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The Last of Us is a particularly staunch lover of an Easter egg, with various references to the Naughty Dog games hidden within the episodes of the HBO series.

In Season 2, episode 1, there's a truly excellent subtle nod to one of the better puzzles in The Last of Us Part II, and it all comes down to a certain four-legged, top-tier employee.

SEE ALSO: 'The Last of Us': What you can expect from Season 2

In the series' first episode of the second season, when Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Dina (Isabela Merced) are investigating possible Infected in Greenplace Market near Jackson, Wyoming, Ellie stops for a moment beside a board displaying the supermarket's "Employee of the Month". This is a direct reference to a moment in the second game when Ellie stumbles upon the exact display in the "Jackson Patrol" level. On a desk in a break room in the market you'll find a note written by a Greenplace employee called Mina to her colleague Kristen, promising a stash of goodies in the supermarket safe.

Mina's note reads:

Yo Kristen - left the real shit in the safe for you. Combo is the date my good boy got Employee of the Month. Don't fucking sell those or give them away. That's for your back, alright? Feel better — Mina

If you head back to the board, you'll figure out that July 2013's Employee of the Month was a dog, a very good boy indeed. It doesn't reflect too well on the human employees of Greenplace Market that they were all beat out by a canine, but it's cute. Typing in the code 07-20-13 into the safe will unlock a bunch of supplies, including crafting materials, supplements, and alcohol. 

Including this moment in The Last of Us is just one of the many, many hidden references to the Naughty Dog games we're likely to encounter this season. We're glad this super pooch was honoured in both.

The Last of Us Season 2 is now streaming on Max. New episodes air weekly on Sundays 9 p.m. ET on HBO.

One of the most iconic and butterfly-inducing scenes (and my personal favourite) in The Last of Us games comes in the sequel, in which Ellie and Dina dance together and kiss at the town of Jackson's big shindig.

It's the scene that led The Last of Us Part II's first gameplay footage shown at E3 2018, and to me, it was a slam dunk to watch our kick-ass protagonist Ellie confirmed as a lesbian in a AAA game (though Ellie was really first confirmed as canonically gay in 2014's The Last of Us DLC Left Behind, which Season 1, episode 7 is based on).

Co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann (co-president of Naughty Dog and creator of The Last of Us) pay more than homage to the scene in Season 2 of their HBO adaptation, with actors Bella Ramsey and Isabela Merced, as Ellie and Dina, going almost line-for-line, shot-for-shot, through the scene originally co-written by Druckmann and Halley Gross.

"That was a really special day just having a bunch of people in a room together having a good time. It doesn't really happen in The Last of Us very often, with music, pretty lighting, and a dance," Ramsey told Mashable's Belen Edwards.

SEE ALSO: 'The Last of Us': What you can expect from Season 2

In both the game and the TV series, a flannel-shirted Ellie begrudgingly attends the Jackson dance (in the show, this marks New Years' Eve 2029). The camera stands behind Ellie, centered in frame among the festoon lighting of the town hall, and then moves in front of her as she watches the dance. Preferring to stick to the bar, Ellie watches as Dina dances joyously with a number of townspeople. We know Ellie has feelings for Dina at this point; in the TV show, Mazin and Druckmann have Dina come to Ellie's house earlier to help her get ready for a patrol (in the game, it's a similar scene, but featuring Jesse, Ellie's friend and Dina's ex). In this scene, Ellie's feelings for Dina are obvious to us as viewers through her reactions, but it's unclear what Dina knows.

Back at the dance (in both the series and the game), Jesse joins Ellie as a fellow wallflower and remarks of his former partner, "She's put on quite the show." Dina comes over, downs Jesse's drink, and drags Ellie to the dance floor, where they slowly move the vibe from goofy to nervous and intimate. Dina offers Ellie the sublime line, "Everyone should be terrified of you," and the pair kiss.

Ashley Johnson and Shannon Woodward voice Ellie and Dina in "The Last of Us Part II" scene. Credit: Naughty Dog Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Dina (Isabela Merced) in "The Last of Us" Season 2, episode 1. Credit: Liane Hentscher / HBO

This warmly lit room, full of merriment and normality, offers a rare and beautiful human moment in a brutal world overrun with aggression, blood, infection, and death. Between the grim reality of butchering former humans infected by Cordyceps, escaping cannibals, and scraping dwindling supplies together to survive, there's somehow still room for human intimacy, love, and the glorious awkwardness of a first kiss.

