Entertainment
When Everyone Is Different No One Is, Star Trek Proves It
By Joshua Tyler
| Published
Star Trek has a new show out, and this is a list of its characters, as the Starfleet Academy itself describes their identities and origins.
- Caleb Mir: A human orphan.
- Jay-Den Kraag: A half-human, half-Klingon hybrid.
- Lura-Thok: A half-Jem’Hadar, half-Klingon hybrid.
- Sam: A sentient hologram who is only a few months old.
- Darem Reymi: A Khonian.
- Genesis Lythe: A Dar-sha hybrid.
- Tarima Sadal: A Betazoid with extreme-powers.
- Nahla Ake: A Lathanite, hundreds of years old.
- The Doctor: A sentient hologram, hundreds of years old.
Who stands out from that group? Caleb, because he’s a human, and I am confident I can pronounce his first name. The rest are like the roster of an unsuccessful superhero team with names I can’t remember or say. I don’t know what most of these words are; it’s a bunch of newly invented letter configurations with no real meaning. It all runs together into one big blob of alphabet nothing.
I’m pretty sure “nahala ake” is the sound people make when they sneeze.
Star Trek’s Original Characters
Now here’s the cast of the original Star Trek series, as the show would have described them.
- James T. Kirk: A human from Iowa.
- Spock: A half-human, half-Vulcan from the planet Vulcan.
- Leonard McCoy: A human from Georgia.
- Montgomery Scott: A human from Scotland.
- Sulu: A human from Japan.
- Chekov: A human from Russia.
- Uhura: A human from Africa.
Among that group, Spock stands out as unusual and exceptional, because he’s very different from the types of people we’re used to. It doesn’t diminish the others, who become extremely well fleshed-out characters through their personalities and actions. However, it does give Spock an unusual starting point.
If I’d never watched Star Trek, I wouldn’t know how to pronounce Uhura, but I also don’t expect to be able to pronounce African names right off the bat. So that’s a good thing.
The Next Generation’s Characters
Let’s try a different Star Trek show. Here’s the cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation.
- Jean-Luc Picard: A human from France.
- William Riker: A human from Alaska.
- Data: An android.
- Beverly Crusher: A human woman.
- Geordi LaForge: A human man.
- Deanna Troi: A half-Betazoid empath.
- Tasha Yar: A human woman from a colony.
- Worf: A Klingon.
Who stands out in that group? Worf, because he’s a Klingon and that’s weird on a Federation starship. I know how to say “Worf!” without anyone telling me. Better still, it’s a fun word to say. Try it: “Worf!”
Data also stands out because he’s a robot. He also has a four-letter name, and it’s made up of a word I already know.
What’s going on with that Betazoid? She sounds interesting. Her last name is odd but simple and easy to remember. Would a half-Betazoid stand out if everyone with her on the ship was a half-something? No, no, she would not.
The Characters Of Deep Space Nine
Let’s try Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. That Star Trek show takes place on a totally alien space station, which means if any Star Trek series has a good reason to have a really wild group of characters, it’s Deep Space Nine.
- Ben Sisko: A human from Louisiana.
- Kira Nerys: A Bajoran terrorist.
- Miles O’Brien: A human from Ireland
- Odo: A shapeshifter
- Jake Sisko: A human from Louisiana.
- Jadzia Dax: A Trill from Trill.
- Julian Bashir: A human doctor.
- Quark: A Ferengi.
Who stands out in that group? Now it’s getting more complex. But half the cast is still composed of straightforward human characters with straightforward human names, people I can understand without a 5-episode story arc to explain their superpowers.
Ben, that’s a nice name for a Captain. Sort of like Jim. Or Jonathan. Or Kathryn. Seems like a person I can understand, and it’s easy to remember.
Deep Space Nine’s strange alien characters also have straightforward, simple names. The shapeshifter’s name is only three easy-to-pronounce letters. So is the last name of the Trill. Kira’s name is only four letters and close enough to a normal English name that I can probably guess how it’s pronounced. Her last name (actually, it’s more like her first name; it’s a Bajoran thing), Nerys, is rarely used on the show, so it doesn’t matter much. And because I took high school science, I already know how to say the word “Quark.”
Deep Space Nine managed the increased complexity of its cast’s origins and identity and then intentionally kept their names straightforward and simple. Then it gave the audience a lot of human characters mixed in with the aliens, so they had someone to easily identify with, without the need for extensive explanation
How Too Much Difference Creates Sameness
When you compare the cast of Starfleet Academy to the shows that came before it, you start to see the problem with the modern push to cram differences into everything. When all characters are a deviation, a subversion, or a novelty, difference isn’t contrast anymore; it’s the baseline.
