5 Best Apps of the Week: The Best Photo App Yet + More

You don’t need me to tell you there’s an app where you can watch all that #MarchMadness sports stuff (sorry, guys, I’m a Syracuse fan, so sitting this year out :-X) so I won’t. Instead, let’s talk about a handful of beautiful new apps from this week, including two photo apps we just couldn’t choose between, an app that lets you make things appear IRL and a new app that wants to show you the weather in a way you might want to see it — even if spring looks 37 degrees and cloudy where you live.

1. Priime: You take the pretty shots of your friend’s silhouette against a beautiful nature-y backdrop and the snaps of that glorious sunset, and this photo app will suggest the perfect pro photographer-crafted filters to take your pics to the next level. Made by photographers for shutterbugs such as yourself, gorgeous filters with names like “sunbeam,” “elk” and “rebellion” just might inspire you to take better pictures to begin with.

DL It: Free on iOS, sale on filters

2. Tether: We’ve been talking about iBeacons and IoT for the last year or so, and this app for your Mac and iPhone connects your devices so the two know when the other is around. Probably most useful to hook up to your computer at work, especially if you’re in an open desk situation, the app on your smartphone will launch the screensaver on your computer once you walk away from it. When you’re close to your computer again, it will automatically unlock. The app is not flawless, but with every tech blog showing it some love, we hope it will give us a bug-fixing update in return.

DL It: Free on iOS

3. Weather: Universal Forecast: We were going to give Carrot’s new weather app a shoutout this week, but there needs to be some love for the Androids among us, amirite? This weather app ,available on both platforms (but more polished in its Android version), takes the swiping function (a little more Snapchat than Tinder tho) we love so much and brings it to the world of meteorology. The forecast is displayed on colorful, bright screens that you can swipe through for more information, more cities and at least eventually more sunshine.

DL It: Free on Android and iOS

4. Enlight: There are gorgeous photo apps and there are beautiful art apps, and this one is actually a bit of both. Taking things past your standard filter picker, this download bills itself as every photo app you use or ever wanted to use in one place. And that big claim is, well, true. You can perfect photos in one step with simple Photoshop-like improvements and Instagram-esque filters. From there, personalize, paint and add anything from decals to special effects to your picture, which is now in the masterpiece category. You’re welcome.

DL It: $3.99 on iOS

5. Woodpost: With the tagline “woodprinting, made for mobile” this is a Brit + Co app made in downloadable heaven. Forget those apps that let you print out your photos — this recent addition to the App Store lets you print out your photos on sustainable plywood. Make wall art, something special for your desk or a sweet gift, and preserve the pictures that would normally live and die only on your phone, thanks to a few taps on your phone. Genius!

DL It: Free on iOS

What was your favorite app of the week? Share below!

There are plenty of things you can do besides trick-or-treating or Netflix-binging come Hallo-ween. For one, you can throw one hell of a Fright Night party. Don't know what foods to make? We've got you covered. Here are appetizer recipes that you and your guests will die for.
Halloween Snack Platter: Treat party guests to a variety of sweet and savory snacks. They'll be so impressed, they won't even be tempted to dip into your candy stash. (via Foxes Love Lemons)
Mummy Pizzas: Making your own pizza dough can be scary. Swap it for ciabatta loaves instead to make these easy mummy apps. (via Brit + Co)
7-Layer Spider Web Dip: Turn a classic appetizer into a Halloween favorite with just a little sour cream artistry and a handful of black olive spiders. (via Chelsea's Messy Apron)
Spooky Halloween Pretzels: Your starters don't all have to be savory, so serve up a tray of chocolate-covered pretzels. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Halloween Monster Popcorn: Colored with candy melts and filled with other sweets, this monster popcorn really pops once you add a generous sprinkle of salt. (via Salty Canary)
Deviled Egg Brains: Savory deviled egg brains are bound to turn your party guests into hungry zombies. (via Brit + Co)
Bell Pepper Salad Cups: This time of year, our consumption of fresh vegetables is definitely lacking. Make up for it with a spirited presentation of salad. (via Fork and Beans)
Monster Sushi: A tray of monster sushi looks colorful and surprisingly stylish among your other appetizers. (via Brit + Co)
Spider Hot Dogs: We've all seen mummy hot dogs. Take things to the next terrifying level with these truly disturbing tube steak spiders. (via Plain Chicken)
Skeleton Snack Tray: Spend time on your costume, not cooking up a storm in your kitchen, by preparing a snack platter that requires no oven time. (via Cutefetti)
Monstrous Meatball Sliders: Cheese fangs and olive eyeballs transform plain old meatball sliders into an on-point app. (via Chelsea's Messy Apron)
Mini Toad Holes: With a name like "toad in the hole," this dish was destined for October dining. (via Lavender and Lovage)
Little Potato Halloween Monster Eyeballs: Kids and adults alike are pretty much obsessed with potatoes, especially when cheese is involved (even if it does look like the eyeballs). (via Noshing With the Nolands)

