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Inspirational Anime Couples That Are Absolutely Perfect for Each Other
Pop Culture

Inspirational Anime Couples That Are Absolutely Perfect for Each Other

Think about some of the most famous couples from arts and literature, not to mention from world history. There is the tragic love of Romeo and Juliet, of course, and the ill-fated bond between Antony and Cleopatra. Far more recently, Marge and Homer Simpson (somehow) endure, while David and Patrick from Schitt’s Creek inspire relationship goals. Those relationships, from plays, films and television, share little in common, except for an undeniable love. A similar bond can be found elsewhere, too, among some of the best anime couples.RELATED: 120 of the Best Anime Quotes of All TimeAs any fan can attest, there are numerous anime couples every bit as compelling as any presented by Shakespeare. Among the many cute anime couples are some from famous properties like Dragon Ball Z. Others are more obscure, at least to anyone who isn't an anime fan. However, they will charm those who give them a chance.Before we discuss some of the best anime couples, let’s first make sure we're on the same page when it comes to the medium.What Is Anime, Anyway?Dragon Ball ZLong story short, “anime” generated refers to animated television series or movies that originate in Japan. However, in Japan, it's a blanket term for any animated work, regardless of where it was produced.The word itself is not shorthand for the English term “animation." Rather, it's how “animated cartoon” is said in Japanese. There are aspects of anime that are seen as typical, such as dramatic action, and exaggerated expressions and body movements. But in terms of the storylines and settings, the field is broad. That's one of the reasons there are so many wonderful anime couples. Their love stories can be found anywhere the writers and illustrators can create.Here are six of the best anime couples you can find.Misaki and Usui, 'Kaichou wa Maid-Sama'Often called simply Maid Sama!, Kaichō wa Meido-sama! ("The Class President Is a Maid!") is based on the manga series by Hiro Fujiwara. The title mostly gives away the premise. It's a romantic comedy that centers around Misaki Ayuzawa, the first female student council president of the former all-boys school. Although she develops a reputation for disliking her rowdy male classmates, Misaki secretly works after school at a maid cafe, to support her family. Unfortunately, Takumi Usui, a popular boy at school, discovers her secret.RELATED: 15 Amazing Female Anime Characters and What Your Favorite Says About YouMaid Sama! work so well because the main characters are in a classic “opposites attract” scenario. Initially it seems as though there's every reason for them not to become romantically involved. Heck, they should actively repel each other. The series endeared fans to hard-working Misaki and to Usui, the archetypal big man on campus. They love how, even with the decks stacked against them, these two stuck it out.Winry and Edward, 'Fullmetal Alchemist'Winry is one of the most popular female anime characters. That shouldn't be surprising, given the role she plays in Fullmetal Alchemist. Created by Hiromu Arakawa, it follows brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric as they try to undo the damage following a failed attempt to bring resurrect their mother.Winry keeps Edward going, quite literally, using her mechanic skills to restore his prosthetic arm and leg, as needed. Their bond, which began in childhood, grows into true love. They become one of the best anime couples of all time, anchoring the beloved steampunk world of Fullmetal Alchemist.Mikasa and Eren, 'Attack on Titan'Attack on Titan has delighted fans since the manga debuted in 2009. The anime adaptation, which premiered in 2013, won't air its final episodes until sometime in 2023. Created by Hajime Isyama, Attack on Titan is set in a world where the last remnants of humanity live in cities encircled behind enormous walls, and battle flesh-eating giants known as Titans.RELATED: These Disney "Failures" Prove Your Idea of Success May Be WrongArguably the most enduring element of the series is the love story of Erin and Mikasa, which is all the more poignant because it is doomed. Much will be spoiled right here, so be warned. So doomed is their love that it's none other than Mikasa who slays Eren. Given his turn to darkness, she has little choice. Before she does, however, they endure -- even when their relationship is strained beyond belief.It’s not a pretty romance, but the feelings between Mikasa and Eren are undeniable, if undeniably sad.Yuki and Kaname, 'Vampire Knight'What is it about vampires and their romantic lives that we humans find so difficult to resist? From Bram Stoker’s Dracula to Anne Rice's The Vampire Chronicles to Stephenie Meyer's Twilight, people love when vampires fall in love, especially when the objection of their desire isn't another vampire.RELATED: She-Hulk’s Sexual Liberation Is Crucial for Marvel and Disney+That’s certainly the case with Vampire Knight. Based on the manga by Matsuri Hino, the romantic storyline is a complicated one. As usual, a human, Yuki, develops romantic feelings for a vampire, Kaname. But in this case, Yuki is also the object of the affection of Zero, her adoptive brother, who is an avowed vampire hater and hunter. That would complicate matters enough on their own. But, as it happens, Zero is leading a secret double life ... as a vampire.Meliodas and Elizabeth, 'Seven Deadly Sins'Don’t worry, Meliodas and Elizabeth have a happy ending in Seven Deadly Sins. After the defeat of the Demon King and Cath, they even get married and have a child, named Tristan. However, it takes this popular anime couple a long time to get there.RELATED: Walt Disney’s Life Story: A Mouse, Eternal Life, and a Stolen RabbitBoth characters are shown to have had difficult lives before Nakaba Suzuki's Seven Deadly Sins even begins. And we do means lives. In this series, the characters are reborn many times over. Set in a magical world resembling medieval Europe, the story follows seven knights, each of whom represents one of the Deadly Sins (pride, wrath, envy, greed, lust, gluttony and sloth). The leader, Meliodas, is tasked with reuniting the knights after they disband in disgrace. His love story with Elizabeth dates back generations, during which time he has witnessed her die time and again.With each death and rebirth, Meliodas gets closer to becoming the good person he wants to be -- and to not losing Elizabeth again.Trunks and Mai, 'Dragon Ball Z'One of the mot influential anime of all time, Dragon Ball Z predates the other properties on this list. The 1989 sequel to Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball, the anime continues the adventures of Son Goku as he battles the enemies of Earth. That includes everything from evil robots to alien invaders to magical monsters. That may not sound like a premise ripe for romance, but it certainly was. Only not for Goku, always seems more interested in training or fighting than in romance or family.No, the true romantic couple to watch in Dragon Ball Z is Trunks and Mai. Although Mai is a “mere” human she bravely fights beside Trunks’ side. It only makes sense that both of these characters survive the apocalypse, and that their romance is not only intact but stronger after the many trials and tribulations.KEEP READING: Chris Evans Reacted to Captain America's Virginity Reveal - Why Is It a Big Deal?

