Categoría: OffSide

Created by Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg, ‘Cobra Kai’ is a sequel and spin-off of the iconic ‘Karate Kid’ films. The series takes place 34 years after the 1984 All-Valley Karate Tournament, where Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) defeated Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka). The years haven’t been kind to Johnny. He can’t hold a job and has a non-existent relationship with his son, Robby. He blames all his current miseries on that loss to Daniel. Meanwhile, Daniel has a beautiful family and a successful car dealership. Old rivalries resurface when Johnny decides to bring back the titular dojo.

‘Cobra Kai’ is a nostalgia trip done right. It takes popular tropes of the 1980s and then infuses them with modern sensibilities. The series expands as it progresses and reintroduces several fan-favorite characters, including John Creese (Martin Kove) and Chozen Toguchi (Yuji Okumoto). In the fifth season of the show, both these characters play important roles in the narrative. If you are wondering whether they die by the end of the season, here is what you need to know. SPOILERS AHEAD.

Does Kreese Die?

John Kreese makes his return to the ‘Karate Kid’ universe in the first season. As season 2 begins, Johnny tentatively accepts his presence in the dojo. However, Kreese ultimately betrays him and takes over Cobra Kai. Ironically, Kreese then goes on to lose it to Terry Silver by the end of the fourth season. Silver also sends him to jail by setting him up for assaulting an adult student named Stingray.

Almost all of Kreese’s scenes in season 5 — except for the flashbacks — take place in a prison. At first, other inmates think that they can bully him. They are quickly proven wrong when he beats them up and becomes their leader. It is later revealed that Tory (Peyton List) often visits him. He uses her to send Daniel a news clipping to indicate that he has been framed. When Daniel gets hurt confronting Silver about this, Kreese dispassionately observes to Tory that now they don’t have to worry about at least one enemy. Realizing that she has been used in Kreese’s personal vendetta, a horrified Tory leaves and never returns again.

In his desperate bid to get out, Kreese exhausts almost all his options. He agrees to everything the prison therapist says and faithfully follows her instructions, hoping she will recommend him for an early release, but she sees through his act. He is then visited by Daniel and Johnny, who are trying to find out what Silver’s ultimate goal is. Daniel promises to give Kreese the number of his lawyer if he shares with them what he knows. Kreese acquiesces and tells them that Silver intends for Cobra Kai to participate in the international competition Sekai Taikai. However, it is revealed that Daniel has no intention of sharing the number of his lawyer. It was all a ploy to make Kreese reveal the truth.

Kreese doesn’t die in the 5^th season of ‘Cobra Kai.’ He orchestrates an attack on himself by one of his underlings. When he is taken to the coroner, he knocks the guards out, takes the clothes of the doctors, and escapes from prison.

Does Chozen Die?

Chozen makes his first appearance in ‘Cobra Kai’ in season 3. In the season 4 finale, after the loss to Cobra Kai in the 51^st All-Valley Karate Tournament, Daniel reaches out to Chozen for help, and the latter comes to Los Angeles from Okinawa. In season 5, Chozen infiltrates Cobra Kai as a prospective instructor and draws Silver’s attention. However, he is soon discovered. Silver offers other potential instructors employment at Cobra Kai if they can beat up Chozen, but he easily takes them all out. This prompts Silver to call the daughter of his South Korean instructor.

When Chozen begins training the students of Miyagi-Do and Eagle Fang, he quickly becomes their favorite. After the two dojos secure their places in Sekai Taikai, Chozen goes out to celebrate with other adults. Encouraged by Daniel, he confesses his feelings for Kumiko over the phone.

Ultimately, spurred on by Mike Barnes, Chozen goes to confront Silver at his home along with Barnes and Johnny. There, he confronts a katana-wielding Silver with his twin sai and is severely injured in the fight. However, he survives the encounter and is taken to the hospital.

Read More: Who Was Jeff Kay on Cobra Kai? How Did He Die?

Netflix’s ‘Cobra Kai’ takes place 34 years after the first ‘Karate Kid’ film. Despite the fact that more than three decades have passed, Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) hasn’t been able to forget his defeat against Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio). When the first season begins, Johnny is unable to hold on to a job and has a non-existent relationship with his son Robby. In contrast, Daniel is a successful car dealership owner with a lovely family. Old rivalries resurface between the two when Johnny reopens the titular dojo. As a show, ‘Cobra Kai’ flips the script from the original film, focusing on Johnny’s perspective. As other characters from the films begin to reappear, Johnny and Daniel realize that they must team up to protect their students.

Karate tournaments have always played an important role in the narrative within the ‘Karate Kid’ universe. In season 5, the audience is introduced to the concept of a brand new tournament, the Sekai Taikai. Here is everything you need to know about it. SPOILERS AHEAD.

What Is the Sekai Taikai Tournament?

Sekai Taikai is an international karate tournament, little known in the US but highly prestigious. When John Kreese and Terry Silver were younger, the latter wanted Cobra Kai to participate in the Sekai Taikai, but Kreese wasn’t interested, so Silver dropped the matter. At present, having gained full control of Cobra Kai, Silver wants to ensure that his sprawling dojo chain competes in the aforementioned tournament.

Daniel and Johnny learn about Sekai Taikai from Kreese and begin to train their students for it with Chozen’s help. When the tournament organizers come to inspect Cobra Kai, Daniel and Johnny ask them to consider their dojos, Miyagi-Do and Eagle Fang, as well. Meanwhile, having realized that local instructors are incompetent, Silver reaches out to Kim Da-Eun, the daughter of his and Kreese’s Tang Soo Do master, for help. And she arrives in Los Angeles from Korea with her own team of instructors.

The Sekai Taikai organizers inspect the training regime of all three dojos individually, and then they watch a male and a female champion representing Cobra Kai fighting a male and a female champion representing both Miyagi-Do and Eagle Fang. Much to the surprise of many, Kenny wins against Hawk in the first round, while Sam defeats Devon in the second. All three dojos are ultimately qualified for the Sekai Taikai.

Is the Sekai Taikai a Real Tournament?

In Japanese, the phrase “Sekai Taikai” means world tournament. No, it is not a real karate tournament but was conceptualized exclusively for the show. In the overall narrative of ‘Cobra Kai,’ season 5 plays the same role as the third season. In season 3, the characters are set up for the 51^st All-Valley Tournament, which is depicted in the fourth season. Similarly, the Sekai Taikai will likely be depicted in the sixth season.

By the end of the fifth season, the narrative has been perfectly arranged in this regard. Silver has been disgraced and sent to jail, while Kreese has escaped from prison. At some point in season 6, Kreese will likely assume control over Cobra Kai once more and prepare whatever students he has for the Sekai Taikai. Meanwhile, Daniel and his students will compete for the enormous legacy they represent, and Johnny and his students will seek to assert their awesomeness.

Read More: Who Will Win the Sekai Taikai Tournament in Cobra Kai? Theories

The seventh episode of Apple TV+’s medical drama ‘Five Days at Memorial,’ titled ‘Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen,’ centers around Assistant Attorney General Arthur “Butch” Schafer and Special Agent Virginia Rider’s attempts to find conclusive evidence that unravel Dr. Anna Pou’s involvement in the several deaths that happened in New Orleans’ Memorial hospital building. The duo interviews people who worked in both Memorial Medical Center and LifeCare Hospitals and returns to the hospital building with a search warrant. Since the episode ends with startling developments that rewrite the fates of Pou and her colleagues, we have taken a detailed look at the same. Here are our findings! SPOILERS AHEAD.

