Feed aggregator

Scientists have found a quasar spewing a gigantic radio jet in space at a time in the early universe when such objects are nearly impossible to find. 

Quasars, a portmanteau for "quasi-stellar objects," are blindingly bright galaxy cores. Through powerful telescopes, these distant objects can look like stars, but they're the resulting light from feasting supermassive black holes. 

The jet, sprawling at least 200,000 light-years, double the span of the Milky Way, emerges from the J1601+3102 quasar, born less than 1.2 billion years after the Big Bang. Though a billion years later may not seem like the early days, that period occurred when the universe was only nine percent of its current age of 13.8 billion — making it a mere toddler.

"It’s only because this object is so extreme that we can observe it from Earth, even though it’s really far away," said Anniek Gloudemans, a research fellow at the federally funded NOIRLab, in a statement.

SEE ALSO: Scientists found a colossal black hole near the dawn of time The J1601+3102 quasar's radio jet was first discovered by the Low Frequency Array Telescope. Credit: LOFAR / DECaLS / DESI Legacy Imaging Surveys / LBNL / DOE / CTIO / NOIRLab / NSF / AURA

Finding this radio jet, first discovered by the European Low Frequency Array Telescope, is an enormous achievement. Follow-up observations ensued in near-infrared light with the Gemini North Telescope and in visible light with Hobby Eberly Telescope. A research team has characterized the object in a new paper published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. 

These jets become elusive the farther back in time astronomers try to look because of the so-called cosmic microwave background. The ancient radiation, the earliest fossil of light from 380,000 years after the Big Bang, tends to swamp out more subtle signals.

Although quasars are technically difficult to find in the early universe, the nearest quasars to Earth are still several hundred million light-years away. That quasars aren't found closer to home is a clue they are ancient relics. Scientists continue to hunt for them because they provide insight into the evolution of galaxies and the universe as a whole. 

Black holes in general are some of the most inscrutable things in space. Astronomers believe these invisible giants skulk at the center of virtually all galaxies. Falling into one is an automatic death sentence. Any cosmic stuff that wanders too close reaches a point of no return. 

But scientists have observed something weird at the edge of black holes' accretion disks, the rings of rapidly spinning material around the holes, like the swirl of water around a bathtub drain: A tiny amount of the material can suddenly get rerouted. When this happens, high-energy particles get flung outward as a pair of jets, blasting in opposite directions, though astronomers haven't quite figured out how they work. It's also still a mystery when exactly in cosmic history the universe started making them. 

Despite this jet's length, it's a pipsqueak compared to others scientists have discovered in later eras. Porphyrion, observed 6.3 billion years after the Big Bang, has a 23 million light-year-long jet. The J1601+3102 quasar is also of modest size, just 450 million times more massive than the sun. Quasars are sometimes known to tip scales at billions of times heavier than the sun. 

"Interestingly, the quasar powering this massive radio jet does not have an extreme black hole mass compared to other quasars," Gloudemans said. "This seems to indicate that you don’t necessarily need an exceptionally massive black hole or accretion rate to generate such powerful jets in the early universe."

Out of the frying pan, into the fryer. TikTok might've skirted the previous Jan. 19 deadline, but a potential ban still looms under President Donald Trump's administration.

Upon taking office, Trump directed the Department of Justice to delay enforcing the TikTok ban for 75 days, which created a new April 5 deadline. That may seem like a lot of time to find a sale or resolution with ByteDance, TikTok's Chinese parent company, but deadlines have a habit of sneaking up.

We've got the details on what's happened since Trump's inauguration and what to expect in the coming weeks and months.

SEE ALSO: As TikTok faces a ban, creators brace for an uncertain future What needs to happen

Basically, the same thing needs to happen as the last deadline. TikTok needs to sell its U.S. business or find some other resolution that satisfies Congress and the Trump administration. That makes the ultimate end goal a bit fungible, but it seems negotiations are underway.

Multiple groups and entities, including the U.S. government, have been reportedly lining up to purchase TikTok. Trump is reportedly interested in starting a U.S. sovereign wealth fund, which could, in turn, purchase TikTok.

"We're going to be doing something perhaps with TikTok, perhaps not," Trump said this week. "If we make the right deal, we'll do it, otherwise we won't. But I have the right to do that. And we might put that in the sovereign wealth fund, whatever we make, or if we do a partnership with very wealthy people. A lot of options. But we could put that as an example in the fund."

Plenty of companies and groups have also been connected to a potential sale. In the last 10 days or so, that list includes Oracle, Microsoft, and various rich celebrities.

ByteDance has seemed quite resistant to selling, but that may be changing as the April 5 deadline looms. ByteDance board member Bill Ford said at an Axios event late last month that he expects a sale to happen.

“It's in everybody's interest," Ford said.

That may be the case, but the clock is once again ticking.

Right from its opening moments, sheep herding drama Bring Them Down hurls its audience into a waking nightmare.

A car careens down a winding road in western Ireland. Inside, a woman in the passenger seat (Susan Lynch) tells her driving son Michael (Christopher Abbott, Wolf Man, Sanctuary) that she is leaving his father. His reaction? To speed up to a dangerous degree. Writer-director Christopher Andrews never shows us Michael in this opening, only his mother and his girlfriend Caroline's (Nora-Jane Noone) increasing panic at his recklessness. We're locked in with them, hurtling through a frightening situation beyond our control. Andrews escalates that terror to a fever pitch before the inevitable happens: Michael crashes the car, killing his mother and permanently scarring Caroline's face.

SEE ALSO: 'The Monkey' review: Osgood Perkins' take on Stephen King is a hell of a good time

The crash is just the beginning of Bring Them Down's violent tragedy, an explosive start to a directorial debut that simmers with panic and dread. As Andrews brings that tension to a boil, he crafts a vicious saga of feuding families, toxic masculinity, and the poor, innocent sheep caught in the middle of it all.

What is Bring Them Down about? Christopher Abbott and Colm Meaney in "Bring Them Down." Credit: Patrick Redmond / MUBI

Bring Them Down picks up several years after the opening car crash. Michael is now the sole caretaker for his ailing, belligerent father Ray (Colm Meaney), and he's also taken over the family's centuries-old sheep herding business. He and Ray share their mountain with another sheep herding family, made up of patriarch Gary (Paul Ready), Caroline, and their son Jack (Barry Keoghan, Saltburn, The Banshees of Inisherin). Slight animosity already bubbles between Gary and Ray, but when Jack steals two of Michael's rams and claims they've died, he blows the families' dispute wide open. Taunts give way to violence, which gives way to a brutal quest for vengeance on Michael's end.