The Best Ted Lasso Quotes From the First Two Seasons
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The Best Ted Lasso Quotes From the First Two Seasons

Ted Lasso has charmed audiences for two seasons with its wholesome, aw-shucks storylines. Equal parts hysterically funny and uplifting, the Apple TV+ sports dramedy follows an American college football coach who's hired to coach an English soccer team. Over the course of its first two seasons, the series has delivered plenty of humor and heart, and countless memorable Ted Lasso quotes.RELATED: Kindness Quotes: Inspirational Quotes About Love, Generosity, Compassion & HumilityTed Lasso's arrival in 2020, at the beginning of global COVID-19 lockdowns, was perfectly timed. It was precisely the show audiences needed, following a college football coach from Kansas (played by Jason Sudeikis) who becomes the coach of an English soccer team. Lasso (the character) was set up to fail, and yet... he didn’t. He succeeded in charming his colleagues, players and, eventually, his boss -- to say nothing of viewers. Jason Sudeikis as Ted Lasso and Hannah Waddingham as Rebecca WeltonTed is a fish out of water, and a master of one-liners that seemingly come out of nowhere, yet reveal layers of meaning and invite introspection. Ted is the king of inspirational sayings, and of well-timed dad jokes that make us groan as much as they make us laugh.The cast of Ted Lasso is at least as comically adept as Sudeikis is at delivering quips and double entendres. The scripts remain pretty wholesome, despite the penchant by footballer Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein) for peppering his speech with F-bombs. The main cast is rounded out by Coach Beard (Brendan Hunt), Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham), Keeley Jones (Juno Temple) and Nathan Shelley (Nick Mohammed), who can hold their own against Sudeikis’ brand of humor. There's no official date announcement for Season 3, despite the Twitter account of Ted Lasso character Sam Obisanya teasing "9-12-22." Does he mean Sept. 12, or Dec. 9? Is he leading us on? While we wait to learn when “kindness makes a comeback” -- that was the tagline for Season 2 -- let’s take a look at some of the best Ted Lasso quotes from the first two seasons.Keep Calm and Carry OnBrendan Hunt as Coach Beard and Jason Sudeikis as Ted LassoQuote: “There’s two buttons I never like to hit, all right? And that’s panic and snooze.” In the Season 2 premiere, “Goodbye Earl,” we learn that Ted Lasso makes a point not to panic, embodying the English ethos, "Keep calm and carry on." Only with a Midwestern accent, of course. Ted refuses to panic, or to walk away, no matter how many games he loses, or how many of his players are behaving badly. He gets the job done under any circumstances."I’d hate to see you and Michelle Obama arm wrestle..."Jason Sudeikis as Ted Lasso and Hannah Waddingham as Rebecca WeltonFull quote: "See? What'd I tell you, huh? This woman right here is strong, confident and powerful. Boss, I tell ya, I'd hate to see you and Michelle Obama arm wrestle, but I wouldn't be able to take my eyes off it, either." In Season 1, Episode 3, “Trent Crimm, Independent," Ted has yet to discover he’s a pawn in the scheme by Rebecca Welton, the new owner of AFC Richmond, to spite her philandering ex-husband. Ted's "Michelle Obama" comment is sincere, and catches Rebecca by surprise. “Oh, that’s not a compliment I’ve had before," she replies. Keeley Jones interjects, "Yeah, you do have perfect, action-figurey arms," to which Rebecca replies, "Oh, there's another one.)RELATED: Resilience Quotes to Make You Stronger At this point in the series, Rebecca is all business, and closed off to the idea that she could be friends with her employees. But this may be the first time she sees Ted and Keely for who they are. Over time, they become the two most important people in her life. "Hot, brown water"Jason Sudeikis as Ted LassoFull quote: “You know, I always figured that tea was gonna taste like hot, brown water. And you know what? I was right. It was horrible.”Ted Lasso is about as American as it gets and he’s very much a fish out of water in England, especially when he considers tea, the national beverage of England, to be "hot, brown water." When Rebecca offers him tea soon after meeting him in the series pilot, she asks,, “How do you take your tea?” Ted responds, “Well, usually I tell them to take it right back to the counter, because someone has made a horrible mistake.”"I do love a locker room"Ted LassoFull quote: "I do love a locker room. Smells like potential… and am I getting notes of Axe body spray?"This quote is from the 2020 pilot, in which Ted, newly hired as coach, enters the AFC Richmond locker room. It's a simple line, but with it Jason Sudeikis conveys the wholesome, and honest, hopefulness of Ted Lasso.