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It's official: Joel Miller (Pedro Pascal) is dead in The Last of Us, and the show will never be the same.
SEE ALSO: Did 'The Last of Us' Season 2, episode 2 break you? Us too.The Last of Us Season 2, episode 2 tackles The Last of Us Part II's most pivotal (and notorious) sequence, in which Abby Anderson (Kaitlyn Dever) kills Joel while a helpless Ellie (Bella Ramsey) watches on. Just like in the game, the scene is as heart-wrenching as it is brutal. But as is the case in any adaptation, there are several key differences from the source material. So how does Joel's death in the show stack up to his death in the game? Let's break it down.
Dina isn't with Joel in the game. Tommy is.One of the biggest differences between Joel's death in the game and the show is who's with him when he dies. In the game, he's with his brother Tommy (Gabriel Luna), but in the show, he's with Dina (Isabela Merced). Tommy remains in Jackson, where he helps defend the town from a horde of Infected (a show-only sequence).
While both Tommy and Dina are out cold for Joel's actual death, the switch between who accompanied Joel to Abby's hideout could have massive consequences for the show going forward. The game sees Tommy hunt Abby for revenge not long after the murder, but could the Infected attack on Jackson — not to mention his young, show-only son — change his priorities? Meanwhile, Dina's presence at Joel's death could further strengthen her bond with Ellie, as the two are both undeniably traumatized by the experience.
Joel actually learns who Abby is in the show.Part of the mystery of The Last of Us Part II is finding out who Abby is and why she wanted to kill Joel, something you only learn as you play through the second half of the game. (When he asks her who she is before she kills him in the game, her only response is, "guess.")
However, The Last of Us Season 2 wastes no times in giving us an Abby crash course. She interrogates Joel about attacking the Fireflies in Salt Lake City. She monologues about Joel killing her father. She even drops hints about the militia she's joined in Seattle.
The Last of Us laid the groundwork for Abby's backstory reveal starting in episode 1, with her introductory scene by the Fireflies' graves. That early knowledge functions as a way to build sympathy for her earlier on in the show than in the game, allowing us to more completely understand her motivations right off the bat.
SEE ALSO: 'The Last of Us' Season 2, episode 2: Gamers knew it was coming. It still hurts like hell.The game is very intentional in its omission of these motivations, so this isn't a case of one version of the story being "better" than the other. Instead, it's just a case of each version having a different project when it comes to portraying Abby. For the game, she's a threat until we learn to empathize with her by playing as her. The show wants to build that empathy earlier, while also presenting Joel's death as a specific consequence of his actions in Salt Lake City.
A bonus of learning Abby's backstory so early is that we get to watch Joel process that the events of the Season 1 finale are finally catching up to him. It's a heartbreaking conclusion to his story, yet it also feels inevitable.
That final golf swing looks a little different.Few moments from The Last of Us Part II are as memorable — or as traumatic — as the final bloody "thunk" of Abby landing her killing blow on Joel. The show opts for a different approach to Joel's last moments. Abby still wails on him with a golf club, but by the time Ellie arrives, the club is broken. It's a simple image, but it speaks volumes to the extent of the damage Abby dealt.
With the golf club broken, Abby opts to finish Joel off by stabbing him through the neck with the broken shaft. That's a gnarly killing blow in its own right, with the squelch of flesh and hiss of Joel's last breath evoking the same feeling as that nasty "thunk": total and complete devastation.
New episodes of The Last of Us Season 2 premiere on HBO and Max Sundays at 9 p.m. ET.
You thought The Last of Us Season 1 was brutal? Season 2 just delivered one of the most harrowing episodes of TV in history. Sunday night, viewers witnessed the grim events that first rocked fans of the video game The Last of Us Part II back in the summer of 2020.
But amid all the violence, grief, and pain of episode two, there was a song that plays over the end that hit like a shotgun blast to the knees. And fans of the game know it carries a lot of meaning.
So, let's dig into it.
Spoilers ahead.
What song plays over the end of The Last of Us, Season 2, episode 2?In the final minutes of this devastating episode, Abby's crew abandons the mountaintop chalet, leaving behind a wounded Ellie, who crawls over to Joel's body. As she cradles him, an acoustic guitar begins to play, and a female voice sings, "I walk through the valley of the shadow of death."
The voice should be familiar to fans of the game, as it's sung by Ashley Johnson, who voiced Ellie in both The Last of Us and The Last of Us Part II. The song is Shawn James' "Through the Valley," covered by Johnson for the trailer for the sequel game.
In the trailer, viewable above, Ellie plays the song on her guitar. In the show, the non-diegetic song plays over the episode's conclusions for Ellie, Abby, and Tommy.
As Abby's squad tromps through the snow, back to their base in Seattle, the lyrics continue, "I fear no evil, 'cause I'm blind to it all. And my mind and my gun, they comfort me. Because I know I'll kill my enemies when they come."
The carnage wrought on Jackson by the Infected is unveiled under the lyrics, "Surely, goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life. And I will dwell on this earth forever more."
Then, the final heart-wrenching image, of Ellie on horseback with Jesse and Dina, as they drag Joel's body, swaddled in a sheet, through the snow back to Jackson. Johnson's voice sings over this tragic scene, "'Cause I walk through the valley of the shadow of death and I fear no evil, 'cause I'm blind. Oh, and I walk beside the still waters, and they restore my soul. But I know when I die, my soul is damned. But I know when I die, my soul is damned."
Then, the song fades away, and only the sound of the howling winds and the slow progress of horses and their cargo can be heard over the credits.
What's the importance of "Through the Valley" in The Last of Us? Bella Ramsey plays Ellie in "The Last of Us." Credit: Liane Hentscher / HBOOn a surface level, the lyrics seem to reflect on Joel's life, playing as a eulogy of sorts.
He was a man who relied on his wits and his gun, seeming fearless in the face of the evils of the Infected world. But something changed him when he met Ellie. She became more than cargo, more than a miracle cure. She became his daughter. When he made the fateful decision to annihilate the Fireflies to save her, he sealed his fate. He was damned.
Alternatively, viewers could also look to the song as a warning from Joel to Ellie, melodically entreating a grieving girl not to follow in the path of Joel's violence or Abby's vengeance. But Ellie's never been much for listening to Joel.
"Through the Valley" is more than an Easter egg. Ashley Johnson in "The Last of Us." Credit: Liane Hentscher / HBOThe track can be found on the album The Last of Us Part II: Covers and Rarities. Johnson not only voiced Ellie in the games, but also played Ellie's mom in Season 1 of the TV show. But there's a greater meaning at play behind why Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann picked Johnson's cover of "Through the Valley" for this TV moment. And it relates to how the song showed up in the game.
