Entertainment
Star Sightings: Lupita Nyong'o Rocks Red in New York City, Gavin DeGraw Performs at Belly Up in Aspen
Here’s a look at what celebrities have been up to as of late!
Lupita Nyong’o attended the New York Film Critics Circle Awards in New York City in the alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet Silas Velvet Blazer, the Taeyn Lace Bodysuit, and the Kennedy Satin Trouser.
Joe Keery attended the 83rd Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California in Persol Loris sunglasses and Persol (PO1026V) optical frames. The actor also carried The Trunk Suitcase from AWAY after landing in Paris, France.
Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Ted Danson, and Keri Russell had dinner together at Mastro’s in Beverly Hills, California, where they enjoyed a signature Mastro’s Seafood Tower, a 40oz Tomahawk steak, Kobe steak, and more.
Katy Perry attended the Joy Awards in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in the Juliette Pavé Huggie Hoop in gold by Dean Davidson.
Jesse Plemons enjoyed lunch in Los Angeles, California in The Founders Edition Yacht Shoe by SeaVees.
Meghan Markle attended the 2026 Sundance Film Festival at Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center. in Park City, Utah in The High Waisted Runaway in black by MOTHER.
Sarah Michelle Gellar appeared on Star Search in Los Angeles, California in the Nadine Merabi Kira Black Blazer and Kira Black Pants.
Jesse Williams appeared on Sherri in New York City in The Gatsby Sneaker in Taupe Suede by TAFT.
Kylie Jenner snapped a selfie for Instagram in GUIZIO’s The Perfect Classic Tank in red.
Kesha was out and about in Brazil in the Sloane Dress In Espresso by Natalie Rolt.
Carrie Underwood appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in Los Angeles, California in the Terri Argyle Crewneck Sweater in Grey Brown Argyle, Chantel Pleated Mini Skirt in Brown Plaid, and Laurel Diamond Print Long Sleeve Top in Brown Plaid by ASTR the Label paired with the Chero Loafer in brown by VALENTINA RANGONI and the Nova Space Ring in gold from ZA ZEWELZ.
Gavin DeGraw puts on a showstopping performance at Belly Up in Aspen, Colorado with Orlando Bloom in the crowd.
Kaley Cuoco attended the 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards in Santa Monica, California in SIMKHAI’s Norah Satin Blazer and Kyra Pants.
Hilary Duff performed in London, England in DUCIE’s Rochelle Shearling Coat. The singer also performed in Los Angeles, California after getting her skin prepped by celebrity makeup artist Kelsey Deenihan using Luna Bronze’s Illume Tanning Water and Instant Bronzing Cream.
Amanda Seyfried walked through New York City in a pair of vintage high-rise wide-leg jeans by Silver Jeans Co.
Charli XCX posed for a photo on Instagram in the Black Suede Studio Icon 80 in Black Leather.
Haley Lu Richardson appeared on LIVE With Kelly & Mark in New York City in ALDO’s Thanlinie Platform Heels.
Tom Blyth enjoys dinner at Vinile Chophouse in New York City.
Owen Wilson attends ICON Creative Studios World Premiere of Charlie the Wonderdog at the Culver Theater in Los Angeles, California.
Olivia Rodrigo worked out in Los Angeles, California in ALO’s Airlift Intrigue Bra. The singer also attended the Resonator Awards in Los Angeles, California in HUE’s Ultimate Silk Tights.
Sydney Sweeney and Scooter Braun celebrated Georgie Flores and Luis Galindo’s wedding at Papi Steak Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada, where guests enjoyed Wagyu Pastrami, Steak & Eggs topped with caviar, live King Crab, and the signature Beef Case presented tableside.
Cardi B arrived at Saturday Night Live in New York City ahead of the kickoff of her debut Little Miss Drama Tour.
Rachel Sennott teamed up with Wildflower to launch the Wildflower x Rachel Sennott phone case featuring pin-up doll illustrations lounging on clouds and floating through a soft grayscale sky.