SEE ALSO: 'Kiss of the Spider Woman' review: Jennifer Lopez dazzles, but is that enough?

With Michael's goal in mind, Bring Them Down could just be a straightforward vengeance story. But Andrews opts for a Rashomon-style perspective switch that offers up both Michael and Jack's points of view on the transpiring events. That tactic, complete with Abbott and Keoghan's performances, makes Bring Them Down a tense two-header.

Christopher Abbott and Barry Keoghan go head-to-head in Bring Them Down. Christopher Abbott, Barry Keoghan, and Nora Jane-Noone in "Bringe Them Down." Credit: Nick Cooke / MUBI

Abbott and Keoghan have both carved out space for themselves as daring actors unafraid of stranger roles, so it's a pleasure to watch them square off in the intense pressure cooker of Bring Them Down.

Abbott's Michael is a quiet loner, but the opening car crash sequence proves that his quietude hides a seething, reckless rage. Caroline's scar remains physical proof of this, an omnipresent reminder that, while we might feel sympathy for Michael for his sheep troubles, he still has much to atone for. There's the sense that him caring for his father — the very man his mother was trying to escape — is part of that, especially since Ray berates Michael at every turn.

As Jack, Keoghan's role is twofold. From Michael's perspective, Jack is a slippery antagonist hellbent on wrecking his life. Once we see Jack's point of view, we realize he's a desperate screw-up working at the whims of others, like his father Gary or his cousin Lee (Aaron Heffernan, Brassic). Jack doesn't understand the consequences of what he's done until it's too late. Through his eyes, Michael becomes a quietly menacing force, recalibrating our perception of the man we spent the first half of the film with. Both Abbott and Keoghan work wonders with the perspective switches, finding new facets of two very complicated men who may be more alike than they'd know.

SEE ALSO: 'Peter Hujar's Day' review: Ira Sachs gently brings 1970s New York to life through a dramatic experiment

After all, Jack's desire to please and help Gary calls to mind Michael's reaction to his mother wanting to leave Ray: He would do anything, no matter how awful, to appease his father. That cycle of sons doing the unthinkable for their fathers is the heart of Bring Them Down's examination of toxic masculinity. Michael has already been warped by his relationship with Ray, whose horrible treatment of his son likely stems from his own father, and his father before him. Jack, several years younger than Michael, may not be too far behind.

History continues to repeat itself elsewhere with Caroline. Like Michael's mother, Caroline is planning on leaving her husband, but she keeps getting drawn into Gary and Jack's rivalry with Ray and Michael. She's an innocent caught up in this storm, and she's not the only one.

The sheep scenes in Bring Them Down are not for the faint of heart. Christopher Abbott in "Bring Them Down." Credit: Patrick Redmond/MUBI

Michael's mother and Caroline aren't the only casualties of Bring Them Down's men. Michael's sheep herd suffers greatly, in a grotesque animal mutilation scene that may already be one of the year's most upsetting sequences. Remember when Jenny the donkey died as a result of a bitter feud in The Banshees of Inisherin? The fate of Bring Them Down's sheep makes that look like a fairy tale.

Aside from the occasional shot of bloody flesh and wool, Andrews lets much of the sheep mutilation play out through sound. Hannah Peel's thumping, percussion-heavy score is pure sonic dread, while Gert Janssen's sound design is a stomach-churning combination of squelching and sheep bleating. (Don't worry: According to Bring Them Down's press notes, Andrews made the distressed sheep noises himself, which were then edited.)

The entire sequence, like the opening car crash, feels like a grounded nightmare from which there is no escape. Neither Michael nor Jack can outrun the sheep's pain either, culminating in a darkly funny climax that blurs the lines between human and animal. There's no forgetting the horrors they've wrought or their near-pitiable final confrontation, just as there's no forgetting Bring Them Down.

Bring Them Down hits theaters Feb. 7.

TL;DR: A Lenovo 300E Touchscreen Chromebook (Intel Celeron CPU, 4GB RAM, 32GB SSD) delivers solid performance without costing you an arm and a leg — get it refurbished for just $79.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lenovo Refurbished Lenovo 300E Touchscreen Chromebook (Intel Celeron CPU, 4GB RAM, 32GB SSD) $79.99
$284.99 Save $205.00 Get Deal

Get a refurbished Lenovo 300E Touchscreen Chromebook (Intel Celeron CPU, 4GB RAM, 32GB SSD) for just $79.99.

What you can expect from your Chromebook:

• Reliable performance for work and school with an Intel N3450 Quad-Core processor and 4GB RAM

• Touchscreen functionality lets you tap, scroll, and interact with ease on an 11.6-inch HD display

• Chrome OS offers access to Google apps like Docs, Sheets, and Drive for seamless productivity

• 32GB of storage keeps your important files, apps, and downloads within reach

• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity make it easy to stay connected on the go

• Grade-B refurbished: May have light scuffs or scratches but delivers great performance at a fraction of the cost

• Backed by a 30-day parts and labor warranty for added peace of mind

Why overspend? Score this refurbished 2018 Lenovo 300E touchscreen Chromebook on sale for $79.99 (reg. $284) for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Save $135 on a Microsoft Office lifetime license for Mac while codes last — less than 50 are left in stock.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021: Lifetime License $84.97
$219.99 Save $135.02 Get Deal

Have you heard the news? Microsoft just raised the price of their 365 subscription for the first time in over a decade, meaning you’ll pay an extra $36 yearly just to get Office apps on your Mac. Those who are fed up with the price hike are getting the lifetime version instead.

Get a lifetime subscription to Microsoft Office 2021 for Mac on sale for $84.97 before codes sell out (reg. $219.99). No coupon is needed to get this price.

Microsoft 365 vs. Office lifetime license

• Instead of paying monthly or yearly as you would with Microsoft 365, you can pay once, download the app suite to your Mac, and use the apps as long as you need.

• This version includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and OneNote.

