Feed aggregator

Julia Louis-Dreyfus took the "Questionert" of rapid-fire questions from "The Late Show" host Stephen Colbert, and the tables were turned.

SAVE $300: As of Oct. 25, the DJI Power 1000 portable power station is on sale for $499 at Amazon with the on-site coupon. This 1024Wh solar generator is ideal for camping, RV trips, and home backup power.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI (Amazon) / Mashable Composite DJI Power 1000 Portable Power Station $499.00 at Amazon
$799.00 Save $300.00 Get Deal

When you're out in the wild, the last thing you want is a dead battery. That’s where the DJI Power 1000 comes in handy, and it’s currently available at a reduced rate. Normally priced at $799, this portable power station is down to $599, thanks to a 25% discount. Plus, there’s an additional $100 coupon you can clip on the product page, bringing your final price down to $499.

This 1024Wh power station packs a serious punch, offering 2200W of max output power to handle everything from your camping essentials to power outages at home. Its LiFePO4 battery not only provides robust power but also boasts a long lifespan, capable of up to 4,000 charge cycles. This means you’ll get around 10 years of reliable energy — perfect for those who want peace of mind while exploring off the grid.

SEE ALSO: I reviewed the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 and I can't imagine a better social video camera

One of the standout features of the DJI Power 1000 is its rapid recharge capability. Thanks to DJI’s fast-charging technology, you can juice up from zero to 80% in just 50 minutes using a wall outlet, or in 80 minutes if you opt for a solar panel (sold separately). That’s great for when you’re on the go and need to get back to full power quickly.

Got DJI drones? This power station is designed to play nicely with them. You can pair it with optional charging cables to keep your Mavic 3 or Air 3 batteries ready for takeoff, extending your flight time during those epic drone shoots.

And let’s talk about noise — or rather, the lack of it. The DJI Power 1000 operates at an ultra-quiet 23 dB, which is softer than a whisper. This makes it ideal for serene settings like campgrounds or RV parks where you don’t want a noisy generator ruining the ambiance.

In addition to being quiet, it’s also safe. With 26 SGS certifications and a built-in Battery Management System (BMS), this power station protects against over-current, over-voltage, and other potential issues. Plus, it comes with a three-year warranty that extends to five years if you register, giving you plenty of long-term security.

Save $20: As of Oct. 25, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is on sale for $29.99 at Amazon, saving you 40% off its usual $49.99 price. It supports WiFi 6 for smoother streaming and offers access to over 1.5 million movies and TV episodes.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon / Mashable Composite Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K $29.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

Streaming in 4K has never been this affordable. The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is down to just $29.99 — $20 off the regular price of $49.99. It's a limited-time deal, so if you've considered upgrading your TV setup, now's a great time to do it. Here's why this little streaming stick might be your next favorite gadget.

The Fire TV Stick 4K offers a cinematic streaming experience right from the comfort of your couch. It supports 4K Ultra HD resolution, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos sound. This means you can enjoy vibrant visuals and immersive audio while watching your favorite show or film. You'll feel like sitting in a mini-theater, minus the sticky floors and overpriced popcorn.

SEE ALSO: Apple TV+ joins Amazon Prime Video as an add-on

But what really sets this model apart is its WiFi 6 support. If you're dealing with a busy network, this feature helps ensure your Fire TV Stick 4K delivers a smooth, lag-free viewing experience. Even when multiple devices are connected, you can still stream in 4K without those annoying buffering interruptions.

One of the best perks? Hands-free control with Alexa. You can simply ask your TV to play specific movies, search for shows starring your favorite actors, or even find those elusive action films with epic car chases. Just say, "Alexa, show me thrillers," and you're all set. Plus, if you're into gaming, you can stream Xbox Game Pass titles directly on your Fire TV Stick 4K without needing a console.

Beyond paid subscriptions like Netflix, Disney+, and Max, this streaming stick gives you access to tons of free content. You can browse over 300,000 movies and TV episodes from ad-supported streaming services like Amazon Freevee, Tubi, and Pluto TV. At $29.99, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K combines power, performance, and affordability. It's a great addition to any TV setup, especially if you want to maximize your 4K screen without breaking the bank.

SAVE UP TO $16: As of Oct. 25, save 20% on the KIWI K4 Boost and KIWI H4 Boost battery head straps for the Meta Quest 3/3S at Amazon. The K4 Boost drops to $55.99 (originally $69.99), while the H4 Boost is down to $63.99 (originally $79.99).

The best battery head strap deals at Amazon Best battery head strap for comfort KIWI K4 Boost $55.99 at Amazon (Save $14) Get Deal Best battery head strap for ventilation Kiwi H4 Boost battery head strap $63.99 (Save $16) Get Deal

Getting into the world of VR is pricey enough, but keeping your headset charged shouldn’t have to be. Right now, you can save 20% on two of KIWI design’s popular battery head straps for the Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S, thanks to a coupon deal at Amazon. Just clip the coupon on the product page, and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout.

The KIWI K4 Boost head strap has a built-in battery that extends your playtime by up to three hours. No more frantic sprints for a charging cable mid-game. Its design is all about comfort: the enhanced rear support and thicker padding make long sessions easier on your head and neck. With dual fast charging, you can juice up your Quest and the K4 Boost simultaneously in about 2.5 hours.

For a little more, the KIWI H4 Boost offers a similar battery boost with a few extra perks, like an adjustable front-to-back field of view (FOV) and side ventilation to keep you cool during intense gameplay. It even promises a zero-pressure fit — perfect if you’re tired of feeling like your headset is squeezing your face.

SEE ALSO: The best gaming headset for every platform

These head straps carry on the trend of brilliant build quality from KIWI, so it’s a great time to pick one up and give your Quest 3 or 3S a bit more stamina. If you want the freedom to explore virtual worlds without a low-battery warning or play Beat Saber without the headset wobble, these deals are worth a look. Clip this 20% coupon deal before it's gone.

SAVE OVER $80: As of Oct.25, the Shark Matrix Plus Robot Vacuum is on sale for $349.99 at Amazon, saving you 19% on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Matrix Plus Robot Vacuum $349.99 at Amazon
$430.00 Save $80.01 Get Deal

We're big fans of robot vacuums here — just take a look at our review of the best models and you'll see why. So we're always on the hunt for robot vacuum deals, big and small. And this Amazon deal on the Shark Matrix Plus Robot Vacuum is one we couldn't ignore.