"The kiss between them just felt like a really tender moment and a complicated one for Ellie." - Bella Ramsey

"The kiss between them just felt like a really tender moment and a complicated one for Ellie, because I think there's an element of self-protection there. Obviously she feels a certain way about Dina, and she's not sure how Dina feels about her, and whether it's just for fun or whether she has deeper feelings like Ellie has," Ramsey told Edwards.

"All of that going into it, it was a very layered scene and very beautiful and I'm so happy to see how it turned out. The actual shooting of that scene was beautiful, and we were supported on set by our amazing intimacy coordinator Kathy [Kadler]. It was a really safe environment to be able to explore this first romantic, intimate moment between Ellie and Dina," Ramsey added.

In a real treat for fans, The Last of Us episode even features the music from the dance in The Last of Us Part II, with an appearance from Crooked Still playing their songs "Little Sadie" and "Ecstasy" — they're credited in the series as Brittany and the Jug Boys. And recreating such a moment for the series involved both Mazin and Druckmann guiding the way on set.

"Neil was on set for some of those days and Craig was directing that episode, so you have the OG creators of the show and the creator of the game, so we were really well-informed," Merced told Mashable. "We did many, many different takes, versions, and angles, but what was crazy was you could feel the magic in the room as we were doing it — and [it was] the kind of magic I initially felt when I was watching that cutscene. Everyone felt it that day and the preciousness of the moment, how scary it probably was but also thrilling for these two characters."

The Last of Us Season 2 is now streaming on Max. New episodes air weekly on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET.

The Last of Us is a fiend for an Easter egg. The first season of Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann's adaptation absolutely heaved with hidden references to Naughty Dog's The Last of Us games, and the second season has us continuing the tradition of watching this show with our finger on the pause button.

In Season 2, episode 1, the set dressing of Ellie's (Bella Ramsey) room in Jackson, in the garage behind her and Joel's house, is such a pristine ode to her room in The Last of Us Part II I almost fell off my chair. But show has not only included some beloved items in the scene but some Easter eggs — as the team did in Ellie's room in Season 1.

SEE ALSO: 'The Last of Us': What you can expect from Season 2

Blasting Nirvana's "Love Buzz," Ellie is cleaning her gun at a workbench in her garage room, surrounded by items and decorations that might get The Last of Us fans excited. Let's break down all the Easter eggs we can see in Ellie's room in Season 2, episode 1. And if you can see any others, let us know in the comments.

Ellie's butterfly-clad guitar

Ahhhh, the guitar. A very important item in The Last of Us Part II and right up front in Season 2 of the HBO series.

In a close-up in episode 1, we see Ellie's acoustic guitar, emblazoned with a butterfly symbol on its neck. It's a moving moment for fans of The Last of Us Part II, as the first thing we actually see in the second game is the same butterfly-clad guitar neck. We see it in a shot of Joel cleaning the instrument he's seemingly just found in an abandoned house outside Jackson, while he's confessing to Tommy his choice to save Ellie and massacre the Fireflies. Joel takes this guitar to Ellie in her room as a peace offering, and he plays Pearl Jam's "Future Days" to show her how it works. (The Last of Us fans either love or hate this moment, as it's actually you playing the guitar through the controller.) 

It's a scene which the TV series adapts with Joel offering to fix the strings on Ellie's guitar, and you'll notice there's a Pearl Jam poster on Ellie's wall in the show. Is it dusty in here?

Ellie's journal

Later in the episode, after the patrol, we see Ellie back in her room writing down Dina's "bear-be-cue" joke in her journal. It's a nice inclusion of a tool that's important to The Last of Us Part II, as Ellie constantly writes entries in her journal throughout the game. A scene of Ellie sketching in her journal is the first moment we reunite with the character in the second game, so it's satisfying to see Mazin and Druckmann include a moment that pays homage to the source material. 

Savage Starlight poster

Down to the lava lamp, this is a deeply accurate replication of Ellie's belongings as we see them in The Last of Us Part II. But one item in particular stands out — a large poster of Dr. Daniela Star, the protagonist from Ellie's beloved Savage Starlight comics. In the game, Ellie collects these comics all over the map, and in the show, Ellie bonds with Sam (Keivonn Woodard) over them in the most devastating episode of Season 1: episode 5. What's that catchphrase again? "To the edge of the universe and back, endure and survive."

You'll also see there's a bunch of posters of the 1969 moon landing around Ellie's room — remember, Ellie is an avid space fan, telling Joel in Season 1, episode 6 she wanted to be an astronaut when she grew up, like Sally Ride. Though it's five years later, Ellie hasn't stopped dreaming of the stars.

