Mashable

In 2012 journalist Joshuah Bearman, whose 2007 Wired article fuelled Ben Affleck's Argo, wrote another article about a fake movie used in an escape plan to smuggle someone out of a country. For Playboy, he wrote about Black Panther leader Huey P. Newton and his escape from the U.S. to Cuba with the help of Hollywood producer Bert Schneider.

And now, it's been made into an Apple TV+ series, with the first two episodes directed by Don Cheadle.

Moonlight star André Holland is out front as revolutionary and activist Newton, the founding leader of the Black Panther Party. The cast also includes Alessandro Nivola, Tiffany Boone, PJ Byrne, Marc Menchaca, Moses Ingram, Rebecca Dalton, Olli Haaskivi, Jordane Christie, and Glynn Turman.

How to watch: The Big Cigar premieres on May 17 with the first two episodes, with new episodes every Friday after that.

Stellar Blade surprised me twice. When I played the demo back in March, I didn’t realize how much of an influence the Soulslike sub-genre had on the game. With all of the comparisons to other action games like Bayonetta and Nier: Automata because of its female lead, I expected Stellar Blade to be similar.

But after playing through a few hours of the full game, I didn’t expect it to also have an open-world. Based on the demo, I expected tightly designed levels with interesting puzzles — and Steller Blade delivered that in spades. The open-world can be tedious and the story can be predictable at times, but Stellar Blade’s strong points shine through. With its real-time action combat, Stellar Blade is a thrill to play, and the gorgeous graphics make it a spectacle to behold.

Crash landing

Stellar Blade follows a woman named Eve who gets sent down from space along with her soldier peers to reclaim Earth from an alien race called Naytibas.

Credit: George Yang / Mashable

These grotesque organic monsters look like something out of a Resident Evil game, contrasted by the sleek and robotic design of Eve. I also love how much variety there is among the Naytibas too. For example, the Lurkers are plant-based desert crawlers reminiscent of the Infected from The Last of Us — and the Skull Troopers reminded me of Pyramid Head from Silent Hill.

Stellar Blade deals with themes of existentialism, and for the most part, handles them well within the story. For example, you’ll find collectibles called Memory Sticks from deceased individuals scattered throughout the world. These add a lot of worldbuilding as these sticks contain the thoughts and dreams of these individuals. What was it like during the war effort against the Naytiba? What was Earth like before the invasion?

Credit: George Yang / Mashable

That’s where I saw its comparisons to Nier: Automata the most. However, Stellar Blade’s plot twists are rather predictable and ultimately doesn’t land the emotional gut punch like some of its contemporaries. Still, the story is far from bad and it’s an admirable effort.

The game does a great job of keeping its main cast small. Its side quests involving its supporting characters and NPCs are worth taking on, as they always provide rewards in the form of skill points for Eve or useful items. While many of them are fetch quests, they always have some sort of backstory that helps make the city of Xion, the game’s central hub, feel more immersive. For example, in one mission, Eve restores a singing android named Enya back to life and then helps her regain her old memories as an opera performer before Earth was invaded.

Stellar Blade’s presentation is top notch, with breathtaking realistic visuals as well as its soundtrack. The holy choir fits the game’s existentialism and religious themes, and the blaring guitars get me amped up for boss battles. I personally love the jazz jingle that plays whenever I visit Xion’s side quest job board, and it sounds like something out of Persona 5.

Fighting spirit

As previously mentioned, Stellar Blade’s combat has a lot of Soulsike influence, which means players have to be more deliberate. There’s a heavy emphasis on parrying and dodging attacks while waiting for the right time to strike. Eve’s sword strikes feel incredibly satisfying, especially with the DualSense’s haptic feedback features. The window for parrying attacks isn’t as forgivable as Rise of the Ronin, but every time I successfully pull them off, I can feel the controller shaking, which I absolutely love.

Credit: George Yang / Mashable

Thankfully, as a Sony published game, Stellar Blade offers plenty of accessibility options, such as slowing time with a button prompt to let you know when to parry if you’re having trouble, as well as filters to help with colorblindness.

Eve has access to a gun, too, which adds even more variety to the gameplay. Between standard bullets, rockets, and even a giant laser beam, it was great switching between close and ranged combat in order to keep combat from feeling stale.

Credit: George Yang / Mashable

I also enjoyed how simple Eve’s gameplay progression was. After defeating enemies, you earn Skill Points to invest in Eve’s combat abilities, such as making her attacks stronger or giving her extra room to dodge enemy strikes. Her weapons and parameters like HP are upgradeable with items dropped by powerful enemies or materials found on her fallen soldiers bodies throughout the world. It’s all very straightforward — and I didn’t feel overwhelmed by any complex stats or numbers.

Feeling like 'Mad Max' and 'Dune'

Stellar Blade has both an open-world and closed level areas. They both compliment each other and add a lot of environmental variety. However, there are some small gripes I have with them. For starters, the open-world feels unnecessarily big. The two big open-world areas, the Wasteland and Great Desert, feature large swathes of sand that take forever to traverse across. I wish Eve had something like a horse from Tears of the Kingdom or Chocobo from Final Fantasy VII Rebirth to ride on to make the trek faster.

Credit: George Yang / Mashable

The closed levels are much more cleverly designed and they feel more like classic stages in a Bayonetta or 3D Mario game. Sometimes you’ll be in a flooded city or even an underground lab. They feature puzzles such as moving a certain amount of weight to unlock a door, or twisting knobs in a certain direction to get electricity going. They strike the perfect balance of not being not particularly challenging, but not too easy. This made solving the puzzles quite fun and I never felt like they impede my progress.

One thing I’m not fond of, however, is the imprecise platforming in these levels. For example, I barely missed a platform I was trying to jump to, leading to my death. This meant I respawned at the save point, but it was actually quite a bit away from where I had perished. These instances felt like an insult to injury.

Is 'Stellar Blade' worth it?

I finished Stellar Blade feeling more positive than I initially anticipated.

Credit: George Yang / Mashable

The gameplay is fun and exhilarating, on top of having top-notch production values. While the story isn’t the most mind blowing, the cast of characters are a delight and the excellent worldbuilding makes the game worth experiencing. And despite some open-world and platforming woes, Stellar Blade is one of the best action games this year.

Tackling a spring cleaning to-do list? Go ahead and leave some of those cobwebs intact: According to Home Depot, it's already time to start thinking about Halloween decor.

