By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 12 seconds ago

While the franchise lingered on in the form of shows like Andor and The Mandalorian (and, unfortunately, The Acolyte), the Star Wars we know and love effectively ended with The Rise of Skywalker. After the critical and commercial failure of that film, the franchise seemed dead. That left just one question: what killed it? Certainly, all of the sequels were filled with some big missteps, but the final nail in the coffin was ROTS revealing Rey was secretly Palpatine’s granddaughter. It was weird enough that the Emperor came back with no real explanation as to how he even survived; now we had to deal with the newest Jedi being Space Hitler’s granddaughter.

Since The Rise of Skywalker came out, however, fans have proposed a singular theory about what would have saved that final sequel film and, by extension, saved Star Wars. If Rey simply had to be related to a famous character from the Original Trilogy, she should have been Obi-Wan Kenobi’s granddaughter. This would explain Obi-Wan’s voice in The Force Awakens, deepen connections to The Clone Wars, and even gently retcon the worst narrative mistake of the prequels. Just how would this narrative change do all that? Pour yourself a tall glass of blue milk, kid, because this is gonna be one heck of a tale!

Search Your Feelings, You Know It To Be True

The first reason Rey should have been the granddaughter of Obi-Wan Kenobi in The Rise of Skywalker is that it would have explained one of the biggest mysteries of The Force Awakens. In that first sequel, when Rey touches Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber, she receives a weird Force vision filled with sights and sounds from every era of Star Wars. In this vision, we hear the original voice of Obi-Wan (Sir Alec Guinness) distinctly say the name “Rey.” When TFA first came out, fans wondered how the Jedi Master would know the name of this new hero and if they might be connected by blood.

If The Rise of Skywalker had revealed Rey to be Obi-Wan’s granddaughter, it would explain why he was calling her name and perhaps watching her via the Force. It would also explain some of the confusion about who Rey’s parents are. Because of how the Jedi were hunted, it would make sense for Rey’s parents to keep their distance, lest their own connection to Obi-Wan get this young girl killed. Also, Obi-Wan’s child was presumably Force-sensitive; they might have used the Force to make it harder to detect the truth about her, explaining why Kylo Ren thought she was a nobody.

Jedi Hero, Secret Daddy

Additionally, Obi-Wan Kenobi hooking up with Satine (something hinted at in The Clone Wars) and having a kid would explain why he was so willing to look the other way about the secret marriage between Anakin Skywalker and Padme Amidala. Given what a stickler for the rules Obi-Wan is, it never made sense that he was cool with his former apprentice leading a secret double life. But if Obi-Wan secretly had a lovechild of his own, it would make sense that he wouldn’t admonish Anakin. For one thing, he’d feel shame; for another, Anakin might very well sense that shame via the Force if they had an open discussion about his relationship with Anakin, which would put Kenobi’s future granddaughter in danger.

Arguably, Rey being Obi-Wan Kenobi’s granddaughter could have given more meaning to her final fight with Emperor Palpatine. That fight always seemed a little hollow because there were no emotional stakes; it was a fight between someone we barely knew and someone we thought long dead. But if Rey carried Obi-Wan Kenobi’s bloodline, though, it would be like a very belated victory for the Jedi Master. Once, Palpatine killed all of his friends and forced him on the run; now, Obi-Wan’s granddaughter would make sure that the man behind Order 66 would never hurt anyone, ever again.

This isn’t a perfect solution to the failures of the Sequel Trilogy, of course. But giving Rey such a powerful connection to a beloved Star Wars character would fix some of the sequels’ narrative mistakes while deepening their connection to the prequels and adding some emotional heft to the big climax of The Rise of Skywalker. It would even give the Obi-Wan Kenobi show something else to explore in future seasons. Unfortunately, Lucasfilm making the character a secret Palpatine rendered Rey a much more confusing character, which may ultimately hurt the franchise once she becomes the anchor character for the next era of Star Wars films.

Like Us, Kate Middleton leans on mega flattering dress styles. During a summer outing, Middleton opted for a dress that covered her upper arms and cinched her waist at the same time, no squeezing involved. We found the look on sale for only $50!

While visiting a children’s hospital, Middleton wore a crisp white dress, adorned with front buttons, elbow-length puff sleeves and a belt that cinched her waist to perfection. The dress style was ladylike and breezy, and we’re copying the look all summer long. Seriously, it’s never been so easy to dress like a royal!

Get the Prettygarden Belted Maxi Dress for $50 (was $56) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

This Prettygarden Belted Maxi Dress appears incredibly similar, with the same white color, flowy skirt and puff sleeves that conveniently cover batwings. To top it off, it features an adjustable tie belt that shapes without squeezing.