Follow us on Pinterest for more terrifying Halloween tips.

This post has been updated. Additional reporting by Grace Lee

While the summer of 2023 (AKA the summer of Barbie and The Summer I Turned Pretty and Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, hello!) is over, there is still plenty to look forward to in 2024. Things are a little bit more relaxed on the new TV show front, which means all my energy can go towards watching as many movies as I can. We've already made our way through this year's winter movies and spring movies, and up next: 2024 summer movies. Keep reading for all the best 2024 movies to watch after a long day on vacation ;). And after you've seen all these new movies, check out these 6 Nostalgic Movies That Feel Like Summer Vacation!

Hit Man — On Netflix June 7, 2024

Image via Netflix

Glen Powell isn't slowing down after Anyone But You, and his first movie of 2024 is Hit Man, where he stars as a Houston, Texas undercover cop posing as a hitman. When he meets a woman stuck in an abusive marriage, and then falls for her, he decides to break protocol to help her. Watch the Hit Man trailer here.

Hit Man premieres June 7 and stars Austin Amelio, Adria Arjona, Glen Powell, and Retta.

The Crow — In Theaters June 7, 2024

Image via Lionsgate

Eric and Shelly are soulmates in this modern adaptation of James O’Barr's graphic novel. But when Shelly's past catches up to them, and the couple is murdered, Eric has an opportunity: save his one true love by sacrificing himself. What follows is a merciless quest for revenge, and the desire to bring their murderers to justice.

The Crow hits theaters June 7 and stars Bill Skarsgård, FKA twigs, and Danny Huston.

Bad Boys: Ride Or Die — In Theaters June 7, 2024

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

Following 2020's Bad Boys For Life, this new summer movie has the action and hilarious comedy that you expect from the franchise. This time, Mike and Marcus are on the run themselves, which is sure to add even more chaos than before.

Bad Boys: Ride Or Die hits theaters June 7 and stars Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Paola Nuñez, Eric Dane, Ioan Gruffudd, Jacob Scipio, Melanie Liburd, Tasha Smith, Tiffany Haddish, and Joe Pantoliano.

The Watchers — In Theaters June 14, 2024

Image via Warner Bros. Entertainment

Dakota Fanning is back in this new horror thriller that follows Mina, an artist who gets stranded in a huge, untouched Irish forest. Things take a turn for the better when Mina finds shelter with three strangers — until she learns they're being watched by mysterious creatures every single night.

The Watchers hits theaters June 14, and stars Dakota Fanning, Georgina Campbell, Oliver Finnegan, and Olwen Fouere.

​Inside Out 2 — In Theaters June 14, 2024

Image via Disney/Pixar

Like all Pixar sequels, Inside Out 2 has evolved with its main character Riley as she grows into a teenager. But that means there's a new emotion in town — Anxiety — and she's not going anywhere (don't I know it). This summer movie promises to be just as colorful and emotional as the first one, and I can't wait to cry in my chair at the theater. Watch the Inside Out 2 trailer here.

Inside Out 2 hits theaters June 14, 2024 and stars Lewis Black, Tony Hale, Maya Hawke, Liza Lapira, Diane Lane Amy Poehler, and Phyllis Smith.