As of Oct. 25, this model is on sale for $349.99 at Amazon.This is the lowest this vacuum has been priced at since December 2023, so you know you're getting a great deal.

But what's so special about this model? Besides all the obvious pros (no more manual vacuuming), this device doesn't just pick up dirt, it mops your floors too. It uses Sonic Mopping to scrub hard floors 100 times per minute, and if you know it's about to encounter an extra deep stain, head to the app and initiate Matrix Mop to get 50% better stain cleaning in certain spots.

SEE ALSO: I've tested over 20 robot vacuums and these are the best for every budget in 2024

This vacuum also boasts an impressive precision matrix grid, meaning it takes multiple passes over dirt and debris to ensure it is all removed. And the smart features don't end there: the CleanEdge Detect system uses blasts of air and corner recognition to remove debris from edges and corners pulling the debris into the cleaning path. Plus, there's no need to manually map out the path for this vacuum, because it uses 360-degree LiDAR vision to learn your space, detect obstacles, and pick up dirt.

Like many high-end vacuums, this machine self-empties, self-charges, and holds up to 60 days' worth of dirt, limiting your work even further. The base is bagless, so both useful and environmentally friendly as it eliminates the need for waste bags.

Convinced yet? Head over to Amazon to grab this deal.

Donald Trump, Elon Musk and CNN have cited election predictions from Polymarket, a betting site where crypto enthusiasts have wagered more than $100 million on who will win the presidency.

Proponents believe that having real money on the line, and a large crowd of investors, encourages a more accurate election forecast than polling data can provide.

Whether you're exclusively a solo gamer or spend most of your time in online gaming lobbies, having a great gaming headset is only going to enhance the experience. Better immersion and communication are never a bad thing, and I almost always play with one strapped to my noggin.

After spending a few weeks with the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro, I can confidently say that you should look no further if you've been searching for a new gaming headset, because it's the best I've ever used. It sounds great, feels great to wear, and I can't see myself switching headsets anytime soon.

SEE ALSO: Gaming starter kit: All the gear you need to play like a real gamer Next-level immersion

The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro sounds simply divine. No matter what I was playing, the headset made me feel way more engaged than I usually do thanks to not only the crisp audio playback, but also that gorgeous surround sound.

The BlackShark V2 Pro is packed with Razer's patented Triforce Titanium 50mm drivers, which are split into three parts so they can be individually tuned for high, mid, and low tones. And let me tell you, it's for the better — everything sounded incredibly clear and detailed, especially while playing games like Astro Bot and Star Wars: Outlaws, which both have top-tier audio design. Because the headset is also equipped with THX Spatial Audio, you can hear where sounds are coming from with impressive accuracy. Passive noise cancellation is also pretty good, cutting down on a decent amount of outside noise without rendering me completely unaware of my surroundings.

A crystal-clear microphone with one small flaw

When it comes to gaming headsets, the audio on your end isn't the only kind of audio that matters. If you're playing online, you'll want your buddies to be able to hear you loud and clear, or else it could spell "game over" for your squad. I'm happy to report that the BlackShark V2 Pro's microphone quality is great (at least according to my friends whom I've been playing Space Marine 2 with). My teammates consistently said I sounded crystal clear with no noticeable lag on either of our sides.

I did have one small issue with the BlackShark V2 Pro's mic, though. While not a dealbreaker at all, I didn't love the microphone's detachable design, and would've much preferred a retractable style for portability's sake. Sure, it's easy enough to just pop the mic off and stow away the headset itself, but now I'm stuck holding this small appendage with nowhere to put it but... next to the headset, I guess? What do I do with this thing?

Where am I supposed to keep this little mic dongle? Credit: Dylan Haas / Mashable An extremely intuitive headset

I always appreciate a gaming headset with on-board controls that I can play around with on the fly; the BlackShark V2 Pro's are a joy to use due to their intuitive and simplistic nature. You get a button to switch between wireless and wired modes which is super convenient, a volume knob, a mic mute button, and a power button. That's all there is, and it's all you'll need.

This headset has the essentials at hand. Credit: Dylan Haas / Mashable If there was any latency here, I couldn't find it

Worst case scenario is when your gaming headset is laggy. If you're playing competitively online, the response times for your audio input and output could be the deciding factor between a win and a loss, so you're going to need something with relatively low latency. The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro has that in spades.

Even when using it in wireless mode (which connects via a nifty little USB dongle), I couldn't pick up on any latency at all, no matter how hard I tried. At least, it wasn't detectable to my naked ear. Neither was it to my online friends. I usually never use my gaming headsets in wireless mode because I often find it to be a more laggy experience than playing with them wired in. However, with the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro, I exclusively use it wirelessly because I just can't tell the difference.

I could wear this all day

I've tried out a lot of gaming headsets, and the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro beats them all by far when it comes to comfort. The headset's FlowKnit memory foam ear cushions are soft and breathable with a padded adjustable headband to match. Even after numerous multi-hour gameplay sessions, I never felt even a hint of soreness. The build quality feels very premium, featuring a durable exterior that I think is going to stand the test of time, as well as steel reinforcement in the headband that doesn't sacrifice flexibility.

Even the overall look of the headset is really nice and streamlined, which isn't something that can be said for a lot of gaming peripherals, in my opinion. It still has a gamer-chic aesthetic, but gives more pilot vibes than Cyberpunk 2077 NPC. Although the exposed wiring on either side of the headband does look kind of cool, it can become frustrating when it gets caught on stuff. At worst, I could see it becoming damaged over time if the wiring keeps getting snagged on random objects (I haven't seen any yet, thankfully), but if you just take care while storing the headset, you should be fine.

Credit: Dylan Haas / Mashable Credit: Dylan Haas / Mashable Battery life is good, not great

When in wireless mode, the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro runs off a battery that didn't necessarily impress me but didn't bother me, either. I was able to get about 20 hours on a single charge before switching over to wired mode, which ended up being a pretty seamless experience when using the SmartSwitch button on the side of the headset. No gameplay interruptions when your headset runs out of juice, here.

Is the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro gaming headset worth it?

The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is absolutely worth the buy. Although $199.99 isn't cheap for a gaming headset, the value you get for your money here is just fantastic. The shortcomings are few and far between, and the headset's combination of comfort, quality, and style in one package certainly justifies the investment.