The only way to hear "Through the Valley" in The Last of Us: Part II was to beat the game on Permadeath mode. That's a setting that means if your character dies, you're not booted back to the start of the level or your last save point to try again. You lose. In Permadeath setting, death is not a setback, it's the end.
Thus, this song playing over this sequence underscores the cold new reality: Joel is dead, for good.
There's no going back to do things differently. He was doomed to die as soon as he killed the Fireflies. Even in the game, there was nothing you could do to save him.
But does that mean that's the last of Pedro Pascal we'll see in The Last of Us? Well, the show's done flashbacks before, and flashbacks popped up in the game. So while Joel is dead, Pascal might not be gone from this series just yet.
The Last of Us Season 2 airs weekly, Sunday at 9 p.m. ET, on HBO and Max.
The Last of Us Season 2, episode 2 takes us through the valley of the shadow of death — in more ways than one.
In the show's largest set piece to date, a horde of Infected storms Jackson, leaving behind countless dead and much of the community to repair. But as the citizens of Jackson square off against their worst nightmare, a smaller, yet greater tragedy plays out in the mountains above. I'm talking, of course, about the death of Joel Miller (Pedro Pascal), and his brutal final moments with Ellie (Bella Ramsey).
SEE ALSO: 'The Last of Us' Season 2: How does that big death compare to the game?For people who have played (or even just have the smallest familiarity with) The Last of Us Part II, Joel's death this season was an inevitability. But that doesn't make it hurt any less, or make the buildup to it any less stressful. So stressful, in fact, that I often found myself pausing the episode to freak out or brace myself for what was coming.
Here, in chronological order, is every time The Last of Us Season 2, episode 2 stopped my heart (or just ripped it out entirely).
When we see a flashback of Abby after Joel's attack on the Fireflies. Kaitlyn Dever in "The Last of Us." Credit: Liane Hentscher / HBOThe Season 2 premiere revealed almost immediately that former Firefly Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) has it out for Joel. In the nightmare sequence that opens episode 2, we get a better idea of why: When he wiped out the Fireflies in Salt Lake City, he also killed her father, the surgeon who was about to operate on Ellie. The nightmare sees a younger Abby reliving the moment she discovered his body, while present-day Abby cautions her not to. Of course, young Abby doesn't listen. She will always find her father's body, and that will always lead her down a path of vengeance towards Joel.
Witnessing Abby's trauma right off the bat is as clear a signal as any that she and Joel's paths will cross by the end of the episode. Buckle up, The Last of Us tells us, because the countdown clock towards his death is officially nearing zero.
When we learn the Infected are living under the snow.Down in Jackson, Jesse (Young Mazino) hits Ellie with some extra-disturbing news: A patrol was ambushed by a group of Infected who were living under the snow. How did they survive? Oh, just by using the corpses of other Infected as insulation. Looking out at the snowy expanse surrounding Jackson, the question then becomes, how many other Infected are hiding under all that snow? That's right, you thought you just had to worry about Joel's death this episode? Nope, we also have snow Infected to worry about now.
SEE ALSO: 'The Last of Us' Season 2, episode 2: Gamers knew it was coming. It still hurts like hell. When we find out Joel is already out on patrol.Some good news to distract from the snowy Infected? Ellie and Joel are in a much better place now after their tense standoff at the winter dance. So much so that Ellie wants to go on patrol with him again. The bad news? Joel is already out on patrol with Dina (Isabela Merced), the two kindly opting to let Ellie sleep. Of course, that kindness comes with the unfortunate side effect of Ellie being separated from Joel at a critical point in their relationship (and, you know, the final hours of his life).
The separation makes Ellie's reassurance that things will be fine between her and Joel hurt even more. "I'm still me, he's still Joel, and nothing's ever gonna change that. Ever," she tells Jesse, with no idea of what's to come. Don't mind me, I'm already preparing my tissues.
When Abby spots Joel and Dina. Kaitlyn Dever in "The Last of Us." Credit: Liane Hentscher / HBOEpisode 2 gives us the occasional sliver of hope that maybe Joel will survive his encounter with Abby. Daunted by the size and strength of Jackson, her traveling companions are planning on calling the whole operation off. Good! Get out of there! Maybe the rest of Season 2 can be a Sliding Doors situation where we see an alternate version of the story where Joel lives.
But of course, The Last of Us sticks to its guns and has Abby spot Joel and Dina while they're out on patrol. She doesn't know he's Joel by this point, but she knows they're from Jackson, and that's a good enough starting point. The hunt is on, and that countdown clock keeps ticking.
When a blizzard starts brewing over Jackson.The Last of Us is already building an atmosphere of dread, so why not throw some thematic weather in there? As soon as that snow starts blowing in earnest, the dread increases tenfold: Visibility is low and radios are down, cutting off communication with Jackson. Our crew of patrollers — Ellie, Joel, Dina, and Jesse — are stranded, just in time for a stormy showdown.
SEE ALSO: 'The Last of Us' Season 2, episode 1: Ellie's bedroom is filled with Easter eggs When Abby awakens an avalanche of Infected.I truly don't know what's more horrifying: the image of the Infected corpses just lying frozen in the snow (very True Detective corpsicle of them), or the sinking whirlpool of bodies that forms when the living Infected emerge from their slumber. Either way, this sequence is an absolute nightmare, and no matter your feelings about Abby, I think we can all agree no one deserves the fate of being run down by a literal avalanche of Infected. Run, girl, run! Just maybe away from Joel, thanks.
When Abby gets trapped under a fence. Kaitlyn Dever in "The Last of Us." Credit: Liane Hentscher / HBOThe stress reaches a fever pitch when Abby finds herself trapped behind a chain-link fence, the entire horde bearing down on her. If you hate zombie movies, this is a bad time for you. If you have claustrophobia, this is a bad time for you. It's just an all-around bad time, okay? And that's before we see that shot of an Infected tearing its hand open in an attempt to get through the chain-link fence. What a nightmare. Surely nothing else in the episode can get more frightening or emotionally traumatizing than the sheer horror of a crush of zombies, right? Right?
When Abby hears Joel's name.Wrong. Because mere moments later, Joel saves Abby, reminding us of the inevitable. And mere moments after that, Dina seals the deal by calling Joel's name. (A change from the game, where Joel gives up his name freely to Abby and her companions back at the lodge.) Watching Abby understand she's stumbled upon Joel is a terrifying turn in an already-terrifying episode. (Shout out to Dever for playing the moment with a perfect combination of realization and fear.)
This moment is also a perfect example of the bait and switch The Last of Us is playing with all episode. Like Joel, you may think the biggest threat is the horde of Infected raging outside. But you can't forget about the core truth of The Last of Us: Often, the real danger is the humans, and Abby is no exception.
