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Published
March 1, 2026
6:51 AM PST

Team USA hockey stars Hilary Knight and Megan Keller reunited with men’s team members Jack and Quinn Hughes on Saturday Night Live to poke fun at the women’s feud with President Donald Trump.

“It was going to be just [me and Megan] but we thought we’d invite the guys too,” Knight told SNL guest host and Heated Rivalry star Connor Storrie on Saturday, February 28, to loud applause.

Storrie — who plays Russian hockey star Ilya Rozanov on Heated Rivalry — was first joined on stage by the Hughes brothers after praising the “amazing players’ from Team USA hockey during the Milan and Cortina Winter Olympic Games.

“I don’t think I pulled it off,” he said of his portrayal of a hockey star.

Related: President Trump References U.S. Women’s Hockey Team During State of the Union

President Donald Trump made reference to the U.S. women’s hockey team during his 2026 State of the Union address after they declined the White House’s invitation.  While Trump, 79, was discussing how much the United States has been “winning” during his Tuesday, February 24, speech, he brought out the Team USA’s men’s hockey team out […]

Quinn and Jack — the latter of whom was still sporting a toothless grin after an injury in the gold medal game — interrupted Storrie, 26, to assure him he did a “great” job on Heated Rivalry.

“We’ve been so busy playing that we haven’t had time to see your show yet,” Jack, 24, admitted, with Quinn, 26, chiming in: “It’s about hockey, right?”

Storrie waited a beat before answering: “Kind of.”

The Heated Rivalry actor joked that his character Ilya may have “metaphorically” had his teeth knocked out like Jack, though likely for different reasons. Knight, 36, and Keller, 29, then showed up to assure Storrie that they’d “seen your show.”

Knight got her joke in about President Trump’s snub before Keller quipped that she wanted to give the boys “a little moment to shine” by coming out first on SNL.

“It’s very important,” Storrie agreed. “My show speaks to people who are not always represented in hockey so this is great to have actual hockey legends here tonight.”

Jack pointed out that it had been 46 years since the USA Hockey men’s team won a gold medal at the Winter Olympics.

“And the last time we did that was two whole Olympics ago,” Knight added to a huge cheer from the studio audience.

“Nice burn,” Jack admitted. “These gold medals aren’t just for us. They’re for all hockey fans.”

It has been an eventful week for the men and women of USA Hockey. On Sunday, February 22, the Hughes brothers took home a gold medal after an overtime victory against Team Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina.

The team’s win was almost immediately shrouded in controversy when FBI director Kash Patel joined the men in their locker room to celebrate the medal win. President Trump called to congratulate the men and made a crack about the Team USA women’s hockey players, who also won a gold medal in Milan and Cortina.

After inviting the men to visit the White House and attend his State of the Union speech, Trump quipped, “We have medals for you guys. I must tell you, we‘re going to have to bring the women’s team. [If I don’t invite them] I do believe I probably would be impeached.”

Several of the men’s players were seen laughing at Trump’s joke. Quinn later denied that there was any tension between the men and women’s teams.

“I’m glad you mentioned the women’s team again,” Quinn told Good Morning America on Tuesday. “We’re extremely happy for them. There’s a lot going on on social media right now surrounding our team and [the women’s team].”

He went on, “In the last couple summers, we did a lot of training with them and got to know [them] really well.”

His brother Jack reiterated his and Quinn’s support for the women’s team during a press conference on Wednesday, February 25.

“We have so much respect for the women’s team,” Jack said. “They have so much respect for us. We’re all just proud Americans. We’re happy that we both swept the Olympics.”

Jack and Quinn’s mother Ellen Hughes — who is a consultant for USA Hockey — subsequently downplayed the political significance of the men’s team partying with Patel and attending the State of the Union speech

“I think at the end of the day, it’s just about the country and the moment that these players, both the men and women, can bring so much unity to a group and to a country,” Ellen, 56, told Today on Tuesday. “People that cheered on that don’t watch hockey, people that have politics on one side or on the other side. And that’s all both the men’s team and the women’s team care about.”

Ellen argued that there is a camaraderie between the men and women’s hockey teams that transcends any potential political divide.