• Immediately after purchase, you’ll get an email with a download link and software activation key to set up the apps on your Mac.

• Although you won’t have mobile app access or cloud storage included like with Microsoft 365, you never have to worry about outages and can always work offline.

Get Microsoft Office 2021 for Mac on sale for $84.97 (reg. $219.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: This week only, get a FastestVPN Pro lifetime subscription on sale for $29.97 (reg. $600).

Opens in a new window Credit: FastestVPN FastestVPN Pro: Lifetime Subscription (15 Devices) $29.97
$600.00 Save $570.03 Get Deal

A virtual private network (VPN) allows you to bypass geoblocking and take control of your digital identity — and there's a great deal to get one for life today.

One VPN that won’t ask you for regular fees is FastestVPN Pro — get a lifetime subscription for just $29.97 for a limited time (reg. $600). FastestVPN PRO is an excellent choice for streaming because it offers 10Gbps speeds to prevent buffering and a built-in ad blocker.

You can set up separate servers for different streaming services as you get more comfortable with the VPN, and browse the web without annoying ads or restrictions.

Get this VPN for life for $29.97 this week only (reg. $600). No coupon is needed to get this price.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: You can get an AI Magicx lifetime subscription for $64.99 with coupon code MAGIC35 at checkout this week only (reg. $972).

Opens in a new window Credit: AI Magicx AI Magicx: Lifetime Subscription (Rune Plan) $99.99
$972.00 Save $872.01 with coupon code MAGIC35 Get Deal

You’re probably here because you love ChatGPT, but you’re wondering if it’s really the best AI tool out there. After rewording prompts, hitting usage limits, and still not getting the exact results you were hoping for, you wonder — should you upgrade your subscription or cancel if you’re already paying and not getting what you want?

A ChatGPT alternative that may give you better results and save you tons of cash is AI Magicx. There’s no need to reword prompts with ready-made templates. And subscription fees? They don’t exist with a lifetime subscription for $64.99 with coupon code MAGIC35 at checkout (reg. $972).

AI Magicx vs. ChatGPT

This isn’t a competition, but AI Magicx would be the winner if it were. Even those who pay for the premium version of ChatGPT hit usage limits (and you’d be surprised how fast they come about), but AI Magicx lets you generate unlimited AI words. As for images and logos, you’ll get 500 each month.

Generating content with AI Magicx is easy. Let’s say you want to generate an AI logo:

1. Open the AI Logo tool.

2. Enter a detailed description.

3. Select a logo style, like modern, abstract, or corporate.

4. Choose a color palette, background color, and canvas size.

5. Hit ‘Generate.’

You’ll also find ready-made templates for creating AI articles, stories, code, social media captions, emails, and so much more. Whatever you need, there’s a good chance AI Magicx can help.

Use code MAGIC35 at checkout to get lifetime access to this all-in-one AI tool for $64.99 (reg. $962) for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

On paper, We Live in Time seems thoughtfully formulated to be the perfect tearjerker for today. John Crowley, the celebrated helmer of the stunning Saoirse Ronan romance Brooklyn, teams with heralded actors/internet darlings Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield in a weepy romance of wooing and tragic loss. And yet, while peppered with sex scenes and adoring close-ups, this is not a hot or even sweaty embrace of lust and love, but a soggy handshake of a film that underwhelms despite its star power.  

It’s shocking how We Live in Time had the pieces that should’ve been the stuff of Oscar acclaim and audience adoration. But despite bringing together two of the hottest young actors currently working, Crowley’s movie is astonishingly middling, set apart from forgettable fare only by a time-skipping device that feels inexplicable at best and frustrating at worst. 

We Live in Time's plotting gimmick does not work. 

We Live in Time begins with a couple already so well established that they have a cozy morning routine. Ambitious chef Almut (Pugh) goes on a long picturesque run through a lovely forest, foraging ingredients along the way to use in her next culinary experiment. She returns home to a gorgeous cottage and gets to work in her pretty kitchen, while her loving husband Tobias (Garfield) is still sleeping comfortably in their bed.

No sooner is their bliss established over a breakfast in bed than the movie leaps back to before they met, when he was just a sad sack on the brink of divorce with his first wife. There’s thrilling chemistry following a literal car crash of a meet-cute, with Pugh’s signature charm sparking against Garfield’s unflappable wholesomeness. Other moments, like their much memed ride on a merry-go-round, are winsome. But they are tossed into this film with little regard to pacing or theme or any kind of apparent logic.

SEE ALSO: Horrible 'We Live in Time' horse becomes instant meme

Featured Video For You

Despite the flashes back and forward, their story is straightforward, the stuff of weepy beach reads. They fall in love while she is building her first restaurant, and he is dealing with the end of his first marriage. They nearly break up realizing they have different expectations around children. But they will overcome these issues, as they will her first battle with cancer and its brutal chemo treatments. The main plot of the film takes place once they’ve had their daughter and are faced with the recurrence of the cancer, more aggressive than before. The question becomes, will Almut endure another round of body-wilting chemo that may not even save her life? Or will she reject treatment to make the most of the time she has left?

The second cancer battle alone could have made an interesting movie. But because this screenplay aims to loop back-and-forth to show the breadth of their entire relationship,We Live in Time feels more like postcards of a relationship than a portrait that is fleshed out or remotely captivating. There’s so little sense of cohesion from sequence to sequence, it’s hard to get emotionally invested in these characters, even if you’re someone who has been a fan of the actors, as I am.  

Florence Pugh shines. Andrew Garfield is stranded. 

This is the kind of role that seems perfect for Florence Pugh, as it is a woman who is dealing with conflicting emotions that demand she smile and frown with equal passion. Almut loves her husband and her child, but also wants to be more than just “someone’s dying mum.” So when an opportunity to compete in a high-level cooking competition arises, she can’t bring herself to turn it down, even if it means pushing her body to its limits and spending less time at home. 

Again, this could’ve made a compelling story on its own. But We Live in Time aims to create some sort of balance by also following Tobias, who has much less to do. Where Almut is established as having desires outside of her marriage, her husband exists solely to mope when she disappoints him. He’s just Ken, an accessory to hang on her like an anchor. Which is wild because Tobias’s arguments in the film — for honesty in their marriage and for attempting a new round of chemo — are valid, yet undermined by a plotting that treats him as a clingy obstacle to Almut’s professional dreams. 

