By Jennifer Asencio
| Published 40 seconds ago

The mid-1990s were a golden age of space opera. Two of the best shows of this genre were Star Trek’s Deep Space Nine and the independent series, Babylon 5. Both shows centered on a space station with all the drama, diplomacy, and war of such a setting. The conflicts of both shows are compounded by the existential horror of knowing there are forces at play that are larger and incomprehensible than the “human” mind can process.

We are introduced to both settings following major conflicts, and the recovery that comes after is often dark and filled with its own dread. Both series confront the harsh realities of war and occupation. The depth of the stories expressed is what makes these two shows stand out above the rest. Both ask us questions on guilt, innocence, and the price of survival.

The Name Of The Place Is Babylon 5

Babylon 5 begins in the aftermath of the Earth-Minbari War with an unsteady peace on the titular neutral-zone station. The Narn Homeworld was recently liberated from the Centauri Republic. Other minor powers are shown wanting a voice in station politics and to stop any wars. As the series progresses, the stakes are continually raised, with much of it framed by the Narn-Centauri conflict reigniting.

Overarching the politics of these various alien races are the machinations of the galaxy’s eldest races and the games they play. The Vorlon Empire has existed for millions of years and wanted to bring order to a chaotic galaxy. Resisting them is an even older species: the boogeymen of the series, the Shadows, with ships as black as the void of space. It is considered an ill omen to see even a shadow of their vessels. This ancient species believed that evolution began through chaos and conflict. Believing in the power of flesh and bioengineering, their ships were alive.

From the start of the series, audiences can feel the depth of lore. The ideologies of the Vorlon and the Shadow feel like universal truths. In Babylon 5’s clever cyclical storytelling, the young replace the old. Conflict will always happen. Order will always stand against disorder as the interests of the various alien species collide.

Come To Quark’s, Quark’s Is Fun

Meanwhile, at the start of Deep Space Nine, the Federation has taken over the former Cardassian station, Terok Nor, now known by the titular Starfleet designation. The station becomes the hub of new exploration when a wormhole to the Gamma Quadrant is discovered nearby.

Early seasons build on the recovery of Bajor and continued issues with the Cardassian Union. Meanwhile, the plot slowly introduces the Dominion threat, first through the Vorta and later through their Jem’Hadar shock troops. Eventually, it becomes a fully blown war, taking up the later seasons of “DS9.”

The story of Deep Space Nine is not typical of many shows set in the Star Trek setting. It has a long, continuously evolving plot despite having individual episodes like any other Star Trek show. Characters experience true devastating loss, with episodes showing lists of lost vessels with crew either confirmed killed or missing. It cast the long, dark shadow of war across the remaining seasons of the show, raising questions about morality and ethics in the face of an unrelenting enemy and the lines they are willing to cross to ensure victory.

Parallel’s Beween DS9 And B5

There are many similarities between these two series: themes, settings, and conflicts, starting with the Earth-Minbari War and the Cardassian withdrawal of Bajor. Simmering tensions brewing between groups leads to active war in both series. Even the elder alien races are comparable: the Vorlons and the Shadows in the universe of Babylon 5 mirror DS9’s Dominion, led by the shapeshifting Changelings who view solids as bringing chaos and disorder. 

Another parallel between the two shows is that we, as fans, are treated to some of the best dramatic acting in all of science fiction. Scenes between the Narn ambassador G’Kar and the Centauri ambassador Londo Mollari on Babylon 5 reveal a history that predates what we are initially shown, as seen in their emotion and pain over the love for their people and their home worlds. It mirrors the ongoing verbal duel between Captain Sisko and Gul Dukat as they debate their roles in history, how they will be remembered, and the motivations of their actions.

Babylon 5 Journeys Into Darkness Deep Space Nine Avoids

Perhaps the biggest difference between the two shows was the tone. Babylon 5 showed us a darker, more dystopian future. Despite the darkness, sorrow, and loss during Deep Space Nine, the characters remained Starfleet. They still acted nobly even when an easier path existed but crossed moral or ethical lines. Babylon 5 showed us more clearly the flaws, the inhumanities, and failures in its main characters.

The similarities between the shows eventually led to a lawsuit, but the creator of Babylon 5 ultimately decided not to pursue it so that both shows could succeed. We should be thankful that, as fans, we got to experience a quality of programming that is lacking in current productions.

All that we have been lectured on, with modern norms pushed into places where they really don’t fit, like questions on race, colonization, and violence: these were all handled on two 1990s space stations with nuance lacking in modern science fiction. Fans of one will vastly enjoy the other, and both series are the real inclusive utopias today’s programming only wishes it could aspire to.

Check them out where you can: Deep Space Nine is part of Paramount Plus’s Star Trek collection, and Babylon 5 just got absorbed by YouTube.

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LaMelo Ball walked away uninjured after being involved in a two-car crash in downtown Charlotte, North Carolina, on Wednesday. However, video footage of the accident has since surfaced. So far, social media is shook and dissecting the driving skills of the Charlotte Hornets point guard. Even Hazel E had a lil’ something to say.  Meanwhile, LaMelo has yet to break his silence since driving away from the accident site in a separate vehicle.