The Thoughts Twenty poster

There's a lot of music references in Ellie's room beyond the Nirvana song she's blasting throughout the scene. The camera pans over cassette tapes of John Denver, Bryan Adams, Glen Campbell, Marie-Lynn Hammond, and more. There's a White Stripes record on the wall, as well as a poster representing The Strokes' Is This It cover.

There's also a poster for a band called Thoughts Twenty on Ellie's wall, which is a fictional band she has a poster for in The Last of Us Part II.

Ellie's knife

The weapon of choice for Ellie, her switchblade has been stabbed into the table near the door for her to grab when she leaves. This is exactly where you pick up Ellie's signature blade in the game.

Can you spot more?

The Last of Us Season 2 is now streaming on Max. New episodes air weekly on Sundays 9 p.m. ET on HBO.

The Last of Us Season 2 hits us hard with the Easter eggs in the very first episode, and one of them is a particularly moving mention.

In episode 1, when Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Dina (Isabela Merced) are getting ready for their afternoon patrol, Dina remarks on Ellie's heavily armed get-up. "Look at you with all that hardware; you look like Curtis and Viper," she says. "You know, those movies Joel likes?"

When they turn up to the start of patrol, Jesse (Young Mazino) makes a similar comment about "Ellie over here looking all Curtis and Viper."

But what exactly is Curtis and Viper in The Last of Us, and where have you seen it referenced before? The answer is a punch to the heart.

What is Curtis and Viper in The Last of Us?

Curtis and Viper is a fictional '80s action series in The Last of Us games and TV series. They're indeed movies Joel loves — in fact, he used to watch them with his daughter Sarah (Nico Parker). The franchise appears in the HBO series in Season 1, episode 1, right before the outbreak of the Cordyceps pandemic in 2013. Sarah borrowed her neighbours' DVD copy of Curtis and Viper 2 for her father's 36th birthday, the same day everything goes to to hell.

SEE ALSO: 'The Last of Us': What you can expect from Season 2

In the games, Curtis and Viper comes up in The Last of Us Part II in a scene where Ellie describes the movies to Dina when they're on their Alpine patrol, looting supplies from abandoned buildings. She says she's thinking of inviting Joel to watch one together as a peace offering, then goes on to describe the plot of Curtis and Viper 2.

"OK, so two former commandos that go rogue to fight bad guys. And I think in this one they go up against Russian spies or something," Ellie explains. "Alright, so the young one, Viper, he's a trained ninja — and he's a complete badass."

"So, how old is he in the first movie?" asks Dina.

"Uhhh, 10," replies Ellie.

Ellie also finds a poster for Curtis and Viper 4 in The Last of Us Part II which prompts her to say aloud, "It's your favourite."

So, there you have it. Ellie's Curtis and Viper vibe in Season 2, episode 1 is a fun, extremely niche node to both the first season of the show and the games, and a reminder that nothing in this show is a throwaway reference.

The Last of Us Season 2 is now streaming on Max. New episodes air weekly on Sundays 9 p.m. ET on HBO.

The Last of Us is back, and there's a new player in town.

Although Season 2 spends most of its first episode five years on from the events of the Season 1 finale, the opening scene takes place in its direct aftermath. Here we're introduced to a group of new characters, the de facto leader of which is a woman named Abby (Kaitlyn Dever).

But what do we know about this new character so far, and how she connects to the story? Let's dive in.

[Note: This article does NOT contain any spoilers from The Last of Us video game series.]

SEE ALSO: 'The Last of Us' Season 2 review: Joel and Ellie's return devastates and infuriates What happens with Abby in Season 2, episode 1?

We're introduced to Abby at the side of a makeshift graveyard. In the opening scene of the first episode, she stands with four companions — Manny (Danny Ramirez), Nora (Tati Gabrielle), Mel (Ariela Barer), and Owen (Spencer Lord) — at the aftermath of the massacre Joel (Pedro Pascal) perpetrated in the Season 1 finale in order to rescue Ellie (Bella Ramsey). Each cross is hung with a medallion bearing the Firefly logo, and it's clear from the dialogue that the small group are Fireflies themselves.

"So what do we do?" asks Mel. "Do we look for other Fireflies?"

"Where?" responds Manny. "This place was the Fireflies."

It's clear from the exchange that follows that the five of them are the sole survivors of what happened at the hospital — "We didn't save anyone," says Abby. "Did we?" — and that Abby is hellbent on going after Joel for what he did.