While Garfield delivers a soulful performance with big watery eyes, the scattered structure of the film gives him little to build on. Tobias is so thinly realized that the audience is left to fill in the gaps, perhaps with prior appreciation for Garfield or a general affection for Nicholas Sparks–style romances where the besotted lovers are doomed to be separated by death. In either case, the film on its own is frustratingly fractured. 

Crowley fails to elevate a lackluster script. 

To be clear, We Live in Time is not the worst movie of the year. That’d be the repulsive and abysmal relaunch of The Crow. It’s not the biggest bomb of the year, which looks to be Eli Roth’s messy adaptation of Borderlands. It’s not even a movie arguably enhanced by some sort of scandal, like Pugh’s Don’t Worry Darling or 2024’s other recent weepy It Ends With Us. In fact, We Live in Time will likely be bolstered by the incredible chemistry its stars are sharing on red carpets and cheeky promotional interviews. But on its own, this movie is far less than the sum of its parts. 

The cancer story could have been enough to sustain it. Perhaps with flashbacks to bolster our understanding not only of this couples' love but also the hardships they’ve traversed before. It could have been a delicately balanced story from both perspectives, exploring how sometimes even the choice of life or death is achingly complicated. But Crowley’s execution of Nick Payne’s woe-infested scribblings of a screenplay manages neither. The time jumps feel like artless novelty, attempting to distract from how threadbare this story actually is — particularly Almut’s first round of cancer, which makes up three short scenes.

While Pugh and Garfield give their all to Almut and Tobias, the chaotic smattering of scenes provides no build in emotional tension. In fact, jumping from the couple already together to not having met undercuts scenes of nervous flirtation with inevitability. It’s like for everything that might work in this film, there’s something else that works against it. Sequences like their first conversation in a hospital hallway and a birth sequence wildly alive with energy offer moments of hope that Crowley and company will cut their way through the messy plot device of time-skipping to hook into something unshakably profound. 

But in the end, We Live in Time is profoundly mediocre, lacking the verve, sexiness, and raw human emotion we’ve come to expect from Pugh and Garfield. 

We Live in Time is now streaming on Max.

UPDATE: Feb. 6, 2025, 2:41 p.m. EST "We Live in Time" was reviewed out of its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. This article, originally published on Sept. 16, has been updated to include viewing options.

2024 is proving a sensational year for the revival of the music biopic. Sure, it started off weak with the bog-standard One Love and the infuriating Back to Black. But summer brought the brazen rebellion of Kneecap, which played like an early Guy Ritchie crime romp. And the Toronto International Film Festival brought the wowing double act of Better Man, which reimagines British pop star Robbie Williams as a literal dancing monkey, and Piece By Piece, in which American rapper/songwriter/producer/fashion designer Pharrell Williams spins his life story into a Lego movie. 

Even when the stories hit familiar beats of a rags-to-riches arc, both of these remarkable reinventions make their material stand out through style. But where Better Man embraces a warts-and-all approach, Pharrell Williams — with the collaboration of heralded documentarian Morgan Neville (20 Feet From Stardom, Won't You Be My Neighbor?) delivers an inspirational animated biopic for all ages. 

SEE ALSO: 42 movies you'll want to see this fall

Glossing over the low points of Williams' journey earned the film mixed reviews out of its debut at Telluride Film Festival. But the more I mulled over what this movie does offer, the more I was won over by its playful, glossy approach. 

Piece By Piece turns America's biggest hip-hop stars into minifigs.  Pharrell Williams and Gwen Stefani in "Piece By Piece." Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features

To find the arc of Williams' story, Neville interviewed the multi-hyphenate star, his wife Helen Lasichanh, and a dazzling array of collaborators and colleagues, including Snoop Dogg, Missy Elliott, Jay-Z, The Neptunes' Chad Hugo, Gwen Stefani, and many more. In an interview with Mashable, Williams revealed many of these interviewees had no idea their contribution would be filtered through a Lego lens, and only discovered they'd been transformed into minifigs when the first trailer hit. 

Neville's visual translation of these interviews includes amusing flourishes, like turning Snoop Dog into a Lego Doberman, and making metaphors about bakeries literal, with Lego Pharrell selling sweet treats the way he sold hit beats. In one instance, the idea of blowing one's mind with a sick bit of music is illustrated by having a smiling minifig’s head pop right off its base in amazement. These choices bring a playfulness into the film that not only is sure to delight fans of The Lego Movie and The Lego Batman Movie, but also reflects the tone of Williams' hits, like "Happy" and "Get Lucky." 

More than this however, by turning himself into a plaything, Piece By Piece gives Williams a creative distance to reflect on his own life as if it is one of his many media projects. Through warm narration, he opens up about his childhood in the Atlantis Apartments in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The colorful blocks not only reconstruct his humble home but also a more fantastical version of Atlantis, where an Afro-wearing baby Pharrell swims about with a giant goldfish as Poseidon looks on. This charming spectacle showcases Pharrell's imagination manifesting big, surreal scenarios, which becomes a recurring theme — down to dreaming up a Lego music biopic. 

Piece By Piece is a Little Engine That Could tale that kids will relish. Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features

After this whimsical dip into brick-made oceans, Williams admits he was considered an oddball by others, confessing, "It broke my spirit." But weird kids out there (or the weird adults they became) might find solace as little Pharrell finds his crew, each of whom also revels in making music. From there, Piece By Piece becomes a story of succeeding by staying true to yourself and putting in the work to build your dream, brick by brick. Along the way, Neville laces various hits that Pharrell has contributed to, from "Hot in Herre" and "Shake Ya Ass" to "Hollaback Girl" and "Blurred Lines." (Parents, don't fret. Some of the racier lyrics have been delicately plucked out.) 

While it's initially fun to indulge in the nostalgia as Neville recreates iconic music videos with minifigs, this device begins to get old as the story of his rise makes for a lot of name- and track-dropping. Pardon the pun, but things get a bit one-note. Then when it comes to a low point — a necessity for any biopic or story for that matter — Williams pulls back. 

