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Netflix's The Politician Review: It's a Hilarious Mix of Glee, Scream Queens, and, The Act


“I love to take bites out of the very confrontational nature of Payton and the over-confidence and the sort of lack of empathy and lack of regard for anyone else’s motives and feelings, because I’m very much not like that,” Platt tells Glamour about his character, who, at one point in the pilot, literally ponders whether or not he’s a sociopath. “It was delicious to play someone who is so headstrong and walks into a room and believes he’s the best person in the room.”

Boynton has similar feelings about playing the antagonistic Astrid. “She can be such a powerhouse and power presence, and I love those moments,” she says. “That happens mostly at her worst, and I love that part of her. I love playing Astrid at her most aggressive. She has such a presence and is not in the slightest afraid to take up space in the room.”

That aspect of The Politician is definitely refreshing. The female characters on the show—whether that’s Astrid, Dusty, or Georgina—aren’t concerned with being “likable.” They have elections to win, scams to execute, or mansions to iconically glide around. These women aren’t necessarily realistic, but they’re not idealized, either. They’re self-indulgent, over-the-top, occasionally villainous, and always entertaining. Think Chanel Oberlin from Scream Queens after 15 espresso shots.

Which, again, isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. The Politician paints its characters boldly and with broad strokes. It’s satirical and cynical and, at times, a bit dark. That aforementioned tragic event is truly devastating—and while it’s given the reverence it deserves, the pilot moves quickly back to Payton and Astrid’s win-at-all-costs antics. There’s not a ton of emotional nuance and sensitivity in The Politician. Know that before going in.

Ben Platt as Payton in The Politician.

Netflix

There are, however, several parallels to another Murphy classic: Glee. Payton could easily be the younger brother of Rachel Berry, McKinley High School’s show-choir all-star who was determined to make it on Broadway. “Payton definitely has that blind Rachel Berry, I will get it by all means necessary [motto],” Platt says.

That being said, Glee was a polarizing show, and The Politician will undoubtedly be too. It currently has a 55 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, so critics are pretty much down the middle. What ultimately will determine your taste for The Politician is your opinion on Ryan Murphy content. This isn’t one of his made-for-the-masses productions, like American Crime Story. His humor and brand are written all over this, in its most extreme forms. Personally, I loved it. Some will hate it. Regardless, I think you should give at least the pilot a whirl—if anything to see Gwyneth Paltrow prune flowers in full glam. I could watch nine hours of that alone.



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If One More Person Calls Miley Cyrus and Kaitlynn Carter ‘Gal Pals,’ I’m Gonna Scream


Hi, hello. It’s me, your Friendly Lesbian Media Overlord, checking in on the right way to talk about queer relationships—which, yes, apparently we still need. This week’s case: On Saturday it was announced that Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth are separating after less than a year of marriage. Soon after, photographs of Cyrus kissing The Hills star Kaitlynn Carter, who also recently ended her relationship with Brody Jenner, surfaced.

A source told People the women are “having fun” together while on vacation in Italy.

So okay, this may not be a long-term relationship—but that doesn’t stop me from cringing and going into a “gal pal” spiral when I see comments reducing their potential romance to two besties in need of “girl time” or a “fake” ploy to “mess with their two ex-husbands.”

Here’s what we’re not gonna do: We’re not going to say Cyrus (who has made it clear, multiple times, that she identifies as queer) “can’t be tamed,” call her a “wild child,” or conflate women who love women to feral animals. We’re not going to suggest that being queer is a rebound, a result of emotional trauma that leads to something as insane as trying on a sexual identity for size. We’re also not going to minimize queer female relationships the way we’ve historically done. (Yes, I’m available for hire in LGBTQ media sensitivity training, and I’m very expensive.)

What’s a “gal pal spiral,” you ask? Historically, headlines have dubbed women in same-sex relationships as “gal pals.” It’s reductive, as it insinuates that women who are close or openly involved sexually or romantically are just #BFFgoals. Cara Delevingne and Ashley Benson recently went through the “gal pal” cycle after the two were photographed wearing matching gold bands; reports claimed the women got matching “friendship rings,” despite the fact that Delevingne and Benson confirmed their relationship with an Instagram of themselves kissing labeled #PRIDE. Even after reports surfaced that they got married in Vegas, outlets countered it was only a “friendship ceremony.” Wow, I can’t wait to have a friendship ceremony and hook up with my platonic female partner on our friendshipmoon! Goals!