Related: 17 Boutique-Style White Dresses That Make the Easiest Summer Uniform

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Little black dresses have their place, but let’s be real — it’s summertime, and that means wearing chic white dresses. Whether you’re running errands, brunching with the girls or vacationing in Europe, these 17 staple stunners have you covered. With loose, billowy fits, unique details and the occasional embroidered accents, these boutique-like numbers look much […]

And don’t worry, the fabric doesn’t stick. The cotton-blend fabric hangs loosely from your waist down, gently skimming past your tummy and adding movement when you walk.

One five-star reviewer wrote, “I absolutely love how flattering this summer dress is. The sleeves go down to my elbow, so it covers my thick arms . . . The skirt skims over my hips and my tummy area, so it’s very comfortable and looks nice without it looking so baggy and shapeless.”

Another happy fan wrote, “So cute. Fit perfectly on my short frame. The fit was great over my hips and thighs. (I’m a curvy shape.) Actually surprised me that I received so many compliments.”

Middleton reaches for tailored silhouettes with a romantic twist, and this maxi dress totally nails it. It’s the outfit you’ll choose for baby showers, vacations and brunches alike. We’re wearing it weekly through Labor Day . . . then snagging another color for fall.

Get the Prettygarden Belted Maxi Dress for $50 (was $56) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more summer dresses and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

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Fire Country alum Leven Rambin is revealing the unexpected complication that she says she sustained during a recent surgery to treat her endometriosis.

“I went in for a routine endo laparoscopy,” Rambin, 36, wrote via TikTok on Friday, July 10, detailing her procedure. “I had a Netflix job I needed to be at in two weeks and my doc said I would be fine. I woke up after surgery to many doctors and surgeons telling me they ‘saved my life’ after the [doctor] accidentally KNICKED [sic] my aorta.”

Rambin explained that other physicians “immediately performed repair surgery” on the vital artery, giving the actress a blood transfusion during the procedure.

“I’m on every med under the sun, my mom flew in,” she explained of her recovery. “I did get diagnosed with stage 1 endo and polyps.”

Endometriosis is a chronic and painful conduction in which tissue similar to what lines the uterine wall grows outside the uterus, according to the Mayo Clinic. The condition can impact the ovaries, fallopian tubes and tissue lining the pelvis, causing extreme pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and difficulties conceiving without medical intervention.

In Rambin’s case, a surgical specialist had punctured her aorta during the laparoscopy, a technique used by physicians to access the pelvis via small incisions.

“The first thing I said was, ‘Is this your fault?’” the Hunger Games actress recalled in a follow-up TikTok video. “She said, ‘Yes, it’s my fault.’ I said, ‘Aren’t you a specialist?’ She said, ‘I’m human.’ … I’m pissed, obviously. I understand it was a ‘risk’ like anything. It was a one in a million ‘freak accident’ that I’m still processing.”

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Related: Celebrities Who Got Real About Battling Endometriosis

Olivia Culpo, Julianne Hough and more stars have become fierce advocates for women’s health — especially when it comes to endometriosis. Endometriosis causes abnormal tissue growth in and around the uterus, and is one of the leading causes of infertility in women. The condition occurs in as many as 1 in 10 women, according to […]

Rambin has since been recovering in a hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU) for almost a week in after the surgerical complication.

“Why yes, I am up and walking after this crazy traumatic surgery,” she said in a TikTok video shared Sunday, July 4, giving an update on her fourth day in the hospital. “They told me that’s the best thing for healing, and I’m a f***ing bad bitch. I’m not gonna sit there and cry, although I have been crying. I think the reality is starting to hit me of what happened.”

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Rambin continued, “I was clearly in shock and medicated when I was making all those funny videos [about the incident]. It’s now starting to land. Don’t you worry, the gravity is starting to hit. Trying to avoid the mental rabbit hole if I can, but I’m only human.”

On her Instagram Stories later on Sunday, Rambin revealed that she had been discharged from the ICU wing.

“Out of the ICU and recovering like a rockstar,” she gushed via her Stories. “[I am] hoping to leave the hospital today.”

Christopher Nolan was full of praise for Samantha Morton’s performance in the upcoming epic “The Odyssey,” comparing her impact to that of Heath Ledger in “The Dark Knight.”

Morton was at a loss for words upon receiving such high praise, saying she felt “so honored and privileged” to have worked with Nolan.

The director, who has come under fire from several quarters over his casting choices, said the negative comments were “irrelevant” and that he had learned not to worry about them.

Christopher Nolan revealed that Samantha Morton, who plays the enchantress-goddess Circe in “The Odyssey,” delivered such an electric performance that it prompted a round of applause from the crew on set.