Piece By Piece can't commit to its big swing.  Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features

Rosy memories of childhood troubles is one thing, but sharing why his career took a dip is a Lego bridge too far. Instead of probing questions, Neville paves a path with platitudes about how his subject's greatest weakness is he has too many ideas. Colleagues speak vaguely about some business missteps or shameless yes-men who gave Williams bad advice, and these unnamed negative influences are imagined as a trio of gray-skinned ghouls wearing smiles and business suits. 

Here the film suffers. Even with the mask of the minifig, Williams can't let his audience into the dark moments. (On the other hand, this is where Better Man positively thrives.) Swiftly, Williams has reconnected with his pure inspiration, and the third act becomes a rousing celebration of song, dance, and Lego bits humorous and heartfelt. But this fumbled beat undercuts the movie's message. Being true to yourself isn't a one-time battle; it's ongoing. But with a community — like the minifig friends and family in Piece By Piece — one might get their block knocked off and still rebuild. 

Even with help from an on-screen avatar, can Williams not admit the ugly truths of his own story? Or did he and Neville fear self-doubt in anything but the briefest mention might bring down the joy of their movie? To that, I'd point to the other Lego movies, where the Lego universe and Lego Gotham are brought to the brink of utter destruction without us losing faith in their minifig heroes. Heck, The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part even made the dark side of its happy hero the minifig villain! 

This wobble aside, Piece By Piece is a winsome reinvention of the music biopic. Animation is enthusiastically employed to bring the audience into the experience of being Pharrell Williams. The colorful blocks not only allow the construction of musical beats to become a physical act rather than an abstract idea, but also give a Ratatouille-like understanding of how this art form affects its hero. His synesthesia is showcased in waves of color as the beat bounces. 

While this colorful concept means Piece By Piece can be a hit with kids, it's easy to wish the movie dared to delve a bit more into the problems of being a grown-up. But all in all, Piece By Piece is a delight that could well have audiences dancing in the aisles. 

Piece By Piece is now streaming on Peacock.

UPDATE: Feb. 6, 2025, 4:24 p.m. EST "Piece By Piece" was reviewed out of its International Premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival. This review was originally published on Sept. 12, 2024, and has been updated to reflect viewing options.

Sexting (aka dirty talk, swapping nudes, sending explicit audio messages...the list goes on) is an entirely new kind of intimacy. It's a way to connect with folks on a deeper level, even if you're not physically together. And hey, who doesn't love a little teasing and digital foreplay before a long-awaited meeting?

The motivations for sexting are as varied as the act itself. Whether you're single and ravenous for some sexy screen time with a stranger, hoping to find a regular sexting buddy, in a long-distance relationship and keeping the passion alive through virtual sex, or want to amp up your solo sex toy sessions with steamy instructions from an AI companion, mastering the act (art?) of sexting leads to a more fulfilling physical and emotional experience.

Now, we're not talking about flirting with your crush on Facebook Messenger or sliding into someone's DMs on Instagram uninvited (cringe!). We're talking about good old-fashioned dirty talk with a modern twist. Think video chat, sexy snaps, and disappearing messages to keep your private information safe. We made a lot of accounts to test the best sexting apps, and we've gathered our favorites below. (You might even recognize some from our guides to the best dating apps and hookup apps.)

Once viewed as taboo, sexting is becoming a mainstream way to communicate your desires Credit: Zain Bin Awais / Mashable

A 2023 survey found that 77 percent of U.S. adults have sent at least one sext. Other research surveys have found even higher rates of sexting. Millennials are leading the charge, but they're definitely not alone in sending those naughty messages and nudes. As messaging apps get more advanced and our society gets more sex-positive, sexting has entered the mainstream in a big way.

SEE ALSO: The cherry emoji and 14 other emoji you can use to sext

Sexting isn't just a saucy way to get off; it's a great tool for building trust and intimacy. It's a chance to share your fantasies and explore your desires in a safe and consensual way. Plus, it can help you and your partner feel more connected, especially in long-distance relationships. (Think of it as foreplay for the next time you do get together IRL.)

Getting started with sexting apps

For some, just the thought of sending an explicit message or racy photo can be intimidating. (And that's OK!) Fortunately, there are so many apps and resources out there to help the most novice sexters feel empowered and confident. If you need some inspiration or tips, Mashable's Beginner's Guide To Sexting is a good place to start. Just remember: Sexting is supposed to be consensual, fun, and sexy.

To help you find the right app for your sexting style, we've narrowed down the best options in 2024. Based on our research and hands-on testing (yes, we really used them all), these are the top contenders for the best sexting apps of 2025:

SAVE $550: As of Feb. 7, the Samsung 98-inch DU9000 4K Smart TV is on sale for $1,947.99 at Amazon (regularly $2,497.99). That is $550 off a massive 4K QLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, AI-powered upscaling, and deep contrast for cinema-quality visuals.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 98-inch DU9000 TV $1,947.99 at Amazon
$2,497.99 Save $550.00 Shop Now

When size matters, this 98-inch Samsung delivers in every way without the brand tax thanks to Amazon. After a theater-style setup in your living room or the ultimate screen for gaming on a grand scale, the DU9000 Series is built to impress.

This QLED panel is backed by Samsung’s Supersize Picture Enhancer and Mega Contrast, ensuring vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent clarity. Motion Xcelerator 120Hz keeps everything smooth and fluid, making it a fantastic choice for sports, movies, and high-FPS gaming.

SEE ALSO: Beats Studio Buds+ are $50 off at Amazon — upgrade your earbuds for less

Samsung’s Tizen OS gives you built-in Alexa and access to all your favorite streaming apps, from Netflix and Disney+ to YouTube and Twitch. With three HDMI ports, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, you can easily connect your game consoles, sound systems, and streaming devices for a seamless entertainment experience.

For audio, the DU9000 features Object Tracking Sound Lite, so audio follows the action on screen. If you want even bigger sound, pair it with a Samsung Q-Series soundbar and use Q-Symphony for an immersive home theater experience.

At $550 off on Amazon, this 98-inch 4K monster is an absolute steal for anyone looking to go big without breaking the bank. Deals on supersized TVs this good do not last, so if you have the space, now is the time to upgrade.

