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Let's agree on something: Compared to Windows Spotlight, Ubuntu's dynamic wallpaper feature is not very good. Fortunately, Linux is very customizable, and if you don't want to, you don't have to stare at the same wallpapers forever, not when you can use these five methods to control your desktop's aesthetic and how often the wallpaper changes automatically.

John Oliver returned to late night on Sunday with one hell of a Thomas Jefferson-style "so what'd I miss?"

Last Week Tonight premiered Season 13 on Sunday night after a three-month hiatus, with Oliver acknowledging that quite a bit has happened.

“We’ve been off for the last three months, and we have missed a lot. And I mean a lot, a lot," Oliver said before quickly recapping the news, from the latest release of Epstein files to Donald Trump threatening to take over Greenland / Iceland, Zohran Mamdani being elected New York mayor to Norwegian athlete Sturla Holm Lægreid confessing to cheating at the Winter Olympics.

SEE ALSO: 8 of the biggest late night moments of 2025

Then, in one of his signature, 30-minute deep dives, Oliver ripped into U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), examining their colossal budgets and $100 million 'wartime recruitment' media blast that Oliver called a "disturbing pattern of what sure seems like white nationalist dog whistles." The host noted that Last Week Tonight did reach out to the department on this.

"We reached out to DHS for comment and they angrily denied any dog whistles, adding 'We will not apologise for using patriotic messaging and symbolism in our advertisements,'" he said. "They also told us, and I quote, 'One could say, we are Homelandmaxxing by removing illegal aliens and defending our borders' is a sentence I genuinely feel dumber for saying out loud."

Oliver also spent time unpacking Donald Trump's DHS secretary, social media promo opportunist, and insistent cosplayer Kristi Noem, who has faced fierce criticism from Republicans and Democrats after the fatal shootings of civilians Renée Good and Alex Pretti by ICE agents in Minneapolis.

"Noem's been put in charge of DHS at the moment when it's experiencing an unprecedented funding surge," Oliver explained. "Trump's Big, Beautiful Bill last summer essentially doubled DHS' funding over the next four years, and it's worth looking at where all of that money is and, equally importantly, isn't going. Because DHS' resources are now being pointed at immigration more heavily than ever before, to the point that has been called a 'veritable Department of Deportation.' ICE alone was handed an extra $75 billion to spend over Trump's term, tripling its annual budget."

Oliver concluded the segment with a strong statement about the future.

"We need to get rid of ICE, period. Public trust in it right now is hovering somewhere between the Purdue Pharma and the Titan submersible. It is just not salvageable," he said.

"And if you're thinking, well, who will force immigration law if ICE is gone? I don't know, maybe the agencies that did it for decades before 2003? As for DHS as a whole, I would argue it's no longer tenable in its current form. And while maybe there is an argument for having a larger agency coordinating different federal departments, it should probably be redesigned from the ground up — and deliberately, this time, not by suddenly gluing together org charts in a blind panic."

"Even if you get rid of Kristi Noem, which you should, Stephen Miller will still be there," Oliver continued. "And even if you get rid of him, this administration will remain. But even if they are gone and we get rid of ICE and DHS, we're still going to be left with the broken immigration laws that gave them permission to do what they have done. Millions of people will continue to be vulnerable, because, as we've discussed repeatedly before on this show, our current immigration system makes it somewhere from difficult to impossible for many to come in 'the right way.'"

This week, it’s your last shot at a Valentine’s movie recommendation—you know, in case you’re feeling all nostalgic and whatnot. There’s still time to grab your person and settle in for some "holiday" romance, and you can do that with my recommended 2016 Academy Award winner.

ZorinOS has been getting a lot of hype ever since Microsoft dropped support for Windows 10. Turns out the hype is justified. Linux Mint has been my go-to recommendation for Windows users, but testing ZorinOS changed my opinion.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you keep calm.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for February 16, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: A good laugh

• Green: They sound the same

• Blue: Bird noises

• Purple: Reactions

Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Knee slapper

• Green: Homophones

• Blue: Sounds a chicken makes

• Purple: Stress responses

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #981 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Knee slapper: HOOT, LAUGH, RIOT, SCREAM

• Homophones: DO, DOE, DOH, DOUGH

• Sounds a chicken makes: BUCK, CACKLE, CLUCK, SQUAWK

• Stress responses: FAWN, FIGHT, FLIGHT, FREEZE

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for February 16, 2026

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you love being on the ice.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for February 16, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 16, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: The cutting edge

The words are related to sports.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe a popular winter sport.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Figure Skating.

NYT Strands word list for February 16

• Crossover

• Jump

• Spin

• Lift

• Throw

• Figure Skating

• Loop

• Combo

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Strands.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're a bird watcher.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 16, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for February 16, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A bird landing.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter O appears twice.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter R.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

ROOST

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

Released in August 2025, the Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move onto the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity for how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for February 16, 2026

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible – and common – for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

• Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

• Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

• Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

• Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

• Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for February 16, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Feb. 16 Pips

Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 6-1, placed horizontally; 1-1, placed vertically.