In a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times, the award-winning filmmaker compared the actress’s impact on the film to that of Heath Ledger’s performance as the Joker in the 2008 movie “The Dark Knight.”

“This was a massive film, and she is someone who comes in and changes the dynamic. In some weird way, the film lived or died over that character. She was the fulcrum,” Nolan told the news outlet.

He further revealed that he structured his filming schedule around Morton’s availability to ensure she could appear in the film.

“I’ve always admired Samantha’s work; she brings so much depth of thinking to her role. There are no limitations on her performance,” he continued.

“After one of her takes, the crew gave her a great round of applause,” Nolan added. “I was talking with Emma [Thomas] afterward, and she remembered that the last time that had happened was with Heath Ledger on The Dark Knight.”

Nolan’s Praise Leaves Morton Overwhelmed

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In Homer’s classical Greek poem, on which the film is based, Circe is the formidable sorceress who transforms Odysseus’s crew into swine before ultimately guiding him on his journey home.

In a conversation with PEOPLE about the role, Morton praised Nolan as a “master” and said it was an honor to appear in the film.

“Christopher Nolan is obviously a master of what he does, and for me, it’s utterly life-changing to get the moment to progress my craft because I’m always learning,” she told the news outlet at the movie’s London premiere on Monday, July 6.

“I’m 49 years old, I’m always learning, I’m always getting better. And I felt so honored and privileged to be in a situation where I could do that with a master.”

During an appearance on the British news show “This Morning” alongside Himesh Patel, the two-time Academy Award nominee said the crew’s reaction moved her to tears.

“It was incredible, and for Christopher to give me that opportunity — I’m 49, and you don’t know that those roles are ever going to come your way again,” she said. “It was like, ‘Thank you for giving me this.’”

Samantha Morton Says ‘The Odyssey’ Changed Her

Nolan’s “The Odyssey” is shaping up to be one of the biggest films of the summer and is scheduled to hit theaters and IMAX screens worldwide on July 17.

The film boasts a star-studded ensemble cast that includes Matt Damon, Tom Holland, and Zendaya, among others.

The story follows Odysseus (played by Damon) on a grueling decade-long journey home to Ithaca following the Trojan War. Along the way, he encounters mystical beings and powerful gods who seek to prevent his return.

Asked what a normal day on set looked like with a renowned filmmaker like Nolan and the film’s star-studded cast, Morton told PEOPLE that “there are no off days.”

“You are on for the rest of your life, in a good way. It’s life-changing from the minute I got the call to meet Christopher Nolan to getting the role of Circe, to filming it, to going home when I first saw it for this special night tonight,” she explained.

Christopher Nolan Dismisses ‘The Odyssey’ Backlash As ‘Irrelevant’

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Before the movie premiered in London earlier this week, Nolan faced heavy criticism from several quarters over his casting and creative choices.

Elon Musk was among those who slammed the filmmaker, accusing him of chasing awards by casting Nyong’o as Helen of Troy, a decision that divided social media users.

The film’s use of American accents and modern English dialogue also irked some critics, as did the armor design.

However, Nolan downplayed the pre-release backlash in a recent interview with The Telegraph, calling the criticism “irrelevant.”

“Comes with the territory,” he noted. “But look, these conversations that happen before people see the film — they’re always irrelevant, because no one having them knows what the film actually is yet.”

Christopher Nolan Reveals The Lesson He Learned From Batman

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Elsewhere in the interview, Nolan opened up about how he had always known that bringing such an epic story to life would provoke strong reactions, but said he had learned not to be bothered by them.

“Remember, I spent ten years of my life dealing with Batman. When I came on ‘Begins,’ writers and artists had been working on this beloved character for almost 65 years, and a lot of freighted thoughts were out there about what he represents,” he explained.

“And what I learned over my time on that trilogy is you can’t worry about any of that at all. What you have to do is honor the original text by interpreting it in the strongest way you personally can,” Nolan said.

He added that the outcome ultimately depended on how much fans of the original work enjoyed the movie, while stressing that the responsibility was on him to put “as good a version of it on screen” as possible.

“All I can do is make the best film I possibly can in the most sincere way. It’s very different from how anyone else would do it, but that’s what adaptation is,” he added.

By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 15 seconds ago

For the better part of a century, there has been a creative war between two powerhouse publishers: Marvel and DC. While there are plenty of others making comic books, these are the biggest names in the game, each amassing millions of fans. Eventually, the war leapt from the page to the silver screen, with each side releasing its own bevy of superhero films. For a long time, Marvel has been dominant: not only is the MCU the most popular cinematic universe ever created, but it outlasted the DCEU, which crashed and burned in its attempt to be the grim and gritty alternative to Marvel.