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro $199.99 at Amazon
Shop Now

When it comes to streaming options, the list goes on and on: Hulu, Netflix, Max, Disney+, Apple TV+, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that's before you even look at their vast libraries of movies and television within each one!

It can be overwhelming. So, Mashable offers watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, animation, and more. But maybe you don't know what you want beyond something new and entertaining. No worries. 

SEE ALSO: The best Netflix TV shows of 2024 (so far)

Mashable's Entertainment Team has scoured the streaming services to highlight the most buzzed-about releases of this week and ranked them from worst to best — or least to most watchable. Whether you want nail-biting horror, heartwarming comedy, chilling true crime, or a binge-worthy new series, we've got you. 

7. Trap

M. Night Shyamalan is in fine form in his latest film, Trap, which takes an already out-there concept and spins it into a bonkers fun thriller. Josh Hartnett (Oppenheimer) stars as Cooper, a devoted dad who's taking his daughter Riley (Ariel Donoghue) to the concert of her dreams. There's just one problem: Cooper is also a serial killer known as "the Butcher" — and this whole concert is a trap set to catch him.

SEE ALSO: Josh Hartnett compares his new role in 'Trap' to his character Zeke from 'The Faculty'

So begins a delicious cat-and-mouse game where you can't help but root for the mouse, serial killer though he may be. Hartnett's performance is a nonstop blast, as are the many twists and turns offered up by the film's concert-centric premise. Want a series of musical set pieces? Pop star Lady Raven (R&B singer Saleka, who is also Shyamalan's daughter) has got you covered. How about ludicrous ploys to get backstage? Cooper will give you exactly what you want, including a wild-eyed suggestion that he and Riley pop through a trapdoor in what remains one of the funniest film moments of the year. Perhaps most shocking of all is that amid all this chaos, Trap manages to craft a surprisingly compelling story about fatherhood (even if that father is, yes, a serial killer).

As Siddhant Adlakha wrote in his Mashable review, "Trap is practically an ode to his daughters and their teenage years, though it also wrestles with some of the darker implications of fatherhood." Between that, Hartnett's knockout turn, and the tightly wound suspense of the concert scenes, what more could you want? Get on the Trap train, people! — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

Starring: Josh Hartnett, Ariel Donoghue, Saleka

How to watch: Trap is now streaming on Max.

6. Territory

Territory is a land succession drama that takes place on an Australian cattle ranch. This new Netflix series is co-created by Mystery Road's Timothy Lee and Ben Davies, with Wolf Creek's Greg McLean directing. You'll meet the Lawson family, owners of the world's largest ranch, Marianne Station. But what happens when the reign of patriarch Colin (Robert Taylor) ends? Anna Torv (The Last of Us) stars alongside For All Mankind's Michael Dorman, Vikings: Valhalla's Sam Corlett, and Longmire's Robert Taylor.

Mashable's Amanda Yeo described the show as "Yellowstone meets Succession in the Australian outback" in her review, writing, "Contending with such titles, Territory puts in the effort to set itself apart by embracing its distinctly Australian characteristics, making it different enough to be intriguing while still familiar enough to be comfortable." — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor

Starring: Anna Torv, Dan Wyllie, Robert Taylor, Jake Ryan, Clarence Ryan, Michael Dorman, Sam Corlett, Tyler Spencer, Hamilton Morris, and Philippa Northeast

How to watch: Territory is now streaming on Netflix.

5. Inside Out 2

Pixar's sequel to 2015's Inside Out is finally streaming, with youngster Riley Andersen's (voiced by Kensington Tallman) anthropomorphic emotions gaining some roommates inside her head. Why? She's starting high school. You remember. Joy (Amy Poehler), Sadness (Phyllis Smith), Anger (Lewis Black), Disgust (Liza Lapira), and Fear (Tony Hale) are joined by Anxiety (Maya Hawke), Envy (Ayo Edebiri), Ennui (Adèle Exarchopoulos), and Embarrassment (Paul Walter Hauser).

As Mashable's Belen Edwards wrote in her review, "Like 2022's Turning Red, which in itself proved a groundbreaking representation of puberty, Inside Out 2 embraces the complexities of this daunting life stage, especially when it comes to feelings of self-worth and anxiety. The result is a frank take on mental health that proves more mature than its predecessor, while also maintaining a well-needed touch of irreverence and Pixar comfort." — S.C.

Starring: Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Lewis Black, Liza Lapira, Tony Hale, Maya Hawke, Ayo Edebiri, Adèle Exarchopoulos, Paul Walter Hauser, and Kensington Tallman

How to watch: Inside Out 2 is now streaming on Disney+.

4. The Remarkable Life of Ibelin

In the mood for a documentary this weekend? Then check out The Remarkable Life of Ibelin, which uses World of Warcraft recreations to dive deep into a deceased Norwegian gamer's rich online life.

That gamer is Mats Steen, who died in 2014 from Duchenne muscular dystrophy. His parents Robert and Trude worry that he didn't make any connections while he was alive, as he spent so much time physically isolated and playing World of Warcraft. Yet when they post about his passing on his old blog, a wave of support from Mats' World of Warcraft friends proves he was anything but alone.

Director Benjamin Ree reenacts Mats' in-game conversations with the help of over 42,000 pages of gaming logs, painting a portrait of Mats as someone who was caring, empathetic, and central to his online community. As I wrote in my review for Mashable, the film "serves as a touching tribute to what Mats meant to so many people, as well as the power of the virtual ties that bind us." — B.E.

How to watch: The Remarkable Life of Ibelin is now streaming on Netflix.

3. Late Night with the Devil

Writers/directors Cameron Cairnes and Colin Cairnes (aka the Cairnes Brothers) won critical acclaim for their Satanic Panic gem Late Night with the Devil out of the 2023 SXSW film festival and even garnered praise from Stephen King. And now, it's easier than ever to watch at home, as this frightening film has come to Hulu.

Tweet may have been deleted

The Boogeyman's David Dastmalchian plays Jack Delroy, a late-night talk show host who's clinging to relevance. For Halloween, he decides to craft the spookiest lineup he can muster, with one of his guests seemingly possessed by something sinister.