SAVE $770: As of Feb. 7, the Samsung 55-inch S85D 4K OLED Smart TV is on sale for $927.99 at Amazon (regularly $1,697.99). That’s 45% off a premium OLED TV with Dolby Atmos, AI-powered 4K upscaling, and a silky smooth 120Hz refresh rate.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung S85D 4K OLED Smart TV $927.99 at Amazon
$1,697.99 Save $770.00 Shop Now

If you have been waiting for the right time to upgrade to OLED, thanks to Amazon, this is it. The Samsung S85D delivers deep blacks, vibrant colors, and crisp contrast, making every scene more immersive.

Its NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor boosts HD content to near 4K clarity, so your favorite shows and movies will look sharper and more detailed. This TV is also built for next-level audio. With Dolby Atmos and Object Tracking Sound Lite, the sound moves with the action, creating a cinematic experience in your living room. Add a Samsung soundbar for even richer audio.

SEE ALSO: The Anker 735 GaN charger is down to under $20 — grab it before it’s gone

Gamers will love Motion Xcelerator 120Hz, eliminating screen tearing and keeping fast-paced gameplay smooth and responsive. The low input lag and quick response time make it a great choice for competitive gaming.

Since this is a Samsung Smart TV, you get built-in Alexa and Tizen OS for easy access to Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, and more. The intuitive interface makes it easy to switch between apps and control your smart home with just your voice.

At $770 off on Amazon, this deal is an easy choice for anyone looking to upgrade their home entertainment setup without overspending. OLED TV deals this good do not last long, so grab it before the price jumps back up.

SAVE $11: As of Feb. 7, the Tile Mate is on sale for $16.95 at Amazon (regularly $27.99). That’s 39% off a must-have gadget that ensures you never lose your keys, bags, or even your phone again.

Opens in a new window Credit: Tile Mate Tile Mate (2024) $16.95 at Amazon
$27.99 Save $11.04 Shop Now

If you spend more time searching for lost keys than actually using them, the Tile Mate (2024) will be your new best friend thanks to this latest Amazon deal. Attach this compact Bluetooth tracker to anything you frequently misplace (keys, backpacks, wallets) and let the free Tile app do the rest. Just tap a button in the app, and the Tile will ring loudly, making it easy to find (even if it’s buried under a couch cushion).

But the real lifesaver? If you misplace your phone, double press the Tile Mate, and your phone will ring even if it’s on silent. No more tearing apart the house in a panic.

SEE ALSO: The Anker 735 GaN charger is down to under $20 — grab it before it’s gone

If your item is gone (like left in an Uber), the Tile app shows its last known location on a map. Thanks to the Tile network, other users can help anonymously locate your lost item. Unlike Apple’s AirTag, the Tile Mate works with iPhones and Android devices, making it a versatile choice for any household.

This 2024 version also syncs with Life360, meaning you can track your family and your stuff in one app, perfect for parents who want to monitor their kids’ backpacks or luggage while traveling.

With a 350-foot Bluetooth range, water resistance (IP68-rated), and a battery that lasts up to three years, this little tracker is built to last. It even has a discreet SOS feature that can alert loved ones if you’re in an unsafe situation, a small but thoughtful addition.

If you’re tired of losing your essentials, now’s the time to grab the Tile Mate (2024) for just $16.95. At nearly 40% off on Amazon right now, it’s an affordable way to stay organized and stress-free.

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 Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Friday, February 7, 2025:

Across"Be quiet!"

• The answer is Shush.

Knight's weapon

• The answer is Lance.

Senior figure

• The answer is Elder.

"In any ___ ..."

• The answer is Event.

"Emilia ___" (2024 film with the most Oscar nominations)

• The answer is Perez.

DownWhat newborns do for much of the day

• The answer is Sleep.

Cut in two

• The answer is Halve.

What "U" stands for in "O/U"

• The answer is Under.

Acting class assignment

• The answer is Scene.

Standard unit of frequency

• The answer is Hertz.

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 Games

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.

SAVE $20: As of Feb. 7, the Anker 735 65W GaN charger is available at Best Buy for $19.99 (regularly $39.99). That’s 50% off for a three-port fast charger that can power your laptop, phone, and tablet all at once.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker 735 65W GaN Charger $19.99 at Best Buy
$39.99 Save $20.00 Shop Now

Tired of carrying around multiple chargers for your phone, laptop, and tablet? The Anker 735 65W GaN charger is the ultimate solution, and right now, it’s only $19.99 at Best Buy — a full $20 off its usual price. That’s a 50% discount on one of the best fast chargers out there, but this deal won’t last long.

First, let’s talk power. This little guy can fast-charge a MacBook, iPhone, and iPad simultaneously. It comes with two USB-C ports and one USB-A port, meaning you can ditch your bulky power strip and replace it with one compact charger.

SEE ALSO: Charge 6 devices at once with this Anker Prime 200W charger — now under $60

If you’re charging a single device, the Anker 735 delivers a full 65W of power — enough to fast-charge a 2020 MacBook Pro 13-inch or a Samsung Galaxy Ultra at top speed. Plug in multiple devices, and it will automatically distribute power across all three ports, simple.

What really makes this charger stand out is GaN II technology. Unlike traditional silicon-based chargers, GaN (gallium nitride) components allow for better efficiency and heat management, meaning you get more power in a much smaller package. The Anker 735 is roughly the size of an AirPods Pro case. Yet, it’s powerful enough to replace multiple chunky power bricks.

For frequent travelers, it’s a game-changer. No more stuffing multiple chargers into your bag — this one device can handle all your charging needs. It’s also foldable and compact, making it easy to toss into a backpack or carry-on.

At just $19.99 at Best Buy, this is a brilliant price for an Anker 735 GaN charger. Given that Anker is one of the most trusted brands in fast-charging tech, this is a no-brainer upgrade if you need a powerful, travel-friendly charger.

SAVE $107: As of Feb. 7, the Garmin Forerunner 955 is on sale for $392 at Amazon. That's a saving of 22% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Forerunner 955 $392.00 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $107.99 Get Deal

Garmin is one of the most recognizable names in the fitness tracker game. With watches for lifestyle, beginner athletes, serious endurance athletes, and everything in between, you can find a product for everyone. And if you're a runner, chances are you've heard of the popular Forerunner range. This range varies in price and ability, but I can't help but share the love for the Forerunner 955 and the latest deal at Amazon.

As of Feb. 7, the Garmin Forerunner 955 is reduced to $392 at Amazon. That's a saving of 22% on the list price. And for this watch, that's a great deal. This price is for the non-solar, black watch. However, there are discounts available across all variants.