RELATED: Anthony Joshua Breaks His Silence As Driver In Fatal Nigeria Car Crash Faces Charges (PHOTOS)

Details About LaMelo Ball’s Charlotte Car Crash

According to The Shade Room, a police report was not immediately made available after Wednesday’s crash. Video of the accident shows Ball driving his camouflage-colored, custom-made Hummer across an intersection before he and another driver collided. This happened shortly before 5 p.m., according to footage obtained by WSOC-TV in Charlotte.

BREAKING: We have obtained footage of the LaMelo Ball crash in Uptown Charlotte @wsoctv pic.twitter.com/BUgJrRCeZa

— Joe Bruno (@JoeBrunoWSOC9) February 18, 2026

The station and TMZ later posted video of LaMelo Ball, wearing an aqua-colored Hornets hoodie, getting out his truck and into another car before the driver pulled off. Police were on the scene at the time.

LaMelo Ball was spotted dipping into a Lamborghini after his car crash in Charlotte. https://t.co/Zs01mG6iEL pic.twitter.com/PPmyvWvC3X

— TMZ (@TMZ) February 19, 2026

There was no information available on the person in the other car involved in the collision. Video shows the driver calmly get out of his car and walking toward LaMelo Ball’s truck, which had the left front tire missing.

SEE ADDITIONAL CRASH FOOTAGE BELOW. 

Lamelo Ball SWERVED into oncoming traffic 🤔 pic.twitter.com/iGl9rsEu92

— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) February 19, 2026

LaMelo Expected To Play In Hornets Game After Accident As Hazel E Reacts To Crash Footage (UPDATES)

The Hornets held practice earlier in the day on Wednesday. Charlotte, which has won 10 of its last 11 games, is scheduled to host the Houston Rockets on Thursday night as teams return from the All-Star break. As of Thursday morning, LaMelo Ball was not listed on the team’s injury report. This means, per the Associated Press, he is expected to play just one day after the two-car crash.

Meanwhile, in The Shade Room’s comment section, Hazel E stopped by with a jokey joke. She quoted LiAngelo Ball’s song ‘Tweaker,’ writing:

“I might swerve on the corner whoaaa ohhh ohhhhh 🤌🏽.”

Ball’s Driving History Resurfaces On Social Media

As mentioned, the accident has supporters and critics digging into LaMelo’s past driving habits. This includes sharing videos of him allegedly running red lights and resurfacing a May 2024 lawsuit in which a mother accused him of running over her 11-year-old’s foot in October 2023 with his purple Rolls Royce. The family demanded $25,000, but in Feb. 2025 LaMelo denied being at fault for the child’s broken foot and emotional distress, and sought for the family to pay his attorneys’ fees.

I was waiting for this compilation to start circulating again. But yea it was only a matter of time the way he drives man. Risky. https://t.co/uoLrsaMWwe

— kakarot (@ShadBoogie) February 19, 2026

LaMelo Ball is just the latest to professional sports athlete to be involved in a car accident in Charlotte, North Carolina. Former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton fractured his back following a 2014 crash in which he flipped his black pickup truck near Bank of America Stadium. That’s less than a mile from where Ball’s accident occurred.

And in 2024, Panthers current backup quarterback Andy Dalton injured his thumb when he was involved in a two-car accident in Charlotte. Additionally, former Hornets guard Bobby Phills was killed in a car crash at age 30 following a practice on Jan. 12, 2000.

RELATED: Whew! Larsa Pippen Responds After Fans Speculate That She’s Dating LiAngelo Ball (PHOTO)

AP Sports Writer Steve Reed contributed to this report via AP Newsroom. 

By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 22 seconds ago

One of the few things that even the biggest fanboys and harshest critics of Starfleet Academy can agree on is that Oscar-winning actor Paul Giamatti is the best thing about the show. His Nus Braka has proven to be a downright frighteningly competent villain, one who some have compared to franchise greats such as Gul Dukat. Unfortunately, in a recent appearance on The D-Con Chamber Podcast, Giamatti dropped a major bombshell: that he won’t be appearing in Season 2 of Starfleet Academy.

This is unfortunate because preliminary data suggests that Giamatti’s character may be the only thing that can save this struggling show. Starfleet Academy has consistently failed to make the Nielsen Top 10 list of streaming shows (something that Strange New Worlds once did with regularity), and it regularly fails to make even the Top 10 streaming list on Paramount+. However, the day after the premiere of “Come, Let’s Away” (an episode featuring the return of Giamatti’s character), FlixPatrol reports that the episode landed on the streamer’s list of Worldwide Top TV Shows, and Amazon Channels reports that it held the number one slot on the Top 10 Overall list. 