SEE ALSO: 34 bloody excellent Australian horror movies that'll mess you up (and where to watch them)

As Mashable's entertainment editor Kristy Puchko wrote in her review, "Paying tribute to '70s horror, Late Night with the Devil is steeped in the era's aesthetic and its emerging moral anxiety, as well as the methodical pacing that draws us in, grabs on tight, and won't let go until that final ghoulish moment." — S.C.

Starring: David Dastmalchian, Laura Gordon, Ian Bliss, Fayssal Bazzi, Ingrid Torelli, Rhys Auteri, Georgina Haig, and Josh Quong Tart

How to watch: Late Night with the Devil is now streaming on Hulu.

2. What We Do in the Shadows, Season 6

Everyone's favorite vampire roommates are back for one last hurrah in What We Do in the Shadows' sixth and final season — so consider this your sign to tune in or catch up if you haven't already!

This season brings more bloodsucking chaos to the lives of Nadja (Natasia Demetriou), Laszlo (Matt Berry), Nandor (Kayvan Novak), Guillermo (Harvey Guillén), and Colin Robinson (Mark Proksch). From a new vampire roommate named Jerry (Mike O'Brien) to landing jobs in corporate America to Laszlo's new Frankenstein-esque experiments, Season 6 is a delightful ride — and a reminder of why What We Do in the Shadows has one of the best comedic ensembles on TV. — B.E.

Starring: Matt Berry, Kayvan Novak, Natasia Demetriou, Harvey Guillén, Mark Proksch, Doug Jones, Mike O’Brien, and Kristen Schaal

How to watch: What We Do in the Shadows Season 6 is now streaming on Hulu.

1. Star Trek: Lower Decks, Season 5

Created by Rick & Morty writer/producer Mike McMahan, Star Trek: Lower Decks is an animated sci-fi comedy as packed with outrageous action as it is audacious laughs. Far from the strong-jawed drama of most of Star Trek's movies and TV series, Lower Decks plays like a workplace sitcom, covering everything from intimidating alien threats to the thankless clean-up work demanded of the holodeck. In every episode, there's reason to thrill and cackle. And now is the perfect time to begin a binge watch (or rewatch).

SEE ALSO: Even if you're not a Star Trek fan, it's time to get into 'Lower Decks'

This week, Paramount+ debuts the start of this sensational show's fifth and final season. Having seen the first five of the 10 episodes promised, I'm freshly in love with this sensational series, and not ready to say goodbye. In my review, I cheered, "Lower Decks didn't only amuse me with its spirited screw-ups and clever turns on sci-fi cliches and Star Trek tropes. It drew me into the world of these characters so intensely that I want more, more, more."

Lucky for us, there's plenty more Star Trek adventures on Paramount+.

Starring: Tawny Newsome, Jack Quaid, Noël Wells, Eugene Cordero, Dawnn Lewis, Jerry O'Connell, Fred Tatasciore, and Gillian Vigman

How to watch: Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 5 debuts with two episodes Oct. 24, with new episodes weekly.

Star Trek: Lower Decks is ending, and I'm not ready.

Created by Rick & Morty writer/producer Mike McMahan, Lower Decks giddily shook up the one-hour sci-fi drama format of the long-running Star Trek franchise. Its focus shifted away from noble captains and their courageous bridge crew going on universe-saving missions. Instead, this workplace comedy embedded audiences in the cramped bunk beds and chaotic inner lives of a band of eccentric ensigns, who barely make it out of their daily tasks alive.

Impulsive and enchanting, Mariner (Tawny Newsome) is the feisty leader of her motley band of friends; she relishes margaritas and role-playing games about Klingon warfare. Her right-hand man is by-the-book brown-noser Brad Boimler (Jack Quaid), who dreams of earning his own captain's chair someday. Meanwhile, Orion badass/unapologetic nerd Tendi (Noël Wells) gave up a life of plundering and piracy to study science aboard the starship Cerritos. Her best bud, engineering cyborg Rutherford (Eugene Cordero), shares her enthusiasm for all things science, as well as a mutual crush that's been achingly unspoken for four seasons and counting. Their energy — which often involves much squealing — is countered by the ever-stoic Vulcan transfer T'Lyn (Gabrielle Ruiz), who has become the series master of deadpan delivery.

Together, they've tackled extraterrestrial beasts, personal catastrophes, the horrors of a holodeck gone wrong, and much, much more. But with their latest season, they set forth on their fifth and final frontier. And it's going to be hard to say goodbye.

Lower Decks kicks off with what could have been for every major character. Credit: Paramount+

Season 5 launches with "Dos Cerritos," an ambitious episode in which the Cerritos crew runs into their parallel dimension doubles. Swiftly, audiences are invited to marvel at what might have happened if Billups (Paul Scheer) had risen to his royal destiny or if Mariner ever got promoted to captain. It's a conceit that allows for visual gags through cheeky variant designs, but also shows how far these ensigns have come — and how far they may still have to go.

While Mariner and her captain/mom face a reality in which their roles are reversed, Boimler is caught up in how confident his double is. Maybe it's the beard? To be more like his briefly glimpsed parallel self, Boimler decides to grow facial hair. And props to McMahan, because the evolution from clean-shaven to bold bushiness is charted across the five episodes given to critics through a mounting array of awkward looks. A few stray hairs become a sketchy mustache, with a scraggly goatee on the way. It's funny every time Boimler pops up with truly awful facial hair and unmatched moxie as he goes on a dangerous undercover mission, engages with an ancient alien ritual, and touches down on Starbase 80. Oh, yeah.

Lower Decks Season 5 tackles new terrain. Credit: Paramount+

In past seasons, Starbase 80 was established as a punishment station, where Mariner was punted when it was thought she'd betrayed the Cerritos. In episode 5, "Starbase 80?!," we'll finally witness what all the fuss is about — and with a Nicole Byer appearance to boot! Elsewhere this season, Lower Decks will dive deeper into non-Starfleet stories, following up with compelling characters like the Klingon who helped Mariner escape the clutches of the crazed traitor Nick Locarno in Season 4. But best of all, we get to see Tendi doing more pirate action!