“You beating yourself up is like Woody Allen playing the clarinet..."Ted LassoFull quote: "You beating yourself up is like Woody Allen playing the clarinet – I don’t wanna hear it. All right?” RELATED: Motivational Quotes to Help You Rise AboveIn Season 1, Episode 9, “All Apologies,” Roy Kent makes several mistakes on the field, which leads Ted Lasso to weigh whether to bench the veteran. However, Ted won't tolerate Roy's self-recrimination -- something at which the player excels.It's a perfect example of Lasso’s to-the-point optimism. He’s basically saying that everyone has bad days, and dwelling on them is useless. "You two knuckleheads have split our locker room in half."Jason Sudeikis as Ted LassoFull quote: “Now, listen. You two knuckleheads have split our locker room in half. And when it comes to locker rooms, I like 'em just like my mother's bathing suits: I only wanna see 'em in one piece, you hear?”RELATED: 8 Ms. Marvel Quotes That Will Inspire You to Be the Hero of Your Own StoryRoy Kent and Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster) are at odds in the Season 1 episode "For the Children." Jamie, the young upstart, has talent. However, the veteran, Roy, has experience. And Jamie can no more fathom Roy's experience than Roy can return to the heyday of his career. They fight like cats and dogs, which forces Ted Lasso to seize control.In that same episode, Ted tell Roy, “You know how they say that ‘youth is wasted on the young'? Well, I say don’t let the wisdom of age be wasted on you.”"Not unlike folks at a hip-hop concert whose hands are not in the air.”Jason Sudeikis as Ted Lasso and Brendan Hunt as Coach BeardFull quote: “It’s just a group of people who care, Roy. Not unlike folks at a hip-hop concert whose hands are not in the air.”During Season 1, Episode 8, “Diamond Dogs,” Ted, Coach Beard, Nick and Higgins (Jeremy Swift) bond over work and romantic problems, and brand themselves the Diamond Dogs. They even have their own calling card: a howl. RELATED: 11 Stranger Things Quotes to Turn Your Life Upside DownWhen Roy wanders into the office with matters of the heart, he encounters the Diamond Dogs. He's skeptical, as usual, leading to Ted's assurance. Best Quotes from the Ted Lasso CastHannah Waddingham as Rebecca Welton in Ted LassoTed Lasso isn’t the only character on the series who doles out quotable quips. At one point or another, all of the characters have their moments. That’s how strong the writing on Ted Lasso is. I like the idea of someone becoming rich because of what they gave to the world, not just because of who their family isSAM OBISANYA, PLAYED BY TOHEEB JIMOHDon’t you dare settle for fine.ROY KENT, PLAYED BY BRETT GOLDSTEINYou can’t get hurt if you don’t tryKEELEY JONES, PLAYED BY JUNO TEMPLEOld people are so wise. They’re like tall Yodas.JAMIE TARTT, PLAYED BY PHIL DUNSTERI’ve been to Vegas many times. One night is good, two nights is perfect, three is too many.”COACH BEARD, PLAYED BY BRENDAN HUNTA bit of advice for being a boss. Hire your best friend.REBECCA WELTON, PLAYED BY HANNAH WADDINGHAMEach of those quotes reveals so much about where the characters are in their life journeys, and who they are at their core. Sam is in awe of the wealth he sees around him in Europe. Roy sees Keeley for the strong, amazing woman she is. Jamie, as usual, is really only thinking about himself. Coach Beard ... well, no one really knows what Beard is up to. And Rebecca is learning about true friendship from Keeley. What Is the Ted Lasso Motto?Jason Sudeikis as Ted Lasso and Sarah Niles as Dr. Sharon FieldstoneChoosing only one of Ted Lasso’s mottos is like finding a needle in a haystack. Over the first two seasons of the Apple+ TV hit, Jason Sudeikis’ character doles out advice, friendship and hope to whomever needs it -- and in just the way they need it at the time. He’s like a savant of kindness. However, if we have to settle on one motto, it's what is emblazoned on the crooked yellow-and-blue sign above the door to his office: "Believe." Believe in yourself; believe in other people; believe in love and friendship and life; believe you will find your way. How Does Ted Lasso Say Thank You?Jason Sudeikis as Ted LassoHonestly, we could all take a lesson from Ted Lasso. He's not perfect, but no one is. However, he always strives to be kind, to see the other person, and to offer them what they need. Instead of saying thank you, Ted Lasso typically says, “I appreciate you,” letting the person know he's grateful for what they’ve just done or said. Perhaps you’ve heard someone say "I appreciate you" recently, and wondered where it came from. It’s one of dozens of amazing Ted Lasso quotes.KEEP READING: The Best (and Funniest) Quotes From The Office

Wednesday Addams Is the Righteous Fury of Empowerment the World Needs - And She Always Has Been
Pop Culture

Wednesday Addams Is the Righteous Fury of Empowerment the World Needs - And She Always Has Been

You would be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn't like The Addams Family, cartoonist Charles Addams' delightfully macabre satire of the American family. Across decades, and mediums, they have provided a look into the darker side of life. It's no surprise, then, that the property is receiving yet another reboot: a Netflix live-action series directed by Tim Burton, following daughter Wednesday Addams' school adventures.The Evolution of Wednesday AddamsLisa Loring as Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family (1964)It's been a long road to get to the point where Wednesday Addams can carry her own television series. She debuted, along with much of the rest of the Addams Family, in a series of cartoons by Charles Addams. Beginning in 1938, and continuing for an incredible 50 years, the single-panel comics were published by The New Yorker among other publications. (The characters didn't receive individual names until the arrival of the ABC television show, in 1964.)RELATED: What Is the Bechdel Test, How Do You Pass It - And Does It Still Matter?The comics consisted of unrelated comedic scenarios starring the offbeat family. In this first iteration, Wednesday's iconic appearance (pale face, with dark hair) is codified, as