The Bikeriders — In Theaters June 21, 2024

Image via Focus Features

Your favorite actors like Austin Butler, Mike Faist, and Jodie Comer are back in this edgy summer movie, which follows a Chicago motorcycle club for over a decade. While the story is fictional, it was inspired by the real 1967 photobook by Danny Lyon! Watch The Bikeriders trailer here.

The Bikeriders hits theaters June 21, 2024 and stars Austin Butler, Jodie Comer, Mike Faist, Tom Hardy, Boyd Holbrook, Norman Reedus, and Michael Shannon.

Janet Planet — In Theaters June 21, 2024

Image via A24

It's the summer of 1991 and 11-year-old Lacy has nothing but her imagination and her mother to keep her company — neither of which she minds. That is, until they get three visitors who pull her mother's attention away. This summer movie holds incredible tension between a deep mother-daughter relationship and figuring out pre-teen independence.

Janet Planet will release on June 21 and stars Julianne Nicholson, Zoe Ziegler, Elias Koteas, Will Patton, and Sophie Okonedo.

Kinds of Kindness — In Theaters June 21, 2024

Image via Searchlight Pictures

After the success of Poor Things, Emma Stone and Yorgos Lanthimos are reuniting for a brand new summer movie. Kinds of Kindness is an anthology movie, tying together three different stories full of memorable characters. Knowing Yorgos, the movie will be wild, wacky, and absolutely memorable.

Kinds of Kindness hits theaters June 21 and stars Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Willem Dafoe, Margaret Qualley, Hong Chau, Joe Alwyn, Mamoudou Athie, and Hunter Schafer.

Firebrand — In Theaters June 21, 2024

Image via Roadside Attractions/Vertical

History lovers won't be able to get enough of this summer movie, which follows Katherine Parr as she fights to survive the final months of Henry VIII's life. It's a realistic and brutal take on Tudor England, but promises to be more than compelling.

Firebrand hits theaters June 21 and stars Alicia Vikander, Jude Law, Eddie Marsan, Sam Riley, Simon Russell Beale, and Erin Doherty.

A Family Affair — On Netflix June 28, 2024

Image via Netflix

Summer rom-coms are back and better than ever thanks to A Family Affair ! The summer movie follows Zara (Joey King), who's left reeling when her mother (Nicole Kidman) strikes up a relationship with her famous actor boss (Zac Efron). And, as expected, hilarity unfolds from there.

A Family Affair hits Netflix June 28 and stars Joey King, Zac Efron, Nicole Kidman, Liza Koshy, and Kathy Bates.

A Quiet Place: Day One — In Theaters June 28, 2024

Image via Paramount Pictures

While we got a glimpse of A Quiet Place: Day One at CinemaCon, we'll finally get to see the whole story when it hits theaters at the end of June! The movie will open on the first day the alien Death Angels came to earth (which we briefly saw in A Quiet Place 2). Watch The A Quiet Place: Day One trailer here.

A Quiet Place: Day One hits theaters June 28, 2024. The movie stars Djimon Hounsou, Lupita Nyong’o, Denis O’Hare Joseph Quinn, and Alex Wolff.

Horizon: An American Saga: Chapter 1 — In Theaters June 28

Image via Warner Bros.

You're going to want to add this summer movie to your list of favorite Westerns. The film covers 1861 to 1865 during the Civil War, and explores themes of family, identity, and good and evil as the United States goes to war. Chapter 2 will premiere August 16.

Horizon: An American Saga: Chapter 1 hits theaters June 28. The movie stars Kevin Costner, Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Jena Malone, Owen Crow Shoe, Tatanka Means, Ella Hunt, Isabelle Fuhrman, and Jamie Campbell Bower.

Despicable Me 4 — In Theaters July 3, 2024

Image via Illumination

This is one animated sequel I cannot wait to watch in theaters — even if we can't partake in the Gentleminion TikTok trend anymore. Gru and his family are up against a new villain, voiced by Will Ferrell (who played a not-quite-cutthroat villain in Barbie). The whole gang is back together, including a new baby Gru Jr.! Watch the Despicable Me 4 trailer here.

Despicable Me 4 hits theaters July 3 and stars Steve Carell, Pierre Coffin, Steve Coogan, Miranda Cosgrove, Joey King, Will Ferrell, Sofia Vergara, and Kristen Wiig.