“If you could see what we see from the inside and the men and women sharing, you know, dorm rooms and halls and flex floors and the camaraderie and the synergy, and the way the women cheered on the men and the way the men cheered on the women,” she insisted. “That’s what it’s all about.”

She added, “The other things, they cannot control. They care about humanity. They care about unity and they care about the country. I hope everybody just understands what we did in the moment, both the men and women to bring this country together and let everybody cheer in the same direction.”

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Related: Defaced Quinn Hughes Jersey Left at Hockey Hall of Fame Amid Controversy

As the Team USA men’s hockey team stays embroiled in controversy, one apparently disgruntled fan has left a defaced Quinn Hughes jersey at the Hockey Hall of Fame. The jersey, whose photo is making the rounds via X, was from Hughes’ days with the Vancouver Canucks. It’s ripped down the middle with vulgar phrases written […]

Jack and Quinn were among the Team USA men’s hockey players to visit the White House and attend Trump’s State of the Union speech on Tuesday. During his remarks, Trump brought out the men’s team and credited them for making “the entire nation proud.” (Trump also mentioned the women’s gold medal victory and said they would “soon be coming to the White House.”)

The next day, Knight tackled the controversy over Trump’s initial snub during a press conference, calling his joke “distasteful and unfortunate.”

“I think, just the way women are represented, it’s a great teaching point to really shine light on how women should be championed for their amazing feats,” she told reporters. “And now I sort of have to sit, or anybody has to sit in front of you and explain someone else’s behavior. It’s not my responsibility.”

Saturday Night Live continues on NBC March 7 at 11.30 p.m. ET with host Ryan Gosling and musical guests Gorillaz.

NBA YoungBoy and Nique are keeping fans talking. The rapper released the visuals for his new single ‘Highly,’ and viewers quickly noticed a familiar face. The video stars content creator and influencer Nique, just days after she went viral for riding in the passenger seat of the rapper’s car.

Related: Oop! Nique Claps Back At Fredo Bang After He Calls Her A “Toy” Amid Her NBA YoungBoy Link-Up

Nique Appears In NBA YoungBoy’s New Music Video

This week, Nique and NBA YoungBoy have been at the center of online speculation after she posted a video riding in the rapper’s passenger seat. The viral clip sent social media into a frenzy, with even a few exes joining the conversation.

Then, on Friday evening, Feb. 28, NBA YoungBoy released the visuals for his new song ‘Highly,’ which racked up more than 300,000 views in less than 24 hours. In the video, the Baton Rouge rapper rides in the passenger seat of a red Lamborghini, with Nique behind the wheel.

Fans quickly flooded the comments after spotting the influencer, debating whether the two are romantically involved or if the viral moment was simply business all along.

Social Media Reacts

Social media users shared mixed reactions to Nique’s cameo. Some users believed she deserves an apology following accusations that she was involved with the father of her former friend’s child. While others argued she should not have participated at all.

Instagram user @qoyathadon wrote, “Still corny would never participate in my friends bd video he clearly being messy and she knows it”

Another Instagram user @keniiyaaaa wrote, “Nique still had no business doing this I’m standing on that I’m sorry.”

While Instagram user @therealluxury_ wrote, “Exactly my girl that check & came right back home. Nevre gave sloppy seconds. He did this to piss Yaya off not Jania. NEXT TOPIC !!!!

Instagram user @laineblogss wrote, “mind yall jania and nique not friends. and it was for a music video. yall tryna have this girl claim her as a friend so bad 😂 just cause she hung out with the girl a few times don’t mean they were friends”

Another Instagram user @trinitydaabrat wrote, “i knew it was for promo, they raged baited yall and it worked 😂💯”

While Instagram user @jaylashameya._ wrote, “When it come to Nique everybody need to drink they water and mind they business thankgyaaaa 😘 🤏🏽”

Instagram user @houstonwigqueen wrote, “NOW APOLOGIZE”

Another Instagram user @liloletinyy wrote, idk I still feel like they hunching after they made “content” but go off 😂😂”

While Instagram user @lexmakiah2u wrote, “omg yall are slow talkin bout “apologize” no boo they been sneakin when Yaya nem came out on twitter saying it. just cs they did a music video don’t mean nun”

Nique Teases Upcoming Interview As Her Mother Claps Back At Critics

Speculation surrounding Nique and NBA YoungBoy dates back to November 2025, when the rapper released ‘Zero IQ Freestyle.’ Many users believed a lyric from the song appeared to be referencing Nique after tweets from Yaya Mayweather and Jania Meshell sparked online speculation.