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 5-6, placed horizontally; 4-4, placed horizontally.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 5-6, placed horizontally; 0-0, placed vertically.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Feb. 16 Pips

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 4-4, placed horizontally.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 0-3, placed vertically; 0-0, placed horizontally.

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 0-3, placed vertically; 2-3, placed horizontally.

Less Than (5): Everything in this space must be less than 5. The answer is 4-2, placed vertically.

Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 6-6, placed horizontally; 4-2, placed vertically; 4-6, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (6): Everything in this space must be greater than 6. The answer is 4-6. placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Feb. 16 Pips

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-2, placed horizontally; 2-4, placed vertically; 2-1, placed vertically.

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 2-4, placed vertically; 1-4, placed horizontally.

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 2-1, placed vertically; 1-4, placed horizontally.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 0-5, placed horizontally; 1-6, placed vertically.

Equal (5): Everything in this orange space must be equal to 5. The answer is 0-5, placed horizontally; 5-4, placed vertically.

Number (11): Everything in this space must add up to 11. The answer is 1-6, placed vertically; 5-3, placed horizontally.

Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 5-4, placed vertically; 5-3, placed horizontally.

Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 4-3, placed horizontally; 2-5, placed vertically; 0-6, placed vertically; 1-0, placed horizontally.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition is easy if you know baseball pitchers.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier — so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections: Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake — players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Regionally specific basketball

• Green: Visual elements

• Blue: Linked by leadership

• Purple: Baseball soundalikes

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: California NBA teams

• Green: In a "Sportscenter" broadcast

• Blue: Coached by Jim Harbaugh

• Purple: Homophones of CY Young Award winners

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #511 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• California NBA teams - CLIPPERS, KINGS, LAKERS, WARRIORS

• In a "Sportscenter" broadcast - ANCHOR, CHYRON, HIGHLIGHTS, TICKET

• Coached by Jim Harbaugh - 49ERS, CHARGERS, MICHIGAN, STANFORD

• Homophones of CY Young award winners - BURNS, COAL, COLOGNE, SAIL

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Monday, Feb. 16, 2026:

AcrossWhat some people solve the Mini for

• The answer is Speed.

Chat, informally

• The answer is Convo.

Fire truck attachments

• The answer is Hoses.

What other people solve the Mini for

• The answer is Fun.

"Are we there ___?"

• The answer is Yet.

DownAcademy or university: Abbr.

• The answer is Sch.

Like a voluminous winter jacket

• The answer is Poofy.

Come next

• The answer is Ensue.

___ planner (occupation)

• The answer is Event.

Number before tres

• The answer is Dos.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.

The best Presidents' Day mattress deals at a glance: Best overall deal DreamCloud Premier Hybrid Mattress with free accessories (queen) $1,099 (save $1,397) Get Deal Best organic mattress deal Naturepedic Serenade Organic Hybrid Mattress (queen) $1,599.20 (save $399.80) Get Deal Best foam mattress deal Bear Original Mattress (queen) $649 (save $349) Get Deal

As much as we try to ignore it, sleep is a major part of life. Ask any parent of a young child or someone who's dealing with jet lag and they'll confirm that sleep makes a big difference. It impacts our mood, cognitive ability, and even the immune system.

We have tons of great tech that helps us get restorative slumber like sleep earbuds that are comfortable enough for side sleepers, smart beds that adjust temperature automatically, sleep trackers, and air purifiers that help with breathing in healthy air. But those probably won't help all that much if your mattress is uncomfortable. A good bed is both supportive of your back, shoulders, and hips while also being comfortable enough to keep you sound asleep. If that's not happening, it might be time for a new bed.

Just like how there's a best time of the year to buy a new TV, mattresses have a few standout sale times. Presidents' Day happens to be one of the best times to score a major discount on a new mattress, bedding, and pillows. If you bedroom or your guest room has been asking for a refresh, check out these deals. These upgrades are a great way to kickoff spring cleaning season.

Best overall mattress deal Opens in a new window Credit: DreamCloud DreamCloud Premier Hybrid Mattress (queen) $1,099 at DreamCloud
$2,496.01 Save $1,397.01 mattress protector, sheet set, and two cooling pillows included Get Deal Why we like it

Last spring when I tested the DreamCloud Premier Hybrid mattress, I was shocked by the quality to price ratio. It feels like a luxury mattress you'd encounter at a 5-star hotel, but its price falls into the affordable range. In fact, a single night's stay at some 5-star resorts would cost more than this mattress.