SEE ALSO: The best Garmin in 2025

The 955 boasts an array of fancy tools, tracking features, and training tips. Standout features for me include training readiness, training load, HRV, and sleep monitoring, so you can schedule your training according to your recovery and body readiness. The battery life is seriously impressive, too, lasting up to 15 days in smartwatch mode and up to 42 hours in GPS mode.

The 955 also supports full GPS tracking, which makes runs, rides, and even open-water swims incredibly accurate. And for swimming, it has 5 ATM water resistance.

Unlike some of the newer models, including the Forerunner 965, you won't have an AMOLED display. However, I've found the colors are still vibrant and bright enough.

Head over to Amazon to grab this deal while it's available.

SAVE $34: As of Feb. 7, the Waterpik Cordless Advanced 2.0 is on sale for $65.88 at Amazon. That's a 34% saving on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Waterpik Waterpik Cordless Advanced 2.0 $65.88 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $34.11 Get Deal

A water flosser is a fantastic way to remove plaque and debris from hard-to-reach areas between teeth and along the gum line, so why not impress your dentist and treat yourself?

And as of Feb. 7, you can get a great deal on the Waterpik Cordless Advanced 2.0 at Amazon. Reduced by 34%, it's now $65.88. This deal is available in all colors: gray, white, blue, and black.

SEE ALSO: The best water flosser for cleaning up your oral hygiene

The handy little device is a fantastic all-rounder water flosser, featuring four tips and three settings for your personal dental needs, a rechargeable battery, and a portable design that makes it handy for travel. It's even safe to be used in the shower. Waterpik is also the first water flosser brand to earn the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance for safety and effectiveness.

This flosser works by using PrecisionPulse technology to deliver a combination of water pressure and pulsations, removing plaque and bacteria from the teeth and gums. This helps reduce the risk of issues such as gingivitis, cavities, and bad breath.

This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so act fast to secure this low price.

SAVE $25: As of Feb. 7, this Kindle Paperwhite is on sale for $134.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 16% on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite $134.99 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $25.00 Get Deal

Book lovers should head directly to Amazon, because the new Kindle Paperwhite is on sale for the first time this year.

As of Feb. 7, you can purchase the 16GB device for $134.99, saving you 16% on the original price. The device now comes in colors, too. For the slightly higher price of $159.99, you can upgrade your device from black to jade or raspberry.

SEE ALSO: Kindle Paperwhite vs. Signature Edition: Which is the best Amazon e-reader?

This is Amazon's fastest Kindle yet, and has a sharper contrast and 25% faster page turns. It has an ultra-thin, glare-free design to make it perfect for reading anywhere, whether you're traveling or lounging around at home.

A single USB-C charge can last up to 12 weeks, and the adjustable display lets you switch from white to amber for comfortable reading in any light. Plus, it's waterproof, so you can take it to the pool, bath, or beach without worry. Access over 15 million titles in the Kindle Store instantly, and if you subscribe to Kindle Unlimited, you can dive into an endless catalog of bestsellers and more.

This deal won't stick around for long, so head to Amazon without delay.

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is reportedly developing a custom AI chatbot for use by U.S. government employees. It looks as though Elon Musk is hoping to use AI to replace the millions of workers he wants to cut.

WIRED reports that DOGE is building an generative AI chatbot for use by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), an independent government agency which manages federal buildings, IT infrastructure, and professional supplies. Called "GSAi," DOGE's custom chatbot is apparently intended to increase federal employees' productivity. Specifically, DOGE reportedly intends to use the chatbot to analyse the GSA's contracts and draft documents.

SEE ALSO: Elon Musk's DOGE takeover is reportedly being spearheaded by young college grads

In audio obtained by WIRED, GSA's Technology Transformation Services (TTS) head Thomas Shedd claimed that this AI project wasn't new, and had already been underway "before we started." A mechanical engineer who had worked at Tesla for eight years, Shedd was appointed to the GSA within days of President Donald Trump's inauguration. He quickly made clear his intent to implement artificial intelligence and automation throughout the U.S. government, including training AI to code government software for multiple different agencies.

"The thing that's different is potentially building that whole system in-house and building it very quickly," said Shedd, as reported by WIRED. "This goes back to this, 'how do we understand how the government is spending money?'"

Trump began drastic federal spending cuts upon taking office less than three weeks ago, with GSA staff reportedly expected to reduce the agency's budget by 50 percent. Cost cutting measures at the GSA will reportedly include job cuts, as well as terminating leases on all federal offices (of which there are approximately 7,500). Presumably Trump and Musk hope to eliminate enough jobs that they won't need the spaces despite the return-to-office order for federal employees.

DOGE had reportedly considered using AI tools which already exist, but decided to build GSAi after determining that current models wouldn't offer all the data it wanted. It has still found use for existing AI tools in other instances, though. Earlier this week the Washington Post reported that DOGE fed sensitive data from the U.S. Department of Education into AI software to analyse its spending.

While AI chatbots are an interesting novelty, they are frequently inaccurate and misleading, making relying upon them for important projects a dangerous proposition. Even so, Musk and Trump appear to be hoping that AI technology will offset the countless federal employees they're planning to dismiss. 

DOGE has been on a mission to drastically cut the federal workforce, presenting approximately two million employees with an apparent "buyout" offer last week. In response, many federal workers have resolved to "hold the line," refusing to resign and be replaced by Trump and Musk loyalists — if they're replaced at all.

"Woe's Hollow" is Severance's biggest swing to date.

SEE ALSO: Every time 'Severance' hinted at that huge Helly twist

The episode swaps Lumon's offices for a snowy trip through the Dieter Eagan National Forest, reveals that Helena Eagan (Britt Lower) was posing as her Innie Helly for the last four episodes, and brutally retires Irving (John Turturro). That's already a lot, and we haven't even talked about the strange "twins" Lumon made of the Innies! (Don't think of them as clones just yet: Severance credits them as "Shadow Mark," "Shadow Helly," and so on.)

At the center of all these game-changing moments lies a disconcerting tale from Lumon founder Kier Eagan's childhood. In the story, he and his twin brother Dieter venture out into the very same woods in which the Innies find themselves. What starts as a story of close brothers ends in tragedy, complete with tree-tinged body horror and some anti-masturbation messaging thrown in for good measure. But Kier and Dieter's journey isn't just more bizarre Eagan propaganda for the Innies to swallow — it also speaks to the Innies' plights as Severed individuals.

