last night, something didn’t seem right.” And if that wasn’t enough, she took it a step further in the caption, writing, “My man’s been cheating on me!…”—leaving many to wonder if this is all part of the performance or if there’s more to the story. Either way, the clip has already sparked chatter as fans try to piece together what Kandi might be hinting at.

Fans Say Kandi Got Them In Their Feelings

Fans wasted no time running to The Shade Room’s Instagram comment section and acting up over Kandi’s emotional preview. Some said she always knows how to have folks deep in their feelings. While others pointed out this might be an older song and not necessarily about Todd, her ex-husband. And, of course, a few chimed in, saying they love to see her turn any pain into a big bag.

One Instagram user @kb_thecandledealer said, “One thing about Kandi! She will turn pain into a big bag 👏”

This Instagram user @neshsmilepretty commented, “Please don’t PMO😊 I’m not in the mood!!“

And, Instagram user @shay_bella claimed, “Before anyone ask is this about Todd this was from her first solo album“

Meanwhile, Instagram user @kiieanna_ shared, “She bout to have a Beyoncè – resentment stage performance moment 😭😭”

While Instagram user @lexbethereason_ added, “It’s a scheme that Todd set up 🗣️🤣”

Finally, Instagram user @mzmona24 wrote, “🗣️COME ON KANDI!!!!!“

RELATED: Issa Wrap! Kandi Burruss & Todd Tucker Reportedly Finalize Their Divorce (UPDATE)

Editor’s note: The below interview contains spoilers for The Pitt Season 2 finale.

With Noah Wyle and R. Scott Gemmill‘s hit HBO medical drama The Pitt reaching its Season 2 finale this week, the thought of the doctors and nurses working this Fourth of July shift finally getting to enjoy some fireworks should be cause for celebration, right? Unfortunately, the season’s final hour, “9:00 P.M.,” doesn’t feel all that festive even once the staff is hanging out on the roof with lawn chairs and beer (except for that delightful mid-credits karaoke scene); everyone’s made it through a brutal gauntlet, and the future only holds more uncertainty.

Nowhere is that precariousness more evident than for Dr. Baran Al-Hashimi (Sepideh Moafi) in particular. Last week’s episode saw the new attending pull Dr. Robby (Wyle) aside in the closing minutes to assess the chart of a patient with a seizure disorder — and Robby’s keen eye immediately put two and two together about the patient’s identity: “Baran, is this you?” When the finale picks up where their conversation left off, Al-Hashimi’s admission that she’s had several seizures during today’s shift creates a perfect storm alongside Robby’s inner turmoil, and the resulting conflict spirals into an ultimatum from one doctor to another: if Al-Hashimi doesn’t report her seizures to hospital admin by Monday, Robby will do it for her, upcoming sabbatical be damned.

Ahead of the episode’s premiere, Collider had the opportunity to speak with Moafi about her character’s most pivotal moments in the finale, including when she learned about Al-Hashimi’s seizure disorder, the research she did to accurately portray the character’s seizures throughout Season 2, why Al-Hashimi goes to Robby for his opinion (and why his reaction confirms all her worst fears), which part of that crushing parking lot breakdown scene was left on the cutting room floor, and much more.

COLLIDER: When were you informed that Dr. Al-Hashimi had this seizure disorder?

SEPIDEH MOAFI: I found out right before I tested for the role. I had my initial self-tape that was three scenes, and then they added a scene for my callback. I haven’t tested for anything in person, flown out to LA to do an in-person thing, since 2015. I thought after that Zoom session that they would make their decision. Apparently, for every character, they’ve done a live testing thing, which I love. I love being in the room. So, they brought me to LA, and before that, they added one more scene, and that was a scene where I’m basically describing my condition, talking to Robby, in a casual way. Certainly not the way that you see in Episodes 14 and 15.

I knew early on. I did double-check with [creator R. Scott Gemmill] at the beginning of the season to make sure that that was still what we were playing, and that that last moment with the baby at the end of Episode 1 was indeed a seizure. When I got confirmation, then I knew how to work my way backwards from that final moment where I didn’t know what it would look like, but I knew there would be a reveal somewhere later in the season, and I understood how to pace myself throughout the season.

‘The Pitt’s Sepideh Moafi Explains Why the Last Three Episodes of Season 2 Were “Emotional” for Her

“The thing that matters to me the most is the accuracy…”

Image via HBO

How much research did you personally do about the types of seizures that she’s having so that you could bring the necessary physicality to it?