is her love for the macabre. Unlike some later depictions, however, she's deadly serious and almost never smiles.The ABC sitcom The Addams Family gave more dimension to Wednesday, and the other characters. She was cheerfully morbid, raised spiders and played with her beheaded Marie Antoinette doll. However, Wednesday was also a happy child. She event danced ballet -- while wearing a black leotard and tutu, of course.A Wednesday Addams for Modern TimesThe cast of The Addams Family (1991)Following multiple TV incarnations -- an animated series, a live-action Halloween special and a failed variety-show pilot, among them -- the Addams Family finally made the jump to the big screen with 1991's The Addams Family. Played by the perfectly cast Christina Ricci, Wednesday's character is decidedly darker than in earlier adaptations. She's often grim and deadpan, as she had been in the original cartoons. She's overtly sadistic, too, relishing in the torture of brother Pugsley more than she ever did on the 1964 series. This Wednesday Addams also displays more agency, often commenting on, and influencing, the film's events.However, Wednesday truly shines in the 1993 sequel, Addams Family Values. She and Pugsley are shipped off to summer camp, through the scheming of their baby brother's nanny. It's the first time viewers have seen Wednesday spend prolonged time among "normal" children and adults. And the results are every bit as chaotic as you might expect.RELATED: Why Prey Did Not Kill [SPOILER] - and How That Subverts a Traumatic TropeThe next major revamp came in 2009, with a Broadway musical based on The Addams Family. Also called The Addams Family, the stage production follows an older Wednesday as she brings home a "normal" fiancé, and struggles to reconcile her spooky upbringing with her partner's chipper influence. Wednesday most recently appeared in the 2019 animated movie The Addams Family, and its 2021 sequel. There, Wednesday looks much like her original comic version, and spends much of the films undermining the schemes of villainous adults.The Subversive Genius of The Addams FamilyCarolyn Jones as Morticia and John Astin as Gomez, in The Adams Family 1964 TV seriesThe Addams Family was conceived as the antithesis of the stereotypical nuclear family. That's reflected in obvious ways, such as in their aesthetics and wealth. But it also emerges in more subtle ways that make viewers question societal norms.RELATED: She-Hulk's Review-Bombing Exposes One Crucial Detail About Marvel ShowsFor starters, Gomez and Morticia are the opposite of the typical comedy couple. The stereotypes of the beleaguered wife and the hen-pecked husband are thrown out the window. Gomez and Morticia are madly in love. And from their earliest depictions, they enjoy working, scheming and raising their children as a team.Wednesday's upbringing is every bit as subversive. She's given the same expectations and opportunities as her brother. Her parents fully support her interests, even -- or, perhaps, especially -- when they're mad, macabre or decidedly "unfeminine." In most of her iterations, she's the one taking charge of her antics with Pugsley. It's no wonder she isn't afraid to rock the boat, and advocate for truth and justice.Wednesday Addams, Timeless Champion of JusticeChristina Ricci as Wednesday in Addams Family Value (1993)Wednesday has always challenged gender norms and the expectations placed upon girls. She was subversive, from the very beginning, and has developed into an icon, and inspiration, for assertive, "unusual" girls. Every version of Wednesday Addams bucks societal norms. However, her recent depictions have shown her overtly challenging oppressive systems.RELATED: Marvel Movies Teach a Difficult Lesson About Modern ManhoodIn 1993's Addams Family Values, Wednesday faces relentless attempts at assimilation by bright-and-cheery Camp Chippewa with her signature deadpan snark. That is, until she's cast as Pocahontas in the camp's annual play about the first Thanksgiving. Wednesday breaks from the script with a monologue that highlights how Native Americans have been, and still are, exploited. She then leads her fellow outcast campers in setting fire to the camp, and roasting the head counselors on a spit -- in front of an audience of aghast parents.A Wednesday Addams for a New GenerationJenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams in Netflix's WednesdayArriving this fall on Netflix, Wednesday appears to continue in that same vein. In the teaser trailer, Wednesday Addams (played by Jenna Ortega) exacts vengeance on the school's water-polo team, which has been bullying Pugsley. "The only person who gets to torture my brother is me," she announces as she drops two bags of piranhas into the swimming pool. The lead bully is, quite literally, emasculated by one of the ravenous fish."I did the world a favor," Wednesday deadpans in voiceover. "People like Dalton shouldn't be allowed to procreate."This show is the first time onscreen that Wednesday Addams is fully in the spotlight. It's advertised as a mystery comedy with a supernatural twist, following Wednesday's adventures at Nevermore Academy. (Better still, Christina Ricci returns in a mystery role.)The teaser already showcases Wednesday's deadpan speech, macabre inclinations, and propensity for violence. It will be fun to see what else Wednesday will bring to the table, and in what ways she will inspire a new generation of girls to embrace their assertive, quirky selves.KEEP READING: Modern Family's Most Controversial Character May Be TV's Most Important LGBTQ+ Ally