SEE ALSO: 'Star Trek: Lower Decks' Season 4 review: This spoofing spinoff is one of the best sitcoms now streaming

Yes, yes, Lower Decks has been rewriting the history of the Orions, giving them a complexity beyond being merciless plunderers. Still, it's a thrill to watch the Mistress of the Winter Constellation kick butt, but in her own uniquely non-lethal, brainy way! While Season 5 displays how Tendi has grown through Starfleet, it also shows how Rutherford is struggling to cope without her. Unexpectedly, it's his Vulcan buddy who makes a grand emotional gesture to ease his aching heart. And true to this show's form, it's in a way that is delightfully unhinged.

In all these little ways, McMahan's team of writers and animators charts new terrain for their lovable losers, who are getting promotions, life lessons, and hilarious hijinks to an almost overwhelming degree. The series has moved away from focusing on kooky misadventures, carving out an arc of what it means to be a young adult figuring out your path among the stars. And so even amid cartoon violence, much Boimler yelping, and pitch-perfect callbacks, there's an emotional tug to every episode as we draw near to not only the Season 5 finale, but also the series finale.

Lower Decks brought together Trekkies and newbs. Credit: Paramount+

I've written before about how Lower Decks became my gateway into really understanding Star Trek. The show's short-and-sweet comedy setup didn't demand I know decades' worth of lore to enjoy the ride. But the more I watched and rewatched, the more I began to venture into other Star Trek series. Partially, this was so I could better enjoy the bevy of Easter eggs nestled in the show's dialogue and background designs by a team who clearly loves this sci-fi franchise deeply (but not too seriously). But a bigger part is that I became as enchanted with Starfleet as Boimler and his friends.

SEE ALSO: Even if you're not a Star Trek fan, it's time to get into 'Lower Decks'

I binge-watched Star Trek: Strange New Worlds because I heard they were doing a crossover episode with Lower Decks. How does a live-action drama series cross over with an animated sitcom? The Strange New Worlds episode "Those Old Scientists" answered that with aplomb, then doubled down on its smoldering, sexy approach to Star Trek by offering up a musical episode with "Subspace Rhapsody." From there, I've been trekking all across the franchise's riches on Paramount+.

Lower Decks didn't just amuse me with its spirited screw-ups and clever turns on sci-fi cliches and Star Trek tropes. It drew me into the world of these characters so intensely that I wanted more, more, more. And while Season 5 will only offer 10 episodes, it's nice to know there are plenty of stories beyond in their sister series.

What does the rest of Season 5 have in store? Will Tendi and Rutherford end up together? Will Mariner find the confidence to be the kind of captain she'd like to see in Starfleet? Will Boimler's beard ever come in? And where will the Cerritos leave us? I both can't wait to find out and never want this show to end. Much like Evil, another critically heralded Paramount+ show that recently drew to a close, Lower Decks is a series that is sharply funny, joyously subversive, and rousingly poignant. It's not enough to watch it. You'll want to revisit it. You'll want to explore beyond it. And you'll likely wish there was more Mariner and Boimler mayhem to come.

Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 5 debuts with two episodes Oct. 24, with new episodes weekly.

TL;DR: Use Skoove for AI-powered piano lessons while a lifetime subscription is $119.99 (instead of $299). The sale ends October 27. 

Turns out, learning to play the piano is very different from learning to type. So why do they call it a keyboard? 

If you're also struggling to learn piano on your own, check out Skoove Premium Piano lessons. Skoove is an AI-powered app that listens while you play and offers a flexible, interactive way to improve your piano skills without the need for expensive in-person lessons. Skoove adapts to your level and guides you step-by-step, and it's only $149.99 for a lifetime subscription, but this sale ends soon. 

How does Skoove work?

Skoove’s unique use of artificial intelligence makes it more than just a practice tool. It listens as you play, providing real-time feedback that helps you correct mistakes on the spot and develop stronger technique with every session.

With over 400 piano lessons and thousands of instructional videos, the platform personalizes your learning journey, ensuring you stay motivated with music that suits your interests—from John Legend’s hits to timeless pieces by Bach and Beethoven. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach; Skoove tailors each session to your progress, making it easier to stay engaged and really improve. 

Compatible with all keyboards and pianos, Skoove lets you practice anywhere, whether you prefer a traditional acoustic piano or a MIDI setup connected to your tablet or computer. The platform works seamlessly across devices, including iOS, Android, and desktop systems, giving you the freedom to learn on your own terms. For those moments when you need extra guidance, Skoove’s instructors are available to offer personalized support.

The subscription’s lifetime access means you’re never rushed—progress at your own speed and explore new material whenever you’re ready. Regular updates bring new songs and lessons, keeping things fresh and exciting.

One day left

Don't miss your chance to learn piano your way.  

You only have until 11:59 p.m. PT on October 27 to get a Skoove Premium Lifetime Subscription for $119.99 with code SAVENOW. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Skoove Skoove Premium Piano Lessons: Lifetime Subscription $119.99
$299.99 Save $180.00 Get Deal

TL;DR: Avoid holiday stress by getting a Button Remote for your Apple TV/Apple TV 4K, only $34.97 (reg. $39) until October 27 at 11:59 p.m. PT. 

The holidays are almost here, and for many, that means the whole family piling into the living room for a little TV time. Now, imagine all your loved ones trying to figure out how to use the voice controls on the Siri Remote for your Apple TV. If you want a simpler alternative, check out this Button Remote compatible with Apple TV and Apple TV 4K. It's on sale for $34.97 (reg. $39), but that price won't last much longer. 

What can the button remote do?

What sets the Button Remote apart is its seamless connectivity and user-friendly design. It features a Home Button that allows easy access to your tvOS Control Center, making navigation a breeze. You won’t have to fumble through menus or struggle to find the right input again. 

The design is sleek and intuitive and similar to classic remotes, so you might actually be able to spend some time in the kitchen instead of explaining to your uncle how to find Netflix.

Plus, with its durable construction, you can count on your Button Remote to stand up to daily, even during the holidays. 

Save yourself a holiday headache

Do you really want to explain how the Siri remote works to your extended family? 

There's still time to get the Button Remote for Apple TV and Apple TV 4K for $32.97, but that price is gone after 11:59 p.m. PT on October 27. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Function101 Button Remote for Apple TV/Apple TV 4K (Bluetooth + Infrared) $34.97
$39.99 Save $5.02 Get Deal

TL;DR: Get a refurbished MacBook Pro (Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) for just $449.99 (reg. $1,499). 