MOAFI: A lot, a lot, a lot. The thing that matters to me the most is the accuracy, and I’m grateful that the show also places importance on medical accuracy, but for me, it’s doing right by a community. A lot of people don’t even realize what’s happening or the struggles that people who suffer from this condition, what they manage and have to navigate. I spoke to epileptologists. I spoke to the doctors that we have available to us. I spoke to every doctor that I knew, basically, and then also talked to specialty doctors. I had them send me medical journals about how these patients’ symptoms manifest. I watched videos of children seizing, of adults talking about their experiences with seizures or how they evolved throughout their lives. I listened to and read a lot of interviews with people who are talking about not just the event itself, not just the seizures themselves, but the fear and the moments leading up to them. It was a lot of collecting, hunting, gathering information.

As with most aspects of this character, you fill the tank, and then you put the walls up, and you hide. The seizures are so subtle. You’ll see people in real life who, when it’s happening, they’ll be in conversation just naturally, and then all of a sudden, they’ll kind of look off to the side. They’re still blinking. It’s like what Samira was saying to Doctor Al-Hashimi in the first episode, like, “Dr. Al, is everything okay?” It’s not like she’s staring off into space and looks like a zombie or something. She looks like she’s living and breathing. Unless you know what is happening, that it can be a seizure, you wouldn’t know.

The subtlety is everything with this. Every movement of the eye and how she’s coming out, and the blinking, it’s so subtle. I was on our doctors about, “If you don’t believe even a second of this, you have to tell me because it’s so important for me to get this right.” And it’s scary. It’s scary to do and go through that whole… The last three episodes for me were very intense. Very emotional.

There’s something interesting about the fact that Al-Hashimi goes to Robby with this. Is it doctor-to-doctor, “I need a different set of eyes on this, someone else to look at this that isn’t me”? Does she feel like she can be more honest with him at this point in the shift?

MOAFI: I think it’s all the reasons that you said. Most important is, in order to get closer to someone, you reveal part of yourself to someone. From the very beginning, they have been fascinated with each other. They recognize how talented and committed and devoted they are to the practice and to delivering the best care for patients and being the best doctors they can be with their respective backgrounds. They’re cut from the same cloth.

I think she is scared. She’s hid her whole life, her entire career, and there is part of her who thinks that maybe Robby has a genius intuition. Maybe he has some insight. “I do need an outside perspective,” she says. But more than the outside perspective, I think that she hopes that it will bring them closer and that he will humanize her a little bit. Because he’s been pretty dismissive of her, and yet it’s clear he admires her in ways, and it’s clear she admires him in ways. It’s kind of an opportunity to get them aligned with something, and get them on the same page.

It goes south. It’s not the outcome I think she hoped for, but I think it is a desperate attempt at being closer in some way. And she does hide in ways, but she doesn’t shy away from confrontation or from pain or difficulty, and she’s noticing she spent the last two hours hiding from him, basically, and she doesn’t recognize herself. She’s like, “What is this? I can’t lead by example if I’m hiding, and that’s the example that I’m setting.”

There’s something beautiful and kind of antithetical to the way that Robby deals with his trauma, which is that he continues to remove himself and withdraw. She recognizes this human impulse to withdraw, and something that’s very natural in a case like this, but it’s the childlike instinct to go and hide. Then the adult steps in, and she’s like, “No. You have to step up. You have to confront what is happening with you. This is an opportunity to express and embody vulnerability by example, and leadership with vulnerability.”

‘The Pitt’s Sepideh Moafi and Noah Wyle Had to Hug It Out Before Their Most Intense Season 2 Finale Scene

“There were variations, but it stayed at that level, 12 out of 10 intensity, for every take we did…”

Image via HBO

The first time they talk about her seizures, Robby’s getting pulled in a million different directions, and there are people interrupting them, so it’s not really resolved. The second conversation has a very different tenor than the first. At any point, were there off-script moments where you were improvising in the fight, or was that all written?

MOAFI: It was scripted as a confrontation, but the first time we read through it, and we walked through it, it got so intense and so heated to the point where the crew started clapping. So what you see on camera in the reactions was genuinely everybody being like, “What the fuck is happening in there?” And after that first rehearsal, Noah and I just hugged each other like, “I love you. I’m sorry.” There were many takes, and I haven’t seen the episode yet, so I don’t know which take was used, but she’s trying to keep the conversation private and bring him into the room, but then the fucking switch flips, and he’s yet again undermining her, undercutting her. So that’s what flips in that moment, in the scene, and takes it into a really intense, dark direction.