SEE ALSO: 'The Last of Us' Season 2 has fans freaking out online about Joel When the Infected descend upon Jackson, "Hardhome"-style.Just because I'm scared about Joel's fate doesn't mean I can't also lose my mind over the Infected attack on Jackson, a show-only addition. Watching them charge through the snow and crash against Jackson's wooden gates calls to mind another deeply frightening winter zombie siege: Game of Thrones' "Hardhome" attack. Great, now I have Game of Thrones stress compounding my Last of Us dread, a potent combination that at least has the upside of reminding me just how great "Hardhome" was. (Even if the Night King payoff down the line was... less great.)
That this sequence isn't in the game makes my panic levels spike in a different way from watching Joel march towards his unsuspecting death. We're in uncharted territory here: How much will The Last of Us stray from the game? Are Tommy (Gabriel Luna) and Maria (Rutina Wesley) suddenly on the chopping block? What about their show-only son, Benjamin (Ezra Agbonkhese)? I can only take so much major character death in one episode!
When Joel chooses to go to the lodge.Upon seeing Jackson up in flames, Joel considers returning to help, but Abby continues to lure him up to the lodge with the promise of warmth and her friends' supplies and ammo. Joel, no, they're going to use the ammo on you! For once, it might be safer to run towards the burning city under siege by the Infected.
When the Bloater breaches Jackson's gate.The early stages of the Jackson battle have enough "hell, yeah" moments — including those big, Infected-killing explosions — that I could breathe easy for a bit. Maybe Jackson would be okay after all!
Then the Bloater appears.
Seeing one Bloater in Season 1 was more than enough for me, but this disgusting tank of a creature takes Bloaters to a whole new level of scary. It rams through Jackson's gates and sends the battle spiraling in a whole new direction. The Infected swarm the streets and crash into buildings — think of the children in the basements! They even scramble up to the roofs, as seen in a very immersive (and yes, stressful) oner of Maria trying to make her way out of danger.
When Tommy fights the Bloater. Gabriel Luna in "The Last of Us." Credit: Liane Hentscher / HBOThe Bloater's appearance gives us the nice bonus of watching Maria and Tommy tag-team it: Maria shoots it from the rooftops, while Tommy draws its ire on the ground. The latter leads to a fiery standoff between Tommy and the Bloater. Tommy blasts the monster, but it just keeps coming. A real case of an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object.
But Tommy's luck begins to run out along with his flame thrower fuel, leaving us with the very real possibility of his death. (Which would be a huge deviation from the game, but then again, so it this whole attack!) Luckily, the Bloater gives out and falls to the ground in a charred heap. Grilled mushrooms, anyone?
SEE ALSO: 'The Last of Us': The song at the end of episode 2 has deeper meaning When Abby turns on Joel.If you're familiar with The Last of Us Part II, you knew this was coming. But that doesn't make it hurt any less.
Abby drops any pretense of friendliness with Joel, blowing out his knee. That noise you're hearing? That's not Joel howling in pain; that's millions of Last of Us fans yelling at their TVs.
The Jackson fight might have been the flashiest section of the episode, but this moment marks the start of the episode's longest, most brutal sequence. Abby lays out how Joel killed her father, and we watch in real time as Joel resigns himself to his fate, the consequences of his Season 1 rampage catching up to him after so many years.
When the camera pans to the golf bag.There are no coherent thoughts in this moment, just the knowledge that this is going to hurt.
When Abby tells Joel, "You don't get to rush this."If this episode hasn't stomped your heart to tiny pieces by this point, Abby's torture of Joel will change that. It's an exhausting march towards death, every blow and every swing of the golf club feeling like a gut punch through the screen.
Speaking of the golf club, it breaks before Abby's done with Joel, further proof of just how much damage he's endured. By the time she stabs him through the neck with the shard of the stick, he's basically a human pulp. He's broken, the audience is drained, and even Abby seems spent, if satisfied. In a show that's repeatedly examined the human capacity for brutality, this sequence takes the cake as its most grueling yet.
When Ellie and Joel share one last look. Bella Ramsey in "The Last of Us." Credit: Liane Hentscher / HBOThis whole episode kicks off with a missed connection between Joel and Ellie, as they don't wind up on patrol together. From there, the episode builds anxiety around whether the two will even meet again for a chance to repair their relationship.
Of course, the two do meet again, but they'll never get that chance.
Ellie finds Joel moments before Abby lands the killing blow, and she has to watch, helpless, as her father figure perishes. "Get up," she pleads, and she's never sounded younger or more alone. As if that wasn't heart-breaking enough, Joel actually tries to get back up. One flicker of his fingers proves he's still willing to fight for Ellie, even after a barrage of torture. After everything they've gone through, the two remain each other's worlds — but that world comes crashing down with Abby's final blow.
The aftermath of Joel's death is equally devastating, with Ellie crawling over to his body and laying with him. That image is enough to break even the strongest of tear dams, and it conjures up many heartbreaking what-ifs. What if Ellie had gone on patrol with Joel? What if Joel hadn't saved Abby? What if he had turned back to Jackson at the last second?
So many hypotheticals, but there's only one tragic reality. Joel is gone, and Ellie never gets to say a proper goodbye. If that isn't enough to break you, I don't know what will.
New episodes of The Last of Us Season 2 premiere on HBO and Max Sundays at 9 p.m. ET.
We're back with The Last of Us Season 2, with mysterious new characters and geared-up new factions to avoid like the plague or join, depending on your priorities in the apocalypse.
In Season 1 of Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann's Naughty Dog game adaptation, it was all about FEDRA and the Fireflies. But now, with the majority of Fireflies sent into oblivion by Joel (Pedro Pascal) in the Season 1 finale, the faction has evolved elsewhere.
SEE ALSO: 'The Last of Us': What you can expect from Season 2In Season 2, episode 1, we meet Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) and her crew, who are members of a group with a wolf logo on their gear. But who is this new faction? Are they good or bad? And what's their vendetta against Joel?
Now, it'll be unfeasible for me to tell you everything about this group — if you've played the games, you'll know what happens with this group in The Last of Us Part II. But here's what I can tell viewers of the HBO series about the WLF as it happens in Season 2 (with no spoilers beyond what happens in the latest episode on Max).
Wait, who are the Fireflies again? One of the last conversations between Marlene (Merle Dandridge) and Joel (Pedro Pascal). Credit: Liane Hentscher / HBOThey were a highly skilled, revolutionary militia group whose aim was to liberate quarantine zones (QZs) from the U.S. government's military arm, FEDRA, who in turn branded them terrorists. You might remember Joel and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) found their graffiti on walls all through Season 1 — their motto was "When you're lost in the darkness, look for the light." You might also remember Ellie was a FEDRA cadet with her best friend and first love, Riley (Storm Reid), whose plans to join the Fireflies were fatally derailed.