Five Days at Memorial Episode 7 Recap

‘Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen’ begins with Schafer and Rider interviewing Emmett Everett’s wife Carrie Everett, who emphasizes the need of solving the case to do justice to Emmett’s memories. They search Memorial to find out the state of the hospital and discover enough stock of water and canned food unused. After searching the hospital, they meet coroner Frank Minyard, who lets them know that the dead bodies are severely decomposed for him to garner blood samples to run drug tests. Schafer and Rider push him to collect the samples upon making him realize the significance of the case.

While Schafer and Rider move forward with the interviews of LifeCare staff members, Dr. Bryant King steps forward and contacts them to talk about what really happened in the Memorial hospital building during the flood. He informs the duo that he heard from his colleague Kathleen Fournier that Pou and Dr. Ewing Cook had implicitly discussed euthanizing patients. King adds to Schafer and Rider that he saw Pou with many syringes. The media broadcast stories about the alleged involvement of Pou in the deaths continuously, making it hard for her to step out in the public. Walker Shaw, her boss at LSU, asks her to not do surgeries for a while.

Even though Pou has to follow the order for a few days, she later convinces Walker to retract the same. Richard T. Simmons, Jr. informs Pou that Schafer’s case is shaping up against her as the prominent suspect. To get a better picture of the facts, Simmons, Pou, Cheri Landry, and Lori Budo visit Memorial while Schafer and Rider are at the hospital building with Ken Nakamaru. They inspect the pharmacy to find out that there isn’t any stock of two drugs Pou asked Nakamaru. Upon checking the records, they discover that Pou is the last person who entered the pharmacy and took the drugs.

Five Days at Memorial Episode 7 Ending: Why Does Dr. Anna Pou Get Arrested? Will She Get Released?

After doing their best to push Minyard to go forward with testing the samples of dead bodies found in the Memorial hospital building, Schafer and Rider get toxicology reports that prove the presence of morphine and/or midazolam (Versed) in the dead bodies of nine LifeCare patients. Upon considering the testimonies of LifeCare employees like Diane Robichaux, Therese Mendez, Kristy Johnson, and Ken Nakamaru and the toxicology reports, Schafer and Rider realize that the prominent suspects are Pou, Landry, and Budo. Rider, several months after meeting Pou at Memorial, arrests her.

In reality, Pou was arrested and charged with four counts of being a principal in a second-degree murder, specifically the murders of Emmett Everett, Rose Savoie, and two other LifeCare patients, as per Sheri Fink’s eponymous source text of the show. She was taken to the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison in Scotlandville, Louisiana, to be booked as a fugitive. After preliminary procedures, she was then taken to the Orleans Parish Prison. However, she wasn’t imprisoned after the arrest. As per Fink’s book, Pou “signed a property bond for $100,000 and was given a subpoena requiring her to return with that sum of money and her passport” in three days. She was then released after midnight, forty-five minutes after being booked, on her own recognizance.

Are Cheri Landry and Lori Budo Arrested?

After Nakamaru has identified the two nurses who accompanied Pou while injecting LifeCare patients as Cheri Landry and Lori Budo, Rider and Schafer also plan their arrests. In reality, Landry and Budo were arrested the same day Pou was arrested. They were also charged with four counts of being a principal in a second-degree murder, the same charges as Pou. They were eventually served subpoenas by the district attorney along with a letter, which informed them that they are not being prosecuted by the DA. However, they were asked to testify without counsel before the grand jury that was sworn in to consider Pou’s case for him to “find out what they knew about Anna Pou,” as per the source text.

Landry and Budo challenged the subpoenas through an appeal but Louisiana Supreme Court judges denied the same, leading them to testify before the special jury in return for immunity in the case.

Read More: Where is Anna Pou’s Husband Vince Pou Now?

The spin-off of the ‘Karate Kid’ films, Netflix’s ‘Cobra Kai’ revolves around generations of martial art practitioners as they fight and compete against each other to establish themselves as the best in the valley. Set 34 years after the 1984 All-Valley Karate Tournament, where Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) defeated Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka), the series initially revolves around Johnny’s attempt to bring back the titular dojo. As the series progresses, old, fan-favorite characters from the original series resurface, making the overall narrative complex and dynamic. In season 5, we are introduced to a new karate tournament, the Sekai Taikai. If you are wondering who will win the competition, we got you covered. SPOILERS AHEAD.

Who Can Win the Sekai Taikai Tournament?

In Japanese, the phrase “Sekai Taikai” literally means “world competition.” Of course, no such competition exists in the real world. It’s a competition that has been created for narrative purposes. In the overall structure of the series, season 5 plays a similar role as season 3. The creators use it to set up the main aspects of the narrative that is to come. In season 3, characters prepare for the 51^st All-Valley Tournament, which takes place in season 4. In the same way, we are introduced to the concept of Sekai Taikai in season 5; the competition itself will likely take place in season 6.

Initially, Johnny and Daniel have no idea about the ultimate plan of Terry Silver. They visit John Kreese in prison, and Daniel promises to give him the number of his lawyer if he tells them what Silver really wants. Desperate to get out, Kreese speaks about Sekai Taikai, an international martial art tournament that Silver wanted Cobra Kai to participate in when he and Kreese were younger, but Kreese was disinterested, and Silver dropped the matter. Now, as Silver has full control over the dojo, he decides to enter it into the prestigious but little-known competition.

Having learned this, Daniel, Johnny, and Chozen prepare the students of Miyagi-Do and Eagle Fang Karate. Meanwhile, after realizing how inept the local instructors are, Silver brings Kim Da-Eun, the daughter of his and Kreese’s Tang Soo Do master, and her team from South Korea to Los Angeles. In exchange for her help, Silver promises Kim Da-Eun that her father’s fighting style will become widely known.

When the organizers of Sekai Taikai come to inspect the students of Cobra Kai, Daniel and Johnny convince them to consider their students as well. The organizers inspect the three dojos individually before a male and a female champion representing Cobra Kai take on a male and a female champion representing both Miyagi-Do and Eagle Fang. Kenny defeats Hawk, but Sam wins against Devon, and all three dojos are ultimately qualified for Sekai Taikai.

Like the most recent All-Valley Tournament, Sekai Taikai will likely have separate male and female categories. Among the characters that appear in the show, Sam, Devon, and Tory are the real contenders in the female category. If Aisha Robinson returns for the sixth season, she too can be a potential winner.

Among the boys, Miguel, Robby, Hawk, and Kenny are the ones to look out for. After Silver’s arrest, Cobra Kai is at its lowest point since Johnny brought it back. It’s possible that Kreese might come back and revive it, especially since Stingray has finally told the authorities the truth. If that happens, students like Tory and Kenny might return to represent Cobra Kai.

As a show, ‘Cobra Kai’ has a long history of pleasantly surprising its audience, especially during the seasons that depict tournaments. For instance, Hawk’s victory in the male section of the 51^st All-Valley Tournament was a much-appreciated surprise. Given this track record, it is hard to predict who will be the winners. But then again, considering the stage of the event, the creators just might opt for a more conventional ending to the competition with Miguel and Sam as the winners.

Read More: Do Chozen and Kreese Die on Cobra Kai? 

Originally titled ‘Diario de un Gigoló,’ Netflix’s Spanish-language series ‘Diary of a Gigolo’ centers around Emanuel Morillo, a highly-sought gigolo who entertains several high-profile women. His life takes a wild turn when he gets involved with Julia Bolonte, the daughter of one of his clients. His relationship with Julia paves the way for several startling consequences, including the death of her mother Ana Miró Sanz.

Created by Sebastián Ortega, the series progresses through the investigation of Ana’s murder, which unravels several hidden secrets concerning people close to her. The mystery series succeeds in offering an intimate portrayal of a gigolo’s life along with an engrossing murder mystery. Inspired by the same, we have dived into the origins of the show to find whether it has real-life connections. Here’s what we found!