MaXXXine — In Theaters July 5, 2024

Image via A24

Mia Goth is back for another stint as Maxine and I'm happy to report that, after the clip of Maxine screaming "I'm a star" went viral across social media, she FINALLY gets her big break. But when Hollywood's newest stars begin turning up dead, Maxine's future is threatened by her past secrets.

MaXXXine hits theaters July 5 and stars Mia Goth, Elizabeth Debicki, Moses Sumney, Michelle Monaghan, Bobby Cannavale, Halsey, Lily Collins, Giancarlo Esposito, and Kevin Bacon.

Fly Me To The Moon — In Theaters July 12, 2024

Image via Apple TV+

If you loved the vintage style of Lessons in Chemistry, you'll definitely want to press play on Fly Me To The Moon. Set during the Apollo 11 moon landing, the new movie follows Kelly Jones, a marketing expert tasked with fixing NASA's public image, while launch director Cole Davis is just trying to get the mission off the ground (literally).

Fly Me To The Moon hits theaters July 12 and stars Scarlett Johansson, Channing Tatum, Nick Dillenburg, and Anna Garcia.

Descendants: Rise of Red — On Disney+ July 12, 2024

Image via Disney+

'90s kids, rejoice — Brandy's back! After starring in Best. Christmas. Ever!, the singer and actress is reprising her iconic role as Cinderella in this new Descendants installment. Uma is now headmaster of Auradon Prep, and when she invites the Queen of Heart's daughter Red to join her, the Queen uses it as an opportunity to get revenge on Cinderella.

Descendants: Rise of Red hits Disney+ July 12 and stars Brandy, Rita Ora, Kylie Cantrall, Malia Baker, China Anne McClain, Jeremy Swift, Dara Reneé, Ruby Rose Turner.

Longlegs — In Theaters July 12, 2024

Image via NEON

FBI Agent Lee Harker is an FBI Agent who's assigned to a serial killer case that's never been solved. When the case takes an unexpected turn — and shows evidence of occult activity — Harker is horrified to learn he has a personal connection to the killer. Watch the Longlegs trailer here.

Longlegs hits theaters July 12 and stars Maika Monroe, Nicolas Cage, Alicia Witt and Blair Underwood.

Twisters — In Theaters July 19, 2024

Image via Universal Pictures/Warner Bros.

Glen Powell returns to our screens again in Twisters with a star-studded cast. This summer movie seems to serve as a sequel to the original 1996 film, with just as much disaster and pure terror to help it stand on its own. Hold on folks, we're in for a bumpy ride. Watch the Twisters trailer here.

Twisters hits theaters July 19, 2024 and stars Daisy Edgar-Jones, Sasha Lane, Brandon Perea, Glen Powell, Anthony Ramos, and Maura Tierney.

Deadpool 3 (Deadpool & Wolverine) — In Theaters July 26, 2024

Image via Marvel Studios/Disney

The MCU is in for a wild ride with Ryan Reynolds'Deadpool & Wolverine. Not only is the TVA involved and Hugh Jackman is bringing the X-Men into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but we might also see Taylor Swift make an appearance as a brand new character. (Yes, please!). Watch the Deadpool & Wolverine trailer here.

Deadpool 3 hits theaters July 26, 2024 and stars Morena Baccarin, Emma Corrin, Brianna Hildebrand, Hugh Jackman, Stefan Kapičić, Matthew Macfadyen, and Ryan Reynolds.

My Old Ass — In Select Theaters August 2, 2024

Image via Amazon MGM Studios

Elliot is totally not expecting to meet her future self, but when the shock finally wears off, she agrees not to fall in love. She feels confident in her decision, thanks to her own advice, but everything changes when she meets the boy her older self warned her about.

My Old Ass will have a limited theatrical run starting August 2. The movie stars Maisy Stella, Aubrey Plaza, Maddie Ziegler, Kerrice Brooks, and Percy Hynes White.

Harold And The Purple Crayon — In Theaters August 2, 2024

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

The Harold we all knew as kids has grown up and drawn himself right off the pages of his book. Now, he's got to figure out how to operate in the real world — especially once the power of unlimited imagination (AKA his purple crayon) gets into the wrong hands.