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Refurbished MacBook Pro (Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $449.99
$1,499.00 Save $1,049.01 Space Gray Get Deal

The worst part about a MacBook is the price. If you can get around that, then they're solid computers that can last quite a while — especially with the creative and multitasking power that comes with MacBook Pros. Even older models are a worthwhile investment, especially if you're looking for a reliable computer for daily tasks that don't take too much processing power. 

This refurbished MacBook Pro is in near-mint condition but costs just $449.99 (reg. $1,499). 

What's under the hood?

This MacBook is a match for office productivity, the finals week rush, and everything in between. With a 256GB SSD and 8GB RAM, you have plenty of room for apps and plenty of power to run them.

The Touch Bar is more than just a cool accent. It gives you shortcuts and controls that adjust based on the apps you're using, while the integrated Touch ID ensures secure logins and quick access. And with four Thunderbolt 3 ports, this MacBook is as versatile as your workday, handling everything from charging to external display connections.

The Force Touch trackpad and full-size backlit keyboard make typing comfortable and precise, whether you're writing emails late at night or coding during a flight. And with up to 10 hours of battery life, you can confidently tackle your day without constantly searching for an outlet.

Weighing just over three pounds, this laptop is light enough to take anywhere, making it a great companion for on-the-go professionals or students. Despite being a refurbished model, it arrives in near-mint condition with minimal signs of wear, so you get to enjoy Apple quality without the Apple price. 

The 720p FaceTime HD camera keeps you connected with crisp video calls, while stereo speakers with high dynamic range enhance your media experience. 

Who knew a MacBook could be this cheap?

Don't miss your chance. Time's running out to get a refurbished MacBook Pro on sale for just $449.99. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

TL;DR: If you need a reliable PDF app, a PDF Converter Pro lifetime license is only $24.97 (reg. $99) until October 27 at 11:59 p.m. PT. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Acethinker PDF Converter Pro: Lifetime License $24.97
$99.99 Save $75.02 Get Deal

PDFs are common. Good PDF apps are not. Sure, Adobe has Acrobat, but Adobe apps aren't exactly cheap. 

Whether you’re a student juggling multiple assignments or a business professional needing to convert files for reports, if you need a low-cost PDF app, check out PDF Converter Pro. This all-in-one PDF app lets you convert PDF documents into various formats or manipulate PDFs as is, and you can get it for life for just $24.97 (reg. $99) — but not for much longer. 

What can PDF Converter Pro do?

Tired of convoluted app menus? PDF Converter Pro gives you a simple, user-friendly interface where you can convert or alter PDFs. You can change PDFs into editable Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files, enabling seamless editing and sharing without losing the original layout or content. That means images, text, and hyperlinks are preserved, so you don’t have to worry about losing important details during the conversion process.

PDF Converter Pro’s built-in OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology is a game-changer, allowing you to extract text from image-based PDF documents. If you have any ancient, faded master copies lying around, you can finally scan them to make a new version that you can actually edit. Students, that means you can also scan your readings and turn them into searchable documents. 

This all-in-one PDF app even lets you edit existing PDFs with tools for merging and splitting, extracting images, and compressing files to reduce their size without sacrificing quality.

On sale but not for much longer

October 27 at 11:59 p.m. PT is the deadline to get a lifetime license to PDF Converter Pro for just $24.97. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

SAVE $21.04: As of Oct.25, the Waterpik Pearl Water Flosser is on sale at Amazon for $48.95. This is a 30% saving on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Waterpik Waterpik Pearl Water Flosser $48.95 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $21.04 Get Deal

Water flossers are having their moment, and that's not a bad thing. After trending on TikTok, we can only imagine that dentists are all taking a huge sigh of relief that we're finally taking flossing seriously.

A water dental flosser is a fantastic way to remove plaque and debris from hard-to-reach areas between teeth and along the gum line, and as of Oct. 25 you can score a great deal on the Waterpik Pearl Water Flosser at Amazon. Reduced by 40%, it's now $48.95 down from $69.99. This deal is specific to the White model, however you can snag the Black flosser for just $49.99.

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

This is a great all-rounder water flosser, featuring four tips for a variety of dental needs, a rechargeable battery, and a portable design that makes it handy for travel. 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 deal is only available for a limited time at Amazon, so don't miss out.

SAVE $12: As of Oct.25, the YLL Mini Karaoke Machine is on sale for $24.99 at Amazon. That's a 32% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: YLL YLL Mini Karaoke Machine $24.99 at Amazon
$36.99 Save $12.00 Get Deal

Whether you partake or observe, you have to admit, karaoke can give you some of the funniest memories and the best nights. Is there anything better than embarrassing yourself in a room full of strangers? Yes, watching your loved ones embarrass themselves in a room full of strangers.

But for those times when you're feeling the need to burst into song alone, judgment-free at home, or you want to liven up your next party, you need the YLL Mini Karaoke Machine.

A stylish, portable machine that you can take to your friend's house or your next family gathering, the two-microphoned machine is ideal for a night full of laughs. And as of Oct. 25, it's on sale at Amazon for just $24.99. This deal is specific to the Pink, Two Mics model, but there are discounts available on all product variations.

SEE ALSO: Upgrade your sound system for less with this powerful soundbar deal

The microphones are wireless, connected to the speaker via an advanced digital signal processor, so if you feel the need to spontaneously burst into dance, the space is your dancefloor. Connect your phone or other device to the speaker via Bluetooth, so you can sing along to your top songs on Spotify, Apple Music, or Deezer.

When the party really gets going, enjoy the colorful LED lights that flash in beat to the music. Who needs stage lighting? You can even alter your voice with different effects including monster, baby voice, male voice, and female voice. And don't worry, the party won't stop because of battery issues, this little machine has a battery life of 5-10 hours, with fast charging.

This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so be quick so you don't miss out.

SAVE $100: As of Oct. 25, the Ultimea 5.1 Surround Sound System is on sale for $99.99 at Amazon. That's a 50% saving on the original list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ultimea Ultimea 5.1 Virtual Surround Sound System $99.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal

If you're on the hunt for a new sound system, you'll find some great offerings at Amazon. And we love this incredible deal on the Ultimea 5.1 Surround Sound System, currently reduced by 50% on list price.