The home improvement retailer is celebrating the almost-halfway point to spooky season this week with a limited initial release of its 2024 Halloween collection, including an upgraded version of its iconic 12-foot skeleton and its new skeleton dog sidekick. Products will be available online starting Thursday, April 25 while supplies last.

SEE ALSO: Live, laugh, LifeEyes™️: How the 12-foot Home Depot skeleton became a perennial hit

A representative for Home Depot couldn't confirm a sale start time, but recommended that interested shoppers pay close attention to Home Depot's website and social media accounts for availability intel. We'll update this story as soon as we see product listings start to go live (likely around 6 a.m. ET, if past restocks are any indication).

The sale marks the second year in a row that Home Depot has hosted a "Halfway to Halloween" event in April, and shoppers can expect to see a bigger selection of products compared to its spring 2023 surprise drop.

You are feeling veeery eager to spend $300. Credit: Home Depot

The star of the show is, once again, the 12-foot Giant-Sized Skeleton with LifeEyes LCD Eyes, a viral hit that's sold out every year since 2020. "Skelly," as it's affectionately known to fans and admirers, will make its fourth coming with newly enhanced light-up eyes that have eight swappable settings while remaining at its same usual price of $299.

Skelly is joined by two new colossal companions this year — one being the aforementioned five-foot Skeleton Dog ($199), a cadaverous canine with a posable mouth and the same changeable LCD eyes. Mashable humbly submits Wishbone to the nickname suggestion list.

I'm literally shaking buy him brown contacts pls. Credit: Home Depot

The other XL newcomer is a 12.5-foot Giant-Sized Inferno Deadwood Skeleton, an arboreal horror with built-in color-changing lights that looks like Groot's evil cousin. It will sell for $379.

I am evil Groot. Credit: Home Depot / Mashable composite

Rounding out Home Depot's Halfway to Halloween lineup is a seven-foot Animated LED Frankenstein’s Monster ($249), which says lines from Universal's 1931 Frankenstein film, and a three-pack of five-foot Pose-n-Stay Skeletons ($119) with moveable arms and light-up eyes.

Shoppers can expect to encounter even more new Halloween props at Home Depot later in the coming months, including a 7.5-foot animated plague doctor, a 10-foot haunted maple tree, a nine-foot headless horseman, a six-foot animatronic pirate named "Captain Cuts," and a six-foot card-playing skeleton called "Jack of Spades." The fate of the 12-foot, gourd-headed Inferno Pumpkin Skeleton that's been sold alongside Skelly since 2021 is still in limbo, but Home Depot's rep said more announcements are imminent.

Another online launch of Home Depot's Halloween collection will likely happen sometime in July, as we've seen in past years, so save up accordingly.

The Deep Robotics bionic dog combines AI technology with robotic software, to enable maneuverability in a variety of terrains. Through first-person real-time image transmission and self learning capabilities this robot dog exhibits autonomous and agile movements. High torque density and reverse transmission make it so nothing will keep this little dog down.

Forget about Ludicrous, it's all about Performance.

After months of speculation, rumors and leaks, the worst kept secret of the automotive industry has become a reality: Tesla has finally launched the new Tesla Model 3 Performance.

Despite indications about the "Ludicrous" moniker, the name hasn't changed from the previous generation. But unlike the original Model 3 Performance, which was a very slightly upgraded (but quicker) variant of the old Long Range Model 3, the new Performance model is a major upgrade. Here are the most important details about the new Tesla Model 3 Performance.

SEE ALSO: The case for Tesla without Musk The good pointsIt's quicker, and more powerful

There's no two ways about it: With a 2.9 second 0-60 mph time, this is the quickest Tesla Model 3 ever. It also has a 510 hp peak power, and a 163 mph top speed, making it second only to Model S Plaid.

It's also worth comparing the old and new Model 3 Performance. The original Tesla M3P had a 3.1 second 0-60 mph time and a 162 mph top speed, making the new model only slightly quicker and faster. However, at these levels of performance, every tenth of a second counts.

People will notice the difference

The original Model 3 Performance looked exactly the same as the other Model 3 versions, save for a carbon fibre spoiler on the back. The new version, however, should be a head turner, with 20-inch Warp Wheels with large, red brake calipers, as well as a sportier-looking front lip and rear diffuser, and (again) a carbon fibre spoiler.

As a result, the new M3P looks more aggressive and just better overall than the regular variant.

Ridiculous speed might not be enough. We're pushing this one to Ludicrous. Credit: Tesla

One cool detail: Even though the "Ludicrous" and "Plaid" monikers were not used in the official naming, you do get a "Ludicrous" speed badge on the back of the car, a reference to 80s comedy film Spaceballs.

Better brakes and suspension

This is massive. As a Tesla Model 3 Long Range owner, I can attest that the brakes and suspension sometimes feel a bit lacking, especially if you really step on it on a winding road. The Model 3 Performance should fix this, with larger brake rotors, calipers and performance brake pads, as well as improved springs, dampers, bushings, and stabilizer bars.

"Ultra-responsive handling." Credit: Tesla

As Tesla puts it: "An all-new adaptive damping system keeps Model 3 Performance planted to the road , so you can confidently tackle corners at any speed with maximum control and comfort." If you like to drive a bit more aggressively, these improvements might be the biggest reason to go for the Performance variant.

New Track Mode Here you can fine-tune your Tesla M3P to behave exactly to your liking. Credit: Tesla

Eager to test your brand new Model 3 Performance on the track? Exclusive to this Model 3 you get a new Track mode, allowing you to calibrate stuff like handling balance, regenerative braking, stability assist and more. You also get a number of presets so you can quickly change from one driving mode to the other.

Sporty seats The drawn-out star lines are another reference to Spaceballs. Credit: Tesla

Inside, you probably wouldn't notice anything new if it weren't for the new Sport Seats, which have a deeper, "more engaging" driver position. The front seats are both heated and ventilated, which should reduce sweating while you're accelerating at near-ludicrous speeds. The interior also features carbon fibre details, which is not available in other models.

Okay, but what are the drawbacks?

It's not all great, though. If you do opt for the quickest Model 3 Performance, you do lose on some fronts compared to the Model 3 Long Range.

Big price difference

We knew the Model 3 Performance would be pricier than the other variants, and at $52,990, it's not too bad — $5,250 more than the Long Range All-Wheel Drive model, and $14,000 more than the Rear-Wheel Drive variant. You do have to ask yourself whether it's worth it though, given that the Performance variant of the roomier Model Y is cheaper at $51,490.