The DreamCloud Premier is a hybrid bed that combines a plush pillow-top with ultra supportive memory foam and coil layers. The edge-support is also noteworthy. When testing, I felt like this was a great option for couples thanks to the motion isolation or anyone who's a combination sleeper and needs support in several positions.

The DreamCloud Presidents Day Sale tosses in a mattress protector, bamboo sheet set, and two cooling pillows. If you're shopping for a queen-size, you'll be able to get the DreamCloud Premier Hybrid with these accessories for $1,099.

Best organic mattress deal Opens in a new window Credit: Naturepedic Naturepedic Serenade Organic Hybrid Mattress (queen) $1,119.20 at Naturepedic
$1,999 Save $879.80   Get Deal Why we like it

If you shop for organic food and look for clothing made of natural materials, you might want to opt for an organic mattress. The Naturepedic Serenade Organic Hybrid Mattress is on sale during the brand's winter refresh sale. The eight-inch tall mattress uses certified organic latex, wool, and cotton, which eliminates the need to use chemical-derived foam or flame retardants.

Aside from the all-organic materials and glue-free design, one of the highlights of the Naturepedic Serenade Organic Hybrid Mattress is its customization options. You can get the mattress in plush, cushion-firm, or firm to best suit your sleeping style and needs. Plus, wool and cotton are naturally breathable materials, so this could be excellent if you tend to sleep hot.

Best foam mattress deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bear Bear Original Mattress (queen) $649 at Bear
$998 Save $349 mattress protector and two pillows included Get Deal Why we like it

An all-foam bed is a great option for tons of people, and Bear makes some of the best if you're looking for an excellent value. In a queen size, the Bear Original Mattress usually costs $998, but it's on sale for $649 during the Bear Presidents Day Sale. Plus, the brand is throwing in two free pillows and a free mattress protector.

Bear uses three layers of foam on the Bear Original that are designed to provide great support and comfort to pressure points. This could also be a great option for a kids' room thanks to its affordability. In a twin size, the Bear Original is on sale for $463.

More mattress and bedding deals

• Amerisleep — save $1,000 on a mattress with code PD2026

• Avocado — take up to 20% off organic mattresses and 10% off organic bedding and pillows

• Awara — save 50% on select mattresses

• Bear — save 35% off sitewide

• Beautyrest — save up to $1,000 on select mattress and adjustable base sets

• Big Fig — get $500 off any mattress + 25% off everything else with code PRES

• Birch — take 25% off sitewide with code PRES25

• Brooklinen — take 20% off sitewide

• Brooklyn Bedding — save up to 35% on mattresses

• Bryte — save up to $1,000 off sitewide

• Casper — take up to 30% off on mattresses and 35% off bedding bundles and pillows

• Coop Sleep Goods — save up to 40% sitewide

• Helix — take 25% off sitewide with code PRES25

• Eight Sleep — save up to $350

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• Eli & Elm — buy one pillow, get a second for 50% off

• FluffCo — take 20% off sitewide

• Layla — take up to $200 off mattresses and get two free Layla Pillows and free bamboo sheet set

• Leesa — take 30% off mattresses and 25% off bedding

• Linenspa — save 20% off mattresses sitewide

• Lull — save 60% on all mattresses and get free sheets, pillows, and a mattress protector

• Naturepedic — take 20% off sitewide

• Nectar — save up to 60% on mattresses and 66% on bundles

• Nest — save up to 15% on mattresses and 20% on pillows

• Nolah — take 35% off sitewide with free in-home set-up and removal on qualifying orders

• Puffy — save up to $1,350

• Purple — take up to $500 off a mattress and earn up to $300 in gift credit

• Siena — save up to 60% on mattresses

• Silk & Snow — get a free sleep bundle with mattress purchase

• Sleep Number — 50% off Limited Edition mattress

• Tempur-Pedic — save up to $500 and get $300 in free accessories; BOGO pillows and sheets bundles

• Tuft & Needle — save 20% sitewide

• Westin — save 20% on mattresses

• WinkBeds — save 30%

• Woolroom — save up to 40%

By now, you might have heard about Lego Smart Play system, which Lego calls the biggest evolution in brick-building technology in 50 years. You may have even heard of the Smart Bricks from your kids. 

Or perhaps you saw Mashable's own CES coverage of the unveiling, when Lego made its first appearance at the world's biggest technology convention to officially announce Smart Play and Smart Bricks.

Lego's first Smart Play sets, which are all part of the Lego Star Wars line, are now available for pre-order and will start shipping in early March.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Pre-order Lego Smart Play Building Kits Starting at $39.99 Pre-order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars Smart Play: Millennium Falcon Building Kit $99.99 at Amazon
Ships March 1 Get Deal

Whether you know what Smart Play or Smart Bricks are or not, you probably have some questions: More tech for my children? Is this safe? Will their privacy be respected? Should I get Lego Smart Bricks for them?

Mashable is here to help.

What are Lego Smart Play and Lego Smart Bricks?