Gwyneth Paltrow attended the AFI Awards in Los Angeles, California in Double Petal Diamond Huggie Earrings in 18kt White Gold and the Petal Diamond Pavé Bangle in 18kt White Gold from TACORI’s Dahlia Collection.
Gabrielle Union arrived at SiriusXM Studios in New York City in the Ronny Kobo 1988 Blazer, Alesis Vest, and Soprano Pants.
Grace Van Patten stepped out in New York City in ALDO’s Rivieraa Mules and ALDO’s Stessy 2.0 Pumps.
Hannah Einbinder attended the 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California in the Brilliant Earth Lucinda Round & Pear Diamond Pendant Necklace, Aquamarine Halo Diamond Earrings in 18K white gold, and Olivetta Double Row Lab Eternity Diamond Ring in 18K yellow gold.
Kevin Hart enjoyed dinner at Mastro’s in Beverly Hills, California.
Sofia Richie celebrated her baby shower in Los Angeles, California in a YG Blue Sapphire Pride Pendant on a YG Ball Chain.
Elsa Hosk posed on Instagram in the ALO High-Waist Airbrush Legging and ALO Cashmere Radiate Jacket.
Sarah Snook attended the 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California in a custom black lace gown by Patou.
Jennifer Lopez attended the 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California in Jean Louis Scherrer Spring 2023 Haute Couture from LILY ET CIE in West Hollywood, California.
Heidi Klum attended Clive Davis’ pre-Grammys party in Los Angeles, California in DUCIE’s Rochelle Shearling Coat.
Amelia Gray Hamlin of The LIONS attended the 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California in a custom-made Swarovski dress with a million crystals and Swarovski jewelry.
Michael B. Jordan attended W Magazine’s Annual Best Performances Party at Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles, California in the BLEUSALT CLASSIC T LITE. The actor also attended a Sinners event in Los Angeles, California and the National Board of Review Annual Awards Gala in New York City in the same shirt.
Hailey Bieber was out and about in Beverly Hills, California in the Daisy Sunglasses in Black by Giant Vintage.
Elle Fanning attended W Magazine’s Annual Best Performances Party at Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles, California in the Larroudé Linda Pump in black patent leather.
Justin Hartley attended the 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California in Bruno Magli’s Nico Patent Oxfords.
Jennifer Lawrence stepped out in New York City in the ALO YOGA High-Waist Airlift Legging.
Sophie Turner strolled in New York City in the Black Suede Studio – Shania 100 Mule (Black).
Olivia Jade showed off a pair of True Religion jeans in a TikTok Video.
Emma Stone attended a screening of Bugonia at the Writers Guild Theater in Los Angeles, California in Look #4 from PATOU’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection.
Kenan Thompson appeared on The View in New York City in The Gatsby Sneaker in Taupe Suede by TAFT.
Kelly Osbourne attended Clive Davis’ pre-Grammys party in Los Angeles, California in the Jason of Beverly Hills Trinity chain in yellow gold, a piece which originally belonged to her late father, Ozzy Osbourne.
Paris Hilton appeared on the Today show and visited SiriusXM studios in New York City in the alice + olivia Mya Printed Blazer and Teeny Bootcut Pant in the Solar Strength print paired with the brand’s Delaina Turtleneck in the Be Still print, and their Shelby Faux Shearling Maxi Coat in black. The DJ also stepped out in New York City in the alice + olivia Augusta Open Back Maxi Dress with the Kidman Feathered Jacket, the brand’s Emerson Military Jacket, Katz Pleated Maxi Skirt, completed with the Shelby Faux Shearling Maxi Coat, and lastly, the line’s Marcelene Maxi Coat, Breann Fitted Blazer, and Teeny Bootcut Pant.
Jelly Roll attended Clive Davis’ pre-Grammys party in Los Angeles, California in the 5 Cross Mariner Link Chain from Jason of Beverly Hills.
Katherine Schwarzenegger celebrated the launch of Biologica with cofounder Liz Zwillinger in Los Angeles, California.