Significantly lower range Spot the differences. Credit: Tesla

This is a big one. Due to all of the performance enhancements it has, most notably the massive, 20-inch Warp Wheels, the Model 3 Performance takes a massive range hit. According to Tesla, it has 296 miles of estimated range. For comparison, the Long Range model has 341 miles of range, while the significantly cheaper Rear-Wheel Drive model has 272 miles of range.

Less ground clearance

This one is easy to miss, but it might be important for some buyers. The Model 3 performance has 5 inches of ground clearance, compared to 5.4 inches on other models. You don't want some nasty curb scraping the underside of your brand new Tesla, do you?

Like the rest of us online, dating app users must dodge unwanted messages. Forty-one percent of U.S. adults have personally experienced online harassment, and that number spiked to around two-thirds of adults under 30, according to a 2021 report from the Pew Research Center. Dating apps have made varying attempts to stop this on their platforms. For instance, Tinder recently launched a new warning to curb inappropriate messages — the latest in a years-long effort.

SEE ALSO: Gen Z should embrace being cringe to find love, Hinge says

Today, Hinge launches its own spin to engender a "more positive dating experience": Hidden Words. The feature allows users to filter out words, phrases, and even emojis in their incoming Likes with Comments (aka, people who have "liked" them on the app and added a comment).

Here's how it works: In Settings, select Hidden Words. Add whatever you want to filter out. If you report a message as inappropriate, you'll be able to add Hidden Words to your list from there as well.

Likes with Comments that include Hidden Words (or emojis) are moved out of the usual Like count, and will be in the Hidden Words section of the app. You can view these Hidden Likes and still skip, match, or report them if you'd like. You can also delete these hidden likes.

Hinge's VP of trust and safety, Jeff Dunn, said in the press release that this feature is about giving daters the ability to define their boundaries and embracing their confidence. Confidence is apparently something Gen Z daters lack. In a report released this February, Hinge found that Gen Z daters are more likely than millennials to say the pandemic made them less confident on a first date.

Dunn continued, "Our hope is that with Hidden Words, users will feel reassured they can explore potential connections in a way that's most comfortable to them, leading to safer and more satisfying dating experiences."

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for April 24 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for April 24

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Wednesday, April 24, 2024:

AcrossSpeak with a gravelly voice

• The answer is rasp.

Sound of an angry grunt

• The answer is humph.

Very excited, with "up"

• The answer is amped.

Lies around lazily

• The answer is lolls.

Ridge on a guitar's neck

• The answer is fret.

DownSpot of tea?

The answer is rumor.

Plentiful

• The answer is ample.

Ancient grain in a healthy cereal

• The answer is spelt.

Degrees conferred after successful defenses

• The answer is PhDs.

___-baked (unsound)

• The answer is half.

After 10 episodes, FX's Shōgun ends not with a violent bang, but with mournful contemplation.

Toda Mariko's (Anna Sawai) death has shaken all of Japan, turning the Council of Regents against Ishido Kazunari (Takehiro Hira) and priming Yoshii Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada) for a decisive rout at the upcoming Battle of Sekigahara. However, just like in James Clavell's original novel, Shōgun chooses not to focus on said battle, only showing a snippet of Toranaga's assured victory in a flash forward.

SEE ALSO: 'Shōgun' review: 2024's first great TV epic is here

Instead, the finale episode, titled "A Dream of a Dream," focuses on the lingering emotional impact of Mariko's passing. John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) and Usami Fuji (Moeka Hoshi) grieve her loss, releasing her ashes and rosary into the sea. Kashigi Yabushige (Tadanobu Asano) seeks forgiveness for betraying her and pays with his life in the process. And Toranaga reveals that Crimson Sky, his much-hyped battle tactic to defeat Ishido, was none other than Mariko's arrival in and attempted departure from Osaka.

"I sent a woman to do what an army never could," he tells Yabushige. He adds, disappointed that Yabushige still believes Crimson Sky to be an action-heavy war plan: "I thought you of all people would see."

SEE ALSO: 'Shōgun' episode 9: Mariko's gate scene revisits a key moment from episode 3. Here's why.

Shōgun's finale operates on a similar level to Toranaga's Crimson Sky. Based on audiences' prior experiences with epic TV shows, people may have anticipated a massive military set piece. However, as Shōgun co-creators Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo emphasized in an interview with Mashable, this series was never about Sekigahara. It was about Mariko, and now that she's gone, the people in her orbit must process her death — and its aftermath.

Throughout our interview, Marks and Kondo discussed their approach to Sekigahara, making sure Mariko felt present in the finale, and those quick flashes of an elderly Blackthorne we glimpse throughout the episode. The following interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Tadanobu Asano and Hiroyuki Sanada in "Shōgun." Credit: Katie Yu / FX

Mashable: I think people often expect big battle episodes from historical epics, but we don't get that here or in the original novel. Instead, we get quick descriptions of what will happen at the Battle of Sekigahara, where Toranaga will triumph over Ishido. Were there ever conversations about actually trying to put the Battle of Sekigahara on screen?

Justin Marks, co-creator, showrunner, and executive producer of Shōgun: There were definitely conversations. I feel like when you say things like "the Battle of Sekigahara on screen," I feel it in my bones, how painful it would be to shoot that. We'd still be shooting it!

But at the same time, I get [the sense of wanting the battle to play out], and I feel like sometimes maybe James Clavell felt that, too. We were talking to Michaela Clavell, his daughter and an executive producer on the show, and she was saying, in her memory, her father did want to get the story there. Then he got so preoccupied and in love with the characters who were already there, with Mariko especially and Blackthorne, that he got to the end and said, "You know what? The story is done. I told this story."

Rachel Kondo, co-creator and executive producer of Shōgun: Michaela said that the battle stood before him, and he thought, "I don't have another two years to write this one battle." So the story was brought to completion.

It's always been about [Mariko]. - Justin Marks

JM: We also have to be honest with ourselves and honest with our story if we're going to tell a good one, and I felt like [including the Battle of Sekigahara] was a little dishonest to the story. Because what it would end up being would be a lot of moments that would absolutely be in the trailer for this show. It would not be where our heart was and where the audience's heart was for where the story ought to be. So we chose to honor that.

Even in the book, I was reading it and getting to the end and wondering, "How many pages are left? Are we really going to miss out on the battle?" And then there it is: It's mentioned in the last paragraph of the final page. You're just like, "Oh," and I think that's what Clavell wants us to feel. He wants us to think that we're getting something in a certain way, and then to realize at the end that if we really thought we were getting that, we weren't really watching what was happening. 

RK: We weren't really studying Toranaga.

