Layla Taylor has shared many parts of her life as a member of the cast of the hit Hulu reality series “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” but as fans are enjoying the recently released fourth season, she’s opening up about an ongoing “battle.”

In a recent interview, Taylor shared the details of her ongoing struggle with an eating disorder, one she says she’s dealt with since childhood.

‘Mormon Wives’ Star Layla Taylor Details Ongoing Eating Disorder Struggle

In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly on Saturday, March 14, “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star Layla Taylor shared with the outlet her continuous struggle with an eating disorder dating back to childhood, the treatment she’s received, and more.

“It’s still going to be a battle,” Taylor told the outlet. “I think what people don’t see is that an eating disorder is not just like, a talk about it one time in therapy or take a magic pill and it goes away.”

“It’s something that I’ve struggled with since I was a little girl, so it’s something I probably always will,” she said. “But I feel like I’m doing better, and I’m in a little bit of a better place. But day by day.”

Taylor also confirmed that she is currently “still seeking treatment” at an out-patient facility and that the effects of her eating disorder are not just visibly detectable.

“I think obviously you see that somebody’s losing weight, but you don’t see that it hurts for them to lay down at night because their joints hurt and my hair is falling out and my nails are breaking off every day,” she shared. 

“I couldn’t sleep throughout the night, and I was exhausted all the time. There’s so many things that you don’t see — I think just the physical that my body literally couldn’t go any longer at the rate that I was at,” Taylor added. “At the end of the day, I want to live a long life so I can see my babies grow old and have babies and live their life. And I can’t do that if I’m dead.”

The Reality Star Also Revealed Her Usage Of GLP-1s To Lose Weight

While most people who use GLP-1s for weight loss are likely not as thin as Taylor, she revealed that she decided to use the drugs as a “crutch” during the continuous struggle of her eating disorder.

“Obviously not eating all day, you’re going to get hunger cues, and that’s the hard part about having an eating disorder, is that you still have those,” she told Us Weekly. “So I feel like the GLP-1 was a way to not enable the eating disorder, but in my head, it was a way to make an eating disorder more easy. It was just like an unhealthy crutch.”

“I’m glad that I don’t abuse that drug anymore,” Taylor admitted. “I’m not on it anymore because I still struggle with the body image issues, and that’s always going to be a problem, but at least I’m trying to manage it and not be on something that I knew was enabling it worse.”

Layla Taylor Recently Ended Her Relationship With Former Boyfriend Mason McWhorter

Following her February breakup with Mason McWhorter, “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star broke the news that the two broke up ahead of the fourth season premiere, which is now streaming on Hulu.

After previously posting an emotional TikTok video explaining that she and McWhorter ended their relationship, Taylor posted a follow-up video with a very different tone. 

In her first video, she stated that she and McWhorter had “no bad blood” and she “genuinely” wishes for “nothing but the best for Mason.” 

However, mere hours later, her sentiment took a turn.

Initially, Taylor said “things just weren’t working out,” and she thinks they “were just on two different paths.”

“He felt in order for him to grow, he had to be on his own,” she said in the first video. “And I respect his decision, and I truly hope that he gets what he wants in life.”

In the follow-up video, however, the MomTok member captioned it “All while texting me he missed me the same morning and couldn’t stop crying…glad growing is off to a great start”?

The voiceover of the video said, “It was never gonna be you, so for you to be so delusional and crazy like that.”

Taylor and McWhorter’s relationship is heavily documented in the current season of “Mormon Wives.”

Fellow ‘Mormon Wives’ Star Mikayla Matthews Also Opened Up About Her Recent Split

Season four of “Mormon Wives” documents the continued struggles in the marriage of Mikayla Matthews and husband Jace, in which they ultimately decide to take time apart amid their intimacy struggles. 

Speaking with PEOPLE, Matthews explained how the couple’s separation is “still new” to her.

“Last season, we dove into the beginning stages of it, and that was me revisiting all this trauma for the first time as well,” Mikayla told the outlet about her childhood sexual abuse. “It’s still new to me, and it’s new to him, and we’re just navigating it the best way that we can.” 