Lego, the iconic 93-year-old toy company, isn't known for computer chips or gyroscopes or sensors; they're known for their simple multi-colored interconnecting building bricks and square Lego people. Yet, at CES, Lego announced they were bringing those chips and gyroscopes, and sensors to their building bricks and Lego people with their Smart Play line, which includes Smart Bricks, Smart Tags, and Smart Minifigures.

Smart what now? Let's break it all down.

Lego Smart Bricks Credit: Lego

Smart Bricks are the new Lego brick with all that previously mentioned tech inside. They work just like any other Lego brick when it comes to building. Smart Bricks can snap into any regular Lego brick and vice versa. However, Smart Bricks can also play sounds, light up in different colors, and interact with the world around them.

For example, if you connect a Smart Brick to a Lego airplane, the plane will make different sounds depending on whether you're a kid flying the plane right-side up or upside down. If the Lego plane is "crashing," the Smart Brick will make screaming noises as if it's emitting from the Lego minifigure pilot.

Smart Tags are a thin, flat surface brick that snaps onto your Lego creation and informs the Smart Brick about what it's connected to. Using that airplane example, you'd need the Smart Tag for that Lego airplane in order for the Smart Brick to know how to make those corresponding airplane wooshing sounds.

Smart Minifigures are Lego minifigures built specifically for Smart Bricks. The Smart Tag is basically built right onto the figure.

And Smart Play is basically just the name of this entire new interactive Lego toy line.

Lego Star Wars Smart Play TIE Fighter Credit: Lego Are Lego Smart Bricks safe for my kids?

Generations of kids have played with Legos without any sort of tech add-on. Now, our children will experience a whole new Lego. And, of course, whenever technology is introduced to children, there are certain concerns to be watchful for.  Should parents be concerned?

The main worry is usually regarding privacy. Lego says its Smart Bricks technology does not connect to the internet in any way and is completely offline. Lego doesn't collect any data. There are no cameras or audio recording devices inside or connected to Smart Bricks.

Another potential issue when introducing tech to kids is whether it'll affect their playtime or development. This isn't as straightforward as the privacy concerns, as each parent will likely have their own opinion on this. However, Lego said that it created the Smart Play line in order to enhance physical play. It's not meant to take over a child's imagination or creativity. There's no AI involved, no app that Smart Bricks need to connect to, and there are no screens involved at all.

Kids still have to build their Lego creations in the Smart Play line.

A perfect example of Lego Smart Play enhancing physical play was demonstrated by Lego at CES. Lego had two children race their Lego racecars. Thanks to the Smart Play capabilities, the Smart Brick at the finish line was able to light up with the color of the racecar that won the race. In a neck and neck race, Smart Play can help avoid any potential conflict that might arise between two highly competitive kids, leaving time for more building or racing and less arguing..

What will the Lego Smart Play sets look like?

Lego seems to have a good idea of how to sell parents and kids alike on their new Smart Bricks technology. The first Lego Smart Play sets are all Lego Star Wars related.

Lego Star Wars Smart Play X-Wing Credit: Lego

At CES, Lego announced three Lego Star Wars Smart Play sets: Luke's X-Wing, Darth Vader's TIE Fighter, and the Emperor's Throne Room Duel.

Since then, Lego has announced five more Lego Smart Play sets — and once again, they're all Lego Star Wars related: Millennium Falcon, Mos Eisley Cantina, Luke's Landspeeder, Yoda's Hut, and Attack on Endor.

Lego Star Wars Smart Play Throne Room Duel Credit: Lego

The Landspeeder set is the most affordable, priced at $39.99. The Throne Room Duel is the most pricey of the Lego Star Wars Smart Play sets at $159.99.

When will Lego release Smart Play sets?

Lego will release the first Smart Play sets on March 1, but fans can pre-order them now at Lego and Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Pre-Order Lego Smart Play Building Kits   Get Deal

Make no mistake. Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model wouldn't exist without hatewatchers on TikTok.

Though America's Next Top Model premiered in 2003, content creators on TikTok have been looking back on the competition show with damning critiques of its problematic photo challenges, fat-shaming tactics, and the harsh words from the show's panel of judges. First, Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model delves into these critiques, featuring TikTok snippets to give a sense of the avalanche of criticism. Then, Reality Check's directors Mor Loushy and Daniel Sivan (also co-executive producers) offer new interviews with ANTM host Tyra Banks, plus former ANTM judges — including photographer Nigel Barker, photoshoot director Jay Manuel, and runway walk coach Miss J. Alexander — where they're asked to face the TikTok critiques on camera.

I watched all three episodes of Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, totaling just shy of three hours. Props to Loushy and Sivan, this mini-series has a sensational understanding of its audience, who want to see not only the ANTM's most shocking moments but also the famous judges answering for them. And while this doc is definitely tapping into hate-watching, Reality Check satisfies by asking the hard questions — even if the answers leave much to be desired.