Now that Nique is featured in his latest video, fans are revisiting those rumors.

Following the release of ‘Highly,’ Nique took to X with a cryptic tweet teasing an upcoming interview with the rapper and his wife, Jaz. She wrote, “The previous obviously was blind, Jaz is literally the key! ☕️ I’m interviewing them together either on a baseball field or court.” She ended the post with, “✨ Get ready.”

Her mother, Mama Cindy, also stepped into The Shade Room Teens’ comment section to defend her daughter. She appeared to deny claims that Nique and Jania were ever close friends and pushed back against criticism directed at her child.

Related: NBA YoungBoy Shuts Down Rumors Linking Him To YouTuber Nique As Yaya Mayweather & Jania Meshell Weigh In

Ex Machina is without a doubt one of the best sci-movies of the 2010s, as not only was it a critical success upon its 2014 premiere, but it also received major awards recognition, including for its director, Alex Garland. You may recognize Garland from his work on Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later and its 2025 sequel, 28 Years Later, both of which he received praise for writing. Meanwhile, the screenwriter made his directorial debut with Ex Machina, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay and winning three British Independent Film Awards.

Since then, the notable filmmaker has directed several more gripping works, some of which couldn’t beat the success of his first sci-fi thriller. Among these is his most divisive movie, which is about to be easier to stream, four years after its release. Starring Hamnet’s Jessie Buckley, Men has been added to HBO Max’s March 1, 2026, lineup, joining a boatload of addictive titles of all genres. The surrealist movie was released in the U.S. on May 20, 2022, by A24 and later in the U.K. on June 1 of that year by Entertainment Film Distributors.

How Well Do You Know Alex Garland’s Most Divisive Movie?

Buckley portrays a terrorized widow, Harper Marlowe, in Men, who, in the aftermath of her husband’s suicide, retreats alone to the beautiful English countryside, hoping to have found a place to heal. However, someone or something from the surrounding woods appears to be stalking her, and soon what begins as simmering dread becomes a fully-formed nightmare, inhabited by her darkest memories and fears. Also starring in the film are Rory Kinnear, who portrays every strange man in the village, and Paapa Essiedu as James Marlowe, Harper’s late husband.

Upon Men’s release, it received generally positive reviews, but its narrative approach was heavily criticized. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 69% critics’ rating, while the audience has given it a disappointing 40%. As for its financial status, the folk horror movie, released alongside Downton Abbey: A New Era, made $3.3 million in its opening weekend, finishing fifth at the box office. Ultimately, it grossed $7.6 million in North America and $3.6 million in other territories for a worldwide total of $11.2 million.

Men will be available to watch on HBO Max in March. Follow Collider for further streaming news.

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Release Date

May 20, 2022

Runtime

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100 minutes

Director

Alex Garland

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Writers

Alex Garland

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It’s been over a decade since one of the most expensive fantasy sequels made its way to theaters and flopped hard. Also labeled a comedy, the film was made on a $175 million budget with production involving the use of several visual effects companies to provide CGI. Not only is it one of the most expensive fantasy sequels, but it also became the most expensive comedy film ever at the end of production, to be later overtaken by Men in Black 3.

Starring Steve Carell and Morgan Freeman, this fantasy comedy is about to find new audiences as it is now available on a major streaming home. Evan Almighty is that expensive sequel that just landed on HBO Max on March 1, 2026, 19 years after it was released by Universal Pictures on June 22, 2007. The movie is a spin-off and sequel of the 2003 box office hit Bruce Almighty, starring Jim Carrey. Similar to the first installment, Evan Almighty was directed by Tom Shadyac, while Steve Oedekerk, who co-wrote the original, returned as screenwriter.

‘Evan Almighty’ Is an Expensive Fantasy Sequel!