Last year, however, James Gunn launched the DCU with Superman, his film about the most famous superhero of them all. The movie was a hit, one that earned more than both of the MCU’s rival summer films (The Thunderbolts and The Fantastic Four: First Steps). It looked like Marvel might finally have a worthy rival, but now, it looks like the fight is already over. Gunn’s new cinematic universe was already in trouble when Supergirl became a critical and commercial bomb. Now, Gunn himself has confirmed that the DCU won’t show off anything at San Diego Comic Con’s famous Hall H, where Marvel is planning on making several major announcements.

Why Hall H Is So Important

So, what’s significant about Hall H? Basically, this is the home of the biggest presentations at San Diego Comic Con. Fans often line up a day in advance to get inside this 6,500-seat room; there, they are treated to a bevy of exclusive panels, trailers, and other previews courtesy of major Hollywood studios. Historically, Marvel has made major announcements in Hall H, and this year is no exception. Fans attending SDCC can expect major announcements about Avengers: Doomsday, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, X-Men ‘97, and more. Because of this, DCU fans were hoping James Gunn would bring some major announcements of his own.

Unfortunately, that’s not gonna happen. While there will be some other DC offerings elsewhere at SDCC (including an immersive Lanterns experience and a DC booth with a Superman Experience), there will be no DCU panels, updates, or anything else at Hall H. James Gunn himself confirmed this while also explaining his reasoning: namely, that he can generate hype for upcoming films for free via social media, but making a big splash at San Diego Comic Con would cost several million dollars. For the DC Studios co-CEO, the juice just ain’t worth the squeeze.

It’s All About The Money

He’s not wrong, of course: it’s always been hard to track how effective marketing movies to SDCC attendees is, especially because almost every “exclusive” thing they are shown ultimately ends up (officially or unofficially) on the internet. Plus, this is the fourth year Warner Bros. is skipping the Hall H hoopla, so Gunn’s announcement may not seem that shocking. Still, DCU fans are a bit surprised because there are major projects coming up, including Clayface and The Man of Tomorrow. Following Supergirl’s failure, this would be the perfect time to hype up the DCU, but Gunn is content to play cautious and coy.

From the outside looking in, this certainly feels like conceding defeat to Marvel. Instead of building hype and creating its own counternarrative, the DCU is just letting Marvel have all the glory at the biggest nerd convention in the world. Maybe this is practical: highly-anticipated films like Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Avengers: Doomsday were always destined to earn more than Supergirl, even if it hadn’t underperformed. Still, though, if Gunn isn’t willing to make the effort to market his cinematic universe, why should fans make the effort to check out future movies and shows?

When it comes to the ongoing battle between Marvel and DC, it seems clear that the house Stan Lee built has already won 2026. But will it ultimately win the war? Maybe, maybe not. Kevin Feige is gambling everything on Doomsday, and if that movie flops, it could be the beginning of the end for the MCU. That could make 2027 the perfect year for Gunn to strike back with some killer content of its own. If this year has taught us anything about saving the DCU, though, it’s that this is not a job for Supergirl!

Spoiler Alert: This list contains spoilers for multiple shows.Sci-fi shows tend to take years building up complicated worlds, fascinating mysteries, deeply emotional character journeys, and strange technologies, which can make sticking the landing at the series’ end a bit difficult. A great ending has to do more than simply wrap up a story; it should feel like a natural payoff, a satisfying closer to everything the show explored, whether that means completing character arcs, answering major questions, or leaving viewers with one final idea that changes how they see the entire journey up until that point.

The best sci-fi shows which wield masterful endings, like the underrated icon Dark, which brings an incredibly tangled web of families, timelines and repeated tragedies toward a deeply emotional conclusion, and The Leftovers, an HBO gem that uses belief, uncertainty and human connection to bring its story to a close, are works of fiction that manage to feel satisfying, giving their tales a sense of completion that stays with audiences long after those finale credits roll. Compiled on this list are the sci-fi shows that wield fantastic endings that genuinely stand as true masterpieces.

‘Battlestar Galactica’ (2004–2009)

Image via SYFY

This sci-fi cult classic is one of the finest in the genre, and its ending remains one of the most ambitious. The 2004 remake, Battlestar Galactica, follows the aftermath of the annihilation of humanity’s Twelve Colonies by robotic enemies, centering on a ragtag group of survivors aboard the remaining fleet led by the last Battlestar, Galactica.

Battlestar Galactica‘s finale comes after the transformation of the war between humans and Cylons into a much larger meditation on destiny, identity, and whether civilization is doomed to repeat itself. It’s a heavily debated finale that remains influential to this day. Battlestar Galactica‘s conclusion is fantastically bold and dramatic, with characters like Adama (Edward James Olmos) and Roslin (Mary McDonnell) finding closure, and humanity settling on a new Earth with conflicts resolved. Most fans find the ending to be perfect, one that fits the overall theme of the show and delivers a fantastic bittersweet resolution and mythic resonance that has cemented its legacy.