Is Diary of a Gigolo a True Story?

No, ‘Diary of a Gigolo’ is not based on a true story. The narrative of the show is originally conceived by creator Sebastián Ortega exclusively for the show, especially the storyline of Ana’s murder. Protagonist Emanuel Morillo’s life as a gigolo is also fictional but Ortega had seemingly conceived the same with roots in reality. The conflicts Emanuel confronts, especially concerning his emotions, open a window to the plights of male escorts working all over the world. Rather than depicting the glamorous world of the gigolos, the show explores the challenges they face emotionally through Emanuel’s character.

In an interview given in January 2022, Jesús Castro, who portrays Emanuel, opened up about how his character’s life is relatable to men who are professional male escorts. According to Castro, it was hard for him to discover the nuances of the world of the sex trade to prepare for his character. The actor also acknowledged the “suffering” of the male escorts who dedicate their lives to their profession. Even though Emanuel is a fictional character, he suffers with his emotions, especially when he is supposed to forsake his feelings for Julia as a professional, like real-life male escorts. Such relatability adds to the authenticity of Emanuel and the show’s narrative.

Emanuel’s life also reminds us of the life of Julian Kay, one of the most iconic gigolo characters and the protagonist of Paul Schrader’s renowned film ‘American Gigolo.’ Both Emanuel and Julian are generous givers of affection but they always fail to receive the same. When they do, through Julia and Michelle Stratton respectively, they face several challenges one after the other. Emanuel gets asked by Minou Arias to forget Julia while Charles Stratton comes in between Julian and Michelle. The similarities do not end there. Both ‘Diary of a Gigolo’ and ‘American Gigolo’ revolves around the murder of the protagonist’s client.

‘Diary of a Gigolo’ also succeeds in opening a gateway to the world of the sex trade as detailed as ‘American Gigolo.’ The exploration of lack of pleasure in conventional marriages, experimentations in sexual relationships, the separation of physical and emotional intimacy, etc. are some of the elements in the show that are connected to real life. In addition, the storyline of serolixine, a drug Ana and Julia’s company produces, in ‘Diary of a Gigolo’ also depicts the astounding severity of drug addiction as well. The protests against the drug and Bolonte Laboratories remind us of the numerous protests that had and have been happening against pharmaceutical companies and “pharma greed” in real life as well.

Read More: Diary of a Gigolo Ending, Explained: Who Killed Ana?

Created by Natalia Garcia, Showtime’s ‘Polyamory: Married & Dating’ is a reality show with a unique premise. It follows several polyamorous families as they try and navigate their lives while trying to find the best solution for themselves. As expected, things are far from smooth, as open relationships have their share of hardships for the people involved. Additionally, they must battle against the negative connotations many people often associate with such situations.

Since its premiere in 2012, the show became known for addressing issues not often discussed by the public. Not only does it have all the dramatic elements that one expects from a reality show, but it brings up some crucial points for people to understand and ponder. The series ran for two seasons before ending in October 2013, and after more than a decade since it first aired, fans are now curious about the current whereabouts of the cast members. If you, too, want to know more, we have your back!

Where Are Michael And KamalaDevi McClure Now?

KamalaDevi seems to be living quite happily as a pansexual, genderqueer art activist. They have written over seven books which include ‘Don’t Drink the Punch,’ ‘Sacred Sexual Healing,’ ‘Polyamory Pearls,’ and many more. KamalaDevi has spent the last 20 years educating others about tantra, “sacred sexuality,” and temple arts, among many other topics. Presently, they are on a virtual tour to promote their latest two books, ‘Sex Shamans’ and ’52 Fridays.’

KamalaDevi is still married to Michael McClure and enjoys traveling with their husband. The two have a son named Devin, who has recently started 10th Grade. The McLure couple enjoys a polyamorous marriage and still seem to be on good terms with Jennifer Gold and Tahl Gruer, who also appeared in the Showtime series and were part of “The Pod” along with them. The four live in San Diego, California, and likely enjoy each other’s company.

Where Are Jennifer Gold And Tahl Gruer Now?

Talking about the other half of “The Pod,” we have Jennifer “Jen” Gold And Tahl Gruer, legally married but in a polyamorous relationship. Currently, Jen works as a Pilates instructor and is an avid advocate for animal rights. She often goes out on dates in search of other partners and enjoys the freedom of her relationship with Tahl. The two are often seen in the McClures’ company, with whom they seem to have a good friendship.

Where Is Anthony And Lindsey Kate Cristofani Now?

During his time on the show, Anthony was legally married to Lindsey Kate Cristofani, and the two were in a relationship with Vanessa Carlisle, forming “The Triad.” However, it seems that the three have gone on their separate ways. Anthony is presently a lecturer and writer at the University of California, where he teaches Italian and researches narratives from the prison industrial complex. The reality TV star has not left his musical passion behind and is a part of The Sacred Dice as a songwriter and performer.

Currently, Anthony seems to be romantically involved with Sofia Marzocchi Traversa, though the nature of the relationship remains uncertain. Meanwhile, his former wife legally changed her name to Ursula Kate Lindsey in 2017 and now works as a Staff Attorney and Investigations Coordinator with Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California. Since Ursula has embraced privacy, it’s hard to decipher her relationship status. Nevertheless, we wish them both the best in their respective lives.

Where Is Vanessa Carlisle Now?

During her time on ‘Polyamory: Married And Dating,’ Vanessa was in a relationship with Anthony and Lindsey Kate Cristofani, yet it did not work out in the long term. She completed her Ph.D. in Literature and Creative Writing and got a certificate in Gender Studies from the University of Southern California, and now works as a writer, educator, consultant, and coach.

In January 2021, Vanessa celebrated the fourth anniversary of her relationship with J. Andreas. Furthermore, the reality TV star is the mind behind the book ‘Take Me With You.’ In September 2021, she turned 42 and is now thriving in her personal and professional life.

Where Are Leigh Ann, Chris Reilly, And Megan Somerville Now?

Presently, Chirs Reilly and Leigh Ann do not seem to be married, though the latter is reportedly quite close to Megan Somerville, his and Leigh’s girlfriend in the show’s second season. Currently, Chris is working as an Entrepreneur and is the owner and trainer at Reilly Muay Thai. The organization is a luxury facility that allows aspiring martial arts students a comfortable environment to learn fighting skills through experienced and professional tutors. One can get private or semi-private lessons and one-on-one training sessions from Chris himself.

Megan herself is an active member of the fashion industry and seems to still be with Chris. She is fond of traveling and often shares pictures of places she has visited with her social media followers. On the other hand, Leigh Ann Orsi is a renowned pole dance instructor who runs her studio, Be Spun, in Los Angeles and is the creator and CEO of a cirque-style pole dance show called ‘Rise the Night.’ It is uncertain if she is still in touch with Chris, as she prefers privacy on the personal front. Nevertheless, we wish them three the best in their future endeavors.

Read More: I Love a Mama’s Boy Season 2: Where Are They Now? Who Are Still Together?

With Netflix’s ‘The Anthrax Attacks: In the Shadow of 9/11’ living up to its title in every way imaginable, we get a complete insight into the actualities of bioterrorism within the US back in 2001. After all, whether it be the use of postal services to mail infected letters, the false leads followed by the FBI, or the suspected hand of Bruce Edwards Ivins in the matter, it covers every aspect. But for now, if you simply wish to learn more about postal workers/anthrax survivors Dena Briscoe and Terrell Worrell — with a specific focus on their current whereabouts — here’s what we know.

Where is Dena Briscoe Now?