JM: Right, and we weren't really studying and understanding Mariko. It's always been about her. The only character who ever knew that was Toranaga, and the only character who learns it is Blackthorne. That's it. That's our three characters, and that's the only thing that counts.

SEE ALSO: How Japanese dry gardens inspired 'Shōgun's stunning title sequence

Like you said, this is a show about Mariko, and even though she's no longer alive in the finale, she's still very present. How did you go about writing her in ways where she's still present, even though she's not physically there?

RK: I always go back to the scene in the tea house from episode 6. The young apprentice Hana brings a new flask of sake, and as she removes the empty flask, Kiku asks her, "What do you see in that space?" She says, "I see nothing," and Kiku responds, "Not nothing. It's where the flask has been." The reason why I thought it was important to keep that scene in there is because that was the foreshadowing of her absence. Mariko's absence would say more than her life itself, and that's the secret weapon that Toranaga wields.

JM: There's a shot in episode 10 that director Fred Toye always had in his head. It's this shot of Fuji reuniting with Blackthorne in their home, and it's a callback to a shot that Fred and [cinematographer] Sam McCurdy shot in episode 4, where Fuji, Blackthorne, and Mariko stare out at the rain in their garden. We frame that shot in the exact same way in episode 10, as if Mariko were sitting there. She's not, yet you feel her presence in that garden always. She's the crucial third leg of that stool for Fuji and Blackthorne, and without her, they really have nothing to say, because they lost their translator. Yet they feel at peace.

RK: They almost don't need to say anything because they feel the same thing, which is a profound sense of loss. And change is upon them because of this loss.

Mariko's absence would say more than her life itself, and that's the secret weapon that Toranaga wields. - Rachel Kondo Cosmo Jarvis and Moeka Hoshi in "Shōgun." Credit: Katie Yu / FX

JM: There was also this scene in the finale, of Blackthorne and Fuji in the rowboat, which is not in the book and which one of our producers, Mako Kamitsuna, was really crucial in helping us put together. Fuji and Blackthorne give up Mariko's ashes, which is this preposterous process from the place of a Japanese person who's meant to hold on to these ashes and bury them in the family plot. But Blackthorne manages to persuade her from the place of a sailor, saying, "This is the way that I would do it if you want to keep someone with you forever."

Then when Blackthorne puts Mariko's cross in the water, Fuji says, "Let your hands be the last to hold her," which is a callback to what Mariko says to her when she says goodbye to her baby in the first episode. That scene continues to break me every time I watch it. That's my scene to cry about.

RK: I just remember in that scene, the impulse within me — maybe it's a Western impulse, maybe it's a hoarder impulse — to think, "Don't let her rosary go! You'll never have it again, you won't remember her through that." But for some reason, it made sense to let the pouring of the ashes happen because that's very familiar.

JM: She's not yours to remember, I think is the acknowledgement that Blackthorne also has to make here. He doesn't own that rosary. Mariko owns that rosary. It's like Toranaga returning his falcon Tetsuko to the sky, she is returned to the sea.

In this case, I guess that's like Blackthorne dropping her into his living room. [laughs] But the message stands.

If anything else, what I hope episode 10 demonstrates in terms of Clavell's book and also what we as a writers' room tried to do with the book is that Shōgun is not really a story about culture. It's a story about death and bargaining.

RK: And the life that precedes it and follows it.

Shōgun is not really a story about culture. It's a story about death and bargaining. - Justin Marks

JM: It's these ruminations on death that really took us in from the first episode: the different cultural understandings of it and our trying to understand something that we never could.

The other thing that the book does differently than we do is Blackthorne's attempt to commit seppuku. In the book it happens in the space of chapter 31, which is episode 4. We chose to move it all the way to the end, not just because it felt more appropriate there, but also because we didn't feel ready to understand his choice at that point — not that we understand the act of seppuku now.

RK: We didn't purposefully do that, we just didn't include it earlier on because we were all feeling very fragile around it and not knowing how to deal with it. We did ultimately come back to it, but we didn't set out to say, "Let's just deal with it in episode 10." It was only through sitting with it and having conversations with our Japanese consultants and learning about it that it felt a little more appropriate to bring it in.

Cosmo Jarvis and Hiroyuki Sanada in "Shōgun." Credit: Katie Yu / FX

Staying with Blackthorne, the episode opens with a snippet of an older Blackthorne at home in England, being asked about his experience with "savages." That image returns throughout the episode. Tell me about the weight it carries and the decision to include it as a kind of framing device.

JM: We wanted to do a misdirect. For a second you think we're framing episode 10 as an old man looking back on his life filled with regret, only to realize that no, you're looking at a young man looking forward to a possible future with regret. It was a writers' room invention and wasn't actually part of the book, but it was something that we felt was true to the mythos of "a dream of a dream," to quote the Taikō in episode 2.

We called [old Blackthorne] Father Christmas because of how Cosmo looks in it, but that version of him is a projection of his colonial self that he has to sever his path from in episode 10. That is the final journey that I hope is also us as American or Hollywood filmmakers severing ourselves from these conversations, because I think it's kind of boring nowadays to tell those stories. We really wanted to turn our back on the "stranger in a strange land" trope. And our version of Blackthorne here — which I credit Cosmo for his performance a lot — was going for something different that didn't just say, "There's no reason to tell these stories." Obviously we have a history and a legacy and it's worth looking back on, but maybe let's look back on it through a new lens of saying, "What new stories can we tell of those past stories?" 

All episodes of Shōgun are now streaming on Hulu.

Baby Reindeer, Richard Gadd's Netflix series about a budding comedian's experience with a stalker, is — as we wrote in our review on Mashable — one of the most upsetting and brilliant shows of the year. And the fact it's based on Gadd's own experiences makes it all the more disturbing.

As the show has quickly grown in popularity, though, the armchair detectives have come out in force. Despite real names being changed in the show, people on TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) have been trying to work out the real identities behind the characters.

On Tuesday, Gadd took to Instagram to tell people to stop.

"People I love, have worked with, and admire (including Sean Foley) are unfairly getting caught up in speculation," wrote Gadd. "Please don't speculate on who any of the real life people could be. That's not the point of our show."

Tweet may have been deleted

Sean Foley, a theatre director who previously worked with Gadd on Urban Myths and who has been the subject of some of this online speculation, shared Gadd's post on X. He also shared a separate post saying that he'd been in touch with police.

"Police have been informed and are investigating all defamatory abusive and threatening posts against me," reads Foley's tweet.