Classic Star Trek worked because difference was relative. Spock stood out because everyone else was human. Worf mattered because Klingons were rare. Data was compelling because he was the only android in the room. The audience had a stable “normal” to measure against, which made the outsiders meaningful. Identity had narrative weight because it created friction.
In Starfleet Academy, there is no friction. When every character is defined primarily by how unusual they are, uniqueness collapses into sameness. The half-Klingon isn’t strange because there are multiple hybrids. The hologram isn’t unusual because the show already treats the artificial as routine. Nothing challenges the world because the world is already maximally diversified.
Half the fun in classic Trek is in exploring the differences between people who are otherwise the same. Those characters weren’t defined by their identity, which gave them more room to grow into individuals with their own selves, defined by their actions rather than a bunch of made-up words.
By defining your characters with diverse identities, this doesn’t create richness, it creates homogenization. Everyone occupies the same narrative lane: “I’m different, but I belong.” When that’s everyone’s story, it stops being a story and becomes wallpaper. Difference only matters when it’s rare enough to cost something. Without contrast, identity becomes aesthetic rather than dramatic.
In trying to make everyone special, Starfleet Academy and most other modern shows doing the same thing prove that distinction requires limits. Without those limits, all differences blur into none.
Entertainment
National Pizza Day 2026 is here — celebrate with deals and freebies from 7-Eleven, Chuck E. Cheese, and more
Monday, Feb. 9 is National Pizza Day. What’s that? This is news to you? You don’t have us fooled. This is one of the biggest days of the year for foodies. Don’t pretend for a second that you haven’t been eyeing up this date for months.
The great news for lovers of dough and melted cheese is that a bunch of popular retailers run promotions on National Pizza Day, including Chuck E. Cheese, Grubhub, Papa Johns, and Pizza Hut. That means you can celebrate this occasion with a cheap slice. We’ve tracked down everything that’s out there and lined up a selection of standout offers for your consideration.
If you want to make the most out of National Pizza Day 2026, check out some of the best freebies and discounts we found below.
National Pizza Day deals
7-Eleven
7Rewards and Speedy Rewards members can buy one pizza and get another for just $3. Plus, use the code DELIVERY10 to get $10 off any first-time orders of $20 or more on the 7NOW Delivery app.
California Pizza Kitchen
Get $10 off $40+ orders at select California Pizza Kitchen locations with the code WINTER10 at checkout.
Mashable Trend Report
Cheez-It
On National Pizza Day, get Cheez-It Duoz Pesto and Mozzarella and Cheez-It Snap’d Margherita Pizza for 20% off plus free shipping with the code PIZZA20.
Chuck E. Cheese
Until Feb. 12, celebrate National Pizza Day with a $5 large one-topping pizza with a games purchase. Fun Pass holders can score this deal without a games purchase.
Grubhub
On National Pizza Day, enjoy BOGO on six-piece wings with orders of at least $15 at Popeyes, get $7 off orders of $30+ at Pizza Hut, and get 25% off orders of $30+ at 7-Eleven. Plus, all Amazon Prime Grubhub+ members can use the code GET10 at the checkout to get $10 off a $30 order.
Papa Johns
Get the XL NY Style Pizza for $11.99 on National Pizza Day.
Papa Murphy’s
Get $10 off $25+ orders with the code PZDAY26.
Pizza Hut
Join Hut Rewards to get a free large one-topping pizza on your next order through the Pizza Hut app. Place a qualifying order through the app or online with a minimum purchase of $7.99 and Hut Rewards members will get a coupon for the free pizza within 24-48 hours in the app.
Entertainment
Amazons early Presidents Day deals include discounts on Apple, Roborock, and more
Best early Presidents’ Day deals as of Feb. 9:
If you missed out on last year’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, Presidents’ Day is the next major sales event worth shopping — and the first big opportunity of 2026 to save. Historically, this holiday is known for its discounted prices on large appliances, mattresses, and furniture, but if you know where to look, you can find some pretty good deals on smaller home goods and tech.
Here’s everything we know so far about Amazon’s Presidents’ Day sale, including the deals you can shop right now.
When is Amazon’s Presidents’ Day sale?
Presidents’ Day is Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. While Amazon has yet to announce an “official” sale event, the retailer typically treats the holiday as a long-weekend clearance event, and there are tons of deals already available. As we get closer to the weekend, we anticipate even more markdowns, particularly on Amazon devices (e.g., Echos, Kindles, Fire Sticks) and floor-care brands like Roborock and Dyson.
When does Amazon’s Presidents’ Day sale end?
As with previous sales events, Amazon’s Presidents’ Day deals will run through the three-day weekend, likely capping off late Monday night. In true Amazon style, we expect some Lightning Deals to pop up in the days leading up to the holiday, but don’t expect the best inventory to linger past Monday.