Emma Thompson Blasted Sean Bean’s Controversial Views on Hollywood Sex - And She’s RIGHT
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Emma Thompson Blasted Sean Bean’s Controversial Views on Hollywood Sex - And She’s RIGHT

Among the changes in ushered in by the #MeToo movement is the rise of intimacy coordinators. Responsible for ensuring the comfort of actors who appear in intimate scenes, they've been widely embraced by Hollywood. However, Sean Bean recently made headlines by complaining they "ruin" the spontaneity of sex scenes, drawing swift criticism, most notably from Emma Thompson.RELATED: How Emma Thompson and Greg Wise's Long-Lasting Marriage Almost Didn't HappenThe Oscar winner wasn't alone, of course. She was joined by such actresses as Rachel Zegler and Lena Hall, Bean's Snowpiercer co-star. Like the actors union, SAG-AFTRA, and a growing number of production studios, they recognize the essential role of intimacy coordinators -- even if Bean doesn't. Think of them as stunt coordinators, but for sex scenes.Sean Bean's Controversial Views on Intimacy CoordinatorsSean Bean and Lena Hall on Snowpiercer (TNT)Game of Thrones star Sean Bean made his controversial remarks in a recent interview with Variety. There, he suggested having an intimacy coordinator on set to negotiate details of sex scenes would only make him more self-conscious.“It would inhibit me more because it’s drawing attention to things," said Bean, whose most recent credits include BBC's Marriage and TNT's Snowpiercer. "Somebody saying, ‘Do this, put your hands there, while you touch his thing…' I think the natural way lovers behave would be ruined by someone bringing it right down to a technical exercise." Asked whether intimacy coordinators could help to protect performers, Bean replied, "I suppose it depends on the actress."His comments obviously come from a place of privilege. A film and TV veteran, Bean has been fortunate enough to feel comfortable performing in sex scenes. As such, it apparently hasn't occurred to him that others actresses, and actors, might be placed in awkward situations. That's why SAG-AFTRA has pushed to make intimacy coordinators standard practice on TV and film sets. And why they're already mandated on every HBO production containing intimate scenes.Emma Thompson Responds to Sean Bean's CommentsDaryl McCormack and Emma Thompson in Good Luck to You, Leo Grande (Searchlight Pictures/Hulu)Bean undoubtedly isn't alone in his dated view of intimacy coordinators. However, many performers praise their growing role in film and television productions. Some, like Amanda Seyfried and the cast of the 1990s sitcom Boy Meets World, even wish they had the help of intimacy coordinators in their early careers.Emma Thompson, who's generated buzz for her performance in the sex dramedy Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, spoke from experience when she was asked to respond to Sean Bean.RELATED: How Euphoria's Nude Scenes Helped Sydney Sweeney Fight a Degrading Double Standard"I don't know if you were speaking to someone who found it distracting," she told Australian radio show Fitzy & Wippa, "but [in] another conversation, you might find that people go, 'It made me comfortable, it made me feel safe, it made me feel as though I was able to do this work.'"And no, you can't just 'let it flow'," Emma Thompson continued, never mentioning Sean Bean by name. "There's a camera there and a crew. It's not on your own in a hotel room. You're surrounded by a bunch of blokes carrying things. So, it's not a comfortable situation, full stop."Others were even more direct. West Side Story star Rachel Zegler tweeted, "Intimacy coordinators establish an environment of safety for actors. I was extremely grateful for the one we had on WSS -- they showed grace to a newcomer like myself [and] educated those around me who've had years of experience."Leaving no room for misinterpretation, Zegler concluded, "Spontaneity in intimate scenes can be unsafe. Wake up."Sean Bean Draws in Snowpiercer Co-Star Lena HallLena Hall on Snowpiercer (TNT)Snowpiercer actress Lena Hall was drawn into the discussion by Bean, who referenced their unconventional Season 2 sex scene in the interview. ("This one had a musical cabaret background," he said, "so she was up for anything.")RELATED: Sacheen Littlefeather Was 'Shocked' by Her Oscars Apology - Her Response Was More SurprisingHall responded with multiple tweets. "Just because I am in theater (not cabaret, but I do perform them every once in a while) does not mean that I am up for anything," she clarified on Twitter. "Seriously does depend on the other actor, the scene we are about to do, the director, and whatever crew has to be in there to film it.""If I feel comfortable with my scene partner and with others in the room then, I won't need an intimacy coordinator," she continued. "BUT if there is any part of me that is feeling weird, gross, overexposed etc... I will either challenge the necessity of the scene or I'll want an IC."Intimacy Coordinators in the Wake of #MeTooAsa Butterfield and Gillian Anderson in Sex Education, the first Netflix production to use an intimacy coordinatorIt's no secret that Hollywood's treatment of actresses has, historically, been a problem. Not only are they still paid less than their male counterparts, but increasing numbers of actresses have stepped forward to discuss the abuse and uncomfortable situations to which they've been subjected.The #MeToo