We don't see Abby or her group again until right at the very end of episode 1, five years later — when they're creeping through the trees at the outskirts of Jackson, the makeshift town where Joel and Ellie now live. Clearly, their search has finally paid off. They've managed to track Joel down.

Credit: Liane Hentscher / HBO So, who exactly is Abby?

Abby only appears briefly, so we don't know too much about her. But let's start with what we do know. As we mentioned before, it's clear from the opening scene that she's a Firefly who was based at the hospital where Ellie was taken in Season 1. She's one of the few survivors of Joel's massacre, which means — like her other companions — she's clearly had to bury friends that died at Joel's hand.

What differentiates her from her companions is that she seems particularly intent on revenge. While the others discuss what their next moves might be, Abby's only priority is finding Joel. The final shot of the opening sequence could provide some clue as to why, as Abby bends to hang a medallion on a grave with tears in her eyes.

"When we kill him," she says, "we kill him slowly."

The implication seems to be that whoever's grave Abby is crouched at, it must belong to someone very important to her. Maybe a close family member? A parent or sibling? Whoever it is will likely become clear later in the season, but it seems that they're the main motivator behind Abby's desire to hunt down Joel for what he did.

The Last of Us Season 2 premieres April 13 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.

If you survived The Last of Us Season 1 and the sheer terror of all the Clickers, Bloaters, and cannibals, we've got some grim news: You're not out of the woods in Season 2.

The second season of Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann's HBO adaptation amps up the threat level for Ellie (Bella Ramsey), Joel (Pedro Pascal), and the residents of Jackson, Wyoming, from the very first episode, with the arrival of one of the scariest types of Infected in The Last of Us Part II game.

Alas, the Stalkers have arrived.

What's the new type of Infected in The Last of Us Season 2?

In Season 2, episode 1, we get our first glimpse of a new type of Infected, one that crawls extremely fast in the most deeply unwelcome way.

When Ellie and Dina (Isabela Merced) investigate Clickers in the Greenplace Market, and Ellie falls through the floor into the supermarket below, we think the coast is clear through the lack of Grudge-level sounds. But as Ellie's flipping through an old People magazine, we see something scurry past in the background on all fours. It's an instant nope, especially when a small hoot echoes through the aisles. As Ellie hunts the creature, it takes on a strategic stealth we previously thought only humans could use, not Infected. It seems...calculated.

SEE ALSO: 'The Last of Us': What you can expect from Season 2

The evolution of Infected takes our heroes by such surprise they call a council meeting in Jackson about it. Ellie tells Tommy, Maria, and their councillors of the "smart" new Infected. "No one's saying it can do math or anything," says Ellie. "But it didn't run at me. It did what we do: took cover, planned, waited, lured me in. Stalking."

This swift, scurrying new villain is, in fact, known as a Stalker in The Last of Us games — and they're a tough one to beat.

What are Stalkers in The Last of Us?

Two words: Be afraid. Stalkers are a type of Infected who are very fast, very aggressive, but very stealthy. Think the speed of a Runner (the Infected that just run at you) with the power of a Clicker (the Infected who use echolocation to hunt you, making it unlikely you'll survive their attack), but make it covert.

When you're playing The Last of Us but mainly The Last of Us Part II, you'll be stealthing along, minding your own damn business, and you'll spot a Stalker scurrying in the shadows. As soon as you see this movement, that pulse rate skyrockets. When you try to attack them, they'll retreat into cover. Stalkers will then move up, getting closer to you, peeking their head out, and then charge at you in an unexpected moment (again, you're unlikely to survive the attack). When Ellie (that's you) finds a group of Stalkers in a pitch-dark office building in The Last of Us Part II, it's a flashlight-mode moment that still haunts me.

Plus, as Ellie experiences in the TV show, Stalkers are really hard to locate using the game's Listening Mode (your own version of echolocation that highlights enemies nearby). As Ellie says in the game, "These fuckers are quiet." Really, the only way to kill a Stalker in the game is swift reflexes (and an immunity to Infected helps if you miss the first time).

So, if Stalkers are near Jackson, as we see in Season 2, episode 1, the people of the settlement are in real trouble.

The Last of Us Season 2 is now streaming on Max. New episodes air weekly on Sundays 9 p.m. ET on HBO.

The Last of Us Season 1 expanded the world of Naughty Dog's beloved game, and the second season is no different.

With the return of the HBO series, Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann send you right back to the settlement of Jackson, Wyoming, where we left Ellie (Bella Ramsay) and Joel (Pedro Pascal) on the edge of town after everything that happened in Salt Lake City.