The Fireflies' leader, Marlene (Merle Dandridge), was the one who sent Tess (Anna Torv) and Joel on the mission to retrieve Ellie in the first place, taking her from the Fireflies' Boston QZ hideout to a Salt Lake City base camp where doctors were working on a cure for the Cordyceps pandemic (remember, Ellie's immune to Infected bites). Marlene would also be the last Firefly killed by Joel at the hospital, after he learned Ellie would be sacrificed for such research — it's the big point of contention between them.
The Fireflies said they needed to kill Ellie for a cure. Joel said nah. Credit: Liane Hentscher / HBOAnd it's at this very medical facility we meet the WLF for the first time in Season 2, episode 1, reeling from what they've found.
Who are the Washington Liberation Front in The Last of Us? Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) is a member of the WLF. Credit: Liane Hentscher / HBOA militia group hailing from Seattle, the Washington Liberation Front (WLF) are identifiable by their logo featuring a wolf. Dina (Isabela Merced) spots one of these logos, an upside-down yellow triangle with a snarling wolf in the centre, in Season 2, episode 2 in the group's mountain base. Made up of former Fireflies and new members, the WLF are a bit of a mystery at this point of the show, but the group will play a major part this season.
In Season 2, episode 1, we meet a few of them, including Abby and her friends, Manny (Danny Ramirez), Nora (Tati Gabrielle), Mel (Ariela Barer), and Owen (Spencer Lord), who have discovered the remnants of Joel's massacre of the Fireflies in Salt Lake City. To say they look pissed is an understatement, but Abby is the one who decides they should not report back to base but instead find the killer themselves.
In the second episode (The Terrible One We Won't Get Over Anytime Soon), Abby returns with Joel and Dina to the mountain cabin where the rest of her WLF members are based. We know that they're WLF from Mel's backpack, which boasts the logo. When Dina notices it, things become tense, and Joel asks if the group are Fireflies (a group he knows well from, you know, massacring them).
Declaring the Fireflies "all gone," Abby then begins her revenge on Joel, telling him she's been a militia member for five years and that she's been taught to only attack those who can fight back. "Our commander trained us to follow a code. We don't kill that can't defend themselves," she says. "And right now, that's you. But I am going to kill you. Because it doesn't matter if you have a code, like me, or you're a lawless piece of shit, like you. There are just some things everyone agrees are just fucking wrong."
We're not sure what Abby's commander will have to say about that, but we don't know them yet at all, really.
Who is the WLF leader?In episode 1, Owen mentions the group's leader, Isaac Dixon (Jeffrey Wright), who we've yet to meet. He'll play a major role in the story, but all we know about him for now is that he's the commander of the faction and the group rely on his approval — and Abby's gone rogue.
The Last of Us Season 2 is now streaming on Max. New episodes air weekly on Sundays 9 p.m. ET on HBO.
Following biotechnology company 23andMe's filing for bankruptcy, losing its CEO, and trying to find a buyer last month, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce launched an investigation into the genetic data company's handling of customers' personal information.
On Friday, the committee sent a letter to 23andMe regarding selling people's sensitive information following its filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The letter was signed by committee Chair Rep. Brett Guthrie of Kentucky, Rep. Gus Bilirakis of Florida, and Rep. Gary Palmer of Alabama. The latter two are chairmen of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade and the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, respectively.
SEE ALSO: 23andMe data: How to delete yoursThe letter points out that in 23andMe's privacy policy, in a bankruptcy, customers' personal information may be "accessed, sold or transferred as part of that transaction."
"Additionally, a judge recently ruled 23andMe has the right to sell the sensitive medical and genetic information of its 15 million customers, which is considered to be the company’s most valuable asset," the letter states. "With the lack of a federal comprehensive data privacy and security law, we write to express our great concern about the safety of Americans' most sensitive personal information."
The committee then lists many questions for the company, including how 23andMe intends to vet potential buyers and what its plan is to protect people's data should a sale happen. The Committee of Energy and Commerce requested answers by May 1.
In a press release, 23andMe detailed bidding requirements and procedures for a sale, such as that it will not accept bids from entities based in or controlling investments from "countries of concern" like China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, or Venezuela.
Regarding handling personal data, the company stated in the release, "23andMe takes its responsibility as a steward of customer data seriously. The Company maintains strict data privacy and security protocols, and it is subject to consumer privacy and genetic privacy laws."
In the last few years, the genomics company has been under fire for a data breach and subsequent lawsuit. As 23andMe isn't an entity covered by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), customer information isn't protected by those privacy measures.
With the announcement of the bankruptcy and its former CEO, Anne Wojcicki, stepping down in March, Mashable published a how-to on deleting your data from 23andMe. If you haven't done so yet, now is the perfect time.
UPDATE: Apr. 21, 2025, 10:15 a.m. EDT This article has been updated to include a press release from 23andMe.
Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.
Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.
If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections Sports Edition?The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.
If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Gear for the treadmill
Green: Found in a gym
Blue: NFL football division
Purple: Shares/associates with a mesh material
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Athletic Footwear
Green: Gym Equipment
Blue: AFC East Teams
Purple: Things with Nets
Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.
Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.
Drumroll, please!
The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #209 is...
What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition todayAthletic Footwear - BOOTS, CLEATS, SNEAKERS, SPIKES
Gym Equipment - ELLIPTICAL, MEDICINE BALL, ROWING MACHINE, TREADMILL
AFC East Teams - BUFFALO, MIAMI, NEW ENGLAND, NEW YORK
Things with Nets - BASKETBALL HOOP, BROOKLYN, SOCCER GOAL, TENNIS COURT
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
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 today's Connections.
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: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on MashableHere are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Sunday, April 20, 2025:
AcrossSpeaking confidently but dishonestlyThe answer is Glib.
The answer is Hora.
The answer is Go Away.
The answer is Ioniq.
The answer is Shaq.
The answer is Ghana.
The answer is Low IQ.
The answer is Iraq.
The answer is Bay.
The answer is GIs.
The answer is Ooh.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of GamesAre you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
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TL;DR: Shrink your screen time with this limited-time deal on the NanoPhone miniaturized smartphone, now just $89.97 (reg. $199.99) through April 27.
Sometimes, less really is more. The NanoPhone is a miniaturized smartphone that strips away the bulk without sacrificing the essentials of your phone, giving you a sleek, credit-card-sized device that keeps you connected without the distractions.
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StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Mutant Design Lab NanoPhone - A Miniaturized Smartphone Packed with Mega Features! $89.97TL;DR: Lock down access to your favorite Microsoft Office programs with a single payment of $49.97 for MS Office 2021.
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Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License $49.97TL;DR: This Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro Retro Gaming Emulator and Streaming Console is fun for the whole family, and now it's just $89.97 (reg. $159) with free shipping until April 27.