Image via Universal Pictures

Despite being an expensive production with double the budget of its predecessor, Evan Almighty was a box office failure, grossing only $174.4 million worldwide. This is a huge gap from Bruce Almighty, which earned $86.4 million in its opening weekend and had an overall gross of $484 million worldwide, becoming the fifth-highest-grossing film of 2003. Still, both fantasy films were critical flops, with Evan Almighty earning 24% on Rotten Tomatoes, half of Bruce Almighty’s 48%.

Carell and Freeman reprise their roles as Evan Baxter and God, respectively, in the 2007 spin-off, which is a modern-day retelling of Noah’s Ark, that Evan reluctantly re-enacts on God’s behalf while he also pursues a new career in government. Other stars featured in Evan Almighty are Lauren Graham, John Goodman, John Michael Higgins, Wanda Sykes, Jonah Hill, Johnny Simmons, Graham Phillips, Jimmy Bennett, Molly Shannon, Ed Helms, and Harve Presnell.

Evan Almighty is now streaming on HBO Max. Stick with Collider for the latest streaming updates.

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Release Date

June 9, 2007

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Runtime

96 minutes

Director

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Tom Shadyac

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Something nice is happening right now. People are remembering that Regina Hall is talented. Like, can do it all, laugh-out-loud comedy and Oscar-nominated dramatics, talented. If you’re one of those people and One Battle After Another is what finally made it click for you, that’s genuinely fine – better late than never is a real thing. But if we’re talking bandwagon acrobatics, may we direct you to one of the actor’s most underrated catalog entries, Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul.?

It’s got everything you could want from a sharp, religious satire dressed up as a mockumentary. A Southern Baptist megachurch. A sexual misconduct scandal. An extremely ill-advised documentary about the comeback attempt. Sterling K. Brown playing an egotistical preacher who absolutely believes his own press. Hall as Trinitie, his First Lady – put together, loyal, desperate to clean up her husband’s very large mess. It’s on Netflix. It’s been waiting patiently. Here’s your sign to hit play.

A Megachurch Mockumentary That’s All Kinds of Awkward

Honk for Jesus is technically a mockumentary, which means there’s a documentary crew following around a very public couple during a very public image rehab campaign. The couple in question: Trinitie and Lee-Curtis Childs, once the glamorous leaders of a Southern Baptist megachurch that has recently been rocked by scandal. Attendance has plummeted. The vibes are undoubtedly off. And yet, the closet full of designer suits stays color-coordinated.

Brown plays Lee-Curtis as a charming, slippery snake-oil salesman who’s absolutely certain this is all temporary. He’s puffed up with just the right amount of charisma and animal magnetism to make the theory that his lavish lifestyle is, in fact, funded by the donation plate plausible. (Who wouldn’t tithe it all away for those pearly whites?) While he’s hamming it up for the camera, Hall’s got a harder job. Trinitie is in a midlife crisis of her own as a woman figuring out who she is when the thing she built her identity around starts falling apart. And director Adamma Ebo indulges in the artifice of it all, making the most of his chosen format to mine every bit of cringe she can from confessionals gone sideways and hot-mic pick-ups and long-lens shots that make the audience feel like peeping toms. It’s sharp without being preachy, awkward, uncomfortable, and very, very funny.

Regina Hall: Saved, Sanctified, Slightly Spiraling

But let’s talk about Hall, because this is really her movie.

Trinitie stays dressed like the congregation might repopulate at any second. Her hair is immaculate, her tailoring aggressive. She sweeps through echoing hallways with full Sunday-morning confidence as Hall gives her a hyper-specific precision that makes you think every smile and wave has been workshopped a dozen times already. What’s so fun to watch is how Trinitie performs for the camera while clearly having an entirely separate internal monologue. She’ll deliver a gracious, holier-than-thou soundbite about forgiveness, then flick her eyes toward the documentary crew like she’s begging for a life raft to be thrown. It’s a comedy performance built on micro-expressions and Hall sells it all so effortlessly that you start paying more attention to her pauses than the bigger punchlines.

Opposite her, Brown gives Lee-Curtis the kind of glossy sheen that explains how he raised this megachurch in the first place. He is very committed to the idea that this is all just a temporary setback, enough so that he strips to his skivvies to be baptized and born again, displays his Prada suits for the camera, and compares his comeback to that of another born brawler – Rocky Balboa (but the second movie, y’all).