‘Mormon Wives’ Is Reportedly Getting The Spin-Off Treatment

Per TMZ, sources close to the potential “Mormon Wives” spinoff series revealed that a pilot episode has already been filmed and is currently being shopped to streaming services, including Hulu, in hopes of being greenlit for a full season.

Sources also told the outlet that they are eyeing a March start date to film additional episodes, but that timeline rests on whether they are picked up by a streamer.

Although the show’s pilot is based in Orange County, California, if it gets picked up, it would likely also expand to Los Angeles.

The cast has not yet been revealed, but production sources told TMZ that “a few familiar faces” would be part of the ensemble.

Spring is here, and so is our hunt for clothes that are both functional and fashionable. Few pieces deliver on both fronts quite like a spring maxi skirt with pockets — aka our go-to uniform for when we want to look chic but still carry the essentials. Whether you’re a mom of little kids or an on-the-go fashionista who needs room for all the little extras, spring maxi skirts are the sunny-day piece you’ll reach for on the regular.

No matter if your style gravitates to flowy floral maxis, eyelet classics, gorgeous bubble‑hem skirts or minimalist linen staples, there’s a pocket-packed pick on Amazon that’s ready to join your style rotation. So get with the season and shop our 17 favorite spring maxi skirts with pockets below — starting as low as $13.

Effortless Maxi Skirts With Pockets

1. Our Favorite: Get the ultimate boho look in this flowy floral maxi. The lightweight skirt comes in a range of dreamy colors and prints, but our fave is the ’90s-inspired ditsy floral.

2. Capsule Ready: Build your capsule collection with this high-waisted black maxi skirt. Reviewers say it’s a warm‑weather staple that stays breezy even on the hottest summer days.

3. Versatility First: Shoppers are obsessed with this tiered maxi skirt. The double‑lined piece is perfect for everything from daytime outings to spring festival season.

4. Rainbow Bright: If bold, bright prints are your thing, don’t skip this colorful maxi skirt. It’s an essential you can wear from the first of spring straight through the end of summer.

5. Breezy Design: Eyelet maxi skirts are practically a spring requirement. This top‑selling style comes in a range of season‑ready shades — including standout hues like hot pink and light blue.

Related: Your Winter-to-Spring Closet Needs These Boutiquey Transitional Dresses

Winter dressing can be tricky, but you know what’s even more complicated? Putting together outfits during the transitional season. Mornings and evenings can get as low as 45 degrees, and by lunch, temps are suddenly at a high of 75. So yes, you’re cold, you’re hot and you’re sweaty all at the same time. We’ll […]

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6. Easy Wear: Simple meets chic in this smocked waist maxi that takes the pain out of spring styling. It’s an easy slip‑on‑and‑go piece, perfect for weekend errands and laid‑back outings.

7. Vertical Lines: We’re getting major rich‑mom energy from this striped maxi skirt. Go full nautical with the blue stripe, or lean into spring with the softer mellow yellow.

8. Vintage Inspiration: There’s something endlessly romantic about a bubble‑hem maxi skirt. This option comes in an array of eye‑catching prints and colors — including polka dots, airy blue and even a bold leopard print.

9. Confident Pick: Show a bit of leg in this slit maxi skirt that’s made for warm, laid-back days. It’s flirty and fun without feeling too bare.

10. Boutique Style: If you’re going for boutique-level quality, this bohemian floral maxi skirt is the way to go. The pocket-packed design honestly looks like something you’d snag at Anthropologie.

11. Less Is More: The current Carolyn Bessette effect is real, and this belted, quiet‑luxury maxi skirt is a piece that captures her signature blend of ease and elegance.

12. Trending Skirt: Denim maxi skirts are so in right now, and this spring‑ready piece is the perfect way to embrace the trend. It looks just as cute with sandals as it does with your favorite white sneakers.

13. Go-To Fabric: Linen is practically the fabric of spring, which explains why we immediately add this breathable linen maxi skirt to our carts. It’s breezy, comfy and made for bright sunny days.

14. Designer Lookalike: This lace-trim maxi skirt resembles a much pricier style at boho-brand DÔEN. The delicate and flowy silhouette gives it that same heirloom feel — without the splurge.