‘Lost’ (2004–2010)

Image via ABC

This six-season sci-fi beauty brilliantly wraps up every unexplained detail which might have held the key to its entire mystery. Lost follows the survivors of Oceanic Flight 815 who crash-land on a mysterious island rife with secrets and untold dangers.

Lost is quite famous for supernatural elements and cunning flashbacks, marking it as a well-crafted and highly entertaining viewing experience. The show’s finale only adds to its brilliance, as it remains one of television’s most-discussed endings. Lost‘s mind-bending conclusion is well known as the finale of all finales, as it both ties up characters’ arcs with a spiritual focus and reframes the series as a story about redemption, love, forgiveness, and the individuals who, along the way, managed to shape their lives.

‘Dark’ (2017–2020)

Image via Netflix

Dark is a fantastically addictive German sci-fi series that offers viewers a masterful and truly complex story. The show centers around teenager Jonas Kahnwald (Louis Hofmann), who, after two children go missing in their hometown of Winden, becomes caught in a conspiracy spanning several generations.

Dark may be uniquely underrated, but it’s a series that is well-loved by its devoted fanbase. Its finale is actually highly hailed as a true masterpiece that beautifully resolves its labyrinthine plot in one stroke. With Jonas discovering the origin of the time loop and ending the cycle by making the ultimate sacrifice, fans appreciate just how far Dark goes when forcing characters to confront fate and free will. The series as a whole is a genuine masterpiece that often rewards viewers for paying close attention, and by the show’s carefully plotted end, Dark delivers something truly epic that leaves its audience marveling at its emotional weight and ambition.

‘Sense8’ (2015–2018)

Image via Netflix

Sense8 is a wonder that is horrendously underrated and stands as one of the few shows that somehow succeeded when it was on the cusp of cancellation. The series centers on eight strangers around the world who discover they are emotionally and mentally tied, their lives gradually merging as danger finds them all.

Sense8 as a whole is a pretty entertaining series, but unfortunately, that entertainment came at a pretty high cost, with too few viewers to keep it going. What makes it the sci-fi watch that wields a genuinely masterful finale is not only the fantastic and spicy end that showcases action, drama, and the celebration of connection, but also the fact that the conclusion itself was desperately fought for by the fans of its story. Sense8‘s two-hour finale nicely wraps up its story with one more bout of emotional intensity, cluster action, the defeat of a chilling villain, and the explicit, yet stunningly artful love scenes that fans adore. It’s a watch to remember and is still regarded as a hard-won masterpiece of a conclusion that fans genuinely love.

‘Orphan Black’ (2013–2017)

Image via BBC America

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This Canadian sci-fi thriller delivers a fantastic ending that masterfully honors its core story about women treated as experiments who gradually become a family, reclaiming the right to define themselves and ensuring every moment of that epic journey truly matters. Orphan Black follows the con artist Sarah Manning (Tatiana Maslany), a woman who discovers she is one of the many genetically identical “sisters.”

Orphan Black is a star quality series with a finale that only elevates its status. The show’s conclusion is both satisfying and emotional, a marvelous ending that gives each clone a fitting resolution while celebrating the success of the family they fought to build. From central threads like Alison’s (Maslany) domestic life gaining stability and Cosima’s (Maslany) cure being found, to Sarah securing a future for her daughter Kira (Skyler Wexler), Orphan Black‘s finale brings every emotional arc together quite wonderfully, marking it as a masterful conclusion that gifts fans a quieter form of victory that feels right for the entire story

‘Astra Lost in Space’ (2019)

Image via Crunchyroll

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Astra Lost in Space is one of the finest sci-fi anime shows to ever exist, and unfortunately, most lovers of the genre have yet to find the impeccable series. The show focuses on a group of students who head to space, only to become stranded thousands of light-years away from home.

Astra Lost in Space is beautifully animated and wields an equally beautiful story. Its bright colors can be a bit misleading, as the story is much deeper than it seems, and by the end of the series, viewers are likely to be sobbing at the sheer emotional intensity the show delivers. The series is so much more than one may initially interpret—an overall mystery—sci-fi-heavy good time that wraps up neatly and truly feels rewarding. Astra Lost in Space is no doubt one of the most overlooked series on this list, but its masterpiece of a conclusion marks it as a quality watch that resolves a haunting mystery and genuinely lovable characters’ journeys.

