Reviews
Wayward: A show that has not lost it's way.
Brielle Atwell, Student Reporter
November 30th, 2025
The definition of the word “Wayward” is “disobedient or self-willed: Behaving in a selfish, headstrong, or ungovernable manner, especially in a child or youth. (e.g., "A school for wayward teenagers.") I believe this definition is exactly what the show Wayward is, without giving everything away. Wayward is a Netflix series that came out on September 25th, 2025. It is definitely worth giving Wayward a shot.
It’s not your everyday storyline; it's a little creepy, a little eerie, and definitely captivating. Think of the opposite of social norms and see it perfectly depicted in a show. This show really makes you think and spikes your curiosity. You’ll see things in ways you never have before if you watch this show. Mae Martin did an exceptional job of depicting this concept.
Mae Martin is one of the main creators and writers of the script. They are also one of the lead actors in the show playing “Alex Dempsey,” who is a transgender police officer moving with his pregnant wife back to her hometown, Tall Pines. The character expects the town to resent them, but the town is, in fact, very welcoming. Alex is the character throughout this story who has those horror movie survival instincts that the audience loves. While working in the police force, Alex quickly notices abnormalities of the town and gets right to investigating. There are numerous obstacles in their way, which lead to exciting, unexpected twists and turns in the story.
The abnormalities of this town originate from the private school located in town. The principal there has specific ideals of children and enforces and encourages them in unusual ways.
This show was definitely one I stayed up late at night watching another episode because I was so curious to know more. The cliff-hangers were too good. They left us with just enough questions to want to come back, but not so many that we were just utterly confused and losing interest in the show.
I do think the ending was good, but not 100% satisfying. You have to really dig for context clues of why characters made the decisions they did in the end. Honestly, a lot of the characters' decisions or shifts in personality leave the audience wanting to know more, potentially in a second season. Of course, the creators may have done this on purpose to draw their audience back. I’d say it's a good ending if they do go through with a second season. The town never really escaped the realities that the main characters tried so hard to stray away from. They just reconstructed them. I’d be excited to see what happens to the characters since the big changes in their life. I would definitely come back and watch season two.
Review of Atomic Love by Jennie Fields
Samantha Ludvicek
November 30th, 2025
In times of war, we often hear about brutality and devastation. Have you ever wanted to see the humanity within those times?
Synopsis
In this story Atomic Love by Jennie Fields since the drop of the bombs Rosalind Porter has struggled with the impact of “their bomb” on the people who it devastated. Introduced to FBI agent Charlie Szydlo, Rosalind is faced with the idea of spying on her former lover/colleague Thomas Weaver who is suspected of selling nuclear secrets to the communists. She is faced with the struggle of having someone she loved intensely pushed back into her life after he destroyed her career and heart.
The Characters
Rosalind Porter aka “Roz” – she is a scientist who worked on the Manhattan Project. Rosalind is faced with some difficult truths and circumstances throughout this story as she navigates trying to protect more people from harm due to the bombs they created during their time on the Manhattan Project. While also struggling with an inner turmoil of what her emotions truly mean for both men who have recently returned or come into her life and the moral obligations she feels inside.
Thomas Weaver – Rosalind’s ex lover/colleague a character full of mystery and unknowns. As we navigate this story, we learn the true truth behind the hurt he has caused Rosalind, and some shocking twists as those truths are uncovered.
Charlie Szydlo – The FBI agent who was sent to watch Rosalind as Thomas Weaver makes his way onto the FBI’s radar for potentially selling nuclear information to the Russians. Szydlo has a complicated story that we see throughout the book as a former GI who was held captive and lost his hand during his imprisonment. Filled with passion for the cause he learns to navigate the ever complicating feelings he has for his source (Rosalind) while trying to succeed in his mission of catching Weaver.
The Background
This story take place in a post-World War II era after the atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This story touches on the feelings and emotions of the individuals behind the Manhattan Project and what their work did to their personal, and emotional relationships. It also touches on the work force for Women and how during the war there were opportunities for them to be involved in things they wouldn’t typically have the chance to, and once the men came back from the war those opportunities had to be given up in order to give them their jobs back. Lastly it touches on the traumas of the war put on the returning soldiers through the story of Szydlo and his time being held prisoner.