Since the Brentwood Postal Facility processed all the mail for Capitol Hill, it sadly got caught in the line of fire during the second wave of the weaponized powder attacks (targetting politicians). Spores leaked out to contaminate the entire building around mid-October 2001, yet Dena vehemently maintains the higher-ups dismissed the workers’ worries from the get-go, per the original. It was thus only when a lot of them started to complain of health issues that strict measures were taken, just for it to be too late for employees Joseph Curseen Jr. as well as Thomas Morris Jr.

The facility was soon renamed after the late duo, but it all further drove Dena to come out as one of the loudest voices demanding clear answers for herself and the whole workers union. In fact, she didn’t even let the respiratory problems and fatigue she faced for quite some time owing to the anthrax exposure hold her back from making much-needed changes. She actually co-founded an organization to offer pure support to fellow survivors as well as victims’ families called Brentwood Exposed, and she proudly continues to be an active part of this world.

From what we can tell, Dena still resides in the Washington DC area alongside her loving family, where she also serves as the President of Nation’s Capital Southern Maryland Area Local (NCSMAL). She did run an unsuccessful campaign to become American Postal Workers Union’s (APWU) Research and Education Director in 2019, yet neither her efforts nor the loss wavered her stance. In other words, Dena remains a proud, professional union leader who works hard for her title every single day.

Where is Terrell Worrell Now?

Terrell Worrell was a 38-year-old forklift operator at the Brentwood Postal Facility when the anthrax attacks took over in the wake of 9/11, changing his life in a way he could’ve never expected. That’s because he not only had breathing troubles, headaches, and fatigue due to the weaponized powder exposure for years, but it also continues to have an extreme, long-term effect on his health. “My X-rays show that my lungs look like I’ve been a heavy smoker, or like I have a lung disease,” he candidly admitted in the Netflix documentary. “I [have] never smoked a day in my life.”

I’ve been working on my latest musical project. Waiting for the mix to get back. pic.twitter.com/yQ5cvAQeQH

— Terrell Worrell (@worrell_terrell) August 4, 2022

Coming to Terrell’s current standing, while the details of his professional experiences are a bit unclear, we do know the proud father of three is based in Dale City, Virginia, at the moment. He’d parted ways with Brentwood after five years (1996-2001), and it appears as if he has since preferred to keep most details of his life on the down low for understandable privacy reasons. However, Terrell is pretty active on social media platforms these days, so if you wish to learn more about his familial as well as political viewpoints, you can follow him there.

Read More: Where is Bruce Edwards Ivins’ Wife Diane Ivins Now?

When you cover the whiskey world, it often seems like every week brings the announcement of some absurdly expensive, luxe bottle of scotch from one of the storied single malt whisky distilleries of Scotland. These announcements can’t all be “news,” not when there’s always another 50-year-old bottle being rolled out that will retail for tens of thousands of dollars. We’ve seen all manner of swanky glass and crystal decanters and gimmickry for these kinds of releases, but every now and then there still comes one where the design and concept are so over-the-top, it can elicit a smile or a guffaw. And when you take a look at The Glen Grant’s newly announced, 70-year-old “Devotion” release seen above, it’s hard not to chuckle. There are ultra-limited, swanky releases, and then there’s this thing, which comes with its own carved wooden pedestal or dais just to raise it up in perpetual veneration. Yes, for the cost of several new cars, one of these babies could be yours!

The concept of this series, of which there are only 7 total bottles, revolves entirely around “the remarkable reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.” Each hand-blown decanter will be unique, an “objet d’art” according to the Campari company’s press release, “with seven facets celebrating each decade of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. Each features a silver capsule, adorned with its own individually meaningful floral engraving as a celebration of her inspiring life.” Each release is named for one of the Queen’s favorite flowers, such as the Orchid, Daffodil or Begonia, with the first release being the Queen Elizabeth Rose. That bottle comes perched upon a unique wooden carving, “handcrafted from a fallen elm tree discovered within the distillery gardens.” Taken together, the entire effect looks like some kind of futuristic trophy, like something that the United Federation of Planets might award to the plucky starship captain who manages to avert a war between the Klingons and Romulans.

Perhaps you’re wondering what is actually inside the bottle? That would be single malt scotch whisky from The Glen Grant, “sourced from a single French oak butter seasoned with oloroso sherry filled in 1953 at The Glen Grant Distillery.” Amusingly, the company describes its profile as having “deep chestnut hues combine with a definitive floral aroma of intense barley sugar, ripe peach, giving way to honey sweetness. The palate is captivated with rich dried fruits, raisins, sultana, dry spice with just a hint of oak.” It’s just sort of funny to imagine someone purchasing this bottle with the intent to, you know … drink it, rather than place it behind glass in an office somewhere.

The sale of this first Glen Grant Devotion decanter will take place via auction at Sotheby’s, in an online sale running from Sept. 11-22, 2023. All of the proceeds–current estimate is between £70,000 and £110,000–are to be donated to the Royal Scottish Forestry Society, of which Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was the Patron. Says the distillery: “Following the auction of decanter Number One, the remaining six decanters will be made available for sale in select global markets in the United States and Asia with price available upon request, starting in October of 2023.”

We’ll look forward to seeing what kinds of ridiculous flourishes those bottles might feature. Meanwhile, you can check out more detail on the first release in the photo below. And who knows, if you’ve got a spare $100,000 or so lying around, perhaps you’d like to throw a bid this way?

Mash bills are one of the things that tend to define the older, historical American distilleries that are world famous for the production of bourbon. There are of course myriad factors that determine the ultimate flavor of the spirit in a bottle of whiskey, from the exacting science of distillation, to the nigh-mystical processes that occur during a decade or more of aging in newly charred oak–processes that not even the distillery can fully control, so individualistic is it from barrel to barrel. But before all that, it starts with the blueprint of a mash bill, which represents the distillery’s first effort to decide what kind of flavor profile they’re looking for. And for a lot of classic, heritage bourbon distilleries such as Bardstown’s Heaven Hill, a single mash bill is the key to the whole thing.

This bears repeating: For decades upon decades, Heaven Hill has had one classic bourbon mash bill (containing rye), contributing to all of its many brands. That includes the likes of Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, Henry McKenna, JW Dant and various entries in the Parker’s Heritage series, among others. Sure, they also have other mash bills at the distillery, for cousins such as wheated bourbon, rye whiskey, wheat whiskey and even malt whiskey–but the single rye bourbon mash bill was something with status bordering on sacred, because it was the backbone of so many different brands for so long.

Imagine my surprise, then, when I opened the most recent Heaven Hill Heritage Insiders box–a program of the distillery to offer media and supporters a chance to try R&D spirits that don’t yet have commercial applications–and found a moderately aged “rye bourbon” included, from a different mash bill. I can’t tell you what that exact mash bill is just yet, because the company is playing that information close to the chest. But I can say that this liquid hasn’t yet appeared in any commercial release, but has a potential to be a big part of Heaven Hill’s future when it does appear. I don’t think we can overstate how big it is for a company with this kind of history to debut a new classic bourbon mash bill after only having one for all these decades.

Granted, the company has been experimenting in recent years with some different mash bills via the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience in Louisville, which includes a different rye bourbon recipe. The difference, as you can taste in the Evan Williams Square 6 whiskey line, is that bourbon and rye being distilled in this location are coming from a pot still, rather than the traditional bourbon column still. This makes them a very different product from classical Heaven Hill bourbons.