Delevingne was also gal pal-ed with Michelle Rodriguez when photos of the women kissing surfaced in 2014. Ireland Baldwin once kissed her “gal pal” Angel Haze. And never forget the time Kristen Stewart kept things “low-key in a denim jacket and skin-tight jeans as she steps out with live-in gal pal Alicia Cargile.” Live. In. Gal. Pal!





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14 Products from Trader Joe's That Practically Scream 'Fall'


  • <img src=”https://media.glamour.com/photos/59e8d440d4bbde520fa022c9/master/pass/harvest-blend-tea.jpg” alt=”Harvest Blend Herbal Tea”/>

    Harvest Blend Herbal Tea

    The aroma and flavor are rich thanks to the chai-like spices, including ginger and cinnamon. I’m totally addicted. It’s the perfect cup to cozy up with after dinner, especially with a generous drizzle of honey (and, thankfully, it’s caffeine-free).

    Trader Joes © 2017

  • <img src=”https://media.glamour.com/photos/59e8e342017a263f7ded2f14/master/pass/chips-and-salsa-collage.jpg” alt=”Pumpkin Tortilla Chips with Fall Harvest Salsa”/>

    Pumpkin Tortilla Chips with Fall Harvest Salsa

    If I had to pick my absolute favorites from my shopping list, this combination would be it. The chips are crispy as can be with a sprinkle of salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The salsa has big chunks of pumpkin, butternut squash, apples, peppers, and tomatoes. It sounds kind of strange, but trust me on this, it works. Together, they’re the perfect balance of salty and sweet.

  • <img src=”https://media.glamour.com/photos/59e8d43fd4bbde520fa022c7/master/pass/harvest-blend-complete-salad.jpg” alt=”Harvest Blend Salad Mix”/>

    Harvest Blend Salad Mix

    I love a good salad kit (not having to chop a million veggies is a win in my book) and this is by far one of the best I’ve tried. It’s packed with baby kale and other greens, shredded broccoli and cauliflower stems, pumpkin seeds, pumpkin spice cornbread croutons, and it even comes with a sweet and tangy pumpkin vinaigrette. Dump, dress, and serve. Hey TJ’s, can you carry this salad year-round, please?

    Trader Joes © 2017

  • <img src=”https://media.glamour.com/photos/59e8d4409787b8448418a398/master/pass/honey%20roasted%20pumpkin-ravioli.jpg” alt=”Honey Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli”/>

    Honey Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli

    Lots of good flavors here: pumpkin, honey, ricotta, and mozzarella all mix together for sweet and savory seasonal perfection. These guys don’t need much sauce: a little melted butter with a sprinkle of Parmesan is plenty. Serve it with the Harvest Blend salad, and dinner is done!

    Trader Joes © 2017

  • <img src=”https://media.glamour.com/photos/59e8d440dbd21c41651e32f8/master/pass/pita-crisps-with-cranberries-pumpkin-seeds.jpg” alt=”Pita Crisps with Cranberries and Pumpkin Seeds”/>

    Pita Crisps with Cranberries and Pumpkin Seeds

    Don’t let the name fool you—these crisps have a coating of cinnamon sugar on top, so they are almost more cookie than cracker. According to the package, they’re made by a small family-owned bakery. I believe it—each crisp looks slightly different and has an baked-in, earthy flavor.

    Trader Joes © 2017

  • <img src=”https://media.glamour.com/photos/59e8d44053deb33d150cac50/master/pass/pumpkin-bread-muffin-baking-mix.jpg” alt=”Pumpkin Bread and Muffin Baking Mix”/>

    Pumpkin Bread and Muffin Baking Mix

    Your friends will love you if you show up to any fall-themed gathering with muffins or a loaf made from this mix. I made it as pumpkin bread, and it was dense the way pumpkin bread should be, but still moist and crumbly. If you want to take things to the next level (and who doesn’t!?), add a heaping cup of chocolate chips to the batter before baking.

    Trader Joes © 2017

  • <img src=”https://media.glamour.com/photos/59e8d4419787b8448418a39a/master/pass/pumpkin-ginger-hold-the-cone.jpg” alt=”Pumpkin Ginger Mini Hold the Cone”/>

    Pumpkin Ginger Mini Hold the Cone

    OK, how cute are these?! Each adorable finger-length cone features a tiny scoop of pumpkin ice cream with hints of pumpkin spices inside a gingerbread-flavored cone. It’s like Halloween and Christmas had a baby. I’m not mad about it at all.