In the short term, this is good news for Starfleet Academy, a show desperately in need of both better buzz and more viewers. In the long term, though, the fact that Giamatti was seemingly the key to audiences flocking to this episode may be the kiss of death for this new Star Trek series. That’s because the Oscar-winning actor recently made it clear that he won’t be returning to the show under any circumstances. 

Paul Giamatti recently appeared on The D-Con Chamber Podcast, and he bluntly told hosts (and former Enterprise actors) Dominic Keating and Connor Trinneer that he “was not around” for Starfleet Academy’s second season. His use of the past tense is due to the fact that the second season of this new Trek spinoff has already been largely filmed, with only the season finale (which will be personally directed by co-showrunner and controversial executive producer Alex Kurtzman) left to shoot. 

Star Trek Is Losing Paul Giamatti

Does this mean that Nus Braka is going to die, possibly at the hands of Holly Hunter’s impossibly chill chancellor? Nope: according to Giamatti (who admitted to his podcast hosts that he “probably shouldn’t” tell them this), the villain is “still alive” by the end of Season 1. He noted that “something could be done with him” if the writers wanted to and expressed optimism that “if it goes another [season], perhaps I will be back around.”

Based on the recent streaming numbers, though, there may not be a Starfleet Academy to come back to. Season 1 hasn’t been able to consistently draw viewers, but the return of Paul Giamatti’s character helped one of the show’s most recent episodes become a Top 10 hit. His inevitable appearance in future Season 1 episodes may be a similar draw for audiences, but the show is going to lose all of these Giamatti superfans when he doesn’t appear in the second season at all. 

He Might Just Take Starfleet Academy With Him

Plus, Giamatti might have hit the nail on the head with his doubts about Starfleet Academy getting a third season. While it was originally conceived as lasting four seasons (to match the four-year educational journey of its cadets), the show has not yet been renewed for Season 3. That renewal is unlikely to happen if the streaming numbers don’t improve, and there are already rumors that Paramount has quietly axed the show and that the second season will be its last.

Should Starfleet Academy fade away, Paramount will have only themselves to blame: they were wise to hire an Oscar-winner like Paul Giamatti for their new Star Trek show, but they then failed to feature him in enough episodes to save Season 1. Now, his complete absence from Season 2 may seal the show’s fate entirely. That just leaves one question: when Starfleet Academy dies, do you think Paramount will stuff its corpse into a torpedo tube and fire it off into space, Spock-style? 

Punxsutawney Phil may have done Us wrong by declaring even more winter; however, things are finally starting to let up with temperatures hovering in the mid-30s. That doesn’t mean it’s time to put your sweaters away just yet! If you’re starting to feel winter fashion fatigue, there’s no better way to refresh your wardrobe than with fresh winter finds that are currently trending. Not sure what’s hot right now? We have a hunch on what other shoppers are vying for — and items are all on Amazon.

Two-piece lounge sets, ultra-flattering jeans and cushioned sneakers are all being bought in droves right now. And while shopping editors keep tabs on the latest and greatest, we’ll let you in on our secret: Amazon’s Movers and Shakers Chart is a great place to find items that are worth buying. The section gives Us an inside scoop on picks that are up in sales, and if that’s not an indication to browse, we don’t know what is. We combed through to discover fashion musts that transition from winter to spring like a breeze. Discover must-haves from Levi’s, Brooks, Adidas, Bagsmart and more, starting at $7.

13 Winter Fashion Essentials Trending on Amazon Right Now

1. Our Favorite: It’s understandable to want to spend all day in sweats. The only problem? Loungewear isn’t appropriate for the boardroom . . . but these stretchy dress pants are. They have that comfy leggings-like feel that channels your at-home favorite yet looks way more put together.

2. Runner-Up: If you’re fortunate to work remotely, you might want to grab this two-piece lounge set in a few colors. The long-sleeved top and drawstring pants give off rich mom vibes, thanks to the soft, expensive-looking fabric that’ll give your pajamas a run for their money.

3. Anything but Basic: There’s something about a half-zip sweater that exudes elegance, and this stylish knit pullover is proof. Designed with a collared neckline, ribbed stitching and a relaxed fit, this classy sweater is perfect for errand runs and post-Pilates brunch.

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It’s a new month, which means it’s time to stock up on Amazon’s hot new releases! In February, we’re shopping for essential fashion pieces that deliver a little mid‑season wardrobe refresh. We’re talking knit sweater vests, dressy two-piece sets and effortless tops you’ll want to wear on repeat. To carry you through the rest of […]

4. Celeb-Loved: Everyone knows that Jennifer Garner is obsessed with Brooks sneakers, and she has these exact Glycerin running shoes that are on sale right now. The sneakers are extremely comfortable with a foam cushioned insole, a flat bottom and breathable exterior that makes them ideal for running, weight lifting and HIIT training — yes, this editor is speaking from experience.

5. Bestseller Alert: While this duffel bag isn’t specific for winter, we think its puffer-esque style is on par for the season (and will work for both winter and spring travels). Great for weekend trips, this top-seller is equipped to store several outfit changes, a 17-inch laptop, toiletries and even sneakers . . . like say, the Brooks above.