We didn’t know that it would get that heated, but it did, and it stayed there. There were variations, but it stayed at that level, 12 out of 10 intensity, for every take we did, which was, in a way, also kind of cathartic, as the character, because she’s zipped up so much all season and he’s been so condescending. He’s cut her down in so many different ways, and to finally be able to just let it rip, to not be so concerned about being seen as a hysterical woman or whatever. I think a lot of women hold that fear of, like, you have to contain your emotions, or else people aren’t going to take you seriously, or they’re going to discredit you as being overly emotional or hysterical, and she spent her whole career doing that.

That wasn’t just a climax of the day, it was a climax of her career, of, “How much fucking harder do I have to work? How much more perfect do I have to be?” She is terrifyingly high-achieving, and that’s not enough. It’s never enough. She can’t be human. She can’t be flawed, but everyone else can, which is why the whole Langdon thing also sets her off. It’s like, “You were going to cover for him, but I’ve been validated by neurology that it’s okay for me to be here, and you were threatening me still?” It is crazy. It makes my blood boil when I think about it.

There’s that ultimatum that Robby leaves the conversation with, which is essentially, “If you don’t go to hospital admin about this, I’m going to do it for you.” The last scene that you have after that hits me every time I watch it, in the parking lot. Al-Hashimi gets in the car and only gets as far as backing out of the spot before breaking down. I’m curious about how you wanted to approach that scene with the deeper emotions that are at play for her.

MOAFI: So many emotions. Actually, prior to that emotional climax, there was a scripted portion. Because I think she’s acting out of character. It’s out of character for her to be confronted about something and run away and hide, as she did for an hour and a half or two hours. It’s out of character for her to know that she seized twice in the day and get behind the wheel. And I think part of that is reclaiming her own power and agency, and like, “Fuck you. You can’t tell me what to do.” Getting behind the wheel, she stops, and she realizes, or she has this image of driving her son, and that is what makes her think, “What am I doing?”

The part that didn’t end up in the edit was that she calls her ex-husband, and, basically pretending everything’s okay, she says, “Is it possible for him to stay overnight? I have some car troubles.” She is stifling tears as he says, “Do you need me to pick you up?” There’s a moment where she’s desperate to ask for help, and she cannot. She doesn’t trust anyone. Part of that is these paranoias that we carry throughout our lives from childhood: If I reveal this part of myself, then I will not be loved, then I will not be accepted, then I will be shunned, then I will be betrayed. She wants to say, “Yes, I need you,” and she cannot. Part of that is connected to Robby. He’s proof that if you show some of who you are, you will not be accepted. So, she gets off the phone with him and has that sort of meltdown, the breakdown.

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There’s a lot in that. It’s that you’ve worked so hard to uphold this exterior of competence and diligence and proficiency and intelligence and compassion, and all of these things that she is, and yet what’s inside is this five-year-old girl who feels cold hands on her back from a spinal tap, a five-year-old girl who’s seeing her mother sob while she’s on the hospital bed, and that never leaves your body. That experience of being that little girl who is sick, who is a burden, who is not good enough, who is seen in her father’s eyes as special needs because of it, and fighting that your whole life, and 35 years later, that fight means nothing because somebody who doesn’t like you or who feels threatened by you can just take it all away.

It’s not just her own personal frustrations and grief. It’s systemic frustrations and grief that, “No matter what, I am trapped in this container, and no matter how good I am, no matter how hard I work, no matter how much I prove myself repeatedly, there is always a way for somebody to undercut me and try to get me down.” There’s this saying of “I’ll let it spoil my dinner, but not my breakfast,” and I think this is, “I’ll let it spoil my week, but not my life.” I think this is much more consequential and heavy than anything she might have experienced personally in this way. Of course, she’s experienced grief and all of that, but just feeling sorry for herself in this way, she doesn’t give herself that time. But this is a moment of true grief for everything that you’ve worked for, and somebody just threatening you, and knowing that these are impossible hurdles to overcome. She will continue to fight and continue to overcome hurdles, but in this moment, it’s just a pure unraveling of the soul and self.

‘The Pitt’s Sepideh Moafi Discusses Her Future on the Show

“Do you resolve, do you keep that tension and the suspension alive for an episode, or for a season?”

Image via HBO

This season, so many of the doctors are being put through the wringer. Looking at the fireworks, it should be a moment of celebration, but it feels like they’ve all gone through this gauntlet, your character included. I know that there’s probably nothing you can tell me about what the future has in store for Al-Hashimi at this point, but given where Season 2 leaves her, do you hope that there’s more to come for her?