Who is interviewed in Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model? Miss J in "Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model." Credit: Netflix

Among the show's judges, Tyra Banks, Miss J. Alexander, Jay Manuel, Nigel Barker, and model manager Nolé Marin give talking-head interviews. Also featured in new interviews are director/developer Ken Mok and TV executive Dawn Ostroff. 

Former contestants also share their story in Reality Check, including Ebony Haith (Cycle 1), Giselle Samson (Cycle 1), Joanie Sprague (Cycle 6), Whitney Thompson (Cycle 10), Dani Evans (Cycle 6), Bre Scullark (Cycle 5), Dionne Walters (Cycle 8), Keenyah Hill (Cycle 4), and Shandi Sullivan (Cycle 2). They share insights into the brutal truth behind their reality TV experiences, and it's not pretty.

Who's not interviewed in Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model? "America’s Next Top Model" stage is lit but empty. Credit: Netflix

The most notable absences are Janice Dickinson and Tiffany Richardson, who both have segments dedicated to their time on the reality competition show. 

As a judge, Dickinson was vicious in her opinions, insulting the contestants to their faces and unapologetically writing them off as ugly or fat. Jay Manuel, who throughout the doc series will defend the show and make excuses for many of its most controversial moments, notes he didn't like Dickinson's brutal approach to critiques and tried to push back with his own. However, he also suggests that her attitude reflected a segment of the modeling industry, and thus had its place on America's Next Top Model.

Did the critiques get too personal? It seemed so for Tiffany Richardson in Cycle 4. She is the contestant whose dressing down from Banks became a meme: "We were rooting for you." And while a substantial part of episode 3, titled "We Were Rooting For You," focuses on this memorable moment, Richardson is not interviewed for Reality Check.

Another surprising absence is Adrianne Curry, the Cycle 1 winner of ANTM, who went on to use that spotlight to become an actress and TV personality. A less noticeable but curious omission, Kenya Barris — who co-created America's Next Top Model and produced it ahead of creating hit sitcoms like Black-ish, Grown-ish, and Mixed-ish — is not interviewed or even mentioned. 

America's Next Top Model's judges offer excuses, not apologies.  Jay Manuel in "Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model" Credit: Netflix

In episode one, Jay Manuel says, "It was such a different time," when speaking to the representation that he and Miss J, as queer people of color, brought to the show. However, this phrase, used to express how America's Next Top Model broke boundaries, is also employed by nearly every ANTM judge to justify how the contestants were treated. 

Reality Check begins by swiftly recounting how Banks, as a Black woman, faced prejudice in her modeling career due to the fashion industry's narrow definition of marketable beauty. With America's Next Top Model, she wanted to open the door for other women to pursue careers in modeling and to show the world the breadth of beauty. However, the very premise of the show set every contestant up to be picked apart for how she looked, from her teeth to her skin to her weight, and on and on. As the face of the show, Banks was frequently seen supporting the very stringent view of beauty she claimed to be breaking down. 

In this first episode of Reality Check, Banks is dismissive of people who criticize the ANTM but "didn't watch it back then" when it first aired. She claims that binge-watching on streaming led to people rediscovering the show, and "overnight," the attitude towards it changed to "look how wrong this is." She ignores that America's Next Top Model sparked discourse as it aired about the outrageous stunts pulled and the brutal pursuit of the picture-perfect shot.

Banks argues it's "important to understand where [ANTM] came from," and so begins the finger-pointing to 2000s culture that was obsessed with skinny women and heroin chic. The early 2000s were a cultural nightmare in that regard, judging every remotely famous woman who dared to have a less-than-flat stomach. But as a show that literally promised to present the next big name in modeling, ANTM bolstered that fixation on weight through their determination of what is beautiful or not.

Banks won't acknowledge that; instead she blames pop culture, the modeling industry, her ANTM colleagues (claiming she had no power whenever a tough choice was made), and the audience that tuned in. "We kept pushing, and we kept creating more, more, more," she said of bizarre photo shoots. "You guys were demanding it. The viewers wanted more and more and more." And with every finger-pointing, Reality Check rebrands Banks as a reality TV villain, just as TikTok has been saying.

What scandals does Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model get into? Nigel Barker in "Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model." Credit: Netflix

Reality Check digs into plenty of America's Next Top Model's most shocking moments. 

ANTM's most disturbing photo shoots

Episode 2 touches on a barrage of gross or problematic photo shoots, including one where the contestants wore meat, another where unhoused people were treated like set dressing, and, of course, the race-swap challenge, where models were painted and dressed to represent an alternate ethnicity.

In this segment of Reality Check, Banks does say, "Yeah, there's some dumb shit," but also defends the race-bending shoot by saying, "This is my way to show the world that brown and Black is beautiful." 