6. Laid-Back Luxe: Layering has never been easier than with a fitted top, like this ribbed long-sleeve number. It’s thick enough to keep you warm, but is breathable enough to prevent overheating. It’s no wonder people wear it under work blazers, sweaters and even scrubs (yes, nurses like them, too)!

7. Going Viral: These clever Levi’s jeans are so sought after, we’re surprised they’re still in stock. The pants went viral on social media due to the adjustable button design at the waist, which lets you customize the fit to eliminate annoying back gaping. We know, it’s genius.

8. Comfort MVP: Sweaters are a winter must, but bulky knits can get tired real fast. Opt for this long-sleeved turtleneck that keeps you warm and covered while also showing off your curves. We love that the thermal top is just fitted enough without being too tight.

9. Boss Babe: Look and feel like a CEO when you throw on these sleek trouser pants that are so chic for work. Despite the fashionable appeal, the pants are made with a blend of breathable and stretchy fabrics to provide more give while you sit at your desk or stand during your presentation.

10. Popular Pick: Everyone from shoppers to celebrities like Katie Holmes, Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon love Adidas shoes. Get in on the trend with these top-rated Court 3.0 sneakers that come in a trendy animal-print style that’s making waves in 2026.

11. Workout Winner: Whether you’re running laps or errands, you’ll want to have these high-waisted yoga pants on standby. They look like your average leggings, but have a warm fleece lining to keep you extra warm when temperatures dip. You’ll thank Us later.

12. Under $10: You probably have tons of socks in your drawer, but how many of them have a cute ruffle trim? We rest our case. These ruffle-hem socks are so fun and dainty, giving loafers, sneakers and the like more personality without the effort.

13. No Brainer: Wearing a dress or skirt in 30-degree weather is almost unthinkable . . . unless you have fleece-lined tights. These translucent-style tights have a warm, insulated interior that embodies everything you love about sweatpants, in a more upscale version.

Related: Amazon Quietly Marked Down the Coziest Winter Fashion Staples

As long as winter’s frosty conditions rage on, we’ll be advocates for cozy fashion. Unbelievably soft sweaters, stretchy trousers and plush footwear are building blocks of cold-weather-friendly uniforms that beat the frosty conditions and make you look good while you’re at it. To ensure you’re dressed to impress while staying warm, we found 17 Amazon […]

The greatest sport on ice, and one of the big four of professional American sports, hockey has become more and more popular over the years. Whether it’s because the NHL players are competing in the Olympics or a little gay hockey show called Heated Rivalry, there’s truly no time like the present to capitalize on the game.

Before Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) began to smut up your small screens, hockey had a profound history on the big screen. From a beloved ’70s classic with some of hockey cinema’s most iconic characters to a kids’ franchise that got us all quacking, hockey has proven itself to be a brilliant game to pull from for incredible stories. With Olympic fever back again, we’re here to celebrate some of the best films on ice.

12

‘Odd Man Rush’ (2020)

Image via Hulu

A great place to begin is with a movie inspired by true events. Based on Bill Keenan‘s 2016 memoir, the film follows Harvard hockey player and lifelong New York Rangers fan Bobby Sanders (Jack Mulhern), whose NHL dreams are derailed by injury. Trying to make his passion come to fruition, Bobby pursues a professional career in a minor European league, all while grappling with the reality of his future and finding love in the process. A fish-out-of-water coming-of-age tale, Odd Man Rush focuses on Bobby’s self-discovery as he reassesses his dreams.

Directed by Doug Dearth, the film brings humor into the reality of the sport while allowing audiences to understand the stakes surrounding a lower-tier league. There is life beyond the NHL, and the passion is equally fervent. Odd Man Rush brings the reality of life after sports and how it may not be as glamorous as expected. A surprisingly sweet and tender film, Odd Man Rush scores thanks to Mulhern’s winning performance. He’s a subtle charmer, whether alongside his teammates on the ice or wooing the beautiful girl of his dreams, played by Elektra Kilbey. Coincidentally, there is a follow-up film, Bull Run, where Mulhern is replaced by Tom Blyth, who plays Bobby in a post-hockey life as a junior banker on Wall Street.

11

‘Go Figure’ (2005)

Image via Disney Channel

On the surface, Go Figure is a Disney Original Movie that blends both the sport of hockey and figure skating. But the majority of the film revolves around hockey, so we’ll call it a hockey film first! A hockey film about a figure skater, if you will. The iconic film follows Katelin “Kat” Kingsford (Jordan Hinson), a 14-year-old figure skater who dreams of Olympic glory. But there’s a catch: To train with top Russian coach Natasha Goberman (Cristine Rose), she must accept a scholarship at a private school and join its hockey team. There, she learns teamwork and balances both sports. Bringing the value of friendship, fitting in, and defeating bullies to the forefront, Go Figure truly is a tale of found family and defying the odds.