15. Mom-Approved: Should your style lean more practical than floral, consider this cargo‑style maxi skirt. The built‑in pockets and structured fit make it a go‑to for busy mom days.

16. Perfect Pleats: We’re struggling to pick our favorite print in this pleated maxi skirt. From ditsy floral to bold red, every option feels like a standout for spring.

17. Youthful Energy: You’ll look like an off‑duty ballerina in this tulle maxi skirt. Youthful and ethereal, it taps right into the balletcore trend without looking costume‑y.

Related: These Boutique-Looking Maxi Skirts Scream ‘Nantucket Rich Mom’ (Under $35!)

That “effortlessly wealthy coastal grandmother” look shouldn’t require a $200 trip to a resort town boutique. You know the vibe: a flowy maxi skirt, simple sandals, maybe a linen top, and suddenly you look like you’re summering on Nantucket. We found 13 boutique-looking maxi skirts that look expensive but come in under $35. The fabrics […]

Prince Harry is firing back after author Tom Bower alleged in his tell-all book that Queen Camilla once accused him of being “brainwashed” by his wife, Meghan Markle.

“Mr. Bower’s commentary has long crossed the line from criticism into fixation,” a Sussex spokesperson told People on Saturday, March 14. “This is someone who has publicly stated, ‘the monarchy in fact depends on actually obliterating the Sussexes from our state of life,’ language that speaks for itself.’”

The Sussexes responded to excerpts of former BBC journalist Bowers’ Betrayal: Power, Deceit and the Fight for the Future of the Royal Family being serialized by London’s The Times on Friday, March 13. The shocking claims in Betrayal include an alleged incident in which Queen Camilla — Harry’s stepmother — confided in a friend about her belief that the prince had been “brainwashed” against his family.

Us Weekly has reached out to representatives for the Sussexes and Buckingham Palace for comment.

Betrayal also alleges that Prince Harry, 41, distanced himself from his family and longtime friends once he started dating Markle, 44, whom he married in May 2018. (Prince Harry and Markle are parents to two children: Prince Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, 6, and Princess Lilibet “Lili” Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, 4.)

“[Bower] has made a career out of constructing ever more elaborate theories about people he does not know and has never met,” a Sussex spokesperson insisted. “Those interested in facts will look elsewhere; those seeking deranged conspiracy and melodrama know exactly where to find him.”

Elsewhere in Betrayal, Bower references criticism of Prince Harry’s 2025 Invictus Games in Vancouver and Whistler, Canada. The athletic competition is held every two years as a way to showcase the enduring spirit of military personnel injured in combat.

The author writes about supposed complaints that the 2025 Invictus Games were centered more around Prince Harry and Markle’s public appearances than the competition itself. Some observers also allegedly took issue with athletes living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other mental health conditions competing against people with physical conditions.

“It is disappointing to see The Times give prominence to commentary that appears driven by a long-established agenda rather than a genuine understanding of the Invictus Games and the community it supports,” an Invictus Games spokesperson told Us via a written statement on Saturday.

“The Foundation exists to support the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans from around the world,” the spokesperson continued. “Attempts to question the legitimacy of competitors or diminish the experiences of those living with both physical injuries and invisible wounds such as PTSD are deeply disrespectful to the men and women the Games were created for. The focus should remain where it belongs — on the courage, recovery and camaraderie of those who have served.”

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Related: Most Shocking Royal Family Feuds in History

They may be royals, but life is not always a fairy tale for the British royal family. Queen Elizabeth II has had to deal with a lot of drama over the years. Back in the ‘80s, the marriage of her son King Charles and Lady Diana Spencer rocked England after it was revealed the prince still […]

Prince Harry founded the Invictus Games in a partnership with Britain’s Ministry of Defence in 2014 after he served in the British Army for ten years. The next Invictus Games will be held in Birmingham, England, in 2027.

In 2020, Prince Harry and Markle announced that they were stepping back from their royal duties to relocate to North America. After initially moving to Canada in early 2020, the couple eventually settled in Montecito, California, later that same year.

Rebel Wilson continues her year-long battle with the producers of “The Deb,” which has taken yet another twist, opening what looks like a fresh can of worms against the actress. 

What was meant to be the “Pitch Perfect” star’s directorial debut quickly spiraled into a storm of lawsuits, countersuits, and bitter accusations. 