What happens in Severance's Dieter Eagan story?

The story of Dieter and Kier is part of the Fourth Appendix to Lumon's Compliance Handbook. (Hopefully Apple releases it in full like they did with The You You Are and The Lexington Letter.) According to Mr. Milchick (Tramell Tillman), Kier dictated the Fourth Appendix in the final hours before his death, and it is "a text of such sanctity that it is forbidden upon the Severed Floor."

In the first story from the Fourth Appendix, a young Dieter persuades Kier to run away to the woods and "live as paupers." During their time in the wilderness, Dieter would often hide in the woods at night to masturbate.

SEE ALSO: 'Severance' Season 2, episode 4: What is the Glasgow Block?

One day, Kier tells Dieter they must return home and continue their work at their father's ether mill. (Child labor alert!) Dieter protests, then turns into a tree in a fairly gnarly sequence involving his eye popping out and sap pouring from the socket. Kier runs to Woe's Hollow's waterfall to drown out the sounds of Dieter's suffering. There, he meets the temper Woe (whom Irving later encounters in a dream sequence), described as "a gaunt bride, half the height of a natural woman."

Instead of allowing him a moment to grieve his brother, Woe tells Kier that "[his death] is your doing. You suffered his wantonness. Now he's no one's brother. Only chaos' whore." Comforting stuff!

Dieter Eagan's death is a parable about Lumon's views on work and sex.

Despite Mr. Milchick's claims that "every word is truth," Dieter and Kier's story is clearly a heightened parable meant to enforce Lumon's values of working diligently and serving the company.

Dieter and Kier's time in the woods highlights their different approaches to life, presenting one brother as a pinnacle of goodness, and the other as a cautionary tale. Whereas Kier wants to return to work with their father, Dieter just wants to continue shirking his family duty. Dieter is also often associated with filth. The Fourth Appendix describes him as "unwashed," criticizes his "wantonness," and labels him as a "whore." The masturbation is presented as sinful but also wasteful, with Dieter "spil[ling] his lineage upon the soil" a seeming reference to a lack of care for the Eagan family line. Apparently that and his disinclination for child labor are punishable by death by tree transformation, while Kier's need to return to work and family (which are one and the same for him) mean that he can live.

SEE ALSO: The 'Severance' cast dishes on how filming 'Woe's Hollow' was like 'doing a movie'

The masturbation passage in particular sheds light on Lumon's present-day views on sex and intimacy. The only time the Innies are permitted any kind of sex or intimacy is at the waffle party, but even that intimacy is dressed up in a Kier mask. It's sex, sure, but it's sex in service of Kier. Meanwhile, Dieter's "wanton" masturbation is sex in service of himself, which Kier and his world philosophy cannot abide by.

Now, if we're taking Kier and Dieter's story at face value, the two really are twin brothers. (In which case, I firmly believe Kier actually murdered his brother in the woods.) But what if Dieter was simply the name Kier gave a part of himself that he wanted to repress? What if Kier's journey to the woods ended with him pushing down any aspect of him that wanted freedom from work or that had any lustful thoughts? In that case, the story has an extra layer of a man battling, and ultimately winning, some kind of moral battle against his consciousness. Either way, though, the outcome of the story is the same. The virtuous Kier survives, but Dieter strays from Kier's path of goodness and "roil[s] nature's wrath," as Mr. Milchick would put it.

The relationship between Kier and Dieter speaks to the Innies' relationship with their Outies.

The story of Dieter's demise (whether he's a real twin or a symbol of Kier's repressed emotions) is a reminder to the Innies of the value of work and the perils of lust. But the twin factor of the story adds a new layer for the Innies as Severed individuals at war with their own consciousness.

The Fourth Appendix presents Kier and Dieter as two sides of the same coin. Both are Eagans working for their father, and they're so close that they're bosom friends. Yet they differ in terms of key values. Similarly, the Innies and their Outies are also two sides of the same coin. They're so close they share a body, but their personalities vary wildly. The inclusion of their shadow selves also serves as a visual representation of their twinship with their Outies.

With this in mind, the story seems to ask the Innies, "Which Eagan brother do you want to be?" Will they choose the diligent worker or the lustful pauper wannabe? Remember, the guy who chose the latter turned into a tree, so choose very carefully!

The parable puts Kier and Dieter — two halves of the same whole — in competition with each other, a move that may speak to conflict between the Innies and Outies down the line. It also highlights that one half of a pair could be struck down at any time for acting against Kier, a threat that becomes all too real after Irving's retirement and the reveal that the Glasgow Block has kept Helly R. locked away while Helena is on the Severed Floor.

Dieter Eagan's story has extra meaning for Helena.

For Mark (Adam Scott), Irving, and Dylan (Zach Cherry), their time in Woe's Hollow is the first time they've heard about Dieter Eagan even existing. But for Helena, who's grown up with Eagan propaganda, this story must have been with her for her whole life.

Like Kier in the story, Helena is expected to uphold the Eagan way. (Kier forbid her father call her a "fetid moppet" again!) Acting as Helly R., though, Helena has the opportunity to show disdain to the story, a moment that has to be freeing given Lumon's rigidity, and one that also feels like it skews far more towards Dieter Eagan's life philosophy than Kier's.

Another moment that feels like Dieter? Helena having sex with Mark in Woe's Hollow. Yes, maintaining Mark's trust and affection is all for Lumon, but Helena is specifically seeking out pleasure for herself — including the self-satisfaction that she's one-upped her own Innie when it comes to intimacy with Mark. She's embracing her inner Dieter, a comparison that Severance emphasizes by intercutting the sex scene with Irving's dream of Woe.

Like Dieter, Helena is punished for her actions in Woe's Hollow when Irving realizes she's not Helly at all. He brings her to the waterfall — the very same place where Kier drowned out the sounds of Dieter's pain — and attempts to kill her, bringing Helly back. It's a full circle moment for another Eagan who strayed from Kier's path. Thankfully, there was less tree sap and eye loss this time around.

Severance Season 2 is now streaming on Apple TV+, with a new episode every Friday.