In Season 2, Ellie and Joel have been reunited with family since then, namely Joel's brother Tommy (Gabriel Luna) and his wife Maria (Rutina Wesley), two of Jackson's leaders. But with this pair comes a new character to The Last of Us, one who didn't appear in the Part II game: their son, Benjamin.

SEE ALSO: 'The Last of Us': What you can expect from Season 2

I'll be referencing some light game spoilers in this article, so if you'd rather the narrative remain a mystery, turn back now.

Gabriel Luna as Tommy Miller in "The Last of Us." Credit: Liane Hentscher / HBO

It's one of the first differences between the game and the TV series in Season 2, the addition of Maria and Tommy's young son. The series' time jump covers five years we don't get to see between Seasons 1 and 2, during which time Benjamin has been born in Jackson.

In the game, Tommy and Maria don't have any children. Adding Benjamin to their lives in the show allows actors Luna and Wesley to explore their characters' relationship with each other in a different way, illustrating how new life emerges and creates relative stability in a show where such a thing is rare. In Season 1, Maria explains to Ellie during the haircut scene in episode 6 that her son Kevin died before the Cordyceps outbreak, so Season 2 gives Wesley more room explore Maria's complicated relationship with motherhood.

Uncle Joel! Credit: Liane Hentscher / HBO

Benjamin also provides a major new opportunity for Joel's character, whose experience with fatherhood has been traumatic to say the least — first, losing his daughter Sarah (Nico Parker) with the outbreak of the Cordyceps pandemic, and second, struggling to establish his bond with Ellie. The scene in Season 2, episode 1 where Joel bonds with his nephew over "shooting monsters" as Uncle Joel is outstandingly sweet, and honestly the first time we've seen Joel show his playful paternal side for an age.

However, I suspect the main impact Benjamin's presence in the show has is that it will add emotional weight to Tommy's life-changing decision to leave Jackson for reasons we'll leave unclear. It's a deeply traumatic departure for Maria, as Tommy's partner, and it'll be even more wrenching in the show now that Tommy is both a husband and a father. The stakes have changed for Tommy in the show, and his decision to leave Jackson takes on expanded significance.

Just remember, family members have not fared well in The Last of Us — never forget Season 1, episode 5, the series' most heartbreaking episode of all.

The Last of Us Season 2 is now streaming on Max. New episodes air weekly on Sundays 9 p.m. ET on HBO.

Donald Trump's tariff policies appear to be changing once again.

It appears that the Trump administration's tariff exemptions on iPhones and other electronics announced on Friday are coming back. After imposing a whopping 145 percent tariff on goods from China, Trump rolled out exceptions that were surely welcomed by tech companies like Apple.

SEE ALSO: As tariffs invade the apparel market, selling your clothes online is the move — here's how

The tariff exceptions covered a slew of electronics from China. While the baseline tariffs remained, the exceptions spared them the high reciprocal tariffs that Trump recently placed on Chinese exports into the U.S. The exempted products included electronics such as smartphones, laptops, semiconductors, and flat-panel display modules.

However, on Sunday, April 13, the Trump administration was singing a different tune.

Appearing on This Week on ABC News, Trump's Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said that the smartphone and computer tariff exemptions are only temporary.

"We need to have semiconductors, we need to have chips, and we need to have flat panels — we need to have these things made in America," Lutnick said.

"This is not like a permanent sort of exemption," Lutnick continued before referring to Trump's thinking on tariffs. "He's just clarifying that these are not available to be negotiated away by countries. These are things that are national security, that we need to be made in America."

According to Lutnick, the products exempted from the current reciprocal tariffs will be covered under new "semiconductor tariffs" that Trump will likely announce in "a month or two."

So, if you breathed a sigh of relief because you didn't yet panic-buy an iPhone before prices skyrocketed due to the tariffs, just know that your relief is only temporary.

Black Mirror may be able to draw inspiration for future episodes from the very platform it streams on.

Netflix has just recently rolled out access to a new AI search engine tool to some of its subscribers, according to a report from Bloomberg.

The AI search engine, which is powered by ChatGPT creator OpenAI, takes Netflix's search capabilities beyond looking up movies and TV shows by title, genre, or actor. The tool allows users to search for content using numerous other search queries, such as mood. Being that the feature is powered by OpenAI, it appears likely that users will be able to use natural language in their search.

Artificial intelligence isn't completely new to Netflix. The streaming company utilizes AI to power its recommendation algorithm, to help subscribers discover content based on their viewing history.