Now, new evidence shows Wilson allegedly enlisted a PR team to circulate false statements about producer Amanda Ghost, intensifying the already messy legal showdown.

Leaked Audio Reveals Rebel Wilson Allegedly Plotting Smear Campaign Against Amanda Ghost 

According to a newly released deposition filed by Ghost’s attorney, Wilson allegedly worked with a crisis PR team to share damaging claims about Ghost.

A leaked recording reportedly features a male voice identified as Jed Wallace, the owner of a crisis public relations firm, leading the conversation on ways to spread the false narrative. 

“We can’t just do, like, oh, she’s a b-tch, she sucks,” Wallace said in the audio obtained by The Hollywood Reporter. “It’s, like, it’s got to be really, really heavy and connected to something that heavy.” 

Wallace went on to suggest spreading claims that Ghost was an “absolute madame” who was “getting hookers” for billionaire Len Blavatnik, whose company financed the film project.

In the filing, Wallace allegedly includes instructions to The Agency Group, entertainment publicist Melissa Nathan, about how to spread the accusations online using anonymous posts and websites.

Another person mentioned in the recording is Bryan Freedman, Wilson’s attorney, as Wallace appears to reference him in the plan.

A former vice president of the agency, Katie Case, testified that Nathan sent her the recording. She was also reportedly asked to review a document containing accusations that were later published on a now-deleted website titled “Amanda Ghost is a Destroyer of Worlds.”

Court filings also suggest that Camp Sugar, Wilson’s production company, may have been involved in creating the document used for those allegations.

Why Wilson Raised Sexual Harassment Claims Involving Charlotte MacInnes

The legal dispute dates back to July 2024, when producers filed a lawsuit accusing Wilson of falsely claiming they embezzled funds. Wilson responded with a countersuit, adding allegations of sexual misconduct involving members of the production team.

During an appearance on “60 Minutes Australia” in November, the “Senior Year” actress explained why she felt compelled to bring up the claim.

According to The Blast, Wilson said her co-star Charlotte MacInnes told her that Ghost once asked her to take a shower with her to “warm up,” which McInnes said made her feel uncomfortable.

Wilson said she interpreted the comment as a potential sexual-harassment issue and believed she had a responsibility, as the film’s director, to escalate the matter.

Rebel Wilson’s Co-Star Accused Her Of Lying In Sexual Harassment Complaint

Following Wilson’s lawsuit, MacInnes publicly rejected the claims, saying nothing she told the actress could reasonably be interpreted as a report of misconduct.

MacInnes stated that she was “deeply disturbed” by Wilson’s accusations and claimed she felt bullied and pressured by the actress, who held authority over her during production.

“These statements are completely false and absurd. I have no idea what could cause Wilson and her attorney to make up such lies about me,” MacInnes wrote in her statement, per The Blast.

Rebel Wilson Addressed The Legal Crisis 

Wilson has since spoken about the issue, expressing hope that it gets resolved soon. As The Blast reported, before the movie’s red-carpet premiere back in September, Wilson acknowledged the growing conflict, admitting the situation was “not ideal.”

She previously alleged that producers attempted to block the film’s screening at the Toronto International Film Festival, but said she was proud that the festival’s CEO, Cameron Bailey, chose to program it regardless.

Wilson expressed optimism about moving past the ongoing legal disputes, saying that she feels confident the film will shine regardless of the setbacks.

The ‘Jojo Rabbit’ Star Is Expecting A New Addition To Her Family 

Despite the ongoing legal drama, Wilson has also had positive news in her personal life. Wilson and her wife, Ramona Arguma, announced three months ago that they were becoming a family of four. 

Per The Blast, Arguma shared the joyful news through an emotional Instagram Reel. The video began with a sweet snapshot of the couple smiling together on Disneyland’s teacup ride, captioned “From this” with a pink heart emoji.

Other moments in the video included baby photos of their daughter, Royce, clips of a positive pregnancy test, and glimpses of Agruma’s growing baby bump. The reveal concluded with the words, “To… Baby number 2 is on her way.”

Ryan Gosling had fans buzzing about his appearance following the premiere of his sci-fi film Project Hail Mary.