Still, I can’t help but wonder if this sample I received might be that same rye bourbon mash bill from the Square 6 line, modified in this case to be used on the traditional column stills instead of the pot still of the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience. That mash bill is reportedly 52% corn, 35% rye and 13% malted barley, which is a very high-rye recipe indeed, radically different from the classic Heaven Hill bourbon mash bill of 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley. It does seem like it would make perfect sense for the company to test out that new rye bourbon mash bill in both ways, but I don’t know–this is just pure speculation on my part.

As for the spirit that I was sent in the Heaven Hill Heritage Insiders box, it’s a 5 year old rye bourbon that was barreled on 9/16/2017, in Rickhouse W3, Floor 3, and bottled at a strength of 53.5% ABV (107 proof). Tasting notes follow:

On the nose, there’s definitely a bigger herbal, floral rye presence that announces itself right off the bat, with pepper and faint mint, but still the caramel corn, vanilla and hints of nuttiness of classic Beam bourbons. The nose has a nice balance between elements, not leaning too far in any one direction. The palate is moderately sweet, with caramel, honey and sweet stem ginger, transitioning into significant, minty rye, baked apples, cardamom and more earthy tones. Its long, spicy finish and fruity flourishes give it quite an autumnal feel, I think, and the 107 proof is a nice level for it, full of sweetness and spice, but not particularly hot.

All in all it’s a very pleasant dram, and I believe that if they put this on the shelf right now, exactly as it is, it would definitely sell, particularly as a bourbon for classic cocktails. It feels very all-purpose and adaptable to cocktail recipes in particular, given the more prominent rye presence that splits the difference between the classic Heaven Hill bourbon recipe and their Kentucky rye recipe.

With that said, there’s no saying when we will actually see this new rye bourbon mash bill make its public debut. It could be this year, or this could end up being a Heaven Hill secret that is known only to the most passionate fans and whiskey geeks, who await its arrival in whatever form it eventually ends up taking. I’ll certainly be excited to taste it again in the future, though.

Jim Vorel is a Paste staff writer and resident beer and liquor geek. You can follow him on Twitter for more drink writing.

Investigation Discovery’s ‘On the Case With Paula Zahn: Last Dance’ chronicles the murder of 45-year-old Eva Garcia in Lubbock, Texas, in October 1996. The investigators found blood samples at the crime scene but had to wait 7 years until they had the forensic technology to catch the perpetrator. They eventually caught the killer nearly a decade after the murder. If you’re intrigued by the case and wish to know more, including the identity and current whereabouts of the perpetrator, we’ve got your back. Here’s everything you need to know!

How Did Eva Garcia Die?

Born on September 29, 1951, Port Lavaca native Eva Camacho Garcia was a resident of Lubbock, Texas, at the time of the incident. She was a devout Catholic and a proud mother to 6 children. Eva also had over a dozen grandchildren whom she doted upon. She was last seen alive while leaving the Mirage Club after dancing and partying on October 26, 1996. On the morning of October 27, when the pastor of the local Central Baptist Church was getting ready for the Sunday memorial service, he noticed a badly bruised and naked body behind a row of bushes in the church parking lot. To everyone’s shock, it was Eva Garcia.

The police were immediately called to the scene. They found evidence that pointed toward the forceful removal of the victim’s clothes, resulting in the ripping of the clothes. The medical examiner also found abrasions, contusions, and lacerations in both the external and private genitalia, which indicated that the 45-year-old was sexually assaulted. The autopsy disclosed that she was strangled and her cause of death was determined to be asphyxiation.

Who Killed Eva Garcia?

All pieces of evidence retrieved from the crime scene were sent to the Department of Public Safety Crime Laboratory in Lubbock for analysis, but no leads were obtained from the result. However, two days after the discovery of the body, the investigators found a blood stain on a wall of the church. Since it was located at a distance from the body, the evidence had been initially missed by law enforcement officials. On testing, it was found that the stain did not come from Eva, indicating that it might belong to her killer.

With no leads or suspects, the case soon turned cold. However, the blood sample from the stain was again tested in December 2003 and entered into the national database. In 2004, the investigators had a CODIS hit – the sample belonged to Albert Martinez Jr. He became the prime suspect and was taken into custody for questioning. During the interrogation, Albert reportedly admitted to the crime and was further implicated when he confessed to beating Eva, in a phone call from custody.

Albert, then 36, was charged with the capital murder of Eva in April 2005. However, he denied that he acted alone. Even in the incriminating phone call, he said, “I was there when they were hitting her and the fucking, you know? but I wasn’t the only one, you hear me?” Albert also had a previous criminal record of burglary, for which he was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 1992.

Where is Albert Martinez Jr. Today?

Albert was convicted of the capital murder charge and received a capital life sentence on December 11, 2008. The prosecution did not opt for the death penalty to respect the wishes of Eva’s family. Eva’s daughters and granddaughters were present at the trial. One of her daughters, Teresa Jones, said, “The hugs and kisses that she gave us. That’s the way we are going to remember our mom.” Albert appealed against the judgment in 2010 but was denied. As of March 2010, he was incarcerated in a prison cell at the Institutional Division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. As of today, he must be 54 years old.

Read More: Elizabeth Palmer and Matthew Scott Murders: Where is Hilbert Thomas Now?

Volition Games has announced that their parent company, Embracer Group, has shut down the studio effective immediately.

The studio, best known for developing the Saints Row and Red Faction series, announced their closure via a statement released on the company’s LinkedIn page this morning.

“This past June, Embracer Group announced a restructuring program to strengthen Embracer and maintain its position as a leader in the video game industry. As part of that program, they evaluated strategic and operational goals and made the difficult decision to close Volition effective immediately,” the statement reads.

Based on this statement, Volition is the second victim of juggernaut conglomerate Embracer Group’s planned cost-cutting restructuring measures, including layoffs, studio closures, and cancellations, announced in June in response to a major deal falling through with the Saudi government-funded Savvy Games Group. Embracer had previously shut down new studio Campfire Cabal earlier this month before they had even managed to release their first game, making Volition the first well-established studio confirmed to be impacted by closures.

Employees at Volition appear to have been informed of their oncoming layoffs last-minute, with some, including VFX artist Ryan Hoss and QA Analyst Corey Strobbe, taking to Twitter less than an hour before the closure’s official announcement to report that they were being suddenly laid off.

“I have been affected by today’s full studio closure of Volition. So proud of the work me and my team did during my 7 years there,” Hoss said. “Having said that, I’m looking for a new position as a senior/lead VFX artist or art manager. Any leads would be appreciated.”

Later in their statement on LinkedIn, Volition stated that they are “working to provide job assistance and help smooth the transition for our volition family members.” However, with their employment suddenly being upended, employees are still being forced to scramble looking for jobs.

“I don’t think NDA matters anymore at this point.  I’m out of a job and if anyone can give me any leads on QA positions, I could really use a few,” Strobbe tweeted.

Volition has been consistently releasing games for the past 30 years, surviving the closure of their former parent company THQ and acquisitions by Deep Silver and later Embracer Group. Their closure comes after the release of last year’s Saints Row reboot to mixed reception.

Embracer Group’s restructuring is proving to be one of the most major fallouts the industry has seen in some time, with over 100 studios under the conglomerate’s belt that could potentially be affected. With this only being the first major announcement so far, it is unknown just how wide the scope of the impacts will turn out to be.

Co-written and directed by Petr Jákl, ‘Medieval’ is a Czech historical drama movie loosely inspired by the true story of Jan Žižka, a Bohemian military commander considered one of the greatest warriors in history. He defeats the armies of the Holy Roman Empire and the Teutonic Order. The period film features brilliant onscreen performances from a talented cast comprising Ben Foster, Michael Caine, Til Schweiger, William Moseley, and Matthew Goode. If you are into historical war movies, you must be eager to learn more about ‘Medieval’ and where you can watch it. In that case, we have got you covered!