movement resulted in a reckoning inside, and outside, of Hollywood. Some perpetrators have been brought to justice, and steps are being taken to better protect performers. That's why, in 2020, SAG-AFTRA created new standards for intimacy coordinators.RELATED: The Real Reason Tom Holland Deleted Instagram Might Make You Quit, TooAn intimacy coordinator is, basically, the go-between for filmmakers and performers in any scene involving sexual acts or nudity. It's their job to ensure the filmmakers' vision is realized in a way that makes the actors comfortable. They negotiate details of the scene in advance so that everyone is at ease before the cameras roll.It's worth noting that actresses are frequently among the few, if not the only, women on set when those scenes are filmed. That, combined with a fear of upsetting influential directors and producers, frequently led actresses to feel pressured into situations in which they're uncomfortable. Intimacy coordinators help to avoid any accidental abuses of power. They're also trained to perform what SAG-AFTRA calls "mental-health first aid." That makes them particularly useful for scenes involving sensitive, or emotionally challenging, material.Intimacy Coordinators and the Future of Hollywood Sex ScenesPaul Mescal and Daisy Edgar Jones on the set of Normal People (BBC/Hulu)With intimacy coordinators increasingly common, and vocally praised by performers, it appears as if they they'll be a permanent fixture of TV, film and theatrical productions. That's exactly how SAG-AFTRA wants it.RELATED: Rebel Wilson's Latest Comments on Body Shaming Expose a Dangerous Problem in Our Society"I’ve worked with some directors who initially felt hesitant about it because they didn’t really understand what the benefits of an intimacy coordinator were,” SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris told Vanity Fair. “One of the directors I spoke to was initially appalled by the idea that someone would be there. She thought her job was to protect and direct," she continued. "Then when she had the opportunity to work with an intimacy coordinator on a show, she found it to be a great support system for her. It helped her actualize her vision while knowing that her actors were feeling safe and seen."KEEP READING: Why Gwyneth Paltrow Will Never Forget the Moment Brad Pitt Stood Up for Her

She-Hulk’s Review-Bombing Exposes One Crucial Detail About Marvel Shows - And It Might Make You Angry
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She-Hulk’s Review-Bombing Exposes One Crucial Detail About Marvel Shows - And It Might Make You Angry

WARNING: The following contains mild spoilers for Marvel's She-Hulk: Attorney at Law Episode 1, now streaming on Disney+.She-Hulk: Attorney at Law is setting itself up to be one of the freshest Marvel Cinematic Universe series to date. Its premiere episode, "A Normal Amount of Rage," introduces Bruce Banner’s cousin, Jennifer Walters (Tatiana Maslany), depicts her transformation into a Hulk, and hooks viewers into her story -- which she insists is about being a lawyer more than anything else.RELATED: She-Hulk's Sexual Liberation Is Crucial for Marvel and Disney+Along the way, we learn more about how Bruce Banner and Tony Stark spent their time during the MCU's "Snap," the Hulk lullaby from Avengers: Age of Ultron, and whether Captain America actually died a virgin.Jennifer is a smart, funny protagonist who breaks the fourth wall in a way we’ve previously only seen from Deadpool. So why, then, does She-Hulk have such abysmal fan reviews -- many even before the first episode arrived on Thursday?She-Hulk Receives Lowest Fan Ratings Since Ms. MarvelTatiana Maslany as She-Hulk in Episode 1 (Disney)She-Hulk is only the latest Marvel project to be the target of review-bombing, with a disproportionate number of fans leaving 1-star reviews for the show.Of course, some of the criticisms are valid. For example, while greatly improved from the She-Hulk trailers, the show's CGI isn’t perfect. And while the series is designed to be a comedy, the tonal shift from the action-packed movies is understandably an adjustment for some viewers.RELATED: Marvel Movies Teach a Difficult Lesson About Modern ManhoodHowever, many fan reviews criticize She-Hulk as being “too feminist,” going so far as to call the Disney+ series “political.” Some reviewers are unhappy that Jennifer Walters' Hulk is just as strong as Bruce Banner’s (and perhaps even stronger).Jennifer’s personality is also a point of contention. She’s simultaneously criticized as being too smug and arrogant to be likeable, but not serious enough to be a lawyer.This isn’t the first MCU project to be targeted by unfairly low reviews. Ms. Marvel, centered around Pakistanti-American Muslim hero Kamala Khan, has the next-highest proportion of 1-star reviews.The 2019 film Captain Marvel was also flooded with negative reviews after star Brie Larson commented that critics on her promotional tour were “overwhelmingly white and male,” and pushed for diversity on her press days.Even Eternals faced heavy backlash after revealing that Phastos has a husband, whom he not only kisses on-screen but shares a son with. (Of course, the most shocking part of that storyline may be that a child in the MCU has not only one but two living and loving parents.)So why are some fans so quick to criticize these projects, while others seem to coast by, despite their flaws?Who Gets to Be a Superhero?Tatiana Maslany as Jennifer Walters in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (Disney)We're