Nick Cannon, Steve Carell, Pete Davidson, Nikki Glaser, Chelsea Handler, Kevin Hart, Kate Hudson, Mindy Kaling, Jimmy Kimmel, Conan O’Brien, Seth Rogen, Jelly Roll, Adam Sandler, and more were announced to participate in the first wave of shows for the 2026 Netflix Is a Joke Fest from Monday, May 4 through Sunday, May 10 in Los Angeles, California.
Chance the Rapper performed on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in New York City in the Reversible Fade Out Sweater in Cloud by Represent.
Mandy Moore appeared on Cameron Rodgers’ podcast, Conversation with Cam, to talk about motherhood, friendship, and navigating her life and career.
Anthony Ramos sat down with Kristi Cook, a.k.a. Spill Sesh, for an interview about Hulu’s The Beauty.
SZA attended Clipse and Pharrell Williams’ Pre-Grammy party at Soho House West Hollywood in West Hollywood, California in the Elephant Studded Ring by La Marquise.
Shaboozey attended Clive Davis’ pre-Grammys party in Los Angeles, California in a bangle, ring, pendant, and bracelet from the Jason of Beverly Hills Roxbury collection.
Nick Gehlfuss and his wife Lilian Matsuda enjoyed dinner at Vinyl Steakhouse in New York City.
Natalie Morales attended the Vanity Fair and Amazon MGM Studios Celebrate Awards Season 2026 held at Bar Marmont in Los Angeles, California in the Lumière II Fluted Fancy Diamond Bangle, Luna Single Line Full Diamond Slim Bangle, and Lumière II Fluted Diamond Bangle in white gold by La Marquise, the Crosby Hinged Huggie Hoops by Dean Davidson in silver, and the Galaxy Bag and 40” Bow Strap by ROCKNOT in crystal.
Nitish Kannan and Leonardo DiCaprio posed at the 2026 BAFTA Tea Party in Los Angeles, California.
Greer Grammer celebrated the opening of Brilliant Earth’s flagship store in Beverly Hills, California, dubbed The Showroom of the Future.
Zara Larsson attended Spotify’s 2026 Best New Artist party in West Hollywood, California in the Dream State Bangle Set from 8 Other Reasons.
KATSEYE attended Spotify’s 2026 Best New Artist Party in West Hollywood, California in the AKIRA Mate Ruched Boot in black and the Teuila Ruched Wedge Boot in black. The group also performed during Sir Lucian Grainge’s 2026 Music Is Universal Artist Showcase held at Nya Studios in Los Angeles, California in the Emir Flat Fur Knee High Boot in black by AKIRA.
Ryan Michelle Bathe attended the 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California in the Louis Gown by Rish Bridal.
Cassie DiLaura attended the 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California in the Lumiere II Fluted Diamond Bangle in yellow gold by La Marquise and the Sylvia Earrings in gold by Ariel Taub.
Hudson Williams appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in New York City in a look styled by celebrity stylist Anastasia Walker, which included Fiametta’s Mini Emerald Bezel Hoops. The actor was also out and about in Milan, Italy in the Ksubi Hazlow Selvedge Jean in NY Black.
Jodie Woods and VEEZE teamed up with True Religion to launch a mini capsule collection with sets, denim, graphic staples, and more with True Religion detailing and prices ranging from $62 to $259.
Nancy Silverton, Tanya and Joe Bastianich, and Robert Kim celebrated the grand opening of Lapaba, (La(the) Pa(sta) Ba(r)), an innovative dining experience that blends Italian and Korean culinary traditions in Los Angeles, California.
SUNJIAYI collaborated with ROOTS for a limited-edition collection to celebrate the Lunar New Year filled with cozy sweatshirts and tees along with various leather accessories.
Sara Wyle attended the 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards in Santa Monica, California in the Lace Corset and Semi-Sheer Skirt Set in Black by OKSANA MUKHA.
Marnie Wekselblatt and Laura Galvan hosted a Rummiklub LA event, sponsored by Astral Tequila, at Santa Monica Proper in Santa Monica, California, to celebrate the release of Doll Baby by Emily Singer.