The actor, who dressed in an outfit from Dolce & Gabbana, was accused of looking different from his usual appearance, with some claiming that he had gone under the knife.

Ryan Gosling had previously raised eyebrows with his look during a recent appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” alongside his wife, Eva Mendes.

Fans Accuse Ryan Gosling Of Having Cosmetic Surgery After Appearance At A Movie Premiere

Gosling returned to the big screen with a new movie, “Project Hail Mary,” a sci-fi film in which the actor stars as a stranded science teacher.

The premiere of the film was held on Wednesday, March 11, with a proud Gosling showing up in a pinstripe suit and leather tie designed by Dolce & Gabbana.

However, the moment quickly took a twist due to the actor’s appearance, which netizens claimed seemed to have changed a lot.

Many alleged that the actor’s “new face” was the result of cosmetic surgery, with some even resorting to trolling.

“His injector needs to be jailed,” one netizen noted, per Bored Panda, while another said, “This isn’t a wax figure?”

A third person further trolled the actor, saying he looks like a “50-year-old teenager.”

An Expert Previously Weighed In On The Actor’s Look

Gosling had previously drawn attention for his appearance during a recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

At the time, his look was analyzed by plastic surgeon Dr. Sean McNally in a conversation with the Daily Mail.

McNally suggested that the actor may have used fillers, specifically targeted at his midface, to restore volume as the effect of aging crept in.

“This is a common spot of concern for aging since the fat pad drops and shrinks, making people look older and hollow there,” the medical expert emphasized.

Aesthetic Doctor Claims Ryan Gosling No Longer Has ‘Well-Defined Cheekbones’

The same sentiment about Gosling made by Dr. McNally was shared by aesthetic doctor Dr. Jonny Betteridge.

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Betteridge further claimed that the actor’s fillers were targeted at four points in his mid-face region.

“It’s clear to see the change in his facial proportions and the fullness to his mid-face and cheeks,” said the doctor in a post on Instagram.

According to Betteridge, the fillers may have been done around 2021. He added that before the changes, the actor had a more “sunken” facial appearance along with “well-defined cheekbones.”

The Actor’s Wife Eva Mendes Also Raised Eyebrows Over Her Look

During “The Tonight Show” outing, Gosling’s wife also made an appearance and received the same scrutiny over her looks.

Her look was also weighed in on by McNally,  who claimed she opted for less invasive treatments such as Botox or fillers, which are often used to reduce signs of aging.

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“I do suspect she’s a consistent user of Botox and fillers,” said the plastic surgeon.

“She has little evidence of wrinkles across her forehead, which would be very likely at 52, and I suspect fillers to both her lips and midface given their current volume compared to older pictures,” he added about Mendes.

Ryan Gosling delighted the Tonight Show audience by bringing Eva Mendes onstage as a surprise for her 52nd birthday. The famously private couple, who share two daughters, are rarely seen together in public – and Eva looked both amazed and thrilled to join Ryan under the studio… pic.twitter.com/2iJNfBufRO

— HELLO! Canada (@HelloCanada) March 6, 2026

McNally also speculated that Mendes might have had Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) or BroadBand Light (BBL), which helps improve skin appearance by targeting pigmentation, redness, and sun damage.

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“Age spots are a common concern for patients 40+, and while good skin care and sun protection can help, I suspect she’s utilizing IPL or BBL (not technically a laser but filtered light) to help keep those darker skin spots at bay,” the surgeon added.

Ryan Gosling Organized A Special Serenade For Eva Mendes On Their Rare Public Appearance

“The Tonight Show” outing was also the couple’s first public appearance together in over 10 years.

Interestingly, the rare appearance was also marked by a special celebration, which was Gosling surprising his wife for her 52nd birthday.

The birthday surprise featured a marching band, confetti, and a live serenade for Mendes, and also highlighted the actress’s love for teachers who filled the audience of the show.

“I love teachers so much. We owe so much to you guys,” the mother of two said while sharing her appreciation after the serenade. “I had so many amazing teachers mentor me. And I just wanted to say thank you to you guys.”

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Her sentiments were echoed by her husband, who also mentioned a personal detail to highlight his wife’s feelings.

