Lifestyle
Confessions of a continuity cop
You know that scene in Pretty Woman when Julia Roberts is eating a croissant that suddenly turns into a pancake? Continuity issues like that crop up all the time. Whether you let it distract you is your call.
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I was watching a screener of an upcoming TV show this week when I became distracted. The scene involved a woman in bed with her husband discussing some plans they had, and in one shot, the sheet the woman had pulled up to her armpits (you know, as you do, ladies, to make sure your husband does not see you naked) had slipped down far enough that it seemed like it was threatening to become a more realistic depiction of the marital bed. But then they cut to her husband, and when they cut back to her, the sheet was dutifully up under her armpits again, keeping her fully covered. Back and forth they went. The sheet went up, the sheet went down, shot to shot.
It’s not that I don’t know how this happens — it’s not that we all don’t know how this happens. Of course they need multiple takes of a scene. Of course they sometimes mix parts of both takes, and of course no matter how careful people try to be in the moment, you can’t catch every single thing that could possibly change. From time to time, you’ll see a pretty big one that it is funny they couldn’t avoid, like when Julia Roberts’ croissant turns into a pancake in Pretty Woman.
But mostly, I freely recognize that being aware of this kind of detail makes one seem like a joyless dweeb. I wish I could help it.
It wasn’t until someone pointed it out to me this week that I realized that this is indeed probably why some reality shows — notably Love Is Blind — provide contestants with shiny metal (and opaque) vessels to drink out of. I had actually wondered what the show thinks it’s accomplishing with all of its golden wine glasses, whether they thought this was classy, whether this was a trend I didn’t know about, whether I needed metal wine glasses in my life. But no — this is, I’m sure, exactly it. They don’t want to fuss with beverage levels on a show where people are constantly drinking and need to be heavily edited.
I think everyone who watches a lot of TV and movies has pet peeves — critic Myles McNutt is somewhat famous for his obsession with people holding or drinking out of obviously empty cups. (Seriously: Myles is a terrific writer, but there was a time when, to many people, he was That Guy Who Has That Thing About The Cups.)
Perhaps it is best thought of as a moment when the realities of making television or films collide with the illusion of them. And perhaps it’s a salute, really, to the seamlessness with which a viewing brain can accept that scene of the woman with her sheet demurely wrapped around her, or that scene of the beautiful couple having breakfast. When I am focused enough on a scene that I notice somebody’s hair moving from hanging behind her shoulder to hanging in front of her shoulder, at least I’m engaged in what I’m watching.
And so I, a Continuity Cop, resolve to keep my siren quiet as much as possible. I can barely remember where my morning coffee is half the time; I can’t imagine trying to remember how high the sheet was the last time a scene was filmed.
This piece also appeared in NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour newsletter. Sign up for the newsletter so you don’t miss the next one, plus get weekly recommendations about what’s making us happy.
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John Davidson attends the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards on February 22, 2026 in London, England.
Dominic Lipinski/Getty Images/Getty Images Europe
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Dominic Lipinski/Getty Images/Getty Images Europe
The British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs), which were presented on Sunday evening at London’s Royal Festival Hall, have become embroiled in controversy after one of the guests shouted a racial slur, swear words and insults during the televised awards ceremony. The slur was kept in the BBC broadcast, which began airing two hours after the event, as is usual for these honors.
The source of the shouts was John Davidson, the real-life inspiration behind the film I Swear, which chronicles his life with Tourette syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder. I Swear was nominated for six prizes and won two BAFTA awards on Sunday, including a lead actor award for Robert Aramayo, who plays Davidson.
While Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were onstage presenting the award for visual effects, Davidson yelled out the n-word. The actors did not respond in the moment.
On Monday, BAFTA released a lengthy written apology, saying: “Our guests heard very offensive language that carries incomparable trauma and pain for so many. We want to acknowledge the harm this has caused, address what happened and apologize to all.”
The statement identified Davidson as the source of the outbursts. BAFTA said: “One of our guests, John Davidson MBE, has Tourette syndrome and has devoted his life to educating and campaigning for better understanding of this condition. Tourette syndrome causes involuntary verbal tics, that the individual has no control over. Such tics are in no way a reflection of an individual’s beliefs and are not intentional.
The statement continued: “Early in the ceremony a loud tic in the form of a profoundly offensive term was heard by many people in the room. Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage at the time, and we apologize unreservedly to them, and to all those impacted. We would like to thank Michael and Delroy for their incredible dignity and professionalism.
“During the ceremony, John chose to leave the auditorium and watch the rest of the ceremony from a screen, and we would like to thank him for his dignity and consideration of others, on what should have been a night of celebration for him.”
According to the Tourette Association of America, between 10 and 15% of people living with the disorder have vocal tics that may include disturbing, insulting or inappropriate language, including swear words and slurs.
Davidson also shouted out other insults and profanity during the evening, according to Variety.
Referring to Davidson’s outbursts, host Alan Cumming responded from the podium, “You may have heard some strong and offensive language tonight.” He attributed the shouts to Davidson’s condition, adding: “We apologize if you were offended.”
Aramayo also won BAFTA’s EE Rising Star Award, and addressed some of Davidson’s outbursts in accepting that honor. Aramayo said, “