‘The Leftovers’ (2014–2017)

Image via HBO

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This HBO masterpiece may have a rather short runtime, but it effectively leaves its mark on devoted fans’ hearts. The Leftovers is set after 2% of the world inexplicably vanishes in the “Sudden Departure,” and centers on the lives of those unfortunately left behind.

The Leftovers‘ finale definitely warrants attention because it is so often revered as one of TV’s most immaculate endings. The conclusion delivers a deeply personal resolution without tying everything in a neat bow, mirroring the show’s themes of mystery and faith. It secures the series’ status as a genuine masterpiece, and with its themes of ambiguity and humanity heavily showcased in its conclusion —a fantastic story that definitely rewards its viewers.

‘She-Ra and the Princesses of Power’ (2018–2020)

Image via Netflix

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She-Ra and the Princesses of Power may be a fantasy whirlwind, but its showcasing of giant mechas, high-tech swords, and alien foes makes it the perfect sci-fi genre mixture to add to this list. The animated reboot follows ex-Horde soldier Adora (Aimee Carrero), who discovers a magic sword that transforms her into the hero She-Ra.

After five intense seasons, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power comes to a close with a glorious finale. Adora finally defeats the Horde and saves the home she has come to know, and there is a major reconciliation with her childhood friend Catra (AJ Michalka) that truly sweetens the hard-won battle. Fans and critics alike have consistently praised the animation banger for its last episode, which gifts its audience with an emphasis on love and redemption in a truly masterful way. She-Ra and the Princesses of Power has been deemed “literally perfect” because its finale is such a masterpiece, making it the perfect addition to this list of finales done exceptionally well.

Editor’s Note: The following article contains spoilers for the Season 1 finale of Dutton Ranch​​​​​​.

If you need any proof that Yellowstone is the gift that keeps on giving, just look at Dutton Ranch. The Paramount+ spin-off is taking off in its debut season, having been renewed for a second season right before its Season 1 finale aired, and gaining some of the strongest reviews of any Yellowstone project with an 89% on Rotten Tomatoes at the time of writing. To put this into perspective: Yellowstone‘s massive success didn’t come overnight; its first season received a mixed reception. Fellow spinoff Marshals is off to a rough start, with its debut season being dinged for feeling like a cookie-cutter procedural. Dutton Ranch is about to undergo a major change in Season 2, which could potentially increase its audience goodwill.

This change concerns the showrunner position, which is being filled by Benjamin Clavell. Clavell is replacing series creator and Season 1 showrunner Chad Feehan, who departed Dutton Ranch before the series even premiered, due to creative conflicts with Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan and the rest of the cast. A look at Clavell’s resume also shows he’s no stranger to neo-Western shows grappling with thorny moral questions, as he served as an executive producer on Justified. Clavell’s Justified experience should come in handy, given where the Season 1 finale of Dutton Ranch left Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) and Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser).

‘Dutton Ranch’s Season 1 Finale Is The Perfect Place to Inject ‘Justified’ Vibes Into The Series

Image via Paramount+

When Dutton Ranch‘s Season 1 finale, “El Padrino,” ends, Beth and Rip are not in a good spot. The duo has run afoul of Mariano Reyes (Raoul Max Trujillo), a cartel boss with connections to rival ranch 10 Petal, particularly as he’s the father of Joaquin Jackson Reyes (Juan Pablo Raba) and partner to Belulah Jackson (Annette Bening). Mariano quickly shows that he’s not to be trifled with when he kidnaps Beth and Rip’s adopted son, Carter (Finn Little). Anyone who’s watched Yellowstone knows that the Duttons aren’t to be trifled with, and Kelly Reilly confirmed that Season 2 of Dutton Ranch will be an all-out war as Beth and Rip fight to get their son back.

“We’re going to see them tear up Texas to get him back. When Beth says, “They want us, then they’re going to have us,” I think all of the audience knows what she means.”

Reilly also confirmed that Beth and Rip will have to work with Belulah in order to save Carter, which is where Clavell can bring some of his Justified experience to the table. Throughout Justified‘s six-season run, U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens (Timothy Olyphant) was forever at odds with his childhood friend-turned-criminal Boyd Crowder (Walton Goggins), though there were times when the two had to work together. With a similar dynamic fueling Dutton Ranch, Clavell has the chance to further push the rivalry between Beth and Beluah to a new level while still keeping the bloody frontier justice that Yellowstone ​​​​​​is known for.

Benjamin Clavell Is No Stranger To Giving Paramount+ a Hit Show

In addition to his work on Justified, Benjamin Clavell has a history with Paramount+, as he created SEAL Team, the David Boreanaz-led military thriller that started life on CBS before moving to the streamer. SEAL Team follows the exploits of a group of Navy SEALs as they carry out extremely dangerous missions, while also exploring the toll warfare takes on them and their families. Again, we have a Clavell-helmed series that focuses on family bonds and the difficult moral choices one must make in certain situations, which makes him a perfect fit for Dutton Ranch.