“You have no idea how much she loves teachers,” the “Barbie” star noted. “She has her hall monitor sash still from when she was a kid. She hangs it proudly in the house.”

Candace Owens is adding fuel to the MAGA infighting by sharing an alleged message from the late Charlie Kirk.

“Meghan McCain is a piece of s***,” the alleged message from Kirk to Owens read. Owens shared a screenshot of the apparent DM in response to McCain, 41, on Saturday, March 14, via X, who initially tweeted, “Stop sharing dead people’s text messages – you absolute psychopaths.”

McCain was apparently referencing alleged text messages from Kirk to British far-right provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos, shared by Yiannopoulos on social media in an attempt to prove that fellow conservative Ben Shapiro was allegedly “secretly” commissioning so-called “hit jobs on TPUSA a decade ago.”

“Charlie Kirk knew,” Yiannopoulos claimed on Saturday. “We met and talked about it and discussed strategy. Kirk and I weren’t friends for long, but while we were, all he talked about was how amazing Candace was and how f***ing evil Ben is.”

Owens, 36, then sent another message to McCain, criticizing the conservative commentator for allegedly “pretending” to be friends with the late Turning Point USA cofounder.

“Pretending Charlie was friends with Ben Shapiro and filthy neocons like you simply won’t be happening on my watch,” Owens wrote.

The social media back-and-forth adds another layer to the infighting among far-right conservatives since Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025, at the age of 31. In the wake of his death, Owens has taken aim at his widow, Erika Kirk, launching a YouTube series The Bride of Charlie in which Owens claims Erika has lied about her background and used her husband’s death to advance her own career.

“There is something casual about the way Erika lies and how she lies about her background, how she lies about whether or not she’s had boyfriends, didn’t date for five years. That’s not true,” Owens alleged in one episode. “It’s almost like she glitches and she doesn’t remember. And there’s an element of that that to me feels like information is being downloaded, like she’s remembering things and can’t quite remember it.”

Us Weekly reached out to representatives for Erika for comment at the time.

The conservative influencer fighting has since escalated in the wake of the Iran war, with many conservatives — including Owens – criticizing President Donald Trump for failing to live up to his campaign promises.

“Donald Trump has very clearly betrayed the American people,” Owens said in a March 9 YouTube video. “You need to accept that. I’ve had to accept that.”

She continued, “The very people we had to fight to get Trump into office, he is now partnered with and insulting us and he thinks we’re too stupid to notice or something? He promised low gas prices. He promised no more forever wars, no more involvement in Middle East conflict. And we are now getting the exact opposite.”

Related: Inside Candace Owens and Charlie Kirk’s Friendship Before His Death

Candace Owens had quite the friendship with Charlie Kirk before his untimely death. “Charlie really was an amazing person,” Owens said in a September 2025 video, honoring Kirk. “We were really close and he was my best friend and my brother and I will never unsee the footage of what I saw, the violence of […]

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Earlier this month, Trump announced that the United States and Israel launched multiple airstrikes on Iran.

“I do not make this statement lightly, the Iranian regime seeks to kill,” the president said at the time. “The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost and we may have casualties. That often happens in war, but we’re doing this not for now, we’re doing this for the future and it is a noble mission.”

At the time of publication, at least 13 U.S. service members have died and approximately 140 others have been wounded in the ongoing war.

Editor’s note: The below contains spoilers for The Last Thing He Told Me Season 2 Episode 4.

Apple TV’s The Last Thing He Told Me is only halfway through Season 2, but already, the latest installment has drastically changed the game. Season 2, Episode 4, “Ghosts,” places Hannah (Jennifer Garner), Bailey (Angourie Rice), and Owen (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) in an even more difficult situation than before after the death of a character who has been around since the beginning. Grady Bradford (Augusto Aguilera), the U.S. Marshal who has consistently been on their side, turns up dead, seemingly of an overdose, but Owen believes there is more to the story. This dramatic twist propels The Last Thing He Told Me into the back half of Season 2 with more questions than ever before.