MOAFI: I don’t know what’s going to happen. I don’t know what they have planned. I think they’re in the writers’ room now discussing that. I don’t know what’s in store for her next season. I’m very curious. I haven’t seen it, but based on the scripts and based on what I did on set, what we captured, nothing is resolved, so how do you pick up from that? Do you resolve, do you keep that tension and the suspension alive for an episode, or for a season? Who knows?

With everybody, and with Robby, everything is just so up in the air. Personally, I would love to see how that dynamic continues to evolve and move forward, potentially, in another season. Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to share your insight on this episode, because it’s such a great one for your character. Honestly, it makes you look back on the whole season and changes your whole perspective of everything that we’ve seen leading up to that point.

MOAFI: That’s so cool. It’s cool from a character perspective, and I think it’s so gratifying from an artist’s perspective because it does the thing that I love more than anything about acting, which is you shatter people’s perceptions or expectations. You think you know someone on the surface, and we’re so quick to judge, and when you just scratch past the surface, you realize, “I don’t know anything.” Even your partner or your mother or your sister or your best friend, we don’t know what’s happening inside.

To have an arc like Dr. Al-Hashimi’s, where, in the beginning, everybody was so quick to judge, and everybody was so quick to be like, “Oh, I know that person. I’ve seen that person. I’ve dealt with that person,” and then see what it takes, actually. Instead of starting from the beginning with her condition and then working our way up to this hard exterior, it’s the opposite, which is deeply humanizing, and should be a reminder for us that this is how we should relate to everyone that we encounter — the grumpy coffee shop worker or the grumpy teacher, or the grumpy parent, or whatever. Something is going on, and it’s rooted so deeply inside of each person. Hopefully, that can help us be a little bit more compassionate and understanding of one another.

Both seasons of The Pitt are available to stream on HBO Max.

G Herbo has the ladies saying if men don’t come with the same energy he gives Taina Williams, they don’t want it! Taina dropped some fresh vacation flicks from her birthday trip on social media, and fans are living for Herb’s reaction to the flicks.

RELATED: Lover Boy Era! Social Media Weighs In After G Herbo Flexes Fresh Face Tattoo Dedicated To Taina Williams (PHOTO + VIDEO)

G Herbo Goes Viral After Dropping THIS Comment Under Taina Williams’ Vacation Flicks

Recently, Taina Williams shared new photos from her birthday trip to the Dominican Republic on Instagram. She celebrated her special day with a full-on tropical getaway alongside her close friends and fiancé G Herbo. In the new carousel, Taina gives her followers a look at what went down in the DR. The slideshow also included some baecation moments with her and Herb, showing them looking cozy in the pool. Another shot shows him carrying her on his shoulders.

Herb ended up peeping the pics and slid straight into Taina’s comments, saying he loves when she pops off on him and still posts him on social media anyway. “When you curse me out then post me I be happy.” That one comment had fans living for his energy, saying they enjoy seeing him love her out loud. Then he dropped another comment saying he’s ready for them to run it back and take another trip soon. “I think we should go back somewhere like in 2 week f**k it.” 

The TL Is Lovin’ G Herbo’s Energy For Taina

After The Shade Room shared Tain’s photos and Herb’s response, the comment section was filled with heart-eye emojis. Some folks said they love seeing them together, while others said they’re manifesting this type of love.

Instagram user @only1calib wrote, “I love this kind of love 😍” 

Instagram user @_themarriedmom wrote, “She is naturally gorgeous😍” 

While Instagram user @myanicolee___ wrote, “I like them together ❤️” 

Then Instagram user @beautiful_lexi_ wrote, “I love that he said he wanted to do better and did better ❤️” 

Another Instagram user @ricorecklezz075 wrote, “🙌🔥🔥🔥dat man doin his thang n we proud of em.” 

Instagram user @jessgabriellea wrote, “Herb love his wife OUT LOUD 😍” 

Then another Instagram user @kellenmarcus wrote, “Ima tell my kids this was Will and Jada in college 😂” 

Finally, Instagram user @iamdonjuan wrote, “I love both them together…. Let it last forever.” 

Tatted So We Know The Love Is Real!

Tain and G Herbo have taken over the internet with baecation photos and moments from their trip to the DR. Most recently, Herb had timelines on lock when Taina dropped pics of them locking lips. Fans couldn’t miss her engagement ring, but they still peeped Herb’s fresh face tattoo — Taina’s name sitting right by his sideburn. The ink had folks saying he’s deep in his lover boy era and standing ten toes down behind queen, period!

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