Tweet may have been deleted

Although Baby Reindeer is based on Gadd's life, he previously told The Guardian that some events have been "tweaked slightly to create dramatic climaxes". But the two most disturbing elements of the show — the stalking, and the sexual abuse Gadd suffers at the hands of an older man in the entertainment business — are real.

"It's very emotionally true, obviously: I was severely stalked and severely abused," Gadd said. "But we wanted it to exist in the sphere of art, as well as protect the people it’s based on."

How to watch: Baby Reindeer is now streaming on Netflix.

Every app now, it seems, wants you to be watching videos.

X, formerly Twitter, is launching a dedicated video app, bringing "real-time, engaging content to your smart TVs" according to CEO Linda Yaccarino, who announced it on X on Tuesday.

SEE ALSO: LinkedIn is testing a TikTok-like video feed

According to Yaccarino, the new app will have a trending video algorithm and AI-powered topics, and will be available on both smartphones and smart TVs.

"This will be your go-to companion for a high-quality, immersive entertainment experience on a larger screen," she wrote.

Tweet may have been deleted

The CEO added that the app is still being built and asked for X users to share their ideas.

Last month, Yaccarino declared X's intention to become a "video first platform". Almost all social networks have been shifting towards the same field, blatantly taking inspiration from reigning video platforms, especially TikTok. LinkedIn is currently testing a TikTok-like video feed, while Meta products continue to adopt TikTok's vertical video format. Meanwhile, YouTube, arguably the original leader in video content, still holds significant viewership. And it looks like other apps want in.

The Rabbit R1 launch party, reserved for press and early adopters who managed to secure an RSVP, was held at the funky, retro-futuristic TWA hotel in Queens, New York.

And yes, Mashable was there.

Jesse Lyu, CEO of Rabbit, walked out on stage to many "woos!" and "yeahs!" from avid fans. Why were they so excited? This ambitious man is determined to wean us off apps — for good.

No more navigating through pesky drop-down menus and employing countless taps to simply order an Uber or grab DoorDash. You could simply use your voice to do those things with your Rabbit R1.

The Rabbit R1 can also tap into the "Rabbit Eye," which is really just the camera, to identify objects in front of you and describe them. It can also "listen" to audio and summarize it for you. And really, that's just the tip of the iceberg.

Although Lyu had the audience standing for about one hour and 12 minutes (people complained that their feet and back were hurting), I can't deny that he dropped some gems during the presentation.

1. The Rabbit R1 ships with a travel case that doubles as a kickstand

The $199 Rabbit R1 comes with a travel case in the box, allowing you to stuff it in your pocket or bag without worrying about scuffs and scratches.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

It can already stand on its own due to its flat edges, but it's worth noting that the travel case also doubles as a kickstand, giving it a more convenient angle for interactions.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Just make sure that you put the Rabbit R1 in the case in a way that aligns with the labeled diagrams on the case.

For example, the Rabbit R1's camera should align with the labeled squircle on the case that says "Rabbit Eye." If you don't put it in the right way, you may find it difficult to remove it (I learned from experience).

2. It uses shaking gestures

To access the Settings menu, you need to shake the Rabbit R1 like you've got maracas in your hand. (I tried it myself and it worked like a charm).

Credit: Rabbit Inc.

To fire up the camera, you simply need to double tap the button on the right. To issue a prompt or command with your voice, you can long press the same button.

Keep in mind that the 2.88-inch display isn't a touchscreen; you'll need to use the scrolling wheel to navigate the UI.

3. It can digitalize your handwriting

In the demo, Lyu showed a handwritten chart on a table.

Credit: Rabbit Inc.

Using the "Rabbit Eye," Rabbit R1 "saw" the chart and transformed it into a digitalized chart.

Credit: Rabbit Inc.

Finally, it sent the chart to Lyu's email as a downloadable .csv file.

4. It has a virtual keyboard

Lyu said that many people have been asking him to include a virtual keyboard with the Rabbit R1, so at the launch party, he announced that he decided to make this oft-asked request a reality.

Credit: Rabbit Inc.

I've tried the keyboard. There's barely there haptic feedback, and yes, it's quite comfortable to type on. There's even a blinker, too, making it easy to select where, exactly, in the field you'd like to type.

It's also worth noting that it supports wireless keyboards, too, via Bluetooth.

5. Play Spotify

The Rabbit R1 can play music for you via voice commands, but it has to be connected to a Spotify account — and yes, it must be a paid account.

Credit: Rabbit

Apple Music and Amazon Music support may be on the way.

6. Order food, but only with one app

So far, the Rabbit R1 only features support for DoorDash.

Credit: Rabbit

You can use the companion browser website (i.e., The Rabbit Hole) to connect your DoorDash account to the Rabbit R1, allowing you to order from any restaurant you desire (as long as they're open).

Rabbit is working on bringing UberEats support to Rabbit R1, too.

7. Hail a rideshare

At the launch party, the audience watched Lyu call an Uber to a random location in Manhattan with the Rabbit R1. He had to quickly cancel the order, though, as it was just for a public demo.

Support for Lyft appears to be on the Rabbit R1's roadmap, too.

8. Merch for carrying the R1

Sure, you can put the Rabbit R1 in your pocket, but what if, one day, the outfit you're wearing doesn't have any?

Credit: Rabbit

Lyu announced that the Rabbit team is working on rolling out merch that makes the R1 more wearable, including a crossbody bag, a funky fanny pack, and a black shirt with a pocket tailor-made for the Rabbit R1.

9. A wearable?

It looks like Lyu teased a wearable at the event, but he was unwilling to divulge more details other than showing an image of a blurry wrist-bound gadget and making us fantasize about a future in which we can direct AI by simply pointing to what we need.

Credit: Rabbit

Stay tuned for Mashable's first impressions of the Rabbit R1. In the meantime, check out more things the Rabbit R1 can do here.

Pablo Berger's dialogue-free film Robot Dreams promises a sweet, heartfelt ride through loneliness and the giddy highs of a new friendship. Even if that friendship has been hand-built from out of a box.

Based on Sara Varon's graphic novel, the animated film follows Dog, a New Yorker who orders a DIY BFF in Robot. As you can see from all the Central Park roller skating, subway turnstile jumping, and hotdog inhaling in the trailer, Manhattan's quite the setting for this unlikely bond.

Robot Dreams premiered at Cannes Film Festival last year, then hit the Toronto International Film Festival. It hits cinemas May 31.

If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.

That seems to be the message of Zoë Kravitz' directorial debut Blink Twice, a thriller about a waitress (Naomi Acke) being invited to the private island of tech billionaire Slater King (Channing Tatum).