Gabby Reece teamed up with Vionic to launch The Gabby sneaker featuring Vio Motion™ Technology, friction laces, a seamless embossed padded tongue, molded heel counter, engineered knit upper, 3D Printed Toe Overlay, dual-density midsole foam, a podular outsole design, TPU stability plate, rubber outsole, and back by Heeluxe testing.
Celebrity aesthetic provider Vanessa Lee hosted an exclusive digital event to unveil the science and technology behind The Things We Do’s first-ever body treatment, ONDA PRO.
Celebrity makeup artist Patrick Ta hosted the Patrick Ta Beauty Art of Blush event at The West Hollywood EDITION in West Hollywood, California to showcase his blush techniques and placement.
Guitar Center CEO Gabe Dalporto launched his Inside the Noise with Gabe Dalporto podcast to offer behind-the-scenes conversations with artists, innovators, and executives shaping modern music, including Andy Mooney, Paul Reed Smith, Chad Smith, and more.
Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu appeared on Jamie Laing’s viral mini-skit series CKTV.
Katie Austin brought her KA Daily Signature Program to New York City for Stakt Studio’s Weekend Wellness Event.
Carson Roney celebrated her birthday in Mexico with boyfriend Jordan Wallace, a few weeks after the duo won the NBA Creator Cup in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Holly Brooks launched the Strong Society Planner, a 3-month guided planning tool to help with structure, accountability, and productivity.
Jamie and Jeanee Crane-Mauzy’s MoCrazy Strong Foundation hosted Alive to Thrive, a skiing event for TBI survivors, at Canaan Valley Resort in Davis, West Virginia.
Chase DeMoor continued his breakout run in the ring with a majority decision win in Dubai.
Cassidy Montalvo attended the premiere of Mercy in New York City.
Macy Broyles attended the 2026 Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale, Florida.
Derrick Rose teamed up with Assouline for their latest book launch Derrick Rose: The Poohprint, to celebrate his early childhood, NBA career, and life post-retirement.
Kristin Juszczyk and Emma Grede teamed up with the NFL and Fanatics to announce the Off Season collaboration with Team USA featuring a limited-edition, 7-piece winter capsule collection with prices ranging from $45 to $625.
Paige Lindgren spent the weekend at the Santa Monica Proper Hotel in Santa Monica, California with Purely Elizabeth.
Amanda Frances hosted an exclusive Vision Board Party via the Amanda Frances App to ring in the New Year. In honor of her late son, Zion Chase Tsivislavsky, where 50% of proceeds were donated to Miracle Babies, an organization that supports families through the NICU journey and beyond.
Susan Holmes McKagan and Duff McKagan attended the induction of Sensei Benny theJet into the Martial Arts History Museum in Los Angeles, California.
Caroline Vazzana announced her TV debut in Bring my Pinterest to Life coming to Roku in March 2026.
Maci Neely attended the premiere of Wuthering Heights in Los Angeles, California in the Azazie Sorrel dress in Espresso.
Dripology delivered IV refreshments at Alo’s Wellness Club App Reset Rituals Retreat at the Alo Headquarters in Beverly Hills, California.
Free People hosted a Shakeout Run at FP Movement in Coconut Grove, Florida and hosted a Cheer Zone at Mile 11.5 during The Miami Marathon in Miami, Florida with a tent, live DJ, noisemakers, poster-making, and more, before hosting a tent at the Finish Festival with complimentary coffee and refreshments, a photobooth, and spin to win prize wheel.
Kelsey Meyer interviewed Chelsea Handler, Harry Jowsey, Raven Symone and more for her newly launched podcast, The Dog & Pony Show with Kelsey Meyer.
Cowboy Colostrum hosted a reformer Pilates workout at FOLM in Los Angeles, California, followed by Cowboy Colostrum’s signature Cowboy Matcha with Vanilla Cold Foam.
Bellami hosted an industry event at Bellami Beauty Bar in West Hollywood, California.
Boot Barn celebrated the opening of their store in Huntington Beach, California with a three-day celebration with live music, in-store events, customer giveaways, and more.