Harold And The Purple Crayon hits theaters August 2 and stars Zachary Levi, Lil Rel Howery, Benjamin Bottani, Jemaine Clement, Tanya Reynolds, Alfred Molina, and Zooey Deschanel.

Borderlands — In Theaters August 9, 2024

Image via Lionsgate

Fans of The Last of Us will want to strap in for this video game adaptation (and not just because it's written by TLOU showrunner Craig Mazin!). The movie follows treasure hunter Lilith, who returns to her home planet of Pandora to find a missing girl, and the rag-tag team she puts together along the way. Watch the Borderlands trailer here.

Borderlands hits theaters August 9, 2024 and stars Jack Black, Cate Blanchett, Ariana Greenblatt, Kevin Hart, Jamie Lee Curtis, Gina Gerson, Florian Munteanu, and Edgar Ramierez.

It Ends With Us — In Theaters August 9, 2024

Image via Amazon

When Lily Bloom falls in love with Ryle, she's excited to start their life together. But she never expects her first love, Atlas, to reenter the picture — or for all the consequences that come with them reconnecting.

It Ends With Us premieres June 21 and stars Blake Lively, Jenny Slate, Brandon Sklenar, Justin Baldoni, and Hasan Minhaj.

Alien: Romulus — In Theaters August 16, 2024

Image via 20th Century Studios

This follow-up to the iconic Alien franchise is for sci-fi and action lovers! The summer movie follows a group of young space colonizers on a mission to explore an abandoned space station. But the deeper the go, they closer they get to the most terrifying life form in the whole universe.

Alien: Romulus hits theaters August 16, 2024 and stars Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, and Aileen Wu.

Blink Twice — In Theaters August 23, 2024

Image via Amazon MGM Studios

Frida is a cocktail waitress who gets whisked away from her regular life to philanthropist Slater King's private island. But the more time she spends on the intoxicating island, the more she realizes just how unsettling — and horrifying — it really is.

Blink Twice hits theaters August 23 and stars Channing Tatum, Naomi Ackie, Christian Slater, Alia Shawkat, Geena Davis, Adria Arjona, Haley Joel Osment, Liz Caribel Sierra, Levon Hawke, Trew Mullen, Saul Williams, Cris Costa, Simon Rex, and Kyle MacLachlan.

Kraven The Hunter — In Theaters August 30, 2024

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

You've never seen a super-hero flick quite like this. Consider this summer movie the origin story of the titular Kraven the Hunter, and discover why he becomes the feared figure we all know so well.

Kraven the Hunter premieres August 30, and stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ariana DeBose, Fred Hechinger, Alessandro Nivola, Christopher Abbott, and Russell Crowe.

Which 2024 summer movie are you looking forward to this year? I cannot wait for Inside Out 2! Follow us on Facebook for more movie news and check out this year's Most-Anticipated Fall Movies.

Lead image via Pixar/Disney

This post has been updated.

Amid dire concerns that TikTok threatens U.S. national security, bans against the app have spread like wildfire. Beyond just government devices, some universities initiated bans, with the latest policy talks going as far as to include personal devices as well. Though it’s unlikely that the platform will be completely banned (there are other proposed solutions, like selling the app or amending its data policies) due to free speech, the possibility of a ban raises another concern: the livelihood of small businesses.

TikTok is a central avenue for small businesses to promote their products and services, with special thanks to its algorithm, says Johannes Larsson, Founder and CEO at Financer.com.

“The platform's unique algorithm, which prioritizes content discovery and virality, has enabled many small businesses to reach and connect with potential customers in a way that wasn't possible through traditional social media platforms,” says Larsson. “Since its growth has been exponential throughout the years as a key marketing channel, the ban triggered the markets for sure.”

TikTok also masters the art of connection. Your For You Page knows exactly what you like to see. This gives small businesses the ability to get closer to their audience and reach more success that way, says saysLynzee Krohne, Founder of branding agency LEO + LAINE.

"On TikTok, brands have the freedom and space to be more casual and less branded," Krohne said. "Because of the nature of TikTok, it allows brands to let their guard down a bit and create content that may be a little more rough around the edges—which helps them appear to be much more authentic to their audience."