used to watching the "conventional" superhero formula play out on screen: An attractive white man faces some sort of life-altering event, gains incredible superpowers, saves the world, and gets the girl. And, hey, the formula works. That's why we have so many of these movies, and why we love them so much.But when that formula is challenged, the new characters are inevitably held to higher standards. They don't just have to convince audiences that they're a great hero, they have to prove their story is worth telling.RELATED: Marvel Finally Revealed a Superhero as Queer in Thor: Love and Thunder - And That's CrucialCharacters who are women, LGBTQ+ or people of color are held to a much higher standard. They often aren’t permitted to have personality traits that are seen as too strong or too noticeable, or else they risk attracting heavy criticism.The same confident sarcasm that makes Tony Stark a witty genius makes Carol Danvers unlikable and unrelatable. The same passion and excitement that makes Peter Parker so endearing renders Kamala Khan childish.While nobody is denying the importance of our classic heroes (there would literally be no MCU without Iron Man), this new wave of heroes is bringing a tonal shift in the MCU. Instead of only seeing stories rooted in male fantasies, we’re seeing stories grounded in women’s realities.Is Marvel's She-Hulk Too 'Feminist'?Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner and Tatiana Maslany in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (Disney)In She-Hulk's first episode, Bruce tells Jennifer that she needs to learn to control her anger. But while Bruce could express his anger freely before becoming the Hulk, Jennifer counters that she's never been allowed to do that. If she doesn’t control her anger, she will “get called emotional, or difficult, or might just literally get murdered.”This double standard is as true off-screen as it is on-screen.RELATED: Chris Hemsworth Revealed Why He Almost Quit As Marvel's Thor - And What Stopped HimLater, we watch a disoriented Jennifer stumble into a bar after “hulking out” for the first time. As she cleans herself up in the bathroom, she's surrounded by a supportive group of women who offer her shoes and a jacket.This is contrasted as soon as Jennifer steps out of the bar. She’s immediately harassed by a group of men who refuse to leave her alone. And while Jennifer has the satisfying experience of scaring these men away as She-Hulk, the rest of her night is intensely relatable to female viewers.These plot points aren't part of a political statement about men. They're simply reflecting a reality many women face every day.What Can She-Hulk Show Us About the MCU's Future?Tatiana Maslany and Mark Ruffalo in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (Disney)As Marvel continues to create projects with heroes that reflect the diversity of its audience, it will surely face backlash from viewers who aren't ready for that change. But that doesn't mean the studio should stop making them.RELATED: Ms. Marvel's Iman Vellani 'Manifested' her Disney+ Role - And You Can, Too!As more people see themselves represented on screen, the audience for Marvel movies will only grow. As the MCU diversifies, the opportunities expand for richer world-building, more compelling characters, and relatable storylines. Indeed, the upcoming phases of the MCU might be its most exciting yet.It's clear we'll never be able to change everyone's mind. There will always be review-bombers who are quick to judge any project that deviates from the classic hero's journey.But, hopefully, some of them will begin to embrace that it's time for a new wave of heroes. It's certainly possible to relate to and love characters who have different experiences than your own. The rest of us have been doing it for years.KEEP READING: How Marvel's Most Powerful Captain America Quotes Can Help You Save the World

You Might Turn into Netflix's Most Toxic 'Never Have I Ever' Character - Unless You Make One Big Change
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You Might Turn into Netflix's Most Toxic 'Never Have I Ever' Character - Unless You Make One Big Change

Netflix’s hit comedy Never Have I Ever was co-created by The Office veteran Mindy Kaling, who's known for her hilarious takes on realistic lives. That's exactly what the coming-of-age series has going for it. Kaling uses her own experiences to depicts Indian culture on screen. That kind of representation in Hollywood is severely lacking, so it's refreshing to see actor Maitreyi Ramakrishnan as Devi Vishwakumar.RELATED: How Netflix’s CEO Uses This Ancient Greek Philosophy Concept for SuccessHowever, Devi wasn't created for the sole purpose of presenting the Indian-American experience. Devi is a vessel for exploring the teen experience -- the good, the bad and the ugly. Kaling takes that idea so far that she may have made Devi one of Netflix's most problematic, and toxic, main characters. She’s repeatedly referred to as “Crazy Devi,” which is slightly offensive, sure. But that’s a theme of Never Have I Ever, and part of its charm.That said, Kaling has received backlash for aspects of Devi’s character. Let’s explore that criticism, and what fuels Devi's bad behavior. But let's also discuss trauma, and how Never Have I Ever captures the inability to cope with death.Why Devi From Never Have I Ever Is ToxicCourtesy of NetflixEveryone loves Devi, not because she’s a good person, but because she’s had so little redemption that it’s