Below, we’ve rounded up the best early Presidents’ Day deals we could find as of Feb. 9:
Best Presidents’ Day Apple deal
$299
at Walmart
$399
Save $100
Why we like it
The Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) is down to $299 right now. That’s a $100 discount, which isn’t too shabby for a deal this early in the year. It’s the lowest price we’ve tracked on this model (according to CamelCamelCamel, it last hit this price on Dec. 30, 2025).
The Series 11 is a Mashable Choice Award winner that features advanced health tracking, up to 24 hours of battery life on a single charge (normal use), and a more durable exterior that’s 2x more scratch-resistant than the previous generation.
More Apple deals
Best Presidents’ Day Amazon device deal
$179.99
at Amazon
$219.99
Save $40
Why we like it
The Amazon Echo Show 11 (2025 release) was just announced this past October as part of Amazon’s big smart home refresh, and it’s already hitting its lowest price ever. Right now, you can grab it for $179.99, which is an 18% discount off the list price of $219.99.
It features a vibrant 11-inch Full-HD display (offering 60% more viewing area than the Echo Show 8) and room-filling spatial audio, making it a legitimate kitchen TV for streaming Netflix or Prime Video while you cook. It runs on the AZ3 Pro chip for faster responses and includes Alexa+ integration. Plus, the camera is upgraded with auto-framing and zoom for better video calls.
More Amazon device deals
Best Presidents’ Day TV deal
$179.99
at Amazon
$349.99
Save $170
Why we like it
The Insignia 55-inch Class F50 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV (NS-55F501NA26) is 49% off right now, bringing its price down to an impressive $179.99. That’s a solid deal for a 55-inch TV with smart capabilities (it’s also an Amazon’s Choice product with a 4.3-star rating from over 6K+ Amazon reviews).
Mashable Deals
The F50 Series includes an Alexa Voice Remote and features a 4K Ultra HD display with dynamic range, DTS Virtual:X sound, and Amazon’s Fire TV experience built in for seamless streaming. You’ll find your favorite streaming platforms, including Netflix and HBO Max, plus millions of free movies and TV episodes.
More TV deals
Best Presidents’ Day robot vacuum deal
Why we like it
Right now, you can get the Roborock Q10 S5+ robot vacuum-mop combo for $299.99, down from $549.99. This is the lowest price we’ve ever tracked for this model, and it’s our all-time favorite “quietest” robot vacuum.
Mashable’s vacuum expert, Leah Stodart, says this combo vac offers the best bang for your buck. With 10,000 Pa of suction and an auto-lift feature for the mop (so it doesn’t wet your carpets), you honestly can’t go wrong with the Q10 S5+.
More robot vacuum deals
Entertainment
When will Wicked: For Good be streaming? What to know to watch it at home.
Table of Contents
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande returned to the big screen to conclude Elphaba and Glinda’s story this past fall with Wicked: For Good.
Directed by Jon M. Chu once again, Wicked: For Good continues the story from the Broadway musical adaptation Wicked, which absolutely dominated the box office in 2024. Part one also picked up 10 Academy Award nominations, winning two for production design and costume design, and setting the bar extremely high for part two.
Besides Erivo and Grande, Wicked: For Good also stars Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, and Marissa Bode. It hit theaters in November 2025 and is now officially available to watch at home. Here’s everything you need to know to tune in — including when and where it’s streaming.
What is Wicked: For Good about?
Wicked: For Good picks up where Wicked leaves off — in the wake of Elphaba’s (Erivo) showdown with the Wizard of Oz (Goldblum). Having been labeled as the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba now lives in hiding. Glinda, on the other hand, has become a symbol of good as well as a public figure. Glinda hopes to protect Elphaba from an actual witch hunt, all the while, an outsider (Dorothy) arrives in Oz. The second act follows Dorothy and her Yellow Brick Road-trekking pals from the perspective of Elphaba.
Check out the official trailer below.
Is Wicked: For Good worth watching?
It’s tough for a sequel to live up to its predecessor, and Wicked: For Good struggles to match the magic of the first movie. On Rotten Tomatoes, for instance, Wicked holds an 88 percent critic score. Wicked: For Good, on the other hand, holds just a 66 percent. Audiences are pretty enthralled with both, though. Both films have over a 90 percent audience rating, though many people have debated whether two separate films were necessary in the first place.
“In the end, Wicked: For Good is sure to enthrall fans of the Broadway show, the first movie, and just about anyone who loves a splashy movie musical. Despite its faults, it’s still good,” writes Mashable’s entertainment editor, Kristy Puchko.
Check out our full review of Wicked: For Good.