Jessica Tran, founder of @jtmobiledetailing, says 60% of customers choose her car detailing shop because they saw it on TikTok. Jaz and Sam Sears, owners and operators of@aztaco.king, grew their business from a food cart in a parking lot to two restaurants in less than 6 months, due to their success on the app. Megan Gersch, a web designer and brand identity creator, says around half of her client base comes from TikTok, which often turn into 4 to 5-figure contracts.

This positive growth for small biz is commonly attributed to the app’s distinctive features that connect creators with consumers, such as live video streaming, a virality-driven algorithm, and the ability for users to personalize their daily feeds.

“TikTok has been a great tool for allowing me to connect with my audience on a deeper level,” says Gersch. “There's a special magic that happens with video marketing that you can't achieve with a text or static image post. Your audience gets to know your quirks, your mannerisms, and they start to feel like they know you, even though you've never met. Every time you see a new video from one of your favorite creators, it's like a FaceTime call from a trusted friend.”

In its absence, small business TikTokers would have no choice but to adapt and pivot their marketing strategies, which is not always easy when they’re doing it DIY-style, says Larsson.

“While small businesses may be able to find success on other social media channels, the competition for visibility and engagement is often more intense [than on TikTok], making it harder for them to stand out. The time and effort required to establish a new presence and create content tailored to the specific characteristics of other platforms could be a significant burden on small business owners.”

Small businesses pivoting to other platforms might face different struggles for exposure, due to consumers being very platform-specific, according to Krohne.

"If [TikTok] brands begin to focus their content efforts on Instagram, they’re up against multiple types of content, and competing in a more content-saturated world," Krohne told us. "TikTok mostly has one content offering, and that’s why it’s insanely popular. There’s a difference between platforms. Brands must diversify their content and show up in other places to keep a steady stream of touchpoints to remain top of mind and memorable."

Though Gersch is no stranger to restrategizing, a potential TikTok ban would still impact her business as a web designer and brand creator.

“I've been a marketer for 16+ years, and one thing that I have learned along the way is that you need to constantly test, look at your analytics, and create where the attention is,” says Gersch. “If TikTok goes away, there will be a huge gap in the market that will need to be filled.”

TikTok recognizes the work that small business owners take on in order to find success, which is why the platform has committed $1 million each to the Hispanic Heritage Foundation to elevate entrepreneurship in the Latin community, and Black Girl Ventures to support Black and Brown women entrepreneurs.

“Five million US businesses turn to TikTok to take us inside their world in a fun, authentic way, and as a result, they are reaching new customers, hiring more employees and growing their business,” says Becca Sawyer, Global Head of SMB for TikTok. “By partnering with HHF and BGV and launching virtual workshops, we're strengthening our commitment to build an inclusive and supportive platform where small business owners and entrepreneurs can share their story, find their audience and drive real business results."

We can’t make a solid prediction for the destiny of the beloved app for now, but we do know that it’ll be dearly missed by small businesses and consumers alike if bans (at any capacity) go through.

“I don't want Tiktok to be banned - not only is it an integral part of my business, but I have also been able to connect with so many incredible people that I wouldn't have met otherwise,” says Gersch. “It's my go-to source for inspiration, learning, and even a good laugh.”

Sign up for our newsletter for more takes on current events. Follow us on TikTok to catch exclusive content!

Illustration by Claire Shadomy

I'll admit out of the many teen dramas I've consumed, Outer Banks is one of the most ridiculous. But the insanity surrounding the plot is half the reason it's enjoyable! John B. wrestling an alligator with his bare hands? Kiara getting kidnapped then making a daring escape in her PJ's? John B. and Sarah getting married (kind of) by the power of "the sky, the stars, and the sea" after escaping the SBI?

Considering my favorite fan theory for the future is that Madelyn Cline's Sarah and Rudy Pankow's JJ learn they're secret siblings, I know the crazy train isn't slowing down anytime soon. I took to Reddit to find the wildest Outer Bankshot takes and I was not disappointed. Keep reading to see if you agree with any!