Though the loss of Bailey’s mother was a catalyst for everything that has happened, it occurred years before the story begins, making Grady the first significant death in the series. The twist presents a new challenge, as well, forcing the Michaels family to question whom they can trust. The loss of Grady is a major blow to The Last Thing He Told Me, but on top of that, the evidence he and Owen collected is gone, meaning any hope the family had for a safe reunion has been ripped away alongside their only ally.

Grady’s Death in ‘The Last Thing He Told Me’ Season 2 Is Shocking for Several Reasons

Grady has been a vital character since the beginning of the series, when he appears at Hannah’s door with an offer of protection, but in Season 2, he has even more going on. While working with Owen to uncover the Campanos’ latest scheme, Grady has also come under suspicion from Hannah. After an argument with Grady in Episode 2, she runs away from him, and just two episodes later, the Marshal is missing. Hannah’s investigation at Grady’s office reveals that he was supposed to be on leave, with his investigation kept a secret from even his boss, Maris Anderson (Michael Hyatt). With so much going on with the character, it seems natural for him to be the center of some twist, but then Owen finds Grady dead.

The Last Thing He Told Me is a tense show, often boasting dangerous scenarios, but it rarely commits to killing off a character. Grady’s death is rare territory for the series, and the fact that so much of the story is missing enhances the shock of Owen’s discovery. Yet, despite his death, Grady’s story is far from over. While he appears to have overdosed, no one who knew him believes it, implying that it is an attempt to cover up his murder. As Owen and Grady’s coworkers seek to answer the questions of who may have wanted Grady dead and why, this tragic death leads to a new mystery, which has now become even more personal for the characters.

Related

Apple TV’s 2-Part Mystery Thriller Returns to Instant Success After 3-Year Hiatus

The series also features a leading performance from Jennifer Garner.

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Grady’s Death Is a Turning Point in ‘The Last Thing He Told Me’ Season 2

Grady may not appear in every episode, but his death alters the show. Not only does it remind the audience of the seriousness of the situation, but it also provides an emotional twist. Grady’s death marks the loss of an important ally for Owen, Hannah, and Bailey. There are very few people that the Michaels family knows they can trust, and after helping Owen disappear all those years ago, Grady became one of them. Throughout Season 1, he was in their corner, fighting for the Marshals’ office to protect Hannah and Bailey even though they weren’t obligated to. Beyond the emotional implications, Grady’s death leaves the Michaels in a bad spot, placing them at the mercy of Maris Anderson and the Marshals’ office, which has clearly been compromised. It’s a difficult situation that will only make the show more tense going forward.

In addition to the loss of Grady from the show, his death jeopardizes any progress he and Owen have been making. Season 2 picks up after a time jump; while Owen has been unable to reunite with his family, he and Grady were gathering evidence to take the Campanos down for good. When Owen finds Grady’s storage unit cleaned out, presumably by whoever killed him, he realizes all of their work has been destroyed — and with it, Owen’s dream of returning home safely. Grady’s death will definitely impact the remainder of The Last Thing He Told Me Season 2, not just because it represents a tragic personal loss for the Michaels but because it raises the stakes even further.

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Release Date

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April 13, 2023

Network

Apple TV

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Showrunner

Laura Dave, Josh Singer

Directors

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Olivia Newman, Deniz Gamze Ergüven, Daisy von Scherler Mayer, Lila Neugebauer

Writers

Josh Singer, Laura Dave, Jamie Rosengard, Isaac Gómez, Harris Danow, Allegra Caldera, Erica Tavera

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• 

  Jennifer Garner

  Hannah Hall

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  Angourie Rice

  Bailey Michaels

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If you’ve been around the Western space for any amount of time, then you have absolutely heard high praise for Lonesome Dove. The powerful four-part CBS miniseries featured Tommy Lee Jones as Captain Woodrow F. Call and the late Robert Duvall as Augustus “Gus” McCrae, two roles that would not only define their respective careers, but would be unmatched in the genre. There’s a reason it’s so beloved as a classic, with many simply considering it a six-and-a-half-hour film rather than a miniseries. In fact, Lonesome Dove was so immensely popular that CBS boldly tried its hand at continuing the saga beyond Larry McMurtry‘s original epic novel with the four-part 1993 follow-up Return to Lonesome Dove. Despite the notable cast changes, it manages to carry on the story in style.