What is Medieval About?

Set in the 15th century, when the Holy Roman Empire’s reigning emperor dies, things turn chaotic as feuding brothers King Wenceslas of Czech and King Sigismund of Hungary want the throne for themselves. Lord Boresh hires Jan Žižka to abduct Lady Katherine, Lord Rosenberg’s fiancée, to stop him from rising to power along with the corrupt King Sigismund. Soon, Jan finds himself falling in love with Katherine, and thus, he battles corruption and greed amongst the ones desiring power to liberate her. Now that your interest has peaked, here is how you can catch the movie yourself!

Is Medieval on Netflix?

Unfortunately, Netflix doesn’t have ‘Medieval’ in its vast collection. But you can still utilize your subscription to turn to other alternatives on the streaming giant, such as ‘Outlaw King‘ and ‘The King.’

Is Medieval on Hulu?

Hulu subscribers will need to look for ‘Medieval’ on other platforms as the historical film is unavailable on the streamer. However, it offers some excellent alternatives that you might enjoy, including ‘Robert the Bruce‘ and ‘Centurion.’

Is Medieval on Amazon Prime?

No, ‘Medieval’ is not a part of Amazon Prime’s massive catalog. Alternatively, you can enjoy similar movies on the streaming giant; we recommend you watch ‘Gladiator.’

Is Medieval on HBO Max?

HBO Max subscribers will be disappointed as ‘Medieval’ is not included in the platform’s extensive content library. Nevertheless, you have other alternatives to turn to on the streamer, such as ‘The Last Duel‘ and ‘Dragon Blade.’

Is Medieval on Disney+?

We hate to tell you that Disney+ doesn’t house ‘Medieval.’ But don’t let it stop you from checking out some similar movies on the streamer, such as ‘Squanto: A Warrior’s Tale‘ and ‘Mulan.’

Where to Watch Medieval Online?

‘Medieval’ has been released exclusively in theatres, which means there is no way for you to watch the period movie online, be it by streaming or purchasing. So, if you wish to watch the legendary Jan Žižka in action on the big screen, you can check show timings and book tickets on the movie’s official website and Fandango.

How to Stream Medieval For Free?

As mentioned above, ‘Medieval’ is unavailable for streaming on any digital platform. This means that currently, there is no way for you to watch the movie for free. All you can do is hope that it arrives on any online platform offering a free trial to new users. Having said that, we urge our readers to always pay for the content they wish to consume instead of turning to illegal means.

Read More: Where Was Medieval Filmed?

‘Bad Sisters‘ continues the Garvey family’s plot against the notorious John Paul Williams in the fifth episode, titled ‘Eye for an Eye.’ The episode sees Bibi leading the charge against John Paul and formulating another plan to kill her brother-in-law. Meanwhile, Becka struggles with her feelings for Matthew in the present. Ultimately, the sisters execute another strike against John Paul, arguably their most gruesome one yet. Therefore, viewers must be wondering about John Paul’s fate and the sisters’ motivations. In that case, here is everything you need to know about the ending of ‘Bad Sisters’ episode 5! SPOILERS AHEAD!

Bad Sisters Episode 5 Recap

The fifth episode, titled ‘Eye for an Eye,’ opens in the present with Thomas and Matthew arriving at Bibi’s house for interrogation. They ask Bibi about John Paul’s death but are interrupted by Bibi’s wife, who openly exclaims that John Paul was a bad husband and deserved to die. Moreover, Becka arrives at the house, causing Matthew to become uncomfortable and the Claffin leave. At their home, Thomas’ wife is concerned about her husband’s health and tells Matthew about the letter left behind by their father.

After reading the letter, Matthew is enraged and confronts Thomas. The elder brother reveals that their father planned his death and did not die of an accidental overdose. He was a crook and spent his client’s money year after year. The duo’s father never filed the client’s insurance and was conning them. As a result, his death leaves the Claffins in financial and legal trouble. After the altercation with Thomas, Matthew becomes depressed and visits Becka.

In the flashbacks, the sisters contemplate formulating another plan to kill John Paul. Meanwhile, they try to avoid John Paul’s upcoming birthday party until Bibi sees an opportunity to kill him at the party. Grace takes dancing classes in hopes of having some personal time. However, John Paul manipulates events to make Grace feel bad about her actions. On the other hand, John Paul secretly chats with his neighbor, Roger, by pretending to be a child named Oscar. However, John Paul’s suspicion that Roger is a pedophile continues to be without the evidence. The Garvey sisters discover that there is a hole in John Paul’s skull, and they could use the weakness to kill him during his paintball birthday party. However, Bibi has second thoughts about the plan.

Bad Sisters Episode 5 Ending: Why Does Bibi Want to Kill John Paul?

The series slowly explores the Garvey sisters’ vendetta against their brother-in-law, John Paul. The previous episodes reveal John Paul’s meddling in Eva and Ursula’s personal life, his misguiding of Becka that leaves her broke, and abuse towards Grace. The incidents shape the sisters’ perspective on John Paul, and they ultimately come together to kill him in hopes of saving their sister from torment. However, the entire concept of killing John Paul stems from Bibi. She is the first sister to promote the idea and recruits Eva to the cause. Soon, the other sisters follow, and the garveys plot against John Paul. However, Bibi’s motivation to kill John Paul and her evident hatred toward him is finally revealed in the fifth episode.

In the episode, viewers see Bibi struggling to handle parenting her son. After her son reveals that he is mocked in school because Bibi only has one, she becomes sad. As a result, he targets practice to kill John Paul suffers. Nonetheless, Bibi manages to regain control by drawing from her tragic past with John Paul. A flashback reveals that John Paul and Bibi were together in a car accident that caused Bibi to lose one eye. Hence, she considers John Paul responsible for her deformity and hates him.

The episode’s final act sees the Garvey sisters assembling for the paintball birthday party organized by John Paul. Bibi plans on using the game as a chance to shoot through the hole in John Paul’s skull. Thus, effectively killing without anyone suspecting the sisters. However, their plan suffers a blow when John Paul decides to play a different game. Nonetheless, Bibi improvises and attempts to take a shot at John Paul. However, she accidentally shoots one of the employees and injures his eye. as a result, the episode ends with Bibi’s plan failing and her quest for revenge delivering her an ironic moment of self-reflection where she must face the consequences of her actions.

Read More: Bad Sisters Episode 4 Recap and Ending, Explained

‘The Champion’ (alternatively titled ‘The Champion of Auschwitz’) is a 2020 sports drama movie based on the life of Polish boxer Tadeusz “Teddy” Pietrzykowski. Written and directed by Maciej Barczewski, it follows Pietrzykowski as he goes from being a boxer in Poland to a prisoner in the Auschwitz concentration camp, where he survives on his boxing skills and earns a name for himself.

The riveting biopic is set during the Second World War and features some stunning visual recreations of that era through its backdrops. Naturally, you must be curious to learn more about the places that feature in the movie. In that case, here is everything you need to know about the filming sites of ‘The Champion.’

The Champion Filming Locations

‘The Champion’ was filmed in Poland, mainly in Piaseczno, Warsaw, and Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki. Since the story is set in the Central European country, it is no surprise that the makers chose to shoot the movie on location there. Principal photography on the project likely commenced near the end of October 2019 and was wrapped up sometime in January 2020. Now, let’s take a closer look at the movie’s exact shooting spots.

Piaseczno, Poland

Most portions of ‘The Champion’ were lensed in and around Piaseczno, a city in Piaseczno County and the Masovian Voivodeship. It is a part of the Warsaw Metropolitan Area and is located south of the capital city. The production crew recreated the Auschwitz concentration camp in the city to record several important scenes. Piaseczno’s rich history, influenced by the Second World War, makes it an ideal setting for the movie’s story. Moreover, it is known for its Gothic-Renaissance architecture, which is fully displayed in the backdrop of the scenes.