While Dutton Ranch may have lost its creator, having Benjamin Clavell come in as showrunner could prove a boost for the show. Not only is the show receiving one of the creative forces behind Justified, but it is also getting a television veteran who knows how to create compelling shows.

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Release Date

May 15, 2026

Network

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Paramount Network, Paramount+

Showrunner

Chad Feehan

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Directors

Christina Alexandra Voros

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Writers

Jacob Forman, Hilary Bettis, Chad Feehan, Hayley Tibbenham, J. Todd Scott, K.C. Scott

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We used to dream of shopping at cute Southern boutiques, too, but that was before we uncovered these chic Charleston-style blouses that channel the exact same energy, but start at only $5. We’d pick these 13 luxe-looking summer tops any day of the week!

Whether you’re searching for a go-to blouse for errands, travel days, weekend brunches or even a few Mondays at the office, these stylish picks have you covered. We’re snagging at least three! Once you see them, you’ll understand why. Delicate floral prints, crisp fabrics and refined color palettes are just a few highlights. Scroll on!

13 Charleston-Style Summer Blouses — From $5

1. Our Favorite: Puff sleeves combined with a fresh floral print give this breezy summer blouse a garden party feel. It’s a staple you’ll reach for all season.

2. Cute and Colorful: The long sleeves keep this colorful printed blouse useful past summer, sliding right into fall without missing a beat.

3. Boutique Find: Ruffle sleeves, Swiss dots and flowy chiffon fabric stack three trends into one classy top. The result reads much more boutique-worthy than fast fashion.

4. Expensive Look: Rich gemstone tones and a tulip print give this $20 blouse a designer-shelf appeal. The saturated colors are what sell the high-end illusion.

5. Flattering Find: The babydoll cut provides shape without squeezing, while the vertical stripes add subtle length. It’s a combination that makes this slimming wonder a bloated-girl essential.

Related: Shoppers Say This Boutiquey Blouse ‘Hides a Little Extra Tummy‘

When you’re staring at your closet before brunch, a work meeting or date night, and every top either clings in all the wrong places or looks frumpy, you probably wish you had a go-to flattering top. Well folks, you do now, and it’s 40% off! This Falechay Boho Ruffle-Sleeve Top has been winning over shoppers who […]

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6. Simple Stunner: When your statement jewelry does the talking, you need a quiet canvas. This simple $17 top is that understated basic that lets bold earrings do their thing.

7. Mock-Neck Maven: A mock neckline gives this ultra-sophisticated blouse more polished than a standard crewneck shirt. It’s a small detail that channels instant rich mom vibes.

8. So Stretchy: Grab this stretchy blouse for travel days when you need a top that survives a plane ride, cab and dinner reservation. It holds up without a wrinkle.

9. Budget-Friendly: If you prefer coverage without overheating, this loose long-sleeve top is one to consider. It features lightweight fabric and woven elements to keep you cool. Plus, the Swiss dots are so pretty.

10. East Coast Vibes: An oversized front ruffle, stripes and short puff sleeves add up to deliver nautical, preppy energy. This Nantucket-style number reads coastal without appearing costumey.

11. Compliment Magnet: Wear this crowd pleaser to a baby shower when you want to look put together and garner endless compliments. It handles the small talk for you.

12. Designer-Inspired: Love Lilly Pulitzer, but not the checkout total? This designer-inspired top gets you the bright, resort-ready print for well under $20.

13. Elegant Embroidery: The embroidered details lifts this dreamy blouse well past its price tag. The stitchwork alone is worth photographing.

Related: 17 Billowy Summer Dresses That Look So Much Like Hill House Home

Hill House Home dresses are everywhere lately, and they’re undeniably chic. We were actually about to splurge on one ourselves, but not anymore! We found 17 loose, flowy dresses that look identical, minus the $300 price tags. Our favorites start at just $12! These billowy dresses are just as dreamy, romantic and expensive-looking, perfect for everything […]

CNN is addressing political commentator Scott Jennings’ recent claim he spoke with Mitch McConnell at length amid the senator’s ongoing and undisclosed health issue.

“As a CNN Political Commentator, Scott Jennings is not a full-time employee or journalist for the network,” a spokesperson for the network told The Daily Beast on Friday, July 10. “His account of a personal conversation with Senator McConnell reflects his experience and is not CNN reporting.”

Jennings, 48, alleged on a Tuesday, July 7, broadcast of CNN that he spoke to McConnell, 84, earlier that day for “about 17 minutes” while the senator was in the hospital. He further claimed that McConnell was “preparing, at some point, to go back to work” and denied reports that he was comatose or a “vegetable.”