Ready to give family game night a serious upgrade? Put the board games back in the closet and get a gaming console that bridges generations — the Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro.
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StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Kinhank Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro Retro Gaming Emulator & Streaming Console $89.97TL;DR: Master up to 14 languages at your own speed with this lifetime subscription to Babbel Language Learning. Right now, it's only $129.99, exclusively on StackSocial, using the code LEARN40 through May 4.
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Opens in a new window Credit: Babbel Babbel Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages) $129.99TL;DR: Score a MacBook Pro for just $329.97 (reg. $1,499) through April 30, while supplies last.
You don’t always have to splurge to get a quality laptop. The MacBook Pro is one of Apple's priciest laptops, due to its powerful performance. But if you act fast, you can get one for under $350.
This 13-inch MacBook Pro can be yours for only $329.97 (reg. $1,499) through April 30, while supplies last.
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StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro 13" Touchbar (2017) 3.1GHz i5 8GB RAM 512GB SSD Space Gray (Refurbished) $329.97Hey there, pal! If you're currently melting into your couch cushions and/or becoming one with your mattress, just scrolling for something cool to watch before you come down, then, wow, you are in the right place.
You want a recommendation? We love giving recommendations. What a totally awesome and fortuitous situation we all are in right now.
Netflix has a ton of shows and movies perfect for watching when you're chilling out and getting high. Soothing, colorful, trippy, profound — you name the vibe, and the streaming service has something for you. To get you started, we've combed through some of our favorite titles to enjoy while vegging out. In our list, you'll also find descriptions of the mood they're perfect for.
Have an awesome time, buddy. You deserve a list of the best things to watch on Netflix while high.
30. Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget Credit: Aardman / NetflixIt took Aardman Animation a hot second to cook up Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, but don't let that stop you. This sequel to 2000's Chicken Run (which is still the highest-grossing stop-motion movie ever made!) is nearly as much of a blast as the original. And that's really no surprise given Aardman's portfolio of delightfully animated films, including modern classics like Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep.
True, the plot here is ultimately a bit of a rehash of the first movie, although there are some fun Squid Game shout-outs and the like. But what really makes Nugget essential stoner viewing is its stop-motion animation — the textural gorgeousness of every frame, every piece of putty that these artists' fingers have sprung to such vivid life. It's a Technicolor circus of delicious chicken mania. — Jason Adams, Entertainment Reporter
How to watch: Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget is now streaming on Netflix.
29. Godzilla x Kong: The New EmpireThe more the Godzilla movies coming out of Japan have turned into smart, sweeping epics like Godzilla Minus One (which is also streaming on Netflix), the more their American counterparts have taken the opposite route, becoming kaiju-sized mountains of unbridled lunacy. And we love them for it, with their extraordinarily tangled plot-lines that stretch back decades and continents — above and below ground, mind you (Hollow Earth represent!).
Then add on a cast of characters so wide and so loony that you wonder how the studio can even keep writing all the checks, and we're cooking with gas. What can I tell you about the plot Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire? Well, Dan Stevens is doing a ridiculous accent. There's an army of evil monkeys that live inside a volcano. Kong gets a robot arm with which to kick (or rather punch) monkey butt. Oh, and the sight of Godzilla curled up taking a nap in the Colosseum like a good kitty is worth the price of admission alone. — J.A.
How to watch: Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is now streaming on Netflix.
28. BarbieCould Greta Gerwig's Oscar-winning box-office-stomping plastic-doll-updating pop blockbuster actually be a stealth stoner classic-to-be? All the Day-Glo brights of Barbieland, the surreal twists of plot, the Technicolor musical interludes… this is a movie made for knocking back a big bag of potato chips and vegging out if ever there was one.
Barbie tells the tale of, funny enough, Barbie (Margot Robbie). Plus her simp male companion doll friend Ken (Ryan Gosling), and how their wanderings out into the real world to learn what it's like for real girls and boys only confuses them further, ultimately turning Barbieland upside-down in the process. It's all hella goofy, way over-the-top — it's got Kate McKinnon doing wackadoo splits up the side of a Dream House, dang it! Really the line between what makes a 12-year-old and what makes a really stoned adult laugh is at its thinnest here, so break on through to the other candy-colored side. — J.A.
How to watch: Barbie is now streaming on Netflix.
27. BurlesqueA good old-fashioned nonsense musical about putting on a show to save the club and, uhh, air rights? The gaudy Burlesque embraces its cheesiness in such an enthusiastic fashion that it's hard not to fall under its ridiculous spell. Starring Christina Aguilera as a small-town waitress who moves to Los Angeles to fulfill her big singing dreams, and starring Cher — Cher!!! — as the owner of a burlesque club who takes the dreamin' lil songbird under her wing, Burlesque (like Cher) knows exactly what it is and exactly why we’re here. And those things are bright colors and absolute silliness. If we just happen to get to watch Cam Gigandet wiggle his cute little butt, too, then so be it. — J.A.
How to watch: Burlesque is now streaming on Netflix.
26. Pretend It's a City Credit: NetflixDepending on what kind of high it is you're rocking, you may just want to get lost in conversation or listen as someone else regales you with tall tales. We've all been there! Well, lucky for you, author and iconic New York City personality Fran Lebowitz has made getting lost in conversation her career, and this seven-part docu-series directed by Martin Scorsese himself captures that freewheeling and funny conversation brilliantly.
A rambling portrait of Lebowitz's life and the city she's loved slash contended with for several decades, she and Marty (who often appears on-screen chatting directly with her) have a warm and hilarious rapport, and he draws out all her best material. Add the fact that Scorsese spends half the doc cackling so hard at Fran's jokes that he seems to have imbibed a little himself, and it's high times in the Big Apple indeed. — J.A.
How to watch: Pretend It's a City is now streaming on Netflix.
25. MaDirected by The Help's Tate Taylor, Ma tells the tale of a gang of annoying teenagers who ask the exact wrong middle-aged veterinary assistant to help buy them beer. Sue Ann (Octavia Spencer) tells the kids to call her Ma, buys their beer, and then invites them back to her place where she says they can party and drink in her basement. What's the catch? They just have to let Ma party some with them, is all. Is that really too much to ask? Well…
When under the influence you probably want to avoid a horror movie that's too scary, but Ma hits the sweet spot — pot-boiling camp where the mischievous twinkle in Spencer's eye lets you know we're here to have some fun. Much like her character, she's inviting you into her basement good-timery. And if she happens to run down some floozies with her pick-up truck or threaten a little castration on the side, so be it. Ma just wants to be loved, dammit! — J.A.
How to watch: Ma is now streaming on Netflix.