JJ and Kiara Never Should Have Happened

Image via Netflix

While JJ and Kiara is one of the most popular ships on the show, a lot of Outer Banks fans think the "no Pogue-on-Pogue macking" rule from the pilot should have stayed in effect. The individual romances between Kiara and JJ, John B., and Pope make the story really messy, and the fact the show writes Kiara to be with all three of them in the span of three years gives a lot of viewers the ick.

I'll be team #Jiara forever (and literally screamed when The Backseat Lovers' "Kilby Girl" started playing during the motorcycle ride in season 3), but I'll say it would incredibly compelling to see a friend group take care of each other as much as the Pogues do without ever crossing over into romantic territory. That's found family, after all!

Pope Should Have Ditched The Treasure Hunt

Image via Netflix

One Reddit user is convinced that "Pope should’ve focused on his future in school instead of giving everything up to search for treasure." And TBH, I totally agree.

In season 1, Pope has a breakthrough about the hidden treasure in the middle of his scholarship interview. He ditches the scholarship committee to tell the rest of the Pogues, throwing away a crazy educational opportunity. Pope beats himself up for it, and his parents definitely aren't pleased, but at least it meant he got to stay in the show instead of leaving for college, which leads me to...

Outer Banks Should Have Started With The Pogues In Their 20s

Image via Netflix

As one of the only people alive who loves the post-time jump One Tree Hill, I would have loved to see OBX start off with the characters in their 20s (although it looks like that's where Outer Banks season 4 will pick up!). This would eliminate SO MANY problems from the jump because the Pogues wouldn't have to worry about missing school, they'd be more self-sufficient, and instead of being the same old high school drama, it could have provided a commentary on figuring out life in your 20s the same way Friends did.

Rafe Shouldn't Have Any Kind Of Redemption Arc In Outer Banks Season 4

Image via Netflix

Drew Starkey the man that you are. According to one Reddit user, "Rafe should not have a love interest or a redemption arc" like we see in season 3. We spent all of season 1 and season 2 establishing that Rafe (played by Drew) would do anything it took to get what he wanted (including one successful murder and two other attempts?!). He shows next to no remorse for his actions, and exploring his literal psychopathic tendencies would take the show to a whole new level.

Big John Should Never Have Returned

Image via Netflix

John B.'s dad's disappearance is the catalyst for the Pogues' journey at the beginning of Outer Banks, and Big John's return means the story feels somewhat repetitive in the third season, and it undoes a lot of the growth we've seen from John B. Plus, Big John is just SO chaotic, selfish, and dramatic. If he had truly died in season 1, we could have seen John B. wrestle with that finality, and how to cope with loss in the face of finding the treasure and falling in love with Sarah.

And Finally, Outer Banks Should Have Ended After Season 1

Image via Netflix

Outer Banks season 1 was exactly what we needed at the height of the pandemic. It was escapist — both in terms of the beach vacation vibes, but also because the '00s aesthetic took us right back to simpler times — and it had such a wonderfully resolved finale that some fans think nothing has matched it.

Do you agree with any of these Outer Banks opinions? I'm such a romance fan, I don't know what I'd do if the show didn't have JJ and Kiara get together! Check out all the best New TV Shows coming this year for more.

Lead image via Netflix

Mariska Hargitay is the woman of the hour anywhere she goes, with her iconic Law & Order: SVUrole as Olivia Benson under her belt for the last 25 years. The character is an absolute advocate to women — and assault victims of any gender — through her words, actions, and powerful convictions of each perpetrator on the show. She takes great care with her victims and pursues perpetrators with fervor, and slowly as you watch the show..the line blurs between Olivia and Mariska.

This isn't anything new — just recently Mariska literally stopped production on the show to help a child (who mistook her for an actual police officer) find her mom. It's just who Mariska is. She walks the walk and talks the talk — including during her speech at Variety's Power of Women's Power of Women event.

Image via NBC Universal

As a Power of Women honoree, Mariska was recognized in regards to her work as an advocate for sexual assault survivors. She took the stage and used her platform to discuss rape and assault conviction reversals, shining a light on the recent overturned ruling in Harvey Weinstein's landmark NYC case. Here's what she said:

Today I want to talk about reversing convictions, and more specifically I want to talk to you about how impossible it is to reverse mine. It’s impossible to reverse my conviction that survivors matter. It is impossible to reverse my conviction that what happens to us matters, and that our society must respond to survivors with a more a compassionate, holistically, deeper, and more nuanced understanding of what healing means.