While Netflix is experimenting with AI, the company clearly knows of the pushback from creatives on the technology, and has previously gone on the record to say it would not use AI to replace filmmakers, screenwriters, or actors.

The AI search engine is currently in the testing phase. It's currently only available on iOS devices and to some customers in Australia and New Zealand. In addition, those subscribers need to specifically opt-in to use the tool.

Netflix expects to expand the test out to other countries, including the U.S., in the near future.

TL;DR: Scan anything, anywhere, with this lifetime subscription to iScanner, now A$40 (reg. A$320) with code SCAN through April 27.

Raise your hand if you've had to drive to your parent's house to borrow their printer. If most of us don't have the space for clunky printers, chances are we also don't keep a scanner at home. That's what iScanner is for: transforming your iPhone or iPad into a handy scanning machine. 

Right now, a lifetime subscription to this convenient way to scan is just A$40 wide code SCAN, saving you A$280 if you act fast and purchase before April 27. 

This multi-tasking app saves you serious desk space

Even if you're one of the few with a physical scanner still in your presence, you can now clear some counter space thanks to iScanner. And while you're at it, you can throw away that dusty old filing cabinet, too. 

iScanner is the number one US-based scanning and document management tool, letting you knock items off your to-do list from anywhere. Need to save a receipt for taxes? Do you have a contract you need to digitize? You can scan any document using just the phone on your iOS device. 

Students, entrepreneurs, educators, and stay-at-home moms alike will all find endless uses for a scanner in your pocket. The AI-powered tools ensure your documents' borders are detected and automatically adjusted while also straightening scan pages and ditching curves and skews. 

Thanks to AI, you can also use iScanner to help you solve complicated math problems. Or put its OCR technology to the test and let it help you decipher text in up to 20 languages.

Once things are scanned, the app becomes a full PDF editor and file manager. Edit your scans, including signing them, adding text, or auto-filling them with custom templates. Then, use the file manager's folder via drag and drop to keep them safe and organized. 

Scanning something confidential? You can also protect files and folders by locking them with a PIN.

Secure iScanner for life with code SCAN, bringing the price down to A$40 through April 27.

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Opens in a new window Credit: BP Mobile iScanner App: Lifetime Subscription AU$40
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Donald Trump's tariffs were a big theme on this week's Saturday Night Live. And SNL's "Weekend Update" was no exception. 

Trump's whopping 145 percent tariff on China gave SNL cast member Bowen Yang the perfect opportunity to reprise his role as "Chen Biao," China's (fictional) trade minister.

SEE ALSO: Trump interrupts 'Jesus,' riffs on Easter, tariffs, and more in 'SNL' cold open

The Chinese trade minister pokes fun at how random a number 145 percent is for Trump's tariffs before conceding that the tariffs are going to cause "a lot of hardship" for both countries.

"But wait, I'm just wondering which side is more willing to endure hardship for the glory of their nation?" Yang's Biao said. "The one that's been around for thousands of years or the one that's sending Katy Perry to space?"

Earlier in the day, Trump announced that certain products, namely electronics and computers, were now exempt from his reciprocal tariffs on China. Of course, SNL addressed this most recent news, too.

"You can't live without our technology," said Yang's Chinese trade minister, acknowledging the tariff change earlier that day. "But I think we'll survive without your Newman's Own salad dressing." 

Saturday Night Live opened the show this week with a recreation of The Cleansing of the Temple, a significant moment in the Bible where Jesus Christ kicks out the merchants and money changers who were turning the house of worship into a "den of thieves."

SEE ALSO: Jack Black dons Indiana Jones get-up in 'SNL' dating show sketch

However, just as Mikey Day, who plays Jesus in this cold open, is getting started, James Austin Johnson's President Donald Trump interrupts everything.

And SNL's resident Trump impersonator may have just given his best performance yet.

James Austin Johnson as Trump goes buck wild for more than five uninterrupted minutes on everything from his tariffs to Easter, the price of eggs, and even which SNL members were cast as Jesus and his disciples in the recreation frozen in time behind him.

James Austin Johnson's use of puns here to compare Jesus and Trump, Easter, and Trump's tariffs reach biblical proportions.

"You know, many people are even calling me the Messiah because of the Mess-I–ah made out of the economy," Johnson's Trump says.

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 Sunday, April 13, 2025:

AcrossState sch. founded by Thomas Jefferson

• The answer is UVA.

Flower containers

• The answer is Pots.