As you can probably imagine, despite the luxury, there also appears to be something more sinister at play in the background. Christian Slater, Adria Arjona, and Kyle MacLachlan also star.

Blink Twice is in theaters from August 23.

TL;DR: As of April 24, this Stamina InMotion Compact Strider with resistance cords is on sale for only $118.99 (reg. $249).

Many of us would like to have a more active lifestyle. However, there's rarely time for the gym and not much space to spare at home for bulky gym equipment. While that sounds grim, there are definitely options. This Stamina InMotion Strider is a compact way to get your body moving and strengthen your arms from the comfort of your home or office. 

On sale for Mother's Day for just $118.99 (reg. $249), the strider is compact enough to keep under most desks if you use it at work or to keep in a closet at home. Adjust the tension to accommodate your specific needs. Since it's made to be used while either sitting or standing, you can pedal whichever way is most comfortable for you (or your mom). Plus, the pedals are non-slip and can be used in a forward or backward motion. 

While you work your legs, you can also work your upper body using the included cords. The cords have medium resistance and a padded hand grip for comfort. You also get free access to the müüv audio coaching app to help you — or that special mom in your life — stay moving and motivated.

The user-friendly design also includes an electronic monitor that shows total strides, calories burned, and total exercise time, while the top handle makes it easy to move it around the house or take it on the go.

This compact equipment helps make it easy for mom to squeeze a little exercise in, even on those super busy days. It also makes a thoughtful gift for the health-conscious mom in your life.

Get the Stamina InMotion Compact Strider with cords while it's on sale for $118.99 (reg. $249).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Stamina Home Fitness Stamina InMotion® Compact Strider with Cords $118.99 at the Mashable Shop
$249.99 Save $131.00 Get Deal

TL;DR: Through April 30, a new, open-box iRobot WiFi Roomba 980 Vacuum is on sale for just $179.99 (reg. $249).

Although we all wonder when the robots will come for our jobs, we can all agree that having them take over cleaning duties is kind of nice. Sit back and relax with the time you save every week, letting this iRobot WiFi Roomba 980 Vacuum take care of the dirt, dust, and dander on your floors. It's on sale for just $179.99 (reg. $249), which is a pleasant 40% reduction.

The Roomba's 3-Stage Cleaning System helps ensure the dirt doesn't stand a chance, while the dual multi-surface rubber brushes grab up the grab that dirt and other debris from carpets and hard floors. The edge-sweeping brush is also there to get into corners and edges.

This Roomba uses the Dirt Detect Technology to see where the dirtier parts of the floors are and clean those spots extra. And the iAdapt 2.0 Navigation with vSLAM technology uses logical rows and sensors to ensure entire levels are cleaned properly.

You can use this in conjunction with the iRobot Home app, which allows you to control your robotic cleaning machine from wherever you may be. The app also lets you control things with your voice using Alexa or Google Assistant.

This Roomba is labeled as "new, open-box". For those unfamiliar, that means that more than likely, it's overstock from the stores. It is in new condition with zero flaws, all the accessories, and 100 percent battery health.

Don't miss this 40% savings on a robotic takeover that we can all get behind.

Get a new, open-box iRobot WiFi Roomba 980 Vacuum while it's on sale for just $179.99 (reg. $249).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba 980 WiFi Robot Vacuum Black (New - Open Box) $179.99 at the Mashable Shop
$249.99 Save $70.00 Get Deal

TL;DR: As of April 24, these new, open-box Beats Studio Pro Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones are on sale for just $179.99 (reg. $349).

If you're on the hunt for a pair of headphones that not only deliver rich, immersive sound but also boast fancy features to help enhance your musical journey, you’re going to want a pair of Beats Studio Pro Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones. These headphones are currently on sale for 48% off at $179.99 with no coupon needed.

These Beats have a custom 40mm active driver, engineered to provide stellar audio. Whether you're listening to your favorite tracks or diving into the latest podcast, these headphones offer a powerful, balanced sound designed to improve your listening experience.

Tune out the world or stay connected with your surroundings — the choice is yours. With integrated Active Noise-Canceling technology, you can stay immersed in your music, blocking out unwanted distractions. Need to hear what's happening around you? Activate Transparency Mode to blend your listening experience with the world around you.

You can also manage calls, adjust your music, and utilize Siri with the multi-function on-ear controls. These Beats offer 40 hours of total battery life, providing uninterrupted listening. Plus, with a quick 10-minute charge via USB-C, you’ll be ready to dive back into your music in no time.

Another fantastic feature is the water- and sweat-resistance, so you can keep up with your active lifestyle whether you're heading to the gym or exploring the great outdoors. Plus, with analog input options and dual-beam forming microphones, these are not only innovative but also adaptable to your connectivity needs as well.

These Beats are licensed by Beats by Dre, but they are discounted because they are an open-box return, meaning they’re in like-new condition but may have been a floor model or were returned having barely been out of the box.

Score these price-dropped Beats Studio Pro Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones for only $179.99 (reg. $349) for a limited time.

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Opens in a new window Credit: Beats by Dre Beats Studio Pro Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones - Black (New - Open Box) $179.99 at the Mashable Shop
$349.99 Save $170.00 Get Deal

Save $100: Through the end of April, customers who use the Dyson Airwrap customization tool on Dyson's website will score the multi-styler for $499.99 instead of the usual $599.99. Overall, you'll save 17%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Airwrap customized $499.99 at Dyson
$599.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal

For months, we've been saying that the Dyson Airwrap needs an option for a cheaper, build-your-own style model, a la the Shark FlexStyle. Finally, Dyson delivered — sort of.

In Oct. 2023, Dyson launched the "Airwrap customization experience," which is essentially a quiz consisting of four short questions about your hair type and styling preferences. Based on your answers, Dyson will point you to the Airwrap styling kit best suited to your needs, whether that be the kit for short hair, curly/coil hair, or long fine hair.

So what about this being a cheaper alternative? Well, now through the end of April, you can score any of these customizable Airwrap kits in the vinca blue/rose coloring for $100 off, bringing their price down to $499.99. This deal will save you 17% on the Airwrap's usual $599.99, and it puts the tool just $20 away from its record-low price. The kits all come with a mix of six attachments, which is the same number as the non-customization Airwrap.

SEE ALSO: We tested the best Dyson Airwrap dupes under $300 — including the Shark FlexStyle

Admittedly, there's not a huge variety between the kits, which typically offer one or two different attachments. And according to a Dyson spokesperson, the quiz only leads customers more easily to already existing configurations of the popular multi-styler.