The DCOM classic blends the usual tropes one might find in these teen-centric movies. There’s the struggle to fit in, the difficulties in overcoming hardship, and the power of positivity. Go Figure also breaks open the stereotypes that hockey is a male-only sport. In fact, women in America have been dominating the game for years! While the believability is that Kat struggles with ice skating in the pads, in the end, she uses her experience as a figure skater to help her team succeed. Go Figure is a delightful film that may be one of the most underrated DCOMs.

10

‘Breakaway’ (2011)

Image via Alliance Films

What Bend It Like Beckham did for soccer, Breakaway did for hockey. Not every sport is dominated by one ethnicity, and this 2011 film is proof. Directed by Robert Lieberman, the last film before his death in 2023, Breakaway is a sports comedy about Rajveer Singh (Vinay Virmani), a young Indo-Canadian man who drops out of college to pursue a career in professional hockey. To make his dream come true, he must defy his father’s (Anupam Kher) traditional demands to join the family business. Rajveer forms an all-Sikh hockey team, the Speedy Singhs, while overcoming discrimination and cultural pressures with the help of a very unlikely coach, Dan Winters (Rob Lowe). Bringing a new perspective on how culture and religion may affect the game, Breakaway was meant to be a film of pride.

On the surface, Breakaway is a hockey movie, but beneath the surface, it’s an important exploration of the intersection of immigrant identity, cultural expectations, and the pressures to fit in. What may seem like an incidental moment in the film, when the Speedy Singhs are forced to wear helmets but are prevented from using the typical ones, Rajveer’s drive to provide the team with helmets that accommodate their turbans is a breakthrough moment. Breakaway features a plethora of special appearances that might shock you, including Lilly Singh, Drake, and Ludacris. It might be on the hokey side, but it’s an important film nevertheless.

9

‘The Rocket’ (2005)

Image via Alliance Atlantis Vivafilm

There are many legends in hockey, but surprisingly few have received the biopic treatment. That changed in 2005 with the French-Canadian film The Rocket. Telling the story of one of the greatest players, Maurice “The Rocket” Richard (Roy Dupuis), the film chronicles the Montreal Canadiens’ star through his rise from a working-class machinist to an early NHL icon. Focusing on his struggles with injuries, discrimination against French speakers, and the “Richard Riot” sparked from his 1955 suspension, The Rocket tells the story of a man who changed a sport.

An intriguing character study on a hockey great, The Rocket doesn’t attempt to portray Richard as perfect. Instead, through a gritty approach, The Rocket‘s authenticity of his life and the game gave hockey fans insight into how he became the man who got the iconic nickname. A gentle person pushed to the breaking point, Dupuis uses subtlety to bring Richard to life. Though the film ends before the five-season run of Stanley Cups, the depiction of The Rocket does make Richard a legend among men. To maintain the integrity of the sport, Richard features a cast of NHL pros, including Mike Ricci, Sean Avery, Vincent Lecavalier, and Stéphane Quintal, to take on his teammates and rivals. An understated film, The Rocket is perfect for hockey fans, regardless of their favorite franchise.

8

‘Sudden Death’ (1995)

Image via Universal Pictures

In the ’90s, if you needed an action star, you called Jean-Claude Van Damme. And let’s just say, no concept was too bizarre for the hero. Such was the case for 1995’s Sudden Death. Directed by Van Damme’s longtime collaborator Peter Hyams, the action thriller follows Van Damme as Darren McCord, a firefighter-turned-arena security officer at the Pittsburgh Civic Arena. Hoping to impress his children, Emily and Tyler (Whittini Wright and Ross Malinger), Darren scores tickets to the Stanley Cup finals, unaware that the entire arena has been overtaken by a group of terrorists. Former CIA agent Joshua Foss (Powers Boothe) holds Vice President Daniel Bender (Raymond J. Barry) hostage in a press box, with plans to blow up the entire arena if the ransom is not paid. But when McCord learns of the plot, he jumps into action to save the day. A high-octane thriller, it’s Van Damme doing what he does best: kicking ass and taking names.

The epitome of a ’90s action film, Sudden Death is equally gripping and ridiculous. When Foss asks for a ransom of over $1 billion, you can’t help but chuckle and realize how preposterous the scheme is. Of course, McCord will save the day! A race-against-time thriller set against the backdrop of hockey, Sudden Death is a product of its time. Though it is often overlooked compared to his other films, such as Timecop, Van Damme helped spark interest in future hockey-centric films. A remake was made in 2020, Welcome to Sudden Death, where hockey was swapped out for basketball, though the Michael Jai White-led thriller was sadly a bomb.

7

‘Indian Horse’ (2017)

Image via Elevation Pitctures

Perhaps the most poignant entry on the list, Indian Horse, adapted from the novel of the same name by Ojibwe author Richard Wagamese, is special. The film tells the story of Saul Indian Horse (Ajuawak Kapashesit), an Ojibway boy who is torn from his family and sent to a brutal Canadian residential school, St. Jerome’s. After escaping the trauma of abuse, his exceptional skill and talent for ice hockey emerge as Saul, trained secretly by Father Leboutilier (Michiel Huisman), rises through the ranks of professional hockey via an all-Indigenous team, as he battles intense racism along the way. A gripping tale of hope while discussing the child abuse and displacement that plagued Canada, Indian Horse is a celebration of salvation through sport.