Several models recount how their photoshoot assignments could feel cruel. One particularly horrid example was in Cycle 8, when the models were tasked to be gorgeous homicide victims. Dionne Walters, who was challenged to pose as a woman shot in the head, points out the producers knew her family had a tragic history with gun violence.

"I think they wanted to see some sort of mental breakdown," she tells Reality Check, noting she's proud she didn't give them that. While apologies are few and far between in this mini-series, ANTM director Mok did say of this particular photo shoot, "I take full responsibility for that shoot. It was a mistake. It was crazy. That one I look back and like, 'You're an idiot.'"

ANTM makeovers that demanded cosmetic surgery

More disturbing, however, is how the contestants, many of whom were young and hadn't been away from home before, were put into high-pressure situations that had lasting impacts on their lives. 

Dani Evans and Joanie Sprague from Cycle 6 recount how the show demanded they get cosmetic dental surgery to continue in the competition. The former was pressured by Banks to get the gap between her two front teeth filled. The other went through hours of painful surgery to get rid of her snaggletooth. 

To this, Banks replies, "I've actually apologized for the issue with Dani and what happened. That was between a rock and a hard place for me, because there were agents that would tell me she will not work with those teeth. It's just not going to happen. That's what they told me... But hindsight is 20/20 for all of us. It just so happens that a lot of things that are 20/20 for me happened in front the world." 

Evans responds in her Reality Check interview, "Bull fucking shit."

Sexual harassment on ANTM Tyra Banks attends"SMiZE & DREAM" Hot Ice Cream First Taste at Artechouse NYC on December 10, 2025 in New York City. Credit: Manny Carabel / Getty Images

Other contestants, including Keenyah Hill from Cycle 4, share how the pressure to keep off weight was intense, leading to girls passing out. Footage from her season shows how Manuel had her pose as "Gluttony" for one photo shoot challenge, then as an elephant in another, with the judges calling her fat in critiques. 

Beyond that, when Hill was sexually harassed by a male model on a photo shoot, she was chastised by the judges for speaking up. In the America's Next Top Model episode, Banks told Evans from the judge's panel she should have said something "in a fun way, where he knows to back the heck up, but it doesn't put static in the air." Essentially, Banks suggested it was on the model being harassed to manage others' comfort about what happened. 

In her interview for Reality Check, Hill gets emotional watching this footage back, pointing out that the male model is groping her legs in the photo that producers chose for judging. 

Looking back on this incident for Reality Check, Banks admits, "It should've been stopped down. We now all understand the protections that women need. And so I say to Keenyah, 'Boo-boo, I am so sorry. None of us knew. Network executives didn't know. And I did the best that I could at that time.' But she deserved more. She did."

"We were rooting for you" wasn't what it seemed.  

We all know the meme. But those of us who watched Tiffany Richardson get screamed at by an uncharacteristically furious Tyra Banks remember how shocking that moment was. Reality Check provides context by presenting footage from America's Next Top Model. Tiffany's arc had been one of a bad girl redeemed. Previously cut from the show because of a physical altercation, she was back and thriving in Cycle 4. Then came the teleprompter challenge. 

The contestants were tasked with reading from a teleprompter without first looking at the copy. Many stumbled on designer names like Hermès, and Tiffany angered the judges by rejecting this challenge, which was clearly designed to make these aspiring models look stupid. When she was told she was no longer in the running to be America's Next Top Model, instead of crying, Richardson laughed as she said goodbye to her fellow contestants. And then Banks went off on her. 

On TV, the dressing down was intense, in large part because it broke from Banks' persona as a gentle, smizing mentor to the contestants. Within the televised rant, Banks said she was yelling but insisted it came from a place of love.

In Reality Check, Banks admits she went "too far." Manuel reveals that Banks said "a lot more" than what was shown and "some of the things that were said were really not well-intentioned." He declines to explain what else was said. But Marin adds, "All I know is next week we had all the lawyers on set."

In an archival interview with E!, Richardson said, "If she loved me, she wouldn't have shown that the way she showed it. If you love someone, you won't humiliate them."

The reality behind Shandi's slut-shaming

Reality Check uncovers the harsh reality that Cycle 2 contestant Shandi Sullivan faced after the show made a spectacle of her "cheating" on her boyfriend. America's Next Top Model presented Shandi's story as a one-night-stand that betrayed her boyfriend back home — and was caught on tape. The morning after, Tyra had an unexpected "girl talk" with the models (while cameras rolled), talking about how bad she felt when she was cheated on. When Shandi called her boyfriend to confess, she wept while he called her a "bitch" on national television

In her interview for Reality Check, Sullivan reveals that she was blackout drunk that night. She notes that while camera crews filmed what happened, no one intervened. She felt the show exploited her to make "good TV," which is a refrain echoed across the model interviews. 