Warsaw, Poland

The cast and crew taped some sequences in Warsaw, Poland’s capital city. It is a major cultural, political, and economic hub and a popular filming and tourist destination. The city is famous for its delicious food and vibrant nightlife as well as for popular tourist Warsaw Skyline, Sigismund’s Column, Staszic Palace, Copernicus Monument, and Wilanów Palace. Movies such as ‘The Pianist,’ ‘Inland Empire,’ and ‘The Coldest Game‘ were shot in Warsaw.

Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki, Poland

Interior scenes of ‘The Champion’ were partially recorded at Modlin Fortress (also known as Twierdza Modlin), located in the town of Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki. It is one of the largest 19th-century fortresses in Poland and was constructed by the French between 1806 to 1812. Presently, it houses Polish military facilities but is open to tourists. The filming unit seemingly shot sequences in other parts of the town too.

Read More: Is The Champion (2020) Based on a True Story?

Netflix’s ‘Who Likes My Follower?’ is an exciting dating reality show that follows three participants as they search for a perfect partner from a group of 7 potential dates. However, they are assisted in their journey for love by their favorite influencer. Interestingly, influencers can offer advice, help with eliminations, and even plan dates. However, it is ultimately up to the followers to mingle with their potential partners and find true love.

Matt and Adrian were initially introduced on the show as potential partners for Apolo. However, they shocked everyone by coming out as a couple and revealing that they were interested in exploring polyamory. Naturally, Apolo seemed quite surprised by the news but soon overcame his worries and was ready to try something new. Nevertheless, with the season now behind us, fans are curious to know if Matt and Adri are still together. Well, worry not because we come bearing answers!

Matt and Adri’s Who Likes My Follower Journey

Apolo seemed quite interested in Matt and Adri while vetting potential partners for his final seven. While Matt impressed Apolo with his charming and lively personality, Adri appeared to share a deeper connection, making fans speculate that they might end up together. Thus, unsurprisingly, both Adri and Matt comfortably made Apolo’s top seven list. However, the situation turned on its head towards the end of episode 1, when Apolo was enjoying a quiet date with Adri.

They initially seemed to connect on numerous levels and had a lot of things in common. However, shortly after, Matt walked into the scene and kissed Adri right in front of Apolo. Naturally, the sudden intrusion shocked Apolo, who was too taken aback for words at that moment. Nevertheless, Matt took the opportunity to reveal that while he and Adri had been dating for quite some time, they were ready to explore further and wanted to try polyamory.

Initially, Apolo seemed quite indecisive about polyamory and had no idea if it was something he wanted. However, unable to step away from a challenge and willing to try something new, he warmed up to the notion and began exploring a connection with Adri and Matt. Throughout the season, Apolo learned a lot about polyamory and connected with Matt and Adri on a deeper level.

However, his connection with Adri seemed way stronger than that with Matt, which eventually began threatening the carefully balanced dynamic all three were aiming for. Ultimately, Adri and Matt made Apolo’s top two as a couple, and even though they tried to woo him through a song, Apolo revealed that he was not ready for polyamory. On the other hand, his bond with Jose Carlos was way more significant, and hence, both Matt and Adri had to exit the show in the season finale.

Are Adri and Matt Still Together?

Yes, Adri and Matt are very much together, and from the looks of it, their connection is stronger than ever. The adorable couple currently resides in Barcelona. While Adri earns a living exclusively as a model, Matt works as a chemist and has also dipped his toe into the modeling industry. Considering the bond they portrayed on the show and their commitment to stay together despite Apolo clearly preferring Adri, the news about them still being madly in love is not at all surprising.

Read More: Are Adam and Judith From Who Likes My Follower Still Together?

‘The Champion’ (also known as ‘The Champion of Auschwitz’) is a 2020 Polish sports drama film directed by Maciej Barczewski. It follows Tadeusz Pietrzykowski, a Polish boxer who gains fame for his almost undefeated strings of victories in the Nazi concentration camps. The story is set during the height of the Second World War and follows Pietrzykowski’s nearly impossible fight for survival. Given the realistic narrative and historical context, you must wonder if actual events or figures inspire the movie. In that case, here is everything you need to know about the inspiration behind ‘The Champion.’

Is The Champion Based on a True Story?

Yes, ‘The Champion’ is based on a true story. Writer-director Maciej Barczewski penned the screenplay based on the real-life Polish boxer Tadeusz “Teddy” Pietrzykowski. The latter was born on April 8, 1917, in Warsaw, to Tadeusz, an engineer, and Sylwina, a teacher. At a young age, Pietrzykowski joined the boxing section of the Legia Warsaw club and was trained by Feliks Stamm. Soon, he made a name for himself as a boxer and was at his peak by 1937. However, in September 1939, Germany invaded Poland and Pietrzykowski volunteered in the army.

After Germany defeated Poland, Pietrzykowski attempted to flee to France but was arrested, tortured, and deported. On June 14, 1940, he was transferred from a prison in Tarnów to the Auschwitz concentration camp. Pietrzykowski was among the first prisoners to arrive at the camp, and in March 1941, he began participating in unofficial boxing matches there. His first fight was against Walter Dünning and was crucial in boosting the prisoners’ morale.

Pietrzykowski made a name for himself in the camp by fighting and defeating German officials in the boxing ring. Interestingly, he was nicknamed the “Weiss Nebel” (White Fog) due to his unique fighting style. Pietrzykowski reportedly lost only one fight during his time in Auschwitz and received certain privileges as a reward for his wins. Later, he transferred to other camps, such as Neuengamme and Salzgitter, and eventually settled at Bergen-Belsen, where he was liberated in April 1945.

In his later years, Pietrzykowski settled in Bielsko-Biała and worked as a sport and physical education teacher and boxing instructor after finishing his studies at the University of Physical Education in Warsaw. He passed away on August 16, 1991, aged 74. In an interview with Cine Europa, writer-director Maciej Barczewski opened up about adapting the real-life boxer’s riveting true story for the screen. He revealed that he learned about Pietrzykowski through one of the written stories about the boxer.

The director was intrigued by the boxer’s life and extensively researched him before making a film on the subject. “I was captivated by the fact that, for his fellow inmates, he was a symbol of hope for victory over Nazi terror. At the same time, it turned out that today he is a relatively unknown man, although due to the place and circumstances in which he had to fight his duels, his fights took on an almost mythical character,” Barczewski stated.

In the same interview, the filmmaker revealed that he tried to remain authentic about the portal of Pietrzykowski’s life and worked with the boxer’s daughter to craft the narrative realistically. However, in a separate interview, Barczewski explained that he took some liberties while adapting Pietrzykowski’s life to the screen as biopics require some streamlining. Hence, he decided to make some cosmetic changes to some events, locations, and characters. Nonetheless, the director affirmed that the movie remains true to reality.

Ultimately, ‘The Champion’ is based on a little-known but inspiring true story of survival against all odds through the horrors of the Nazi concentration camps. It depicts real-life pugilist Tadeusz Pietrzykowski as a source of hope and strength among the camp’s prisoners. As a result, the viewers learn about his feats in the boxing ring and their impact on the camp and its prisoners. Moreover, the makers have taken the utmost care in sticking to facts while only making minor changes that elevate the true-to-life story. Thus, viewers receive an emotional, dramatic, and enthralling retelling of Pietrzykowski’s life.

Read More: Where Was The Champion (2020) Filmed?