As of Oct. 25, you can treat yourself to this epic sound system for just $99.99. This bundle includes a 5.1-channel TV soundbar, two rear speakers, and one subwoofer to bring you a truly amazing cinematic experience. A 19.6-foot cable is used to connect speakers to the subwoofer so you can place surround sound speakers anywhere in your room.

SEE ALSO: The best soundbars for upgrading your home entertainment

If you're a sound connoisseur, this system uses SurroundX technology to convert 2.0 PCM to a 5.1 surround signal, making sound travel dynamically around you. It also uses aerospace-grade magnets to ensure precise and clear surround sound.

To deliver rich, powerful bass, the system integrates BASSMX technology, an enhanced magnetic circuit, and a larger cabinet. You can even adjust the bass and surround settings for a personalized listening experience. You’ll also find tailored audio modes for movies, dialogue, and music, all easily changed with a single button on the remote.

This is only a limited-time deal at Amazon, so be quick so you don't miss out.

The title Venom: The Last Dance suggests this wacky and wild Spider-Man spin-off franchise could be coming to a close. However, much of this sequel (too much even) is devoted to setting up a big bad dead set on wiping the symbiote out of existence. So, barring a box office bomb on par with Morbius or Madam Web, it seems Venom 4 could rise. And the mid-credits scene for this third entry into this freaky franchise lays out how.

Written and directed by Venom: Let There Be Carnage scribe Kelly Marcel, Venom: The Last Dance unveils Knull, a big bad who doesn't really get a chance to shine. But there are clues early on he's being set up to wreak havoc.

In an early scene in the film, a frustrated bartender (Ted Lasso's Cristo Fernández) is explaining to Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) about the terrors galactic titan Thanos brought down on the MCU's timeline. Then Eddie and Venom (also played by Hardy) get jettisoned back to their own dimension. Could this conversation be a hint of what's to come back on Eddie's home planet?

Who is Knull?

Both in the comics and Venom: The Last Dance, Knull is the creator of the symbiote. Depicted in the movie as a gray figure with long locks and a grumbling voice, this ancient god of darkness saw his creations turn on him and imprison him. And he's ready to get them back for their betrayal.

First, he sends out his monstrous xenophages, giant bug-like beasts who can track the codex key that could free Knull's binds. Ultimately, Venom manages to keep him bound through a grand act of self-sacrifice. But the post-credits scene suggests this wily symbiote might resurrect. And the mid-credits scene promises Knull isn't out of the fight yet either.

What's the mid-credits scene inVenom: The Last Dance?

If you stay through the playful montage of various Venom-animal combinations, you'll see Knull once more on his throne, grumbling about his quest to take down his symbiote children once and for all.

Andy Serkis plays Knull, which might seem like a cheeky Easter egg as he directed Venom: Let There Be Carnage. However, Serkis is a pioneer in mo-cap acting, bringing to life Caesar in the recent Planet of the Apes movies and Gollum in the Lord of the Rings film franchise. So, if Marcel is bringing in this heavy hitter to play her CGI villain, you can bet Sony has big plans for Knull.

In fact, in an interview with Games Radar, Marcel said of Knull, "[He's] way too big to be one and done. So, [his role in The Last Dance] is just a little introduction to him. It's just a kind of taster of where he might potentially be able to go with his own movies, in the same way that they introduced Thanos very carefully through the Marvel movies." 

There it is. The Thanos allusion is confirmed. Watch out, Eddie. Your war is just beginning.

Venom: The Last Dance opens exclusively in theaters Oct. 25.

Venom: The Last Dance promises in its tagline "Til Death Do They Part." But is Sony really ready to end the adventures of their most popular Spider-Man villain? That seems unlikely when Madame Web and Morbius failed to catch on. And if you're wondering how Eddie Brock and Venom can go on after that world-rocking ending, look no further than the post-credits scene.

In the third Venom entry, a new problem is foisted upon Eddie and Venom (both played by Tom Hardy). They discover they carry a codex that could be the key to free Knull, a ruthless villain older than time itself. Determined to escape his throne/prison, Knull (Andy Serkis) unleashes deadly xenophages upon the earth to hunt the codex down, whatever the it takes. In a heroic move, Venom destroys the codex at great personal cost. But then what?

Well, the mid-credits scene promises this may have worked to shut Knull down for now. But it's not the last we'll see of this grumbling extraterrestrial warlord. What other questions are addressed in the post-credits scene?

What happened to the bartender from Ted Lasso? Cristo Fernández and Chiwetel Ejiofor co-star in "Venom: The Last Dance." Credit: Screenshot / YouTube

Cristo Fernández first popped up as a bewildered bartender in the mid-credits of Spider-Man: No Way Home. There, he tried to explain to an incredulous Eddie the horrors of Thanos' genocidal snap. But before Eddie can make sense of all that, he got snapped back to his dimension. That scene is recreated in Venom: The Last Dance, with Eddie and Venom popping into a similar bar where the bartender is also played by Cristo Fernández. This poor guy not only witnesses the drunken symbiote make a mess of his bar while trying to make a cocktail, he also gets abducted by the U.S. military, simply because he's a witness to the strange wonder that is Venom.

This bartender — who gets stun-gunned by order of solider Rex Strickland (Chiwetel Ejiofor) — is taken to Area 51, along with a sample of Venom's ooey-gooey flesh. While the film's finale shows Area 51 get razed, it's not clear what becomes of the handsome unnamed bartender. But the post-credits scene reveals his fate.

Cautiously coming out of a cavern, the bartender has survived the obliteration of Area 51. While around him lie the ruins of buildings and the corpses of various extraterrestrial and terrestrial beings, he runs for the hills. But he's not alone in this sun-beaten desert.

What's in the vial at the end of Venom: The Last Dance?

The post-credits scene ends on a small, broken glass vial lying in the dirt. Inside is a bit of purple glue that lets off a lighting-like spark of electricity. This is the shedding of the purple symbiote who joined with Dr. Teddy Payne (Juno Temple) to save her assistant Christmas (Clark Backo). This is a flickering reminder that there's still a powerful symbiote alive and kicking on Eddie's Earth. As shown by Teddy flexing her formerly paralyzed left hand, her symbiote is inside her and strengthening her. But what else might this shot mean?

Could it suggest the bartender's time with symbiotes is not over? After all, we saw in the white rapids scene how a symbiote can use various hosts to leapfrog across a rough terrain.

The key to Venom's return is in The Last Dance's post-credits scene.