‘Return to Lonesome Dove’ Was a Controversial but Effective Western

After Lonesome Dove proved a ratings success in a post-Western age where most networks had killed any long-form series that resembled a horse opera, CBS jumped at the opportunity to continue the epic saga. At the time, McMurtry had yet to write any sequels or prequels to the original novel, and so the network had no source material to go on. Deciding to focus more heavily on his feature film career and pivot away from television, Tommy Lee Jones declined reprising his role as Captain Call (likewise, Anjelica Huston failed to return as Clara Forsythe Allen). For some networks, that would have been the end of it. Just as Robert Duvall perfectly embodied everything about the complicated Gus McCrae from McMurtry’s novel, so too did Jones solidify Call in our imaginations. He simply was the perfect cast. But CBS was determined, and in that determination cast Jon Voight as Captain Call (and Barbara Hershey as Clara Allen).

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As a fan of the original miniseries, Voight only wanted to sign on for the sequel if it was a story he believed was worth telling. “We know that there’s a job left for Woodrow to do,” the actor told The Roanoke Times in defense of his decision. “And indeed, we want him to fulfill those last wishes of Gus.” That wish? Finally acknowledging young Newt Dobbs (Ricky Schroder) as his son, something that Call continues to struggle with in this installment. And yet, it’s that tension between the captain and his long-time cowboy that is part of what makes Return to Lonesome Dove work despite the inevitable comparisons to the original. Return picks up exactly where Lonesome Dove left off, pushing Call to take responsibility for his kin and admit his failures to himself. It may take the entire sixish-hour ordeal to get him there, but as with the original tale, it’s the journey and not the destination that brings it all together.

In the end, the on-screen changes weren’t the only differences made between the two miniseries’. Mike Robe replaced Simon Wincer as director and John Wilder took over writing duties from William D. Wittliff as well, which may explain the slight dip in narrative quality. At the time, critics took quite harshly to Return to Lonesome Dove, comparing it unfavorably to the mastery of the original without acknowledging its own distinct contributions to the saga. Some of the criticisms are more than fair, of course. Entertainment Weekly went so far as to deem the venture “pointless,” though later admitted that it’s still a “perfectly decent Western.” Perhaps it’s the lack of McMurtry source material to pull from or the general absence of Gus McCrae that dampers the spirits — though old Gus certainly still haunts this adventure — but Return to Lonesome Dove certainly isn’t near the quality of the original Western show. What it is, however, is a complex, intimate, and all-around-engaging “what if” that uses the familiar characters and landscape as a stage for which to tell a powerful drama about father and son, love and loss, revenge, and the complications that come with legacy, both building and receiving it.

‘Return to Lonesome Dove’ Even Sparked Another Western Sequel

There are plenty of bright spots in Return to Lonesome Dove that make the drama worth revisiting as a standalone tale. Newt’s journey from a worried right hand to becoming a man in his own right is a powerful one. Especially as he wrestles with the walking temptation that is 17-year-old Reese Witherspoon‘s Mrs. Ferris Dunnigan, the young wife of his new wealthy Montana benefactor (played by the magnificently cruel Oliver Reed). Likewise, newcomer Gideon Walker (played by Young Guns II star William Petersen) is another highlight, as he smooth-talks his way into the good graces of Clara Allen just as she suffers an unimaginable loss. Although returning stars Tim Scott and Chris Cooper have considerably less to do this time around as “Pea Eye” Parker and July Johnson, they are joined by capable newcomers who help carry the weight.

Return to Lonesome Dove did well enough to spark a sequel of its own, Lonesome Dove: The Series, which followed young Newt Call (now Scott Bairstow) as he returns to the title Texas town to make a new name for himself. The Western series ran two seasons on CBS, completing the network’s non-canonical saga. However, that wasn’t the end for Call and McCare. The same year Return to Lonesome Dove premiered, McMurtry published his official sequel to the original series titled Streets of Laredo. Two years later, it too was adapted into a miniseries, featuring a brand-new cast.

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Return to Lonesome Dove

Release Date

1993 – 1993-00-00

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Directors

Mike Robe

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Related: Hilary Duff Uses These SPF-Infused Glow Drops That Are 57% Off

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