    Trader Joes © 2017

  • <img src=”https://media.glamour.com/photos/59e8d441017a263f7ded2f0f/master/pass/pumpkin-pancake-waffle-mix.jpg” alt=”Pumpkin Pancake and Waffle Mix”/>

    Pumpkin Pancake and Waffle Mix

    I prepared one big batch of the batter and tried it in both pancake and waffle form. It was delicious. The pancakes were firm, yet fluffy while the waffles were crispy on the outside and airy on the inside. They had just the right balance of sweetness and spice. Fry up a few slices of bacon and any chilly autumn morning will feel especially cozy.

    Trader Joes © 2017

  • <img src=”https://media.glamour.com/photos/59e8d442dbd21c41651e32fa/master/pass/pumpkin-joe-joes.jpg” alt=”Pumpkin Joe-Joes “/>

    Pumpkin Joe-Joes

    TBH, I almost didn’t buy these. I don’t typically love cream-filled sandwich cookies, but since they’re a TJ’s classic, I gave them a try. And you know what? I ended up loving them! I don’t detect that much pumpkin flavor, but the spices are totally on point. I can’t help myself from reaching for one (or two) as a midday treat.

    Trader Joes © 2017

  • <img src=”https://media.glamour.com/photos/59e8d43f017a263f7ded2f0d/master/pass/apple-blossoms.jpg” alt=”Apple Blossoms”/>

    Apple Blossoms

    If you think the best part of any apple pie is the crust, then you’re going to adore these. They’re basically mini apple pies, with a generous, flaky crust filled with sweet apples and topped with a cinnamon-y crumble. Pop one into the oven for about 15-20 minutes while you eat your dinner (each package contains two—they’re fully cooked, but frozen) , top with vanilla ice cream while still warm, and dig in.

    Trader Joes © 2017

  • <img src=”https://media.glamour.com/photos/59e8d442dbd21c41651e32fc/master/pass/pumpkin-spiced-pumpkin-seeds.jpg” alt=”Pumpkin Spiced Pumpkin Seeds”/>

    Pumpkin Spiced Pumpkin Seeds

    You get double your pumpkin with these seeds, which are covered in sugar and pumpkin spice and very nice. They’re snackable on their own, but would also be fabulous sprinkled on a salad, rolled on the outside of a holiday cheese log, or added to a DIY trail mix with almonds, cereal, dried cranberries, coconut chips, and dark chocolate cacao nibs (all of which you can find at TJ’s!).

    Trader Joes © 2017

  • <img src=”https://media.glamour.com/photos/59e8d4420c2bf352f4e138fe/master/pass/pumpkin-soup-crackers.jpg” alt=”Pumpkin Soup Crackers”/>

    Pumpkin Soup Crackers

    The first bite of these crackers totally caught me by surprise, so I’ll prepare you. Right away you’re hit with a cheesy flavor, followed by a mellow pumpkin taste. (The packaging doesn’t mention anything the cheese, but who doesn’t love bonus cheese?). The light and crispy brown-rice crackers are satisfying on their own, or you could serve them alongside a turkey sandwich or dipped in hummus or guac.

    Trader Joes © 2017

  • <img src=”https://media.glamour.com/photos/59e8d44553fea83fa7e0214b/master/pass/pumpkin-spice-coffee-cups.jpg” alt=”Pumpkin Spice Coffee”/>

    Pumpkin Spice Coffee

    I’m generally not the biggest fan of flavored coffees, but I can’t get enough of this one! It brews a perfectly rich cup with just the right hint of spices including orange peel (you can see flecks in the grinds), nutmeg, vanilla, and allspice. It makes those dreary early-morning hours taste a little bit brighter and more like fall.

    Trader Joes © 2017

  • <img src=”https://media.glamour.com/photos/59e8e32fa9993f07551d7011/master/pass/soup-crisps-collage.jpg” alt=”Pumpkin Soup with Cornbread Crisps”/>

    Pumpkin Soup with Cornbread Crisps

    I love when I can assemble a complete meal in minutes, and this combo does the trick. The soup is smooth, pumpkin-y, and just a little bit sweet. If you’re like me and like your meals to have multiple textures, the cornbread crisps (which actually taste exactly like cornbread, just in cracker form) are the perfect addition. Dip them into your bowl or crumble on top.



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