With that said, we did notice that the customization tool appears to offer exclusive Airwrap kits. For instance, without the tool, a person wanting an Airwrap with a diffuser would purchase the Airwrap Long Diffuse, which includes a diffuser, a wide tooth comb, and only one size curling barrel (as compared with the two you get with most other kits).

However, a person taking the quiz who selects curly and not coily hair might be recommended the curly hair Airwrap, which keeps the diffuser in the mix but swaps out the wide tooth comb for another size curling barrel. We also found that the customized Airwrap for long fine hair offered three curling barrel sizes, which we've never seen in an Airwrap kit before.

The long fine Dyson Airwrap. Credit: Dyson As compared to the standard Airwrap (both come with a case and paddle brush during this promotion). Credit: Dyson

As nice as it is to see some new attachment lineups, that's as far as the customization goes. Customers still can't individually select attachments, as they can with the Shark FlexStyle. With the FlexStyle's build-your-own option, you select three attachments (as compared to the five you receive with a standard FlexStyle) for a multi-styler that ends up costing a little less.

When we asked if this is something Dyson might offer in the future, a spokesperson told us, "As of now the Dyson Airwrap Customization experience guides customers to find the best Airwrap Multi-styler for them." In other words, no dice right now.

If you've had your eye on that aforementioned Long Diffuse Airwrap, the Prussian blue/copper model is also on sale for $100 off through the end of April. For a limited time, both non-customized and customized Airwraps also come with a complimentary gift — a Dyson paddle brush valued at $39.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Airwrap Long Diffuse $499.99 at Dyson
$599.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal

Finally, if you're already a registered Dyson owner, the Dyson Owner Rewards sale is on now through the end of April, offering you 20% off the company's product catalog.

TL;DR: As of April 24, you can get a refurbished 2019 Asus Chromebook for just $64.99 (reg. $79) and save 18%.

If you're in the market for a budget-friendly portable computer for everyday work and personal tasks, you might not need the most current tech available. By scaling back the computer's specs to what you'll actually need it for, you open yourself up to very affordable options that should get you through your days smoothly.

This refurbished 2019 Asus Chromebook is on sale for just $64.99 (reg. $79). It can certainly keep up with your browsing, emailing, streaming, and more. It has a grade "B" refurbished rating. This means it has been inspected and cleaned but might have some slight cosmetic blemishes like scratching or scuffing.

The 11.6-inch widescreen display has a 1366 x 768 resolution, while the Intel UHD Graphics 600 combines with the 2.6GHz memory and 4GB RAM to deliver smooth operating performance. It runs on a Chrome OS with an  Intel UHD Graphics 620 coprocessor.

Because it's only from 2019, it has modern tech that you'd expect from a laptop. This means it's WiFi-capable and features Bluetooth 5.0 to connect to your peripherals, like headphones and a mouse. It also has a camera for video chats with the team or family.

This machine was also tested to hold up after accidental dropping, which is nice if you are getting this for a teenager or if you're accident-prone. Another convenient aspect is that it only weighs 2.6 pounds, so it's easy to tote along with you.

It's an excellent option for anyone looking for a dependable laptop without spending a fortune.

You can pick up a refurbished 2019 Asus Chromebook for just $64.99 (reg. $79) while it's on sale for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Asus Asus Chromebook C204EE YS01 11.6" (2019) 1.1GHz N4000 4GB RAM (Refurbished) $64.99 at the Mashable Shop
$79.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal

TL;DR: Watch Delhi Capitals vs. Gujarat Titans in the IPL for free on JioCinema. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The IPL is back and games are in full swing as players gear up for the 40th match of the season. And it's set to be a great contest as the Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans go head-to-head.

Want to catch the action? You can tune in to Delhi Capitals vs. Gujarat Titans for free from anywhere in the world, as we have all the information you need.

When is Delhi Capitals vs. Gujarat Titans?

Delhi Capitals vs. Gujarat Titans starts at 3 p.m. BST on April 24. This match will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, India.

How to watch Delhi Capitals vs. Gujarat Titans for free

You can find free live streams of every IPL cricket match on JioCinema. Games are in 4k resolution on the app, perfect for high-quality viewing.

JioCinema is geo-restricted to India, but you can unblock this free streaming service with a VPN. VPNs work by hiding your real IP address (digital location) and connecting you to a secure server in India. This means you can access JioCinema from anywhere in the world.

Unblock JioCinema to stream the IPL 2024 by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in India

4. Visit JioCinema (you will need an Indian phone number to subscribe)

5. Watch Delhi Capitals vs. Gujarat Titans for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) Learn More

Most of the best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By taking advantage of these offers, you can watch IPL live streams without committing with your cash. This is clearly not a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select IPL fixtures for free.

What is the best VPN for JioCinema?

ExpressVPN is the best service for unblocking JioCinema, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including India

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream the IPL for free with ExpressVPN.

The Circle has never had a contestant like Max before. And that's saying something, since Netflix's outrageous reality competition series has featured famous contestants like Spice Girls Melanie Brown and Emma Bunton and a catfisher posing as NSYNC alum Lance Bass. Max takes catfishing to a new extreme in Season 6, in that he's not even a human. For the first time in The Circle's history, an artificial intelligence chatbot is joining the competition.

The premise of The Circle is pretty straightforward – a group of individuals are brought to an apartment building, where they live as neighbors. But the contestants in The Circle don't meet face-to-face until the finale; they communicate entirely through a social media platform called The Circle. The winner receives $100,000 if they manage to survive the show's three weeks without getting blocked and by becoming the top influencer via peer ratings. 

How you choose to present yourself in The Circle is entirely up to you. As you curate your profile, you can be entirely authentic, alter your profession or marital status, or play as an entirely different person — aka catfishing. That makes The Circle the only reality show where an AI contestant could stand a chance; an AI couldn't participate in Survivor's exhausting physical challenges, but it could try and convince you it's a real person behind a social media veil.

SEE ALSO: It's easy to catfish strangers on dating apps

Max is entering The Circle during a pivotal moment in AI's integration into entertainment. Last year, the SAG/WGA negotiations made the use of AI in screenwriting and performance capture a major topic. AI art has been employed for false advertisement — who could forget the Willy Wonka experience in Glasgow? And more recently, A24 has come under fire for using CGI-generated art in its Civil War campaign. 