Related

Of ‘One Battle After Another’s Supporting Characters, This Performance Deserved More Credit

A striking performance of few words.

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The dynamic between him and Hall is where the movie really hums. They have the chemistry of two people who have spent years presenting a united front. When they argue, it’s not a dramatic showdown, but a PR meeting that’s two seconds away from going off the rails. Brown’s Lee-Curtis is delusionally confident and frustratingly dismissive of the real-world consequences of his actions, while his wife, Hall’s Trinitie, is masking sheer panic and suffocating misery behind a brittle smile that only falters when she thinks the camera’s not trained on her.

The movie is smart enough not to turn her into a saint. Trinitie has enjoyed the perks of this empire. She likes the big house. She likes the clothes. She likes being First Lady. And Hall never pretends otherwise, which makes the performance sharper and more human. You can see her weighing loyalty against self-preservation in every interaction, calculating what she can afford to lose and what she refuses to give up because of her husband’s indiscretions.

‘Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul’ Is a Hilarious Comedy Worth a Watching

Image via Focus Features 

If you are worried this is going to be two hours of easy megachurch jokes, it’s not. The humor is more observational than slapstick, and that’s mostly because the mockumentary format lets the awkwardness breathe. There are long pauses. There are straight-to-cameras that start confident and end slightly off-balance, and moments when you can tell a character is saying one thing and thinking another.

Hall thrives in that gray area. She has always been good at comedy that has a little bite to it, and here she layers that skill with something more vulnerable. A joke will land, and then half a second later, you realize there is something sad underneath it. If anything, this film serves as proof that Hall has never had to choose between comedy and drama. She’s been blending them for years. She just needed a character big enough and complicated enough to show off her full range.

Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul may not have dominated the discourse when it first came out, but it has aged into a very satisfying watch. It is sharp about public image and private compromise without turning into a lecture. It gives Sterling K. Brown room to be charming and maddening at the same time. But most importantly, it gives Regina Hall a character who is funny, proud, anxious, controlled, and slowly fraying around the edges. If you are in the mood for something that will make you laugh and then immediately rethink why you’re laughing, this is it. And if you are newly obsessed with Hall’s ability to do absolutely everything, this will only deepen the fixation.

Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul. is now streaming on Netflix in the U.S.

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Release Date

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September 2, 2022

Runtime

103 minutes

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Director

Adamma Ebo

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Adamma Ebo

Producers

Regina Hall, Sterling K. Brown, Daniel Kaluuya, Rowan Riley, Gerry Pass, Adanne Ebo, Amandla Crichlow, Kara Durrett, Jessamine Burgum, Matthew R. Cooper, Adamma Ebo

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When it comes to fantasy stories, war is a pretty prevalent concept, especially in the epic fantasy subgenre. Even though fantasy is supposed to be a form of escapism, it sometimes parallels incidents in real life, which helps it relate to the audience more, even in spite of its detachment from reality. This is the case for a lot of fantasy stories, even in the realm of television.

The small screen has seen its fair share of fantastical wars, involving magic and monsters, but also a hefty dose of reality. Many of the characters in this show have often expressed their views of conflict, allowing the viewer to sit and ponder the nature of conflict in the real world. These are the best quotes from fantasy TV shows about the nature of war, conflict, and death.

1

“Never make war in anger.”

‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’ (2022–Present)

Image via Prime Video

Say what you will about The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, but this simple line is actually pretty good. This line is uttered by Adar (Sam Hazeldine) in the second season. Much of the Middle-Earth legendarium outlined by J. R. R. Tolkien in his original works features numerous bloody conflicts, so many of the Elves, who are immortal, have lived through a lot of wars, Adar included. As such, they generally know when war is necessary, and when it’s not.

Adar may be corrupted by Morgoth, but his words are still true. With this quote, he weighs in on the fact that if one is going to start a war, they had best have a clear head and know what the heck they’re doing. To start a war based on a whim, or out of pure emotion, is not going to end well. Who knows? Maybe once the powers in charge have cooled down, they’ll realize their mistake, but at that point it will already be too late. Even though this is a fantasy series, this line couldn’t be any truer.

2

“Nobody wins in war.”