An unrelenting story, depicting the reality of abuse, racism, and trauma, allows Indian Horse to strike an emotional chord. A special film with a specific perspective, Indian Horse is a tremendous story unlike any hockey movie out there. With Clint Eastwood attached as an executive producer, it’s a tough yet important watch.

6

‘Goon’ (2011)

Image via Alliance Films 

In the same vein as a classic film to come, Goon is a hockey comedy that highlights a very specific side of the sport: fighting. Doug “The Thug” Glatt (Seann William Scott) is a kind-hearted but dim-witted bouncer who suddenly becomes an unlikely minor-league hockey enforcer. Where he lacks skating skills, he makes up for it in fighting ones. Hired to protect skilled players of the Halifax Highlanders, Doug eventually rises in the ranks while facing off against a rival goon in Ross “The Boss” Rhea (Liev Schreiber), the legendary enforcer of the St. John’s Shamrocks. Alongside a cast that includes Alison Pill, Jay Baruchel, Eugene Levy, and Kim Coates, Goon is wonderfully ridiculous, yet filled with honor.

With hockey at the forefront, Goon is a story about finding one’s place in the world. Based on Doug Smith‘s book, Goon: The True Story of an Unlikely Journey into Minor League Hockey, you may find the film to be hyperviolent, but the surprisingly sweet sentiment and charm take center ice. Though it was a box office disappointment, Goon gained a cult following — so much so that a sequel, Goon: Last of the Enforcers, was born, continuing the tale. With all the elements of a sports masterpiece, Goon may highlight the darker side of the game, but it’s done so in hilarious form.

5

‘The Mighty Ducks’ (1992)

From the flying V to the inspiration for a professional NHL franchise, The Mighty Ducks is easily the most important hockey film to ever be made, though perhaps that’s hyperbolized by a millennial who grew up playing hockey. Let’s start with where it all began. In The Mighty Ducks, after reckless young lawyer Gordon Bombay (Emilio Estevez) is arrested for drunk driving, he’s tasked with coaching a kids’ hockey team as part of his community service. Having experience on the ice, Gordon is not eager to return to hockey after his past with his own coach, Jack Reilly (Lane Smith). Gordon eventually grows a strong appreciation for the team, including Charlie Conway (Joshua Jackson), as he leads them to glory against his one-time mentor. Transforming the District 5 team into the iconic Ducks, the beloved underdog movie became a pop culture phenomenon that helped bring hockey to the mainstream.

A wonderfully ambitious and daring family film, The Mighty Ducks shaped a generation. Not only did it open eyes to the fact that hockey isn’t for one race or gender, but The Mighty Ducks is also a celebration of teamwork and hard work. We all wished we had a team of friends like the ducks. The Mighty Ducks has a brilliant legacy that followed the original film, spawning a trilogy, an animated series, and a Disney+ series, The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers, that welcomed Estevez back into the fold. Without this franchise, we may not know what a knuckle puck is, nor know the correct identity of Iceland and Greenland. The Mighty Ducks may have been a product of the ’90s, but it’s a sincerely timeless classic.

4

‘Youngblood’ (1986)

Image via MGM

After The Outsiders and before Dirty Dancing, Patrick Swayze was part of a classic ’80s hockey drama, Youngblood. Directed by Peter Markle, the film follows young hockey player Dean Youngblood (Rob Lowe) as he tries to make a name for himself in the Canadian Junior Hockey circuit, hoping to impress NHL scouts in the process. When he is bullied by goon Carl Racki (George Finn), a dirty player who injured his teammate Derek (Swayze), his aspirations falter. Returning to his childhood home deflated, Dean gets toughened up by his father, Blane Youngblood (Eric Nesterenko), to earn redemption against his rival. At its core, Youngblood is a bona fide ’80s film that has easily been lost in the shuffle of other decade classics.

Finding more success after its box office release, Youngblood is a wonderful coming-of-age story. Through ambition and the ability to overcome pressure, Dean is a product of his time: a young man fighting for his dream in any way he can. Lowe, the ultimate pretty boy in a violent game, continues his rise in Hollywood thanks to this film. Though Youngblood isn’t quite Footloose in the training montage, the classic tropes are fun to observe today. A remake, starring Blair Underwood and Ashton James, debuted at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival. It’s not quite the same, but the modern perspective with a Black cast proves how the sport has evolved over the past four decades.

3

‘Mystery, Alaska’ (1999)

Image via Buena Vista Pictures

When it comes to films that we wish were based on real life, look no further than Mystery, Alaska. Directed by Jay Roach, the film is set in the fictional small town of Mystery, whose population of only 633 is obsessed with their local Saturday pond hockey game. When a publicity stunt books their amateur town team for an exhibition match against the New York Rangers, the entire town must come together and overcome the past to prepare for the biggest game of their lives. A beautiful film about community and a look at a simple way of life, Mystery, Alaska is a darling film that will warm your heart.