Prêt-à-Portea hosted an afternoon tea event at The Maybourne Beverly Hills in Beverly Hills, California, where guests enjoyed tea sandwiches, scones, savory bites, and edible treats inspired by looks worn by Timothée Chalamet, Ariana Grande, Jeremy Strong, Nikki Glaser, Jenna Ortega, Sabrina Carpenter, and Taylor Swift by Executive Pastry Chef Brooke Martin.
Beautyblender hosted an Artistry Gifting Suite at The Maybourne Beverly Hills in Beverly Hills, California to celebrate the 2026 awards season.
Yeastie Boys Bagels teamed up with the New York Post to launch the California Post with exclusive food specials, a wrapped Yeastie Boys x California Post truck, and a street team fanning out across Los Angeles, California for a city-wide activation promoting the launch of the new paper where they offered free bagels on certain days.
UNBOXED Group President and Creative Director Kyle Absolom reimagined the carpet for the 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, where it took over Wilshire Boulevard and featured a sculptural staircase that was covered in a custom Golden Globes Oxblood with a peach inlay.
Orcé Cosmetics launched The Fire Horse Collection and The Lunar Heroine Collection.
Emi Jay launched limited-edition Blind Boxes featuring never-before-seen collectible versions of Emi Jay’s most-loved Sweetheart Clips in Diamond Darling, Chantilly Fleur, Babies Bows, Love You More, and Bluebell Flutter.
alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet launched their Classic Collection filled with over 70 pieces included polished tailoring with luxe fabrics like cashmere, merino wool, suede, and leather, cropped knits, corset-waist shirting, and wide-leg trousers in a neutral-forward palette with prices ranging from $195 to $1,795.
Zach Justice unveiled the trailer for Vybes Villa, the YouTube reality series powered by members-only dating platform Vybes, which blends entertainment with real-world dating behavior to show what modern chemistry looks like when Vybes users meet face-to-face as they compete for a $25,000 cash prize.
Azazie launched Azazie Luxe filled with elevated essentials and Azazie Swim, the brand’s first-ever foray into swimwear.
Jack in the Box teamed up with The Hundreds for the Jack in the Box x The Hundreds: “Jack Was Here!” limited-edition collaboration featuring t-shirts, a sweatshirt, and a trucker snapback.
Solawave launched its revamped Neck and Chest Pro Light Therapy Mask for $349 to deliver a pro grade glow to the neck, décolletage, and surrounding skin with four rejuvenating wavelengths that smooth, firm, and brighten in a quick three-minute session.
CLEARSTEM launched the HAIR SKIN NAILS: Biotin Free Beauty supplement made with MSM to support healthier hair, nails, and skin, Nettle Root Extract to support fuller-looking hair, Methylated Folate to support hair and nail strength, and Vitamin E to support the appearance of hydrated skin.
Personal Day launched the Emotional Support Tinted Lip Balm in Jam Jar, a berry, and Strawberry Milk, a sheer, soft pink, powered by squalane, hyaluronic acid, and aloe.
Lee Jeans teamed up with Goody to launch The Goody x Lee® Collection filled with 20 items including hairbrushes, hair ties, headbands, scrunchies, claw clips, bows, and accessories to pair with Lee’s denim apparel and tops with prices ranging from $5.94-$12.94.
Allies of Skin reformulated its Azelaic & Kojic Advanced Clarifying Serum to target enlarged pores, blackheads, whiteheads, excess sebum, rough skin texture, uneven tone, dark spots, post-blemish hyperpigmentation, and dullness, delivering 45% clearer skin in just 28 days with twice-daily use.
nuuds launched nuuds Motion for the brand’s activewear category made with ultra-soft fabrics.