Jennings had also tweeted about his alleged conversation with McConnell.

“He’s still recovering in the hospital. We talked for just shy of 20 minutes … about IRAN, UKRAINE, the unfolding situation in MAINE, my visit to the TR Presidential Library and even a little bit of Senate history,” Jennings wrote via X at the time. “I told him we want to see him back at work as soon as possible.”

McConnell was reportedly found unconscious in June after suffering a suspected heart attack.

“Senator McConnell is still working closely with staff on Senate business and Kentucky matters as he continues his recovery,” his spokesperson, Stephanie Penn, later told People via email on July 1. “However, he will not be voting this week.”

Days later, reports swirled that McConnell was brain dead amid his mysterious condition.

Related: CNN Commentator Scott Jennings Has On-Air Meltdown Over Iran Conflict Debate

Scott Jennings got into a heated debate during the Thursday, April 30, broadcast of CNN NewsNight. Jennings, 48, and his fellow panelists spoke about the ongoing Iran conflict on Thursday’s episode, in which the former political staffer disagreed with his counterparts about the war. “When you get up past your bedtime, you get hyper,” he […]

“Senator McConnell appreciates the outpouring of support he’s receiving while he continues his recovery in the hospital,” McConnell’s office said in a statement to Us Weekly on Tuesday, shutting down the speculation. “The senator continues to improve, and is working closely with his staff on Kentucky and Senate matters while the Senate is out of session.”

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McConnell, who has not further addressed his health scare, was previously hospitalized in February.

“In an abundance of caution, after experiencing flu-like symptoms over the weekend, Senator McConnell checked himself into a local hospital for evaluation [on Monday, February 2],” his rep told Us at the time. “His prognosis is positive and he is grateful for the excellent care he is receiving. He is in regular contact with his staff and looks forward to returning to Senate business.”

McConnell has represented Kentucky in the United States Senate since 1985. Currently in his seventh term, the politician announced in 2025 that he didn’t plan to seek reelection the next year.

Allie Eklund is in no hurry to jump back into the dating pool following her messy and very public split from The McBee Dynasty: Real American Cowboys star Steven McBee Jr.

“For me, at this point in my life, you know, it would be really hard to randomly date and get back out there,” Eklund exclusively told Us Weekly on Friday, July 10, while discussing her personal business venture Triple E Mercantile, a collection of goods inspired by her family’s private Texas Hill country ranch, home to more than 100 animals.

“I just turned 29 this year, and catching someone up to speed on everything that has happened in my life just seems pretty daunting, to be honest,” she continued. “I can’t even imagine, you know, first date conversations. And whenever I was dating Steven, you know, I didn’t think that I was going to have first dates again. So, I’ve been wrapping my head around that.”

Eklund famously split from McBee Jr., 33, in April, after the reality TV star accused her of cheating on him after attending Stagecoach. Eklund vehemently denied the allegations, and Mcbee Jr. eventually issued a public apology, vowing to do “better” while revealing he would be seeking mental health care at a wellness retreat.

While Eklund isn’t rushing to jump into another romance, she does know what she is looking for in a potential, future partner.

“I really would prefer to date someone that’s been in my life before, is what I am thinking,” she revealed to us. “[Someone] that I know has a proven track record of supporting me. I think with men, it’s really easy — in my experience — for them to say that they love all the things that I’m doing and admire it, but then they end up resenting me for it and wanting to change me and my experience with dating. That’s what I’ve seen play [out] over and over and over again.”

She added, “So, maybe dating someone that’s already been in my life or from my past that I know supports me and loves me and my career and my family, and I have a proven track record of, that is who I’m interested in being with.”

While Eklund and McBee Jr. are no longer a romantic item, fans of The McBee Dynasty: Real American Cowboys have been watching their relationship play out on season 3 of the hit reality TV series.

Eklund told Us that some of the tensions fans will witness between the former couple and prior to their split revolved around her desire to move to Texas while Steven’s family resides in Missouri.

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“I had plans to go back to Texas before I met him and I was sticking to my word on that,” she explained to Us. “And he wanted to be together, and was, you know, wanting to come to Texas, [while] I wanted him to stay in Missouri and we would, you know, find time to continue getting to know each other. You know, there was no rush to move states so quickly.”

She continued, “Having someone in Texas would obviously be amazing, because my family is here and I would love to stay in Texas long-term and raise a family here the way that I was raised here. So I would love to find someone in Texas, and a lot of Texas boys are cowboys. So they are not off the table for me. We’ll see.”

The McBee Dynasty: Real American Cowboys airs on Bravo Mondays at 9 p.m. ET.