For her part, Banks distances herself from the incident by saying that part of production wasn't her territory. Meanwhile, Mok argues, "We treated Top Model as a documentary,” to explain why no one intervened. However, Sullivan notes the show's makers only gave her a phone to call her boyfriend after she threatened to quit the show. And then, they only gave the phone to her if she'd take the call with cameras rolling. She also reveals that after the show, strangers would slut-shame her on the street in front of her boyfriend.

Calling America's Next Top Model a documentary is intellectually dishonest, as it implies the producers weren't intervening at other times. But they were. His argument that the girls signed on knowing they'd be filmed at all times is infuriatingly insufficient. If these girls were in a fishbowl, even if they agreed to that, they had no say on if someone shakes the fishbowl to see their reaction. They were all pretty meat to the America's Next Top Model grinder.

Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model is now streaming on Netflix.

TL;DR: A quality refurbished Apple MacBook Air from 2017 with a 13.3-inch display, Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB SSD is on sale for $199.97 (reg. $999).

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air 2017 (Refurbished) $199.97
$999 Save $799.03   Get Deal

If you’re seeking a reliable laptop for everyday essentials without breaking the bank, this refurbished Apple MacBook Air deserves a look. The 2017 model is now just $199.97 (reg. $999), putting a familiar Apple device within reach. The sale ends on Feb. 22 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

This MacBook Air features a 13.3-inch widescreen display, a 1.8GHz Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 128GB solid-state drive. That’s a solid spec list for day-to-day tasks like web browsing, email, streaming, document editing, and file management. Intel HD Graphics 6000 provides smooth video playback, while Wi-Fi and Bluetooth cover all standard connectivity needs. Apple estimates up to 12 hours of battery life, which is beneficial for marathon study sessions or travel days.

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Each unit is quality refurbished and ships in Grade A or Grade B condition. That means it’s been thoroughly tested, cleaned, and restored to full working order, with cosmetic wear that varies by device. For anyone open to minor signs of previous use, the value compared to buying new is hard to beat.

This deal is great for students, remote workers with light tasks, or anyone who needs a secondary laptop for travel or home use. It works well for writing projects, résumé updates, or online learning, without the premium price or complexity of newer machines. The storage capacity is modest at 128GB, so it’s not the best fit for vast media libraries or heavy creative projects, but cloud storage or external drives help bridge that gap.

Get this refurbished 2017 MacBook Air while it’s on sale for $199.97 (reg. $999) through Feb. 22 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

We're a long way from the drunken jigs of A Knight of the Seven Kingdom's earlier episodes, with the trailer for the series finale seeing our faves in bleak waters.

Following the pure drama of episode 5's brutal trial of seven, the Game of Thrones prequel's last chapter sees Ser Duncan "Dunk" the Tall (Peter Claffey) in a state. What will become of the once dynamic duo Dunk and Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell)? What of the Targaryens?

From the looks of the trailer above, we're in for one hell of a finale.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is streaming on HBO Max, with the finale to premiere Sunday Feb. 21 at 10 p.m. ET.

AI promises productivity gains, but without guardrails it can quietly intensify work instead of reducing it. As tasks accelerate, expectations rise. People attempt more, juggle more—and struggle to stop. If you don’t deliberately shape how AI is used, you risk increasing your team’s workload, straining their attention, and exhausting them. Here’s how to protect them from AI overload.  Build intentional pauses. As […]

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If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

A mistake.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

ERROR

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Not ninth.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for February 16, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

TENTH

Hurdle Word 3 hint

To fail.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for February 16 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 16, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

FLUNK

Hurdle Word 4 hint

To suggest.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

OPINE

Final Hurdle hint

Sheen.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

GLOSS

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

The Moon is almost completely dark tonight, signaling that the New Moon phase is close. The final visible crescent of the Moon on display is ever so faint, meaning it's another night of no visible lunar features.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Monday, Feb. 16, the Moon phase is Waning Crescent. According to NASA's Daily Moon Guide, 2% of the Moon will be lit up tonight.

Once again, too little of the Moon's surface is illuminated tonight to be able to spot any lunar features. After the New Moon has passed, it will start to come back into view.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will be on March 3. The last Full Moon was on Feb. 1.

What are Moon phases?

According to NASA, the Moon takes around 29.5 days to complete one orbit around the Earth. Throughout that time, it goes through eight different phases of visibility. Even though we always see the same side of the Moon, the part that’s lit up changes as it moves along its orbit. The amount of sunlight reflecting off the surface is what changes the Moon's appearance, and why sometimes it looks full, partly lit, or almost dark. The eight phases are:

New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

In the world of Westeros, flashbacks are just as important as prophecies.

And while they're sometimes used for comic effect in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, the flashback in episode 5 with young Dunk (Bamber Todd) and Rafe (Chloe Lea) feels more significant than others.

So what happens, and why is it important?

SEE ALSO: 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' Targaryen family tree: How everyone connects What happens in the episode 5 flashback?