There’s an innate charm attached to Mystery, Alaska. As a town isolated from everyone else, they are proud of who they are and where they come from. Despite some personal conflicts, there is a sense of unity and togetherness to unite them all. You may not see an excessive amount of hockey in a hockey film simply because it’s a character-driven movie, and that’s thanks to the cast that includes Russell Crowe, Hank Azaria, and Burt Reynolds. For hockey fans, you can expect cameos from former players and analysts, including Phil Esposito, Steve Levy, and Barry Melrose. And, just for good measure, Mike Myers pops in as well in a wig you can never unsee.

For an impressive fifteen seasons, Supernatural dominated television as the most prolific genre series in modern day. Blending horror, fantasy, and action together in a road trip style almost befitting of a Western, the Eric Kripke-created series became an international phenomenon that has spawned an entire franchise worth of material. Whether you love everything Supernatural or prefer the original Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) adventures, there are more than 300 episodes to pull from and enjoy.

It’s hard to perfectly capture a line that embodies an entire season, but we’ve done our best to collect the quotes that represent each season of Supernatural. Some are imperfect, we’ll admit to that, but each of them says something about their respective season or the series as a whole, especially when examined after the fact. So, without further ado, start your engines and grab some rock salt, because here are the quotes that define each season of Supernatural.

1

“Saving people, hunting things, the family business.”

Season 1, Episode 2 “Wendigo”

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An oldie but a goodie, there is no single quote that so perfectly defines not just the first season but all Supernatural. Spoken first by Dean in the second episode, “Wendigo,” the “saving people, hunting things” line has become so synonymous with the program that it could just as easily be a logline for the show. We certainly couldn’t argue with that. In some ways, the line perfectly embodies everything that Supernatural was originally about.

Each episode sent the brothers to a new town, a new place, as they hunted down evil and saved those tormented by it. As time went on, the Winchesters strayed a bit from the “family business,” especially the “saving people” part, but back in Season 1, that was all it was about. Sure, they were still looking for their missing father, but that was almost an afterthought to all the urban legends and ghostly horrors they dealt with first.

2

“You always have a choice. You can either roll over and die or you can keep fighting, no matter what.”

Season 2, Episode 1 “In My Time of Dying”

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Coming from the first episode of the second season, “In My Time of Dying,” Dean’s epic reminder is arguably his greatest line on the show. But in the context of Season 2, it speaks to the endless cycle of self-sacrifice and resurrections that would begin here — and follow the program through its end. Sure, Dean was (unknowingly) speaking to a reaper here, but it speaks to the show’s unwavering boldness in the face of network change-ups between seasons.

The “always keep fighting” mantra would become a major driving force of the Supernatural fandom in the years to come, but it could easily be traced back here. As Sam and Dean continue to fight against the Yellow-Eyed Demon that haunted them from childhood, the Winchesters must continue to choose the life they’ve decided to lead. Unsurprisingly, they do.

3

“Family don’t end with blood, boy.”

Season 3, Episode 16 “No Rest for the Wicked”

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Another line that’s become so popular that it could easily describe the series as a whole, this Season 3 quote came from Bobby Singer (Jim Beaver) in the climactic finale “No Rest for the Wicked.” Like any good surrogate father, Bobby chooses to stick with the boys through everything that’s coming, even if it means facing Lilith (Sierra McCormick) and a pack of hellhounds. Considering his increased role in the third season, it reminds us that the series was still finding its sea legs even after all these years.

Of course, another quote that may do even more justice to this season comes from Lauren Cohan’s Bela Talbot. As she remarks in “Bad Day at Black Rock”: “We’re all going to Hell, Dean. Might as well enjoy the ride.” Given Dean’s “one year to live” throughout the third season, it’s another quote that really rings true to the overall theme of these 16 episodes.

4

“I’m the one who gripped you tight and raised you from perdition.”

Season 4, Episode 1 “Lazarus Rising”

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Season 4 was a year of many firsts for Supernatural as the series moved further from its horror roots and turned into a fantasy adventure that dealt with cosmic scales and world-ending implications. Spoken by Castiel (Misha Collins) in the premiere, “Lazarus Rising,” this quote is a harrowing symbol of what is to come, as Dean is resurrected not of his own accord nor his brothers, but seemingly by the will of Heaven itself. Talk about a massive rebrand!

Tonally, this line reminds us that the stakes are higher now than they ever have been, and if Dean has been brought back from Hell for a purpose, that purpose must also be severe. It’s one heck of a season opener, too. Additionally, the line speaks to the bond that would be formed between Dean and Castiel over the course of this season, and eventually the greater series.

5

“It’s okay, Dean… I’ve got him.”