comical. However, if you take a look at what makes Devi such a bad person, you start to realize it’s more relevant than we think. Teenagers sometimes make bad choices, but Devi makes them more frequently than her peers do.Devi has a history of mild racism, especially when it comes to Indian culture. Throughout Never Have I Ever, including the newly released third season, she makes deprecating comments about Indian people, alluding to them not being attractive or cool. That's what sparked much of the initial backlash against Devi. Rather than embracing being Indian, Devi is just as guilty of stereotyping, and using offensive tropes to refer to her culture. However, some viewers also believe that's realistic. Given that Devi is one of the only Indian kids in her California high school, and not as popular as she’d hoped, she may have internalized a narrative that her background is to blame for her social status. Feeling excluded could have spiraled those thoughts, which may be a realistic progression for Devi as a teen trying to discover who she is.RELATED: Beyoncé Removes a Toxic Slur From “Heated” and Helps Change the World’s View of a WordOther than being mildly racist, Devi is also just mean. In Season 2, she starts a rumor, which turns out to true, about her new Indian-Muslim friend, Aneesa (played by Megan Suri). In a fit of rage, Devi tells a few classmates that Aneesa doesn’t eat, and is probably anorexic. That encourages Aneesa’s mother to want to pull her out of Sherman Oaks High School to avoid the ridicule she experienced at her previous school. Devi gets suspended, as she should. To make matters worse, while attempting to make a public apology, Devi only further embarrasses Aneesa, and digs herself a hole from which viewers thought she would never escape.Devi’s problematic antics don’t stop there, however. Let’s not forget about how she dated Ben Gross (Jaren Lewison) and Paxton Hall-Yoshida (Darren Barnet) at the same time. We also can’t forget how she purposely ditched her friend, Eleanor (Ramona Young), during an epic family emergency for Paxton. Devi isn’t a good girlfriend or a good friend. We’ve seen that proved over and over again, as she places her selfish wants above the needs of her friends. But is Devi a bad person, or is she simply trying to navigate her trauma? What Devi From Never Have I Ever Shows Us About TraumaCourtesy of NetflixIf you’re not familiar with Never Have I Ever, then you might not know Devi’s story. During a school orchestra concert in which Devi was meant to perform, her father, Mohan, died from a sudden heart attack.Following Mohan’s death, Devi’s trauma was expressed in a strange way – through paralysis. She was in a wheelchair for a while, because she lost feeling in her legs. Devi attends therapy sessions, where her psychologist (played by Niecy Nash) practically begs her to talk about her father so they can figure out the best way for to move forward in her grief. Devi frequently sees her father whenever she needs advice. She even once thought she sensed Mohan's spirit in a coyote that appeared near her father’s forgotten tomato garden.RELATED: What Wes Anderson’s ‘The Royal Tenenbaums’ Taught Us About Finding Humor in Trauma and DysfunctionAll of that is to say, Devi clearly isn’t handling her father’s death in the most constructive manner. While we can’t excuse everything Devi does and says, the most important takeaway from Never Have I Ever is that grief comes in waves, and sometimes skews our perception of the world. Devi insisted on becoming popular, and focused solely on her reputation, which made her lose sight of what was truly important – her friends and family.How We Can Help Our Loved Ones Deal With Trauma?Courtesy of NetflixDevi’s best friends, Fabiola (Lee Rodriguez) and Eleanor, repeatedly forgive Devi for neglecting them and placing her romantic relationships before her friendships. Although her actions aren't acceptable, her friends have a level of compassion for Devi’s mental state. Devi takes offense to her nickname, “Crazy Devi," but her behavior inspires that. Despite all of the irrational, rage-filled and self-centered situations in which Devi finds herself, Eleanor and Fabiola always find their way back to her.Why? At the end of the day, Fabiola and Eleanor know Devi’s conduct is motivated primarily by her trauma. Teenagers don’t always have the necessary coping mechanisms when it comes to death, mostly because their brains aren’t fully developed. However, that's also because they (most likely) haven’t experienced enough of life to really see anything that devastating. Unfortunately for Devi, she went through something that uprooted and shifted her world, and there’s no guidebook for that.RELATED: How Tyler Perry Overcame Trauma to Become Hollywood’s Highest-Paid ManWhen Devi is viewed through a sympathetic lens, it’s easy to see that, above all else, she’s a teen who is not only struggling to fit in, but she’s doing so while struggling to come to terms with the death of her father. Having friends who can remain patient with her through that difficult journey is critical to Devi’s growth. We can see that growth in Season 3.The biggest takeaway from Never Have I Ever is that grief isn’t linear, and can manifest in many forms. As friends watching someone we love go through grief, it’s crucial to hold them accountable for their questionable actions, but to also be empathetic and understanding of the process.KEEP READING: Personal Vs. Group Therapy: Which Mental Health Journey Is Right for You?