As Dunk (Peter Claffey) blacks out on the trial of seven battlefield, the lights come up on a different battlefield in a different time: the aftermath of the Blackfyre Rebellion, with young Dunk and his friend Rafe looting bodies in the hunt for something valuable.

Later, as they walk back to their home of Flea Bottom in King's Landing, they have a conversation about how Rafe wants them to leave the city. We've transcribed it in full below.

Dunk: "I just don't know why we're in such a rush to leave anymore? The war is over. The Black Dragon's dead. Ferret said we'll all get free bread now."

Rafe: "Are you stupid? Nothing's over. Don't you remember when Pudding killed Cedric's little brother?"

Dunk: "That was an accident."

Rafe: "Aye. And we all figured that'd be the end to it, only for Cedric to come back a year later and near burn down half of Flea Bottom trying to kill Pudding. No one forgets shit. You hurt someone, they hurt you back. If you want to stay, fine. But Flea Bottom is full up on people hurting. It's tinder waiting to catch."

It's a conversation that foreshadows Rafe's death, but it's also so much bigger than that.

Why is the conversation so important?

The conversation between Dunk and Rafe taps into a theme that's been prevalent in every single Game of Thrones story so far: the cycle of violence. In House of the Dragon, this takes the form of the escalation between Team Green and Team Black, and in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, it's already been plainly demonstrated by the trial of seven Dunk's forced into to defend his life.

And while this exchange between Dunk and Rafe resonates throughout the wider GoT universe, it's not the only purpose the flashback serves.

Later, after Rafe has been mortally wounded, the way Ser Arlan of Pennytree (Danny Webb) intervenes to protect young Dunk mirrors the way an adult Dunk intervenes to protect Tanselle (Tanzyn Crawford) from Aerion Targaryen (Finn Bennett). In this way, the flashback to Dunk's childhood shows us why he values the principles of being a knight as strongly as he does. Dunk's heroism is learned behaviour, and Tanselle is a reminder of the friend he was unable to save as a child.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is now streaming on HBO Max, with new episodes hitting HBO and HBO Max Sundays at 10 p.m. ET.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms episode 5 doesn't just give viewers a brutal trial of seven to prove Ser Duncan "Dunk" the Tall's (Peter Claffey) innocence. It also offers up an extended flashback to his past as an urchin in Flea Bottom — and that past includes a Westerosi history lesson.

SEE ALSO: 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' Targaryen family tree: How everyone connects

After scavenging around a battlefield with his friend Rafe (Dune: Prophecy's Chloe Lea), young Dunk (Bamber Todd) remarks that "the war is over. The Black Dragon's dead." But what war is he talking about, and which Targaryen has the title of the Black Dragon? Let's break it down.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms references the Blackfyre Rebellion.

The war Dunk mentions is known as the Blackfyre Rebellion, a Seven Kingdoms-wide conflict that took place in 196 AC (after Aegon's conquest), 13 years before the Ashford Meadow tourney. Similarly to the Dance of the Dragons seen in House of the Dragon, the Blackfyre Rebellion was fought between members of House Targaryen.

On one side of the war was King Daeron II Targaryen, who is still on the Iron Throne by the time of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. Opposing him was his half-brother Daemon I Blackfyre, a legitimized Targaryen bastard.

Both Daeron II and Daemon were sons of Aegon IV Targaryen, the grandson of House of the Dragon's Rhaenyra and Daemon Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy and Matt Smith). Prince Daeron's relationship with his father was tense, as Aegon IV wanted to attack Dorne unprompted, while Daeron II (married to Dornish Princess Myriah Martell) urged caution.

During this time, Aegon IV earned his father of the year status by spreading rumors that Daeron II was a bastard and that he would choose a new heir. He heavily favored one of his bastard sons, Daemon Waters, going so far as to give him Aegon the Conqueror's sword Blackfyre after he won a tournament at age 12. Daemon took Blackfyre as his own name after that.

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Aegon IV never did appoint a new heir, but he did legitimize all of his bastard sons on his deathbed in 184 AC, setting the stage for maximum Targaryen chaos. It took 12 years, but in 196 AC, Daemon opted for open rebellion and made a play for the Iron Throne. His sigil was a black dragon on a red field, the inverse of House Targaryen's usual sigil, prompting him to be known as the Black Dragon.

Daeron II won out in the end thanks to a decisive victory in the Battle of Redgrass Field, which Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell) references in song back in episode 3. Both Daemon and his twin sons died in battle, but they were far from the last of the Blackfyre Pretenders. Others departed Westeros for the Free Cities, only to come back later to try and take the Iron Throne for themselves.

Spoiler alert: It doesn't quite work out, but that's a story for another time (and potentially another season of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms).

New episodes of Knight of the Seven Kingdoms premiere Sundays at 10 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.