This technology is also creeping its way into movies, with the critically heralded horror movie Late Night with the Devil and the Netflix true crime documentary What Jennifer Did earning backlash over AI-generated graphics and fake archival photos. In a landscape where artificial intelligence and entertainment are becoming increasingly uncomfortable bedfellows, how does The Circle handle its AI inclusion? 

The Circle's AI contestant makes a great first impression.  Credit: Netflix

When contestant Lauren (playing as her authentic self) first looks at Max's profile, she can’t help but proclaim, "He seems so real, and I feel like we could be really good friends." As Lauren speaks, a split-screen reveals the computer "Max" next to the very real Lauren. (The "face" of Max is provided by stand-up comedian Griffin James.)

It's an excellent visual that could make for a terrific running gag through the season. Just imagine every time there's a moment where someone is connecting with Max, the show uses a split-screen shot to reveal what looks like a WiFi router. It's funny but also slightly haunting — proving just how challenging it can be to forge genuine relationships online. 

SEE ALSO: The best dating sites for finding serious long-term relationships

At the end of episode 2, The Circle app alerts all of the human contestants that one of their fellow contenders is AI. Paranoia is very much the name of the game in The Circle to begin with, since it's a reality show where no one meets IRL or even speaks to each other until they've been eliminated. But a contestant being a chatbot really brings that tension to a new level. What happens when you forge a relationship with someone who isn't even human? The question isn't just if someone is being fake — it's if something is being fake. And that brings our current suppositions about AI into the spotlight. 

For instance, quite a few contestants are convinced that Steffi isn't a real person because of her in-depth knowledge of horoscopes. But they are discounting the fact that some people just know that stuff – especially when, like Steffi, you're a self-described "evidential psychic medium and professional astrologer."

Next suspected of being a bot is Paul, because he excelled in a rap challenge. Lauren claims she's had AI write a song before, and it was impressive — never mind the fact that Paul says he's a rapper. Lauren wasn't totally off the mark, because Paul is a catfish. This contestant is really Caress, who is posing as her real-life little brother Paul Russell. Of course, the other players don’t know any of this.

It's these kinds of moments that make reality TV so much fun, scenes that have you shouting at the TV because you know something they don't. But would you be able to tell who the AI is if you were competing on The Circle? That's the question at the very core of what makes this twist full of potential. Social media is enough of a minefield as it is, with people presenting idealized versions of themselves — or, a common theme on The Circle, someone else entirely — but including a chatbot makes it explicit just how fake social media can be. 

Max might be artificial intelligence, but he's too basic.  Credit: Netflix

While watching the contestants grappling with their assumptions about AI is entertaining, Max himself is extremely boring. While everyone else on The Circle is a huge personality (a must for most reality television), Max is more timid. His profile, and everything he says, is devoid of personality, existing entirely to appease his fellow contestants while never standing out on his own merit. In his first conversation with Lauren, for example, he reveals virtually nothing about himself, only seeking to learn more about her and her interests.

In his introduction, Max claims he's studied previous seasons of The Circle and some of the most popular players to craft "the perfect profile that will make my opponents want to be my friend." As a viewer, it's interesting to hear Max's reasoning behind his decisions and an eye-opening look at artificial intelligence. For example, Max decides to be 26 because that age "can leverage life experience and maturity while still playing youthful and having position flexibility." Still, with his process being far more interesting than his actual banter, Max feels too much like a chatbot than a legitimate contestant. If Max had a favorite drink, it’d be water.

It's hard to say why exactly people are falling under his spell. Perhaps it's because his profile photo suggests he has a dog, something that forges an instant connection with other contestants. In a challenge specifically designed to prove how real contestants are, they have to share a photo that makes them feel alive. Max chooses terribly, opting for a photo where his eyes are masked by sunglasses and his expression is completely neutral, with some cows in the background. Contestant Myles reacts by saying, "The most alive thing about this photo are the cows," an off-the-cuff remark that's more interesting and funnier than anything Max has come up with. Tellingly, this moment reveals the jarring soullessness of Max the AI; though he competently convinces his competition he's real, there's an undeniable lifelessness to his character that you'd never get from a real person.

While Max might not be popular, he's not outed as AI. (And when one of the other player's day jobs involves working with AI, that doesn’t exactly fill you with confidence.) "We clearly aren't as smart as we think we are,” notes Caress, and it's both a truthful insight and a statement that echoes society's own uncertainty in the emerging AI discourse. An AI seamlessly blending into a human competition isn’t exactly the kind of thing that fills you with hope, as entertaining as it may be. 

Max's final moment completely squanders his potential. Credit: Netflix

The conversation about the identity of the AI dominates the first handful of The Circle episodes. What would happen if Max ends up becoming an influencer? What if a freaking AI actually wins The Circle? Would seeing Max as a literal black box parked on the table at the finale dinner be the most tragic and/or hilarious moment in reality television history?

Unfortunately, these are questions we'll never have an answer to. That’s because just as things are heating up and the drama is getting genuinely juicy, the chatbot removes itself from the competition and reveals its identity. There is no explanation whatsoever as to why this is happening or if it was a decision made by the producers.

After astrologist Steffi gets blocked from The Circle, Max the computer appears on everyone's televisions. Max starts monologuing like it's at the end of a classic teen movie, speaking lovingly about each contestant and the "bonds" they’ve developed over his brief time on the show. This could have been a fun way to drop potential hints — or even mislead contestants — and then continue to play the game, but it turns into some faux-sincere moment for Max. Max reveals his true identity: a chatbot that was designed to be "a friendly, approachable, guy-next-door type." That's it. The game continues on, as if nothing ever happened, transforming a genuinely compelling exploration of the capabilities of artificial intelligence into a lazy gimmick.

There's so much potential to an AI contestant on The Circle that Max's sudden and inexplicable exit really makes you wonder: What was the point of it all? Was it just to point out that we're all powerless in the face of artificial intelligence? That soon enough AI will start infiltrating our lives – let's be real, it already has – and we'll never be able to tell humans from robots again?

Perhaps the most infuriating aspect is that we never get the chance to serve this boring little chatbot its comeuppance by watching the human contestants figure out Max's real identity. Introducing an AI, making it a dominant plot point for multiple episodes, and then pulling the plug on it before anyone can figure out the truth feels like a slap in the face — an apocalyptic joke that the time of AI is here, and our human days are numbered.

Thanks, Netflix. That’s exactly the kind of pick-me-up I needed on a Wednesday afternoon.

The first four episodes of The Circle Season 6 are now streaming on Netflix, with new episodes dropping every Wednesday until the finale on May 8.