24. Kraven the HunterSuperhero stories can be metaphors for all sorts of real-world serious issues. But when they fail spectacularly at doing that, I find them to be the perfect companions for being blitzed out of one's head. Enter Kraven the Hunter, a big bag of furry nonsense that stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson as the son of a Russian game hunter (Russell Crowe, devouring the safari scenery) who gets dosed with a magical potion after being attacked by a lion, becoming one with the apex predators.
There are like 10 villains that make Kraven's mane-draped life a living heck, with each one of them bringing their own kinda wacky. Christopher Abbott plays some kind of debonair time-warping assassin; Fred Hechinger is a piano-playing chameleon geek; and best of all is Alessandro Nivola as the thick-hided Rhino always sporting a fashionable little backpack. What they – alongside Ariano DeBose as the potion-wielding Calypso – are up to is, not to put too fine a point on it, a bunch of gobbledegook. And yet a good time can be had if you just let go and embrace the furrier side of life. — J.A.
How to watch: Kraven the Hunter is now streaming on Netflix.
23. Cooked with CannabisWho among us hasn't lost an afternoon staring at a cooking show, imagining what every dish tastes like? Netflix's Cooked with Cannabis, hosted by "Milkshake" singer-turned-chef Kelis and cannabis cuisine expert Leather Storrs, adds a competitive edge to the art of weed cuisine as three guest chefs compete for a $10,000 prize. It's a little low on stakes at times, but is a generally enjoyable watch with plenty of mouth-watering creations to gaze at. — Alison Foreman, Entertainment Reporter
How to watch: Cooked with Cannabis is now streaming on Netflix.
22. Blown Away Credit: NetflixIf you think glassblowing is mesmeric when you're sober, then hold on to your couch cushions for this title. Blown Away, the surprise hit reality competition series centered on professional glass artists, combines the satisfaction of a How It's Made segment with the fun and format of Top Chef. (Did we mention molten glass kind of looks like food?) It's a killer binge you'll knock out in no time. — A.F.
How to watch: Blown Away Seasons 1-4 are now streaming on Netflix.
21. Kubo and the Two StringsThe reach-out-and-touch-it tactility of Laika's brand of stop-motion animation is enough to make any person feel high as a kite, even while stone cold sober. So it only stands to reason that any of their movies — Coraline, ParaNorman, et al — would make for perfect zone-out entertainment. Lose yourself among the undulating surfaces, y'all.
And none of the Laika movies have felt as luxurious as 2016's Kubo and the Two Strings, which tells the tale of a Samurai Junior setting out on a quest where he must face down his diabolical aunties and the creepy-ass Moon King. With music! It's all surging seas, rocky cliffs, and red lanterns, with the art of feudal Japan guiding its gorgeous abstractions. Featuring the voices of Charlize Theron, Ralph Fiennes, Rooney Mara, and Matthew McConaughey, every frame is a moving work of art. — J.A.
How to watch: Kubo and the Two Strings is now streaming on Netflix.
20. Absurd PlanetNature documentaries are always strong contenders for when you want viewing that's both relaxing and awe-inspiring. But Netflix's Absurd Planet is an especially good choice for when you're high. It blends absurdist comedy with pretty visuals, the occasional cartoon, and mind-blowing facts. (Fair warning, though, this show can be kind of cringe-inducing if you're not high. Prep accordingly.) — A.F.
How to watch: Absurd Planet Season 1 is now streaming on Netflix.
19. Furiosa: A Mad Max SagaWe're blazing back across the wastelands of George Miller's maniacal mind for a fifth go at his Mad Max franchise in this prequel to 2015's Fury Road —swapping Charlize Theron out for Anya Taylor-Joy (plus Alyla Browne in the earlier portions) — and we're here to find out what made that bald-headed bad-ass Furiosa tick. Following her kidnapping from the "Green Place" and the rough tutelage under a never-wilder Chris Hemsworth's Dementus that follows, we get to see it all: Furiosa's epic back-story with the wife-hoarding Immortan Joe; the loss of her arm; everything right up to the very first second we met her on the Fury Road.
Although the reaction to Furiosa was generally a muted one — a comparatively small box office haul, a mixed reception from critics, and not a single Oscar nomination — there's no doubt that Furiosa will sprout legs and eventually end up as beloved a piece as the rest. So now's the time to jump onboard. There are definitely things to adjust to. Anya Taylor-Joy is good but Charlize is missed, and there's a lot more unconvincing CG employed than Fury Road messed about with. But Miller's imagination is still the fiery special-effect we keep coming back for, and it continues to singe our brows off. — J.A.
How to watch: Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is now streaming on Netflix.
18. Floor Is Lava Credit: NetflixWitness strangers yeeting themselves into oblivion with one of Netflix's best reality shows. Floor Is Lava is exactly what it sounds like, turning the beloved living room game into a full-scale obstacle course with a cash prize at the finish line. Great casting, fun set decoration, and the warm presence of host Rutledge Wood make this a fun binge to fall into while relaxing. — A.F.
How to watch: Floor Is Lava Seasons 1-3 are now streaming on Netflix.
17. The Mind, ExplainedExplore the nooks and crannies of your head's ooey-gooey center (too much?) with The Mind, Explained. In this 10-part docu-series narrated by Emma Stone and Julianne Moore, psychologists, doctors, and other experts discuss the mysteries surrounding our academic and practical understandings of consciousness. From dreams to drugs, this series is a great primer on all sorts of fascinating areas. — A.F.
How to watch: The Mind, Explained Seasons 1-2 are now streaming on Netflix.
16. Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among ThievesWho could have predicted that a Dungeons & Dragons movie would land in 2023 and… actually be good? Audiences didn't turn out in droves, but critics sure loved it, and it will no doubt have a very long life on streaming platforms as people discover the red hot news that, hey, this extremely weird movie actually doesn't suck.
Starring Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, Regé-Jean Page, Justice Smith, Sophia Lillis, and Hugh Grant, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves follows a gang of unlikely heroes who must quest their way across the Medieval-ish kingdom while dropping all sorts of familiar nerd nuggets for the RPG-heads along the way. But, no worries. Even if you've never touched a six-sided die in your life, you'll be able to keep up just fine, and be enthralled to boot. Good clean goblin-ensconced fun will be had! — J.A.
How to watch: Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is now streaming on Netflix.
15. My Octopus Teacher Credit: NetflixDive into one of South Africa's bustling kelp forests with documentarian Craig Foster in the Oscar-winning My Octopus Teacher. Following Foster's relationship with a wild octopus he befriended while swimming along the coast, this captivating movie examines humans' connection to and responsibility for nature. — A.F.
How to watch: My Octopus Teacher is now streaming on Netflix.