Season 5, Episode 22 “Swan Song”

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Concluding the arc first established in Season 4 (and the overall myth arc that Kripke set out to tell), Season 5 is a killer finale if you want to watch an abridged version of the program. Sam’s line to his brother here in “Swan Song” shows the younger Winchester’s strength in his battle against the Devil (one he’s been fighting all season) and that his love for his brother is what gave him the power to overcome Lucifer (Mark Pellegrino) in the first place. It’s simple, but profoundly effective.

It also precedes Sam jumping into Hell himself, leading to Dean being left alone to start a new life. While the remaining ten seasons would put an axe on that, this was an era of Supernatural that knew how to tell a story that felt finite and contained. It turns out that love truly is all you need to conquer the forces of evil. Well, love and sacrifice.

6

“Empathy, Sam! Empathy!”

Season 6, Episode 9 “Clap Your Hands If You Believe…”

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After Kripke left and Sera Gamble took over, fans weren’t quite sure of the new direction that Supernatural was taking. With a souless Sam who was unable to feel any of those previously expressed ideas and a Dean struggling with a work-life balance, it didn’t feel like the same show. So when Dean said these words in “Clap Your Hands If You Believe…,” it almost felt like the audience trying to get the attention of the writers.

While the sixth season would eventually course correct (with Kripke even returning to pen the season finale), it just couldn’t recreate the show that we were used to. Sure, Season 6 still has plenty of gems like “The French Mistake” and “Weekend at Bobby’s,” but those are the exception to the otherwise strange norm that the show created in its uneven Season 5 follow-up. Still, we’re glad that the show got over this slight hump.

7

“Make yourself smile because you’re alive and that’s your job. Then do it again the next week.”

Season 7, Episode 11 “Adventures in Babysitting”

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Remember that brief moment when Bobby was killed, and he hadn’t been confirmed to be sticking around as a ghost just yet? Yeah, that’s where Frank Devereaux (Kevin R. McNally) came in, and he was nothing like the old grouchy mechanic who used to pal around with Sam and Dean. But he did offer one piece of sage wisdom that spoke to the general atmosphere of Season 7: suck it up and keep going.

Still in the Gamble era, Season 7 was overly reliant on jokes about Dick Roman’s (James Patrick Stuart) name and noncommittal in which cast members the show wanted to kill or revive. Either way, though they’re meant to be an encouragement to Dean, Frank’s words speak quite clearly to the state of the program. We’re not sure if that’s a good thing or not, but at least the show was eventually able to move past this strange era.

8

“Don’t you dare think that there is anything, past or present, that I would put in front of you!”

Season 8, Episode 23 “Sacrifice”

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When Jeremy Carver took over Supernatural in Season 8, it felt as if anything were once again possible. Sending Sam and Dean back on the road, reestablishing the status quo, and putting them on the path to closing the gates of Hell forever seemed like the best way forward after two monster-heavy seasons. So, when Dean reminded Sam of this in the season finale, “Sacrifice,” it’s a powerful reminder to the audience that Supernatural is back.

Of course, in-universe, it also very clearly addresses Dean’s constant pull toward supernatural creatures. First Castiel, then Benny the vampire (Ty Olsson), and later Crowley (Mark A. Sheppard). But even in all that, Dean reminds Sam that what makes Supernatural work is that the two of them are always there to fight evil, side by side, and he’ll ultimately choose his brother over anyone else. It may not be healthy, but it makes the show work.

9

“No one in the history of torture’s been tortured with torture like the torture you’ll be tortured with.”

Season 9, Episode 21 “King of the Damned”

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Even if Crowley wasn’t talking to anyone specific in “King of the Damned,” these words would ring true for Season 9. After the excitement that was Season 8, the ninth season is a bit of a letdown. In some stretches, the Metatron (Curtis Armstrong) plotline does feel like torture, as does the never-ending battle to figure out what Castiel’s role on the show is post-Apocalypse. The show had again lost its direction.

Additionally, Sam is tortured in the sense that he’s possessed by an angel (who kills one of their closest allies), Dean is tortured in that he receives the Mark of Cain and ends the season as a demon, and Crowley is tortured in that he’s significantly less effective this season than he was the last. After a stellar eighth season, the follow-up is subpar. At least it sets up some interesting stuff.

10

“Family cares about you, not what you can do for them.”

Season 10, Episode 17 “Inside Man”

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For Supernatural‘s tenth season, the show went back to its roots by focusing largely on Sam and Dean, which didn’t give some of the supporting cast a ton to do. Still, Dean’s remark to Crowley here in “Inside Man” reminds us that even though Castiel and Crowley weren’t exactly the standouts of Season 10, the audience was still invested in them. Perhaps that even goes for Sam and Dean as well.

Put aside the weird friendship between Dean and Crowley, and this whole scene just speaks to the existence of the entire show. After all, Dean also quotes Bobby’s Season 3 line here about family not ending in blood. It’s a full-circle moment that perfectly embodies the themes of the season, which extends also to Crowley’s mother…

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Published
February 19, 2026
7:21 AM PST