It is impossible to reverse my conviction that after a trauma, survivors can reclaim lives of hope, of possibility, of audacious risk, beautiful intimacy, and glorious, glorious abundant joy. And I stand before you as evidence of that statement.

It is impossible to reverse my conviction that we must listen to survivors as experts on what justice means. It is extraordinary how little their voices are consulted, let alone incorporated, in the process of deciding how to repair harm. Justice is not a one-size-fits-all journey.

It is impossible to reverse my conviction that patriarchal impunity has to end. Patriarchal impunity is when a male-dominated system exempts perpetrators from punishment. Studies show that only 20% of all rape cases in the U.S. are reported to the police, and that between 5 and 0% of all rapes result in a guilty plea or a conviction. So why do 80% of victims not report? Because they're met with a system that grants impunity to perpetrators; a system that blames victims; a system that accepts only those victims who are experienced as "real" rape; a system that completely misunderstands the neurobiology of trauma, which causes behavior in women that doesn't fit the picture of how a "real victim" would act.

Is that change needed that victims should just pull themselves together? Just buck up and report anyway? No. No, it's the system that receives them that needs to change

It is impossible to reverse my conviction — and the conviction of my extraordinary team, The Joyful Heart — that the backlog of untested rape kits can be brought to zero; that the testing of all new kits must be mandated; that we need a statewide kit tracking system; and that survivors have the right to access the status of their kits.

It is impossible to reverse my conviction that grammar — yes, grammar — that we use when we speak about rape must change. In the sentence, "A woman is raped," there's a crime and there's a victim, but there's no perpetrator. Where's the perpetrator? Where is he? Statistically, as we know, most likely he's walking free. He's so free that he doesn't even appear in the language about the crime that he committed. Is that not extraordinary? It's extraordinary that in the very grammar, the perpetrator goes free. Reintroducing perpetrators in the language of rape will make some very unwieldy grammar, but that's the nature of change. It's unwieldy, it's messy, it's uncomfortable, but it's necessary.

Image via NBC Universal

Hargitay continued on in her prolific speech to describe that rape shouldn't be considered a "crime of passion" because it's "not simply the next step in the trajectory of his passion" when a man takes a consensual hookup too far and assaults a woman against her will. She stated that it's "an exercise of power," doubling down that the language we use is important.

The speech went on to address that rape is both about power and control, as a "construct" that was "built, and assembled, and reinforced over time." She noted that there are people with these positions of power — and she specifically called out those in the entertainment industry — that could make a difference and aligned themselves to victims and survivors.

After this and some other remarks, Hargitay specifically called out the Weinstein conviction reversal. She said:

I do want to say something about the Harvey Weinstein conviction, specifically about the reason that it was overturned: too many women's voices. Too many women's voices were allowed to speak. Hallelujah! Amen! I can't imagine anything more beautiful than that. The Daily podcast episode talked about how it was so risky for the prosecution to have that many women testify. Risky to let women speak? You're damn right it is!

Too many women speaking brings change. Too many women speaking shakes the establishment. Too many women means we get listened to more, and people might actually hear what we have to say. Look what happened when women started saying just two words, right? Me too — just as an example — a tidal wave of change. Me too.

And then of course, there was the response: the Me Too Movement. The backlash. The examination of whether the changes that have come are lasting, or are even positive. Of course there's a backlash! What did they expect? For women to speak repeatedly, loudly, together, with a purpose — for there to be no backlash? The backlash is evidence of how powerful those voices were, how powerful those voices ARE.

Watch Mariska Hargitay's Full Speech Here

www.youtube.com

Mariska Hargitay's Gets Emotional as She Thanks Her Support System and the Women Around Her

Turns out that your TV heroes really can be your IRL heroes after all. Long live Olivia Benson! Long live Mariska Hargitay!

Follow us on Facebook for more celebrity and pop culture news.

Header image via NBC Universal