‘Arcane’ (2021–2024)

Image via Netflix

This quote from Season 1 of Arcane is pretty simply put and far from profound, but that doesn’t make it any less true. It’s pretty spot-on in fact. The one who drops this line is Vander (Jean-Benoît Blanc), who isn’t the main character of the show, but is still a supporting and guiding figure for the series’ main protagonists. This is because he used to be a ruthless killer, and is still pretty rough around the edges, so he certainly knows a thing or two about conflict.

While he doesn’t put it very eloquently, his statement is pretty fundamental to the concept of war. While most wars do have a definitive winner and loser on paper, the destructive power of war is such that it is bound to cause immense human suffering and death, as well as decimate the resources of the different factions. One might win, but at what cost? He’s basically arguing that the only way to win the game is to not play.

3

“No longer certain that one ever does win a war, I am.”

‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ (2008–2020)

Image via Cartoon Network

Yes, Star Wars: The Clone Wars is fantasy — even franchise creator George Lucas says so himself. One of the franchise’s most iconic and recognizable characters is Yoda, voiced in Clone Wars by Tom Kane. The little green master is known for his backwards way of speaking, and for his infinite wisdom. He’s about 900 years old, after all. One is bound to gain some moral wisdom with all the things he’s seen and lived through.

As the Clone Wars rage, Yoda begins to doubt whether the Republic can actually win — in fact, he starts to doubt whether anyone can actually win. In Season 6, Yoda admits that he is growing more and more unsure that a victory is possible with how many people have died. Sure, someone might win on paper, but in the end, is any victory really worth the deaths? This is basically a more elaborate version of the one from Arcane, but it’s still true, in any event.

4

“War doesn’t build, it destroys. Only peace can create.”

‘The Dragon Prince’ (2018–2024)

Image via Netflix

The Dragon Prince is generally a less mature TV show, yet this line is still an important lesson to viewers of all ages. The one saying it is Prince Ezran (Sasha Rojen), who may be young, but still knows this to be absolutely true. Maybe it’s because he understands the conflicts that have been plaguing Xadia for much of its history, even if he previously spent much of his time far from the front lines.

He doesn’t put it in a very profound or philosophical way, but his statement is brutally honest and straight to the point. Even in real life, the sole purpose of conflict is to destroy. It’s not to foster courage or inspiration, it’s to beat the enemy into submission until they can’t take it anymore. Ezran states that many of the world’s greatest achievements, whether it be art, innovation, or the human connection, can only be fostered in times or places of peace.

5

“Sometimes, the best way to prevent a war is to be ready to fight one.”

‘Xena: Warrior Princess’ (1995–2001)

Image via Universal Television

This quote from Xena: Warrior Princess is said by Xena (Lucy Lawless) herself. She’s not just a great warrior, but she’s a great leader and tactician, too, who knows exactly how to defeat her enemies. This series is based on Greek myth, so it does parallel history a little bit, which is why this quote is particularly memorable. Namely in the fact that, like many of the others on this list, it’s pretty factual.

Xena basically says that preventing war isn’t always a matter of pushing for peace or finding a compromise. Sometimes, the enemy is out for blood and isn’t planning on backing down. In this instance, the best solution is to prepare oneself for an attack and build up strength, so that when the enemy does make their move, the defenders will be ready to crush the resistance and end the conflict as quickly as possible. It’s a commentary on how it’s best to be on the defensive rather than on the offensive, especially in a situation where diplomacy isn’t an option.

6

“I know what’s worth the fight, and what is not. Honor and courage are matters of the bone, and what a man will kill for, he will sometimes die for, too.”

‘Outlander’ (2014–Present)

Image via Starz

Outlander opens up in World War II, but features the supernatural ability to time travel, leaving two lovers jumping back and forth between various eras, many of which are still pretty war-torn. This is a low fantasy series, so most of the eras explored are actual pieces of human history. As such, many of the characters are pretty familiar with the brutality people frequently inflict on each other, which has been a constant throughout time.

Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan) is the primary love interest for the protagonist of the series, who embarks with her on her journey through time. In this quote, he states that he has seen a lot of conflict, and has come to understand what drives people to fight and kill. He knows what is worth starting a war over, and when it’s better to walk away. He implies here that love is more than worth it, especially love as strong as he feels. Indeed, quite a few wars throughout human history have been started in the name of love, and love can drive people to go to any lengths necessary, so he’s not wrong.