Taco Bell brought back its Crispy Chicken Nuggets with a Hidden Valley Diablo Ranch Sauce that fuses Hidden Valley Ranch’s creaminess and herbaceous flavor with Taco Bell’s Diablo heat. Taco Bell also launched the Luxe Value Menu featuring five new creations, including the Mini Taco Salad, Beefy Potato Loaded Griller, Chips & Nacho Supreme Dip, Avocado Ranch Chicken Stacker, and limited-time Salted Caramel Churros, along with five fan-favorites like the Cheesy Roll Up, Spicy Potato Soft Taco, Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito, 3 Cheese Chicken Flatbread Melt, and Cheesy Double Beef Burrito all for $3 or less.
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Entertainment
NYT Strands hints, answers for March 22, 2026
Today’s NYT Strands hints are easy if you’re simple.
Strands, the New York Times‘ elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There’s always a theme linking every solution, along with the “spangram,” a special, word or phrase that sums up that day’s theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.
By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.
If you’re feeling stuck or just don’t have 10 or more minutes to figure out today’s puzzle, we’ve got all the NYT Strands hints for today’s puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.
NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Trademarked no more
The words are related to common items.
Mashable Top Stories
Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained
These words describe everyday objects.
NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?
Today’s NYT Strands spangram is diagonal.
NYT Strands spangram answer today
Today’s spangram is Generic Term.
NYT Strands word list for March 22
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Zipper
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Escalator
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Thermos
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Generic Term
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Aspirin
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Dumpster
Looking for other daily online games? Mashable’s Games page has more hints, and if you’re looking for more puzzles, Mashable’s got games now!
Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you’re after? Here’s the solution to yesterday’s Strands.
Entertainment
Upcoming Firefly Reboot Will Feature Weird Animation And Activist Showrunners, Fans Divided
By Jennifer Asencio
| Published
The announcement of a new Firefly season at AwesomeCon on March 15, 2026, was eagerly anticipated by fans of the show. When Firefly was canceled in 2002, it was abrupt and even traumatic because we had all quickly grown attached to the quirky crew of the Serenity. The movie, named after the smuggling starship, delivered both excitement and heartbreak, giving fans what we all thought was one last look at Malcolm Reynolds and his associates. So when lead actor Nathan Fillion started teasing a cast reunion, Browncoats took notice.
On the surface, the cast announcement, made via Zoom, sounds awesome. There’s a new season in development and it’s going to be animated. It’s going to take place between the end of the single television season and the movie. This means Alan Tudyk’s wisecracking Wash is still alive, and also that Shepherd Book, previously played by deceased actor Ron Glass, can be taken “out to the black” and live on.
Same Cast, Different Style
Some fans are happy because the rest of the cast is reuniting for this project and finally answering their hopes. An animated version also avoids trying to explain why the characters look older than they did in the Serenity movie, while providing the fan service we’ve all been asking for.
The animation is being produced by award-winning studio ShadowMachine, which also inked BoJack Horseman, Guillermo del Toro’s Oscar-winning Pinocchio, the vanished Final Space, and a fair portion of Adult Swim’s content, including Robot Chicken. The animation style isn’t to everyone’s taste, though. Some people, beyond just those who only wanted something live action, aren’t warming up to the artistic concepts shared so far.
Still Looking For A Proper Platform
Another source of dissatisfaction is that the show doesn’t actually have a home. It has almost everything else it needs: a studio, a returning cast, and creator Joss Whedon’s blessing, but no streamer or network. The cast announcement struck some viewers as begging for help, and others as a false promise, since a show without a network is no good to fans.
The biggest red flags about the show for some fans have surrounded the show runners, both past and present. Whedon may have given his blessing, but he is not involved. Many believe that he is the heart of the show’s tone and humor, and that it wouldn’t be the same without his involvement.
Fans Approach With Guarded Enthusiasm
This has been amplified for a lot of viewers by the involvement of Marc Guggenheim and wife Tracy Butters, both alums of superhero shows but also outspoken activists. Guggenheim, responsible for the CW Arrowverse, has never shied away from using Arrow or Legends of Tomorrow to make political statements favoring specific talking points, and has already been noted for attacking Firefly fans who voted for President Trump. Such fans are concerned that yet another beloved property they enjoy will be used to attack and scold them with political messaging rather than good storytelling.