Sure, Venom sacrifices himself to destroy the codex that had Knull chasing Eddie. In doing so, he saves his friend and the Earth. But is that really the end for Venom? Eddie's tip for the bartender in the opening sequence suggests not. When he leaves a coin on the bar, a closer look reveals he's also left behind a bit of Venom's slippery black goo.

Strickland takes both man and symbiote back to Area 51. And if that bartender, with his very penetrable human flesh, could make it out of there alive, it seems certain Venom's shedding could too.

The glint of that vial in the end may have been purple, suggesting it might be Agony, not Venom. But it is nonetheless a remind that Venom's shedding might also have survived the explosion and escaped its glass bonds. And we did see a cockroach scurrying about. Could that shiny black bug be how Venom begins his long trek back to Eddie?

For now, all we can do is speculate. But here's hoping Venom 4 will bring the big guy back, wild as ever.

Venom: The Last Dance opens exclusively in theaters Oct. 25.

Did you walk out of Venom: The Last Dance with your head spinning, your heart racing, unsure how to feel? Well, welcome to feeling like Eddie Brock. And we hear you.

Sure, it's a pretty happy ending, all things considered. Writer/director Kelly Marcel even offers fans a finale montage of BFF moments between Eddie Brock and Venom (both played by Tom Hardy) set to sentimental music. It's a real Fast and Furious-style moment of macho reflection. But is this really —as the title promises — Eddie and Venom's last dance?

Following Venom and Venom: Let There Be Carnage, Venom: The Last Dance pitches these gruff but affable anti-heroes up against an array of obstacles and foes. While road-tripping on a half-assed mission to clear his name of a murder allegation, Eddie discovers he and Venom are being chased by an elite military squad, dedicated to locking them up in Area 51. They're also the key that could unlock an ancient evil upon the Earth, so the target on their backs is now multiverse-wide. Amidst battling extraterrestrial beasts and surly soldiers, they also need to keep their weirdness in check while bumming a ride from a relatively normal human family of van-living hippies.

But once the big battle has led to explosions and much death, what are we left to look forward to if there is to be another Venom-verse movie? Let's dig into it.

Obviously, spoilers below.

Venom flies in style. Credit: Sony Pictures Is Venom really dead?

In Venom: The Last Dance, Eddie discovers that because Venom brought him back from the dead on a past misadventure, they'd forged a codex. That convenient MacGuffin works as a key that could unlock the merciless Knull, who once ruled over the symbiotes until they locked him up and ran away from his prison.

To retrieve this codex/key, Knull (Andy Serkis) sends out his version of hunting dogs — gigantic, scorpion-like creatures called xenophages — to Earth. These gnarly monsters can track the codex, but only when Venom fully takes over Eddie's body. Of course, as established in Let There Be Carnage, Venom doesn't like being kept in the Eddie closet!

SEE ALSO: Surprise! Venom is the superhero who defines this pandemic moment

However, the codex will vanish if Eddie or Venom die, meaning Knull's escape plan would be foiled. For soldier Rex Strickland (Chiwetel Ejiofor), the answer to avoiding alien invasion and Earth's annihilation is simple: execution.

Initially, Eddie and Venom reject this annihilation option, teaming up with hordes of freed symbiotes and scientists to try to battle back the xenophages. But in the end, Venom realizes there's only one way to keep his friend — and the planet he loves — safe. So, using his powers, his shiny shapeshifting sludge ropes in all the attacking xenophages, dragging them to what is essentially a matter-melting acid shower. With the help of Strickland, Venom sacrifices himself to save Eddie. But is he really gone?

The movie would have you think so, ending with Eddie in New York City, where he'd promised to take Venom. In a bittersweet moment, he bids farewell to his friend while looking at the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of welcome to aliens arriving in this storied city. But hey, remember that first sequence in the bar in Mexico?

When tipping the bartender (Ted Lasso's Cristo Fernández), Venom shed a little bit of himself on the coin he left behind. When Strickland recovers this "shedding," the soldier notes this is how the species survives. The sample is then taken to Area 51, where it's placed under the care of Dr. Teddy Payne (Ted Lasso's Juno Temple). In the ensuing battle between symbiotes and xenophages, it's not totally clear what happens to the tiny glass vial holding Venom's shedding. But there could be an answer in the post-credits scene.

What's the deal with Dr. Teddy Payne and Agony? Chiwetel Ejiofor, Juno Temple, and Clark Backo in Columbia Pictures' "Venom: The Last Dance." Credit: Laura Radford / Sony Pictures

It seems Marcel is combining some characters from the comics. There, Dr. Thaddeus Paine is a Venom foe who ironically can feel no physical pain, but conducts inhumane experiments on others who definitely can. In The Last Dance, Teddy Payne seems to be a gender-swapped spin on the character. Or perhaps Teddy's twin brother — struck down by lightning in their youth — was this dimension's Theodore? In either case, the movie's version of Payne doesn't seem a villain at all. She is very empathetic to the symbiotes in her care, and eventually joins their ranks.

In the finale, Teddy watches her colleagues either be swept up by symbiotes or volunteer to join them in the battle against the xenophages. But she has something up her sleeve, or, well, in her pocket. When it seems her assistant nicknamed "Christmas" (Clark Backo) is at risk of death by fiery explosion, Teddy breaks the glass vial she'd pocketed, which contains a small, purple symbiote. Immediately overtaking her body, it appears she becomes Agony, a symbiote who has feminine curves, purple skin, and long, flowing hair. Agony has the same enhanced strength, impenetrability, and speed of her brother Venom. Plus, this purple symbiote also has lightning powers, making her unique — and tying back to Teddy's tragic past.

Though many of the other symbiotes introduced for the climactic fight are wiped out, Agony slithers back into Teddy at the end of the battle. And we can tell her influence remains by the fact that Teddy's left arm, formerly paralyzed from her childhood brush with death and lightning, can now move and flex without issue. What will this mean, should there be a Venom 4? Will Agony and Teddy Payne be allies to Eddie and Venom? Will they be enemies? Will they double-date?

We're eager to find out.

Has Knull been defeated for good?

No. But that's a matter for a mid-credits explainer.

What happened to Cristo Fernández's bartender?

Well, that's definitely a matter for a post-credits explainer.

Venom: The Last Dance opens exclusively in theaters Oct. 25.