7

“The best victories are won before swords are crossed.”

‘Game of Thrones’ (2011–2019)

Image via HBO

Lady Olenna Tyrell (Diana Rigg), also known as the Queen of Thorns, is known for her abrasive, yet clever insults and comebacks. She has lived a long time, which means she’s got a lot of wisdom underneath that headdress she’s always wearing. She generally disapproves of Westerosi politics, but isn’t afraid to make her move whenever she sees an opening. However, she would much prefer her move be discreet, so as not to cause major fallout.

In fact, in one of the later seasons of Game of Thrones, she drops this line, which is not only true to life, but also a perfect reflection of her character. What she’s basically saying is that the greatest victories are the ones that avoid conflict. If compromise is an option, it should be pursued. If not, it is best to assure your victory before the real fighting starts via a series of political maneuvers. It’s a line that more world leaders should really take to heart.

8

“We were taught that the Fire Nation was the greatest civilization in history, and somehow, the war was our way of sharing our greatness with the rest of the world.”

‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ (2005–2008)

Image via Nickelodeon

This is one of the truest things ever said in Avatar: The Last Airbender. The line is said by Prince Zuko (Dante Basco), a troubled and complex character throughout the series. He belongs to the Fire Nation, who largely serve as the antagonists of the series. It’s an authoritarian state that uses their superior technology to conquer the other three nations, ruling over them with an iron fist.

Here, Zuko reflects on his childhood, talking about how the Fire Nation brainwashed him into thinking the war was a good thing. It wasn’t until he got older that he realized how wrong that excuse was. This is actually pretty reflective of colonialism, with many colonial wars being fought in the name of “civilizing” or manifest destiny, yet they actually wrought unspeakable horrors. It’s a concept that’s true to life, and to the world of Avatar.

9

“Humanity will never stop fighting until there’s only one person left.”

‘Attack on Titan’ (2013–2023)

Image via Crunchyroll

Commander Erwin Smith (Daisuke Ono) is known for being one of the most experienced and level-headed military officials in Attack on Titan. In humanity’s last remaining refuge, corruption reigns. Many military officials are cowardly, hedonistic, and perfectly content in letting others do their dirty work for them. But not Erwin. Erwin likes to be where the action is. As the leader of the Scout Regiment, his role is to go beyond the wall on excursions. Here, he witnesses the worst of human capability.

If there’s one thing Erwin knows, it’s that one constant piece of human history, even in a fantastical world, is conflict. It’s one thing to want peace, but it’s pretty unattainable since there will always be someone to muck it up. What Erwin is saying here is that the only way to achieve true peace is for there to be only one person left on Earth, because as long as there are two, someone is going to want someone dead. It’s pretty cynical, but it is a harsh truth about human nature.

10

“People blame us for breaking the world, but they didn’t bother to pick up the pieces. 3,000 years later, and they’re still bashing about with swords and queens.”

‘The Wheel of Time’ (2021–2025)

Image via Prime Video

Ishamael (Fares Fares) is the chief of the 13 Forsaken in The Wheel of Time. He has lived for millennia, and has witnessed some of the most devastating conflicts on Earth. To understand this quote, one has to know a bit of the context of the story. The Forsaken are commonly blamed for tainting the male half of the One Power, the source of all magic, which drove the Dragon Reborn, Lews Therin Telamon (Alexander Karim) insane. Lews Therin then destroyed the world, with the Forsaken taking the blame for it.

Ishamael doesn’t deny his actions, but he does make a good point. Namely, he says that nobody bothered to try to build a better world after the Breaking, and that humanity was still set in its way. Wars still erupted, and they’re still going on. So maybe the world was always meant to break, and maybe it’s not entirely the fault of the Forsaken. This is pretty cynical as well, and kind of mirrors what Erwin Smith says, but it does also help the viewer understand the Dark One’s view a little bit.

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The Wheel of Time

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Release Date

2021 – 2025-00-00

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Network

Prime Video

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Showrunner

Rafe Judkins

Directors

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Sanaa Hamri, Ciaran Donnelly, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Thomas Napper, Maja Vrvilo, Wayne Che Yip

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