How to watch Wicked: For Good at home
Credit: Universal Pictures
There are now a few different ways you can watch Wicked: For Good at home. You can buy it or rent it at digital-on-demand retailers for as low as $19.99, or you can stream it on Peacock. See the details below.
Mashable Top Stories
Buy or rent it on digital
Wicked’s second act is available as of Dec. 30, 2025, to buy or rent at digital-on-demand retailers. If you choose to rent, you’ll get 30 days to watch the film and just 48 hours to finish it once you start. If you choose to buy it instead, then it’s yours to keep with no watch limits.
Here are some quick links to rent or purchase the film:
Stream it on Peacock
Following the same timeline as its predecessor, Wicked: For Good will start streaming on Peacock on March 20, 2026. That’s almost exactly a year to the day since Wicked part one made its streaming debut.
If you don’t have a Peacock subscription, you can sign up for $10.99 per month with ads or $16.99 per month without. Before you get ahead of yourself, though, be sure to check out the best ways to save some money on a subscription below.
The best Peacock streaming deals
Best Peacock deal: Save 17% on an annual subscription
$109.99 per year or $169.99 per year (save 17%)
The best Peacock deal for most folks is the annual subscription deal. You’ll get 12 months of streaming for the price of 10 by paying for a year upfront. That’s a total of $109.99 with ads (which breaks down to just $9.17 per month compared to $10.99) or $169.99 without ads (which breaks down to $14.16 per month compared to $16.99). That’s about $21.89 in savings on the ad-supported tier or $33.89 on the ad-free tier.
Best Peacock deal for Xfinity customers: free Peacock Premium for eligible accounts
Credit: Peacock / Xfinity
Free for select Xfinity customers
Xfinity customers should check the eligibility details below before signing up for Peacock, as you might be able to score a subscription for free. Check out the breakdown of who is eligible to get Peacock for free through Xfinity below (or head to Xfinity.com for more details).
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Xfinity Internet customers who are Diamond or Platinum Xfinity Rewards members can get Peacock Premium for free by redeeming a reward for it. Sign in at xfinity.com/rewards and choose Peacock as a reward. Then, wait for your email (it may take a few hours) with instructions on activating the offer.
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NOW TV customers can also receive Peacock Premium as part of their service.
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New customers with Xfinity Internet and an X1 TV Box, Flex streaming TV Box, or a Xumo Stream Box from Xfinity can get Peacock Premium for free for six months.
Best Peacock deal for students and young adults: Save $5/month for one year
$5.99/month for 12 months (save $5/month)
$5.99/month for 12 months (save $5/month)
Students and young adults can save $5 per month on a Peacock Premium subscription all year long. Just verify your student status via SheerID and retrieve the unique promo code to knock the cost down to just $5.99 instead of $10.99. Note that after the promo year is up, you’ll be charged full price again unless you cancel.
Best for first responders, medical professionals, military, and teachers: Save $4/month
$6.99 per month (save $4 per month)
$6.99 per month (save $4 per month)
$6.99/month (save $4 per month)
First responders, medical professionals, military personnel, and teachers can all secure a Peacock Premium subscription (with ads) for a discounted rate of $6.99 per month by verifying their professional status via SheerID. Unlike the student deal, however, it’s not limited to a year. Those who continue to meet verification qualifications can renew their subscription at a discounted rate each year — although you may have to go through the verification process each time and receive a new promo code. Rates are also subject to change year to year.
Best for Instacart users: free Peacock Premium for Instacart+ subscribers
Credit: Instacart / Peacock
Free for Instacart+ subscribers (save $109.99/year)
An Instacart+ membership ($99.99 per year) unlocks a free Peacock Premium subscription ($109.99 per year value) on top of free grocery delivery, lower fees, and credit back on eligible pickup orders. Plus, if you’re new to Instacart+, you’ll get a free two-week trial to kick things off. Just be sure to cancel before you’re charged the full amount — do yourself a favor and set a calendar alert.
Best for Walmart shoppers: free Peacock Premium for Walmart+ members
Walmart now offers Walmart+ members the ability to choose Peacock Premium (or Paramount+) as a free perk. A $109.99 value, your $98 Walmart+ membership is already a better deal than paying for Peacock on its own. Add in free shipping (with no order minimums), fuel discounts, a Scan & Go checkout tool, and early access to deals during Walmart’s major shopping events, and you’ve got yourself a pretty sweet subscription. Amazon Prime who?
UPDATE: Feb. 9, 2026, 11:51 a.m. This article has been updated with new streaming details.
National Pizza Day 2026 is here — celebrate with deals and freebies from 7-Eleven, Chuck E. Cheese, and more
Amazons early Presidents Day deals include discounts on Apple, Roborock, and more