"Crib" or "pad," for "house"

• The answer is Slang.

Pants, informally

• The answer is Trou.

Company nicknamed "Big Blue"

• The answer is IBM.

DownCompany nicknamed "Big Brown"

• The answer is UPS.

What "V" stands for on a battery

• The answer is Volt.

Big name in 1980s arcade games

• The answer is Atari.

Stuck-up sort

• The answer is Snob.

Big Red, e.g.

• The answer is Gum.

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.

The Trump administration will take Meta to court this week, continuing an aggressive effort to rein in the power of the biggest tech companies. Here’s what to know.

On Monday, Meta will face off against the federal government in a landmark antitrust trial over claims that it illegally squashed competition by buying Instagram and WhatsApp.

TL;DR: Upgrade to Microsoft Windows 11 Pro for just $14.97 (regularly $199) and enjoy enhanced security, productivity features, and the AI-powered Copilot assistant.​

In the ever-evolving world of technology, keeping your operating system current is essential for optimal performance and security. For a limited time, you can upgrade to Microsoft Windows 11 Pro for just $14.97, a significant reduction from its regular price of $199.​

Why upgrade to Windows 11 Pro?

Windows 11 Pro offers a sleek and user-friendly interface designed to enhance your computing experience. Features like Snap Layouts and Virtual Desktops allow for efficient multitasking and enable you to organize your workspace with ease. The redesigned Start menu provides quick access to your apps and documents, streamlining your workflow.​

Security is a top priority with Windows 11 Pro. The operating system includes advanced features such as BitLocker encryption and Windows Information Protection, providing robust protection against unauthorized access and data breaches. These tools are especially beneficial for professionals handling sensitive information.​

Integrated AI and better graphics

One of the standout additions is Windows Copilot, an AI-powered assistant integrated into the system. Copilot assists with tasks like answering queries, generating images, summarizing web pages, and even planning your next trip, streamlining your workflow and boosting productivity.​

Gamers and creative professionals will appreciate the inclusion of DirectX 12 Ultimate, which delivers enhanced graphics and immersive experiences. Additionally, features like Auto HDR improve color and contrast in games, providing a more vibrant visual experience.​

Upgrading to Windows 11 Pro at this price point offers an affordable way to enhance your PC's functionality, security, and overall performance.​

You can pick up Windows 11 Pro for just $14.97 (reg. $199) through April 27 at 11:59 p.m. PT only.

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Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Windows 11 Pro $14.97
$199 Save $184.03 Get Deal

TL;DR: Keep a scanner in your pocket at all times with this lifetime subscription to SwiftScan VIP for $41.99 (reg. $199) with code TAKE30 now through April 27.

If you need to safeguard an important document, digitizing it is the way to go. Unfortunately, scanners are hard to come by these days. That's why SwiftScan VIP is the perfect app to transform your smartphone or tablet into a powerful scanning tool.

SwiftScanVIP is a mobile scanning app that makes digitizing documents easier than ever. And right now, a lifetime subscription is only $41.99 with the code TAKE30 through April 27. 

Keep a scanner on hand for life

SwiftScan instantly turns your smartphone or tablet’s camera into a portable, on-demand scanner. All you have to do is open the app and hold your device above the document. It automatically detects edges and crops the page for you.

Once you scan, you can enhance the quality of the document with SwiftScan's color filters, auto-optimization, and blur reduction features. Then, choose to save it as a PDF or JPG. 

Need to scan more than one page? That's no problem; SwiftScan can also combine multiple pages into a single document. 

After scanning, SwiftScan helps you get your documents where they need to go. Choose to send them as an email or a fax or upload them to the cloud storage service of your choice. SwiftScan automatically organizes your scans into folders, making them easily searchable with OCR technology for quick access later.

Aside from helping with scans, SwiftScan can also tackle PDF editing. You can sign, annotate, or even redact information from these frustrating file formats right in the app. 

Enjoy easy scanning access for life with SwiftScanVIP, now only $41.99 (reg. $199) with code TAKE30 through April 27.

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Opens in a new window Credit: Maple Media SwiftScan VIP: Lifetime Subscription $41.99
$199.99 Save $158 Get Deal

TL;DR: Stay connected more conveniently with the NanoPhone, a miniaturized smartphone packed with plenty of features now available for $89.97 (reg. $199) through April 27.

Say goodbye to overwhelming screens and hello to a simplified, smarter way to stay connected.

The NanoPhone is truly pocket-sized, measuring around the size of a credit card while still offering all the perks of your usual smartphone. And you can bring one home for a much smaller price at just $89.97 (reg. $199) now through April 27. 