14. Have a Good Trip: Adventures in PsychedelicsLet's be honest: The best time to hear someone talk about being high is when you are also high. Sting, Sarah Silverman, Nick Offerman, A$AP Rocky, and more share their experiences with psychedelics in this bizarre documentary from Donick Cary. Funny and thoughtful, Have a Good Trip: Adventures in Psychedelics offers equal parts entertainment and insight. As Sting puts it, "I don't think psychedelics are the answer to the world's problems. But they could be a start." — A.F.
How to watch: Have a Good Trip: Adventures in Psychedelics is now streaming on Netflix.
13. Nailed It! Credit: NetflixI don't know about you, but competition shows tend to stress me out — even when sober. That's why Nailed It!, now seven seasons strong, has always been more my speed. The baking contestants are brought onto the show specifically because of how outrageously untalented they are, and in the good spirit of camaraderie, we're all invited to openly mock their trainwreck concoctions once they’re unceremoniously unveiled. But it’s never mean-spirited. Everybody is in on the joke. And hosts Nicole Byer and the ever-grinning chocolatier Jacques Torres, along with a delicious variety of guest judges, foster an environment of effervescent goofiness, one hot mess at a time. — J.A.
How to watch: Nailed It! Season 1-7 are now streaming on Netflix.
12. The Lost CityIt seems the only way we get rom-coms these days is if they promise lots of globe-hopping and action-antics – I guess that's to keep the restless boys in the audience, bored by kissy parts, interested. 2022's The Lost City does this better than most, feeling like an engorged redo of the 1984 classic Romancing the Stone. Sandra Bullock stars as a romance novelist whose stories turn out to be all tangled with real world events, which culminates with her getting dragged onto a tropical jungle adventure with her Fabio-esque cover model (Channing Tatum).
Bullock and Tatum have super chemistry and look hot together. Brad Pitt and Daniel Radcliffe show up in two outrageously over-the-top turns as a mercenary and an uber-rich supervillain, respectively. The Lost City is fast food for the brain that won't leave you feeling worse for wear the next day. —J.A.
How to watch: The Lost City is now streaming on Netflix.
11. ManiacPatrick Somerville's limited series is without question the most thematically heavy title on this list. So if you want to keep things on the lighter side, make Maniac your last choice. That said, this compelling story of a friendship forged from an interdimensional drug trial is an excellent pick if you're seeking something visually complex and narratively mind-bendy. Jonah Hill and Emma Stone give astounding performances that are both multidimensional and captivating. — A.F.
How to watch: Maniac is now streaming on Netflix.
10. The Speed Cubers Credit: NetflixFew things are as charming as watching hobbyists celebrate their unique interests and tremendous talents. In just 40 minutes, Netflix's The Speed Cubers introduces its audience to the mind-blowing world of competitive speed-cubing and finds a compelling, character-driven narrative at its core. Inspirational yet goofy, this short film offers an excellent bit of comfort content. — A.F.
How to watch: The Speed Cubers is now streaming on Netflix.
9. RRRKick-dancing off with an Oscar for Best Song for its show-stopping "Naatu Naatu" number, this Telugu historical action epic from director S.S. Rajamouli is three hours of nonstop, big-budget awesomeness that will grab you about the collar from its opening scene and not let go 'til the final credit has rolled. In between, you’ll see a man swing a motorcycle like a baseball bat and a riot of fierce zoo animals weaponized against the enemy army, among many, many such spectacular visions. And it’s all in the name of making best friends-turned-enemies (Ram Charan and N.T. Rama Rao Jr.) turn back into best friends again. The things some men will do to avoid intimacy! — J.A.
How to watch: RRR is now streaming on Netflix.
8. Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio Credit: NetflixYes, there's a lot of antifa going on in Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio, it's true. Set in WWII-era Italy, our favorite puppet-maker Geppetto is suicidally depressed after his son's death in a bombing, so he creates the little wooden boy with the lie-sniffing nose to fill the emptiness in his life. Del Toro's stop-motion masterpiece takes perfect aim at fascist forces, just as he did with the dark fairy tale Pan's Labyrinth back in 2006. Walt Disney's 2D-animated version of this story has been infamous for decades for giving kid's nightmares — the donkeys, the donkeys! — and yet del Toro's movie makes that cartoon seem positively sunny in comparison.
Sometimes there is nothing more transfixing when you're totally and completely baked than the sight of elaborately hand-crafted magic tricks, and as such, the stop-motion wizardry on display here in this monstrously detailed movie will truly blow your mind. The craftspeople who built this world were at the top of their game. The "Monstro the Whale" sequence alone, my God! Your eyes will feast well on this beauty. — J.A.
How to watch: Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio is now streaming on Netflix.
7. The Unauthorized Bash Brothers ExperienceA celebration of rap, comedy, and the Oakland Athletics, The Unauthorized Bash Brothers Experience is the surprise short film Lonely Island fans didn't know they needed. Andy Samberg and Akiva Schaffer, portraying MLB players Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire, unceasingly commit to the bit in a 30-minute tribute to the limits of sanity, reason, and acceptability.* — A.F.
How to watch: The Unauthorized Bash Brothers Experience is now streaming on Netflix.
6. The Midnight Gospel Credit: NetflixDuncan Trussell and Pendleton Ward's The Midnight Gospel is one of many stellar adult cartoons to enjoy while high. Tuca and Bertie, Big Mouth, BoJack Horseman, they're all great. Still, The Midnight Gospel goes further, farther, and faster in terms of visual interest, existential themes, and hypnotizing soundscapes. If you haven't watched it yet, buckle up and prepare to be changed. — A.F.
How to watch: The Midnight Gospel is now streaming on Netflix.
5. Delicious in Dungeon Credit: NetflixIf you like fantasy adventures and food, you'll appreciate this offbeat but delectable animated series. Based on the Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Ryōko Kui, Delicious in Dungeon follows Elven mage Marcille and Halfling thief Chilchuck, who are on a quest to rescue their friend from the belly of a dragon before she is digested. This means traveling deep into a foreboding dungeon, where they will have to not only have to battle monsters, but also find nourishment in their grim environment. Lucky for them, they fatefully cross paths with a cook, who considers monster meat cuisine! Each episode of this anime offers bite-sized comedy and cartoony food porn, so while you watch, have snacks handy. — K.P.
How to watch: Delicious in Dungeon is now streaming on Netflix.
4. Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most FowlIt's tempting to say "sixth time's a charm" for the sixth adventure with our favorite claymation inventor Wallace and his best dog bud Gromit, but that would deny the fact that every single time with these characters has been a charm since their first adventure together way back in 1989. The folks at Aardman Animations might wander off to make movies about chickens on the run or rats living in toilet cities in between, but their W&G pictures are their crown jewels, and they always bring their best.