Directed by Zach Cregger, ‘Barbarian’ is a horror movie that follows a woman named Tess Marshall who has traveled to Detroit, Michigan, for a job interview. During her stay in an Airbnb, she becomes suspicious of fellow resident Keith Toshko. On one of her nightly wanderings in search of toilet paper, Tess finds a secret room in the basement, which she and Keith decide to investigate.

Shortly after, the Airbnb’s owner, an actor named AJ Gilbride, arrives at his property with the intent to sell it. However, what he discovers leads him and Tess on a horror-filled journey. Starring Georgina Campbell, Bill Skarsgård, and Justin Long, ‘Barbarian’ is full of captivating twists and story elements that are sure to make the genre’s fans happy. If you have been intrigued by the movie’s premise and want to know where to watch it, we have your back!

What is Barbarian About?

‘Barbarian’ is set in an Airbnb in Detroit, Michigan, where Tess Marshall arrives to give a job interview. Though thrown off by the suspicious behavior of fellow resident Keith Toshko, she decides to stay another night in the house. Albeit, when Tess ventures out at night to look for toilet paper, she stumbles upon a hidden room in the basement, which contains a tripod, a bed, and blood all over the place. This unfolds a series of horrifying events as Tess and AJ Gilbride, the property owner, try to evade the one wreaking havoc. Now, for those eager to know how to catch the movie, we have the answers you need!

Is Barbarian on Netflix?

No, ‘Barbarian’ is not a part of Netflix’s catalog. However, the streaming giant does offer some scary movies like ‘Eli‘ and ‘The Open House.’ The films revolve around characters, who move to a new residence and find themselves in a dire situation, that may have fatal consequences.

Is Barbarian on Hulu?

Hulu does not host ‘Barbarian’ in its content library. Although, for those who liked the premise of the Georgina Campbell-starrer, the streaming service does offer other options like ‘The Night.’ The movie follows a couple trapped in a hotel with several real and imaginary demons.

Is Barbarian on Amazon Prime?

Unfortunately, Amazon Prime members cannot watch ‘Barbarian’ using their subscription. Instead, they can check out similar alternatives on the streamer, such as ‘Home Sweet Home‘ and ‘New Year’s Evil.‘ Both movies explore different horror elements in sinister houses.

Is Barbarian on HBO Max?

While ‘Barbarian’ is not a part of HBO Max’s roster, the platform does offer some similar movies that will surely keep you hooked. For those intrigued by the premise of scary events in a hotel, we recommend ‘The Shining.’ Based on Stephen King’s eponymous book, the film is one of the iconic movies in the horror genre that you cannot miss. For another movie with a similar concept, you can check out ‘Hostel.’

Where to Watch Barbarian Online?

As of writing, ‘Barbarian’ is exclusively available in theatres and can’t be found on any online platforms. If you want to check show timings and book tickets to watch the horror movie in a nearby theatre, head here!

How to Stream Barbarian for Free?

Given the select theatrical release of ‘Barbarian,’ you cannot currently watch the horror movie online for free. All you can do is hope it soon arrives on any digital platform offering free trials to new users. That said, we urge our readers not to use any illegal means to watch the movie and pay for applicable subscriptions.

Read More: Where Was Barbarian Filmed?

Like The Killer before it, Michael Mann’s Ferrari has dropped its first trailer ahead of its debut at this year’s Venice Film Festival. The gap between Mann’s last films is even larger than David Fincher’s–Blackhat came out way back in 2015. But now, with the novel sequel of Heat 2 published and the world having forgotten how wrongly it did Blackhat, Mann is back with an Adam Driver-led racing biopic.

Much like House of Gucci, where Driver played another Italian on a mononymic basis with the rest of the world, Ferrari is both the story of cars and the story of the family that makes them. Ex-Formula 1 racer Enzo Ferrari (Driver) is struggling in 1957. He’s lost a son. He might lose his business, only a decade after forming it. And what do Michael Mann’s men love to do when they’re struggling? Go fast, live hard, suffer quietly. We get all that and some slick little cars going very fast. And wow, do they look crisp as they do so.

Take a look:

Driver is aged up here, silver foxed, and delivers the teaser’s only line of dialogue: “If you get into one of my cars, you get in to win.” And yes, the Gucci accent is back.

The driving looks spectacular, especially when lit by headlights and fog in a nighttime sequence, and the family drama between Ferrari and the women in his life (Penélope Cruz, Shailene Woodley) looks…passionate. It’s all based on Brock Yates’ biography Enzo Ferrari: The Man, The Cars, The Races, The Machine (adapted here by the writer of the original Italian Job, Troy Kennedy Martin), so expect lots of little historical details whenever Mann and cinematographer Erik Messerschmidt (also of The Killer!) stop ogling the vehicles. Look forward to it all crashing in a massive, emotionally repressed pile-up soon!

Ferrari hits theaters this Christmas.

Directed by Millicent Shelton, Netflix’s ‘End of the Road’ is an action crime thriller movie that follows Brenda, her two kids, and her brother, Reggie, as they decide to go on a cross-country road trip together. However, there is a bloody shift of gears as their journey turns into a highway to hell when they witness a murder in their neighboring motel room. After seeing the crime and taking the drug money into their custody, Brenda and her family are chased by a mysterious killer who ends up kidnapping her son. Now, she must fight to keep herself and her family alive against the anonymous murderer.

The crime movie features stellar performances from some of the popular names in Hollywood, including Queen Latifah, Ludacris, Beau Bridges, Jesse Luken, and Frances Lee McCain. While the action-packed sequences throughout the movie keep the viewers hooked, the picturesque and semi-arid landscapes in the backdrop make one wonder where ‘End of the Road’ was filmed. Well, if you are one such curious soul, here is all the information you may need!

End of the Road Filming Locations

‘End of the Road’ is filmed entirely in New Mexico and California, specifically in the Albuquerque Metropolitan Statistical Area, Santa Fe County, and Los Angeles. The principal photography for the Millicent Shelton directorial commenced in June 2021 under strict COVID-19 regulations and wrapped up in August of the same year. Now, let’s take a look at all the specific locations that appear in the action movie!

Albuquerque Metropolitan Statistical Area, New Mexico

Most of ‘End of the Road’ was lensed in the Albuquerque Metropolitan Statistical Area in central New Mexico. The production unit seemingly traveled across the area to tape different sequences against suitable backdrops, mainly on the road. Several pivotal sequences for the movie were also taped in Moriarty, a town in New Mexico’s Torrance County, which is a part of the Albuquerque Metropolitan Statistical Area.

In late June 2021, the team had set up camp alongside the Historic Route 66 in Moriarty when an unexpected dust storm halted the shoot temporarily. Moreover, Belen, the second most populous city in Valencia County, and Algodones, a census-designated place in Sandoval County, served as prominent production locations for the movie.

Santa Fe County, New Mexico

A few portions of ‘End of the Road’ were recorded in Santa Fe County, New Mexico’s third-most populous county. It is home to parts of some national protected areas, including El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail, Pecos National Historical Park, and Santa Fe National Forest. Over the years, Santa Fe County has hosted the cast and crew of many movies and TV shows, such as ‘No Country for Old Men,’ ‘Brothers,’ ‘Roswell, New Mexico,’ and ‘Longmire.’

Los Angeles, California

To conclude the production process, the filming unit of ‘End of the Road’ traveled to Los Angeles, a major city in Southern California, and recorded some additional sequences. Also known as the Entertainment Capital of the World, Los Angeles has featured in different kinds of on-screen projects, such as ‘Me Time,’ ‘Look Both Ways,’ and ‘Animal Kingdom.’

Read More: Is Netflix’s End of the Road Based on a True Story?