The Story
In this slow burning and thrilling tale we learn that maybe Thomas Weaver never stopped loving Rosalind like his actions so many years ago would lead one to believe. As we bounce between past and present giving us context of Rosalind and Weavers checkered past, along with Szydlo’s experience during the war we learn how truly complicated relationships can get when trying to fight for what one believes in. We see the struggle of Rosalind as she tries to understand her feelings for Thomas Weaver and the new man of mystery in her life Charlie Szydlo. We also see her struggle with what her heart and brain are telling her. Will she let her emotions get in the way of doing what she feels is right or will she risk her former love for the moral obligation she feels she has in keeping their creation from spreading and causing more harm.
This story is a riveting mix between romance, history, and thrill as we navigate this complicated and messy world that has been created by Jennie Fields. This story is not for the faint of heart as it comes with the emotions and destruction that was brought along with the atomic bombs, war and the lasting impacts they had on society. Filled with character growth, plot twist, and turns this story truly kept me guessing until the very end.
My perspective
There is an often-overlooked perspective when it comes to the education I have received regarding the Manhattan project and the scientists behind it. I often hear of the scientific discovery and advancements when discussing the project and work behind it. I have never heard about the scientists and what their experiences are with their own morals, ethics, emotions, and feelings. This story took me through this perspective and brought me into the mind of a scientist who sees the devastation and horrific impact of her work and discoveries through the project while also navigating those complicated relationships in her life which have been impacted by her emotions and feelings. The story acknowledges the hurt and destruction that was brought about by their discoveries which is so important for a story over a topic like this. Often times when I think of the people behind war efforts of any kind I think of military machines. This story made me feel the love, passion, misery, and pain of the main character which brought back to me a piece of humanity. I hope it does the same for you.
Book Review: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Marisa Hollis, Online Student Reporter
November 30th, 2025
♪ Down by the bay, where friendships grow in unexpected ways...♪
We don’t usually expect to find connection in unlikely places, certainly not between a lonely woman and a remarkably bright octopus. But that’s exactly what makes Remarkably Bright Creatures so special.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt is a heartwarming and unexpectedly emotional story about connection, healing, and the power of unlikely friendships. The novel follows Tova, an elderly woman who works part-time at an aquarium to keep her mind busy after losing both her husband and son. Her son died in a mysterious and sudden accident. Tova finds comfort in her new, quiet, reserved routine until she meets an unexpected friend: Marcellus, a remarkably bright giant Pacific octopus.
One thing that really makes this story so unique is that parts of it are told from Marcellus’s point of view. Being able to read his thoughts and feelings gives readers a deeper understanding of both his intelligence and his compassion. His witty observations about humans, especially about Tova. It brings humor, warmth, and surprising wisdom to the story. Marcellus is not just an ordinary octopus; he becomes a voice of truth and empathy, guiding readers to see life, love, and loss in new ways.
When Tova has an unexpected event that forces her to take time away from the aquarium, a young man named Cameron steps in to help cover her shifts. Now, adding one more point of view into the mix, we can continue to experience through his eyes. We continue to see how Marcellus’s presence continues to influence those around him, connecting the characters in unexpected and meaningful ways.
I found this story beautifully written and full of heart. It reminded me that healing often comes from the most unexpected places and that even the smallest acts of kindness can change lives. The relationship between Tova and Marcellus was touching, and the author’s ability to give an animal such emotional depth made this book truly unforgettable.
I was also very happy to learn that Remarkably Bright Creatures is being adapted for Netflix. Director Olivia Newman announced in May of 2025 that after 64 weeks, production had finally wrapped up and would begin streaming soon. Though the official release date has not been announced by Netflix, I’m genuinely looking forward to seeing this beautiful story unfold on screen and watching Marcellus and Tova’s unique friendship come to life.
Bad blood or actually romantic? A review of Taylor’s new album, The Life of a Show Girl.