This mini smartphone also comes with a mini price

Whether you’re looking to cut down on screen time or just need a phone that fits in your pocket without the bulk, the NanoPhone is here to change the game. 

The NanoPhone packs all the perks of your usual smartphone — a clear, responsive touchscreen, access to your favorite apps, and a built-in camera — in a tiny format. There's no additional data plan required; you can insert your current SIM card, and it should work with your existing 4G carrier.

Both front and rear cameras let you snap photos and video chat, while Bluetooth capabilities let it connect to wireless headphones or a smartwatch for seamless integration. 

Don't assume a smaller phone means a smaller battery life. The NanoPhone is ready to last all day long. Bring it along when you don't want to be weighed down by your usual smartphone, or keep it as an emergency backup phone and tuck it somewhere safe. 

Bring home a NanoPhone for just $89.97 (reg. $199.99) now through April 27 with no coupon needed.

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Opens in a new window Credit: Mutant Design Lab NanoPhone - A Miniaturized Smartphone Packed with Mega Features! $89.97
$199.99 Save $110.02 Get Deal

TL;DR: Enjoy access to multiple AI models in one easy spot with 1min.AI, now only $79.97 for an Advanced Business Plan lifetimes subscription (reg. $540) through April 30.

Curious about using AI to help with work tasks but aren't sure where to start? Let 1min.AI serve as your one-stop shop. This handy platform combines several popular AI models — including ChatGPT, Gemini, and Midjourney — into one app, letting you test out their unique features without hopping between services.

Right now, a lifetime subscription to the 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan can be yours for just $79.97 (reg. $540) through April 30. 

AI doesn't have to be overwhelming

1min.AI consolidates popular AI platforms into one platform, offering an easy way to create images, generate writing, and accomplish many creative tasks in seconds. Once it's done, just give it a human once-over, and it will be good to go.

Ask questions and get informative answers thanks to AI models from GoogleAI and MetaAI. Text-based tasks are powered by GPT-5, while Gemini and Mistral are on hand to create AI-generated images. In fact, the image below was made by 1min.AI itself.

This Advanced Business Plan includes 4,000,000 monthly credits — enough to generate up to 1,112,500 words, create 1,186 images, upscale 741 photos, remove backgrounds from 74 images, transcribe more than 14,000 seconds of audio, and produce up to 37 videos each month.

This plan also supports tasks like SEO research, with up to 5,933 keywords available monthly. And if you're in need of more credits, you can earn up to 450,000 bonus credits per month by visiting the app, leaving a review, or referring a friend.

You'll receive unlimited access to the prompt library, brand voice options, storage, and collaboration features for up to 20 team members with the Advanced Business Plan, making it a great option for small businesses. 

If you're looking for an easy way to start using the power of AI, 1min.AI is a great tool. 

Secure a lifetime subscription to 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan for just $79.97 (reg. $540) through April 30.

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Opens in a new window Credit: 1min.AI 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan Lifetime Subscription $79.97
$540 Save $460.03 Get Deal

TL;DR: Get a lifetime subscription to BitMar’s content finder for $14.99 this through 27 April with code BITMAR5 at checkout (reg. $150).

Here’s a challenge: cut the cord with your streaming services. Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, all of them. You’re likely paying hundreds each year in subscription fees and, chances are, you still can’t find the one movie you want to watch on any of them.

All of these reasons are probably why so many people are turning to BitMar, a streaming service alternative. You know how you can find some free movies or TV shows available online if you dig hard enough? This powerful search engine does that for you. And, for a limited time, you can get it for $14.99 with code BITMAR5 at checkout (reg. $150).

Wait…how does it work?

BitMar is powered by the Bing search engine, but it only has eyes for free streaming content. You’ll use a far more user-friendly interface to plug in a channel, genre, actor, or a specific movie or TV show you have in mind, then this content aggregator scours the web to find it.

Is it legal? Yes. BitMar is fully compliant with copyright laws — and it’s simply locating content already available on the web.

If you’re wondering why you wouldn’t just spend the time searching for it yourself, that’s the reason right there — it saves you time. BitMar also filters out the garbage to leave you with high-quality, ad-free content.

Enjoy no subscription streaming with a BitMar lifetime subscription at $14.99 with code BITMAR5 at checkout (reg. $150).

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Opens in a new window Credit: BitMar BitMar Streaming Content-Finder: Lifetime Subscription £14.99
£150 Save £135.01 Get Deal