Every fandom has its slop eaters who will eat up a show, no matter how bad, just because it exists and bears the name of their favorite franchise. The Firefly fandom has hope that the combination of the cast reuniting and the show being animated compensates for its physical limitations. But a lot of fans, who have spent the past decade being burned by bad reboots, sequels, and spinoffs from their favorite franchise, are wary that Firefly is about to do it again.
Entertainment
One Of Star Trek's Best Episodes Was Created Out Of Spite
By Chris Snellgrove
| Published
Ever learn about someone for the first time and feel an immediate kinship with them? Recently, I learned about the late, great Evan Carlos Somers, someone who wrote for the best Transformers show ever made: Beast Wars. He also wrote the episode “Melora” for Deep Space Nine, which just happens to be the greatest Star Trek show ever made (I said what I said, haters!).
What intrigued me most about Somers is that he wrote “Melora” out of spite. Part of that spite was for the Paramount production offices and the DS9 set itself. As a man in a wheelchair, Somers discovered how tough it was to get around the studio, and he made sure the wheelchair-bound Melora faced the same difficulties navigating the most famous space station in the quadrant. On top of that, he wrote “Melora” largely to wave a middle finger at the writers of “Ethics.” That’s the TNG episode where a paralyzed Worf wants to (as the kids on Starfleet Academy might say) unalive himself with the help of Commander Riker.
The Best Parking Spot On The Station
This tale is gonna need a double dose of context, so buckle up. The most notable thing about the “Melora” is that even in the 24th century, the titular Starfleet officer must use a wheelchair to move around the station. This is because she comes from a low-gravity planet, and her fancy hoverchair is incompatible with the station’s Cardassian technology. The episode was pitched and originally written (it got later rewrites) by Evan Carlos Somers, who felt that his life as a handicapped person would help him more authentically write for a wheelchair-bound character.
The big emotional thrust of the episode comes when Dr. Bashir develops a “cure” for Melora that would allow her to easily walk in Earth normal gravity. However, it would keep her from returning to her homeworld. It would also fundamentally change who she is, and she eventually decides not to go through with it just to make Bashir happy. In this way, the handicapped Somers wrote a quintessential Star Trek episode in which a character refuses to be defined by her disability and, instead, fully embraces it.
Today Is A Good Day To Die
While he was motivated to write “Melora” largely out of his desire to honestly portray the lived experience of a handicapped person, Somers also wanted to write a response to the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode, “Ethics.” This is the episode where Worf gets paralyzed by some falling barrels, and he considers committing ritual suicide because of Klingon cultural customs. They believe if you can’t walk, you can’t fight, and if you can’t fight, you might as well be dead. Worf is unable to convince Riker to help with his assisted suicide and is unwilling to ask his son, so he reluctantly agrees to an experimental medical procedure that allows him to walk again.
In an interview with The Official Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Magazine, Evan Carlos Somers revealed that “Ethics” was an episode that “had gotten a little under my skin.” While acknowledging that Klingons have their own cultural values, he still felt that “we’re making statements with Star Trek” and that “messages and values are being broadcast loud and clear.” In this case, he “reented the message in ‘Ethics’–that Worf is worthless now that he’s disabled and therefore must kill himself.” This motivated the writing of “Melora” because “I always thought it would be nice to create a disabled character who’s accepted for what she is and doesn’t have to change.”
In retrospect, “Melora” did have a nice message, but I find it personally hilarious that this progressive episode was written out of spite for the writers of an earlier TNG episode. Even funnier, “Ethics” was written by Ronald D. Moore, the Klingon expert who later went on to create the acclaimed Battlestar Galactica reboot.
He’s considered one of Star Trek’s best writers, but that didn’t keep a young intern-turned-writer from calling him out with one of DS9’s craziest episodes. Somers was powered by spite the same way the Enterprise is powered by the warp core, and like Scotty, he was giving it all he’s got with “Melora.” Real talk? As a cranky writer myself, that’s the kind of motivation I can get behind.
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NYT Strands hints, answers for March 22, 2026