Antonio Smith, Online Student Reporter
November 30th, 2025
Music is one of the biggest ways we express ourselves these days, whether we write it, create it ourselves, or listen to it. When we listen to songs that share experiences we can relate to or even trigger memories of the good times in our lives, it’s truly the best medicine.
If I had to describe the last fifteen years of my life with a few words, I would say they were chaotic but transformative. A lot of what helped me get through tough times back then was Taylor’s music. Something about her lyricism and voice always brings me comfort, whether I was fifteen and losing my mother or now dealing with a messy breakup. And this new album, The Life Of a Showgirl, is much like her past work, but with renewed passion.
After nearly twenty years in the music scene, Taylor has not only found her stride but also gained confidence and the ability to ignore unfair criticism and focus on the art she puts into the world. This album has twelve songs, and while they all mean the world to me in different ways, I chose my top five that truly make the album stand out. Without these songs, the album wouldn’t feel as cohesive or deep.
"The Fate of Ophelia" opens the album and again shows that Taylor can transform a tragedy from one of Shakespeare’s plays into a happier ending. She did this with Love Story in 2008, portraying a Romeo and Juliet who end up much happier than in the original play, and again with Ophelia, whose namesake’s she’s drawing from, drowned from heartbreak in Hamlet. But in this version, she’s essentially being saved from death by love—an unexpected but new kind of love. The lyrics “Late one night, you dug me out of my grave and saved my heart from the fate of Ophelia” underscore this theme.
"Opalite" was one of those songs you might imagine playing in a department store during the holidays. It’s about emerging from darkness into light, which might sound sad, but to me, the song feels cheerful and upbeat, with a clear message. One lyric has sparked controversy since its release: the line “Sleepless in the onyx night, but now the sky is Opalite.” Some suggest that Onyx could symbolize African Americans because it’s a black stone, and "Opalite" could represent white Americans because it’s clear. This implies racial undertones in the lyrics.However, I don’t believe these theories. Opalite is a man-made stone, and she’s trying to say that you have to create your own happiness out of darkness. That’s what I understood after listening several times.
"Father Figure" was a real surprise to me. I knew she was going to include an interpolation of George Michael’s 1987 hit after getting approval from his estate, but I didn’t expect the deeper meaning behind it. While the catchy chorus shares the same beat and rhyme as his famous hook, it seems to carry greater significance in her version. When she was writing this song, I believe she was thinking about Scott Borchetta, the man who discovered and signed her, and then later sold her masters without her knowledge. The opening line, “When I found you, you were lost in the cold, pulled up to you in the jag, turned your rags into gold,” always hits me because of how smoothly she sings it, but it also comes across with a sinister vibe. The song is deeply emotional for her to write and record, and the ending hits even harder now that she’s bought back her rights to her masters. The line shifts the narrative toward him: “I was your father figure, you pulled the wrong trigger, this empire belongs to me, leave it with me. I protect the family.”
"Ruin The Friendship", to me, is about making the most of life’s moments so you’re never left wondering about the what-ifs. Here, Taylor reflects on a high school friend who died, whom she wishes she had kissed more and explored with back then. Having just gone through a painful breakup with my best friend of seven years, I needed to hear this reassurance that I did the right thing in crossing the friend boundary. The lines “When I left school, I lost track of you, Abigail called me with the bad news, Goodbye, and we’ll never know why” still give me chills, as do “My advice is always ruin the friendship, Better that than regret it for all time, Should’ve kissed you anyway,” which was the best thing to hear at the time.
"Honey", the second-to-last track on the album, I thought would just be a sweet love song, and it is, but it also has a deeper meaning. In the song, she talks about how whenever someone called her Honey or sweetheart, it was in a passive-aggressive way, not with praise. But with her new lover, he can call her honey because she’s the one he truly loves and wants. The line “If anyone called me, “You can call me ‘Honey’ if you want, because I’m the one you want” is simple but carries a lot of depth in the song.