And so Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl is as good as any forebears, expanding on old gags and bringing an army of new ones to the front. An actual army this time, as Wallace's latest invention — a robotic home-helper garden gnome called Norbot — gets its circuits hijacked by an old foe (the diabolical Feathers McGraw from 1993's classic The Wrong Trousers). Norbot then sets about building itself an army of red-eyed clones to do the villain's bidding, and cracking hijinks ensue. Packed with an endless barrage of low- and high-brow humor, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl is another 82 minutes of putty-sculpted perfection. — J.A.
How to watch: Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl is now streaming on Netflix.
3. John Mulaney: Kid Gorgeous at Radio City Credit: NetflixWatching any comedy special you love is a great option for entertaining yourself while high — and Netflix does have a mountain of options to choose from on that front. (Seriously, here's 27 of the best comedy specials.) That said, John Mulaney's 2018 special, Kid Gorgeous at Radio City, will always hold the #1 spot in our humor-loving hearts. "There's a HORSE. In the HOSPITAL." — A.F.
How to watch: John Mulaney: Kid Gorgeous at Radio City is now streaming on Netflix.
2. A Trip to InfinityIf I’ve learned anything from watching Richard Linklater movies, it’s that some people, whilst stoned, like to wax real deep on real big thoughts and jazz. Well, Jonathan Halperin and Drew Takahashi’s 2022 documentary about the search for the meaning of that really, really, really big number known as infinity (plus one!) is tailor-made to blow such minds. With insights from some of the greatest modern thinkers in mathematics, physics, and philosophy, the film goes even one step further, illustrating their concepts of enormity with trippy animations. It all adds up to one smoky after-hours-at-grad-school haze to groove on, man. — J.A.
How to watch: A Trip to Infinity is now streaming on Netflix.
1. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend Credit: Eric Liebowitz / NetflixIf you're up for a more active viewing experience, consider diving into the delightfully weird Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend. This interactive Netflix special adds Daniel Radcliffe to the Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt family, as Ellie Kemper, Tituss Burgess, Jane Krakowski, Carol Kane, and Jon Hamm return for another killer Kimmy adventure. — A.F.
How to watch: Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend is now streaming on Netflix.
Asterisks (*) indicate the entry comes from a previous Mashable list.
UPDATE: Apr. 2, 2025, 3:24 p.m. EDT This article was updated to reflect the latest streaming options.
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Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard Software AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription £15.97If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.
There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.
An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.
If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.
SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hintWarm weather.
SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answerBALMY
Hurdle Word 2 hintTo brandish a weapon.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 20, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 AnswerWIELD
Hurdle Word 3 hintLacking flavor.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 20 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 20, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answerBLAND
Hurdle Word 4 hintSomething you stick on an envelope.
SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for April 20 Hurdle Word 4 answerSTAMP
Final Hurdle hintRugged.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answerROUGH
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.
Strands 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.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on MashableBy 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 preferrined pace.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 20 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 20 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: On the huntThe words are often purchased for this spring holiday.
Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explainedThese words are found in Easter gifts.
NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.
NYT Strands spangram answer todayToday's spangram is EasterBasket.
Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for April 20Toys
Bunny
Eggs
Candy
Book
Chocolate
Peeps
EasterBasket
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 today's Strands.
Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.
If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.
If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for April 20 Here's a hint for today's Connections categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: To catch sight of
Green: Used when coloring clothing
Blue: Can be split open
Purple: They share a second word
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Glimpse
Green: Needs for tie-dyeing a shirt
Blue: Things you can crack
Purple: Words before "Hop"
Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.
Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.
Drumroll, please!
The solution to today's Connections #679 is...
What is the answer to Connections todayGlimpse: GANDER, GLANCE, LOOK, PEEP
Needs for tie-dyeing a shirt: BASIN, DYE, RUBBER BANDS, SHIRT
Things you can crack: CODE, EGG, JOKE, WHIP
Words before "Hop": BAR, BUNNY, HIP, SOCK
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 20Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
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 today's Connections.
Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.
If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for April 20 Where did Wordle come from?Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once.
Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.
What's the best Wordle starting word?The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.
What happened to the Wordle archive?The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.
Is Wordle getting harder?It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.
SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for April 20, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:To repair.
Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?There are no recurring letters.
Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...Today's Wordle starts with the letter P.
SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.
Drumroll please!
The solution to today's Wordle is...
PATCH.
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 20Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.
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 today's Wordle.
By OpenAI's own testing, its newest reasoning models, o3 and o4-mini, hallucinate significantly higher than o1.
First reported by TechCrunch, OpenAI's system card detailed the PersonQA evaluation results, designed to test for hallucinations. From the results of this evaluation, o3's hallucination rate is 33 percent, and o4-mini's hallucination rate is 48 percent — almost half of the time. By comparison, o1's hallucination rate is 16 percent, meaning o3 hallucinated about twice as often.
SEE ALSO: All the AI news of the week: ChatGPT debuts o3 and o4-mini, Gemini talks to dolphinsThe system card noted how o3 "tends to make more claims overall, leading to more accurate claims as well as more inaccurate/hallucinated claims." But OpenAI doesn't know the underlying cause, simply saying, "More research is needed to understand the cause of this result."
OpenAI's reasoning models are billed as more accurate than its non-reasoning models like GPT-4o and GPT-4.5 because they use more computation to "spend more time thinking before they respond," as described in the o1 announcement. Rather than largely relying on stochastic methods to provide an answer, the o-series models are trained to "refine their thinking process, try different strategies, and recognize their mistakes."
However, the system card for GPT-4.5, which was released in February, shows a 19 percent hallucination rate on the PersonQA evaluation. The same card also compares it to GPT-4o, which had a 30 percent hallucination rate.
Evaluation benchmarks are tricky. They can be subjective, especially if developed in-house, and research has found flaws in their datasets and even how they evaluate models.
Plus, some rely on different benchmarks and methods to test accuracy and hallucinations. HuggingFace's hallucination benchmark evaluates models on the "occurrence of hallucinations in generated summaries" from around 1,000 public documents and found much lower hallucination rates across the board for major models on the market than OpenAI's evaluations. GPT-4o scored 1.5 percent, GPT-4.5 preview 1.2 percent, and o3-mini-high with reasoning scored 0.8 percent. It's worth noting o3 and o4-mini weren't included in the current leaderboard.
That's all to say; even industry standard benchmarks make it difficult to assess hallucination rates.
Then there's the added complexity that models tend to be more accurate when tapping into web search to source their answers. But in order to use ChatGPT search, OpenAI shares data with third-party search providers, and Enterprise customers using OpenAI models internally might not be willing to expose their prompts to that.
Regardless, if OpenAI is saying their brand-new o3 and o4-mini models hallucinate higher than their non-reasoning models, that might be a problem for its users. Mashable reached out to OpenAI and will update this story with a response.