The discussions about Taylor Swift and The Life Of The Showgirl seem to come from many people with a bias against her and her rise to stardom. Some believe she doesn’t deserve it, while others think she’s not all that impressive. Even with twenty years of experience in the music industry, she is at the peak of her career and shares rare air with few like her. This explains why those commenting on her, her songs, and her breakups often don’t understand because they aren’t in the same space.
Zara Hanawalt from The Every Girl summed it up nicely: “Misogyny is everywhere, and every female artist, every female person, is going to fall victim to it. Taylor Swift, even with all her privilege and power, is no exception.”
Regarding the difference in her lyrics between this album and others, or the album not living up to her usual high songwriting standards, Hanawalt asked, “Why are we so hung up on Swift’s resistance to settling into a single, simple box when, instead, we should be praising her range?”
If anything, Taylor is shining a spotlight on the music industry right now, and because of that, anything she says or does will be critiqued, including this album. But for many, this was the album we’ve needed from her for a while, and we’re celebrating its massive success and her.
Game review: MLB The Show 25
Marquee Williams, Online Student Reporter
November 30th, 2025
MLB The Show 25 is honestly one of the best sports games I’ve played this year. I currently have only been playing it for a month, and I love the game, despite it still having a few things that can get annoying. The graphics look super clean for a sports game, and the player animations make the game feel way more realistic than older versions. And, in this year's version, the player animations make you feel more in immersed and more real. Many players also really like how the hitting feels smoother than the older version that they have played or tried.
Going into this year's version, there's a lot of new things added. This includes things like adjusted pitching; players who previously just figured out pitching through trial and error actually require some skill now instead of just spamming buttons like they were in the old game. Additionally, there are changes in game modes like "Diamond Dynasty", "Road to the Show", and more. For example, in the "Diamond Dynasty", they adjusted so many things and made it way better this year. These modes give you more to do, especially if you like building your own team or playing through a season. Players in the gaming community find the Diamond dynasty mode very fun. However, sometimes the servers lag and can end up logging out of the online game, causing people to lose and being confused as to why. Overall, though, the game is fun, addictive, and a big step up for baseball fans.
A large amount of player feedback has been about how they feel at peace when playing the game because there are skill levels for all players. Additionally, there are many options, like playing a casual game against the computer or going online in head-to-head against real people. The developers have given the game so many different moods and vibes for all players, and the community loves it.
Another huge topic among players is the new career mode on the "Road to the Show". "Road to the Show" mode has been a staple of the MLB game for a while now and is a fan favorite. The mode allows you to create a personal character and run through a career. But this year, they made it to where, early in your career, the game lets you play in high school and college. You can now play two to three high school games, followed by a couple of college games during the young years. In the game they call this the "Amateur Years", which makes the journey feel more realistic and personal and makes you feel like you're really in it.
Additionally, the developers have worked to revamp the attribute progression system so you can develop your player more intentionally instead of wasting upgrades. Additionally, “Perks” give your character special advantages so you can dominate while playing. To add drama and make the game more fun, they have added new impact plays and quick-time events in different situations so you can feel more in the game.
The game has introduced two new game features inside of the "Diamond dynasty" mode called "Diamond Quest" and "Weekend Classics". "Diamond Quest" is cool. It plays like a board game were you move around different themed boards, take on
challenges, earn Perks, and collect rewards to win very cool prizes you normally wouldn't win. "Weekend Classic" is more competitive, as you are pitted against other players over a weekend to climb leaderboards and score top rewards, but it is fun, and they make it to where you can compete with your level and not get dominated. In the mode, you get up to 3 losses before you are out, but you can win up to as any packs as you want.
Also, they have added authentic high school and college audio like the clang of bats or the echo of chain-link fences so you can feel that you're really part of the game in the "Diamond Dynasty" mode because it is the most played game mode in the game. They also removed the old "Sets and Seasons" system, giving more freedom in how you build and play your "Diamond Dynasty" team and what you can do to your team, like your players, team name, jerseys, and more.
These changes have made the game more fun for everyone at every level because they have fixed something for everyone. Of course they still have a few things to fix and get right but for the overall game it is a fun and complete game. It’s worth playing if you’re into sports games, a baseball fan, or just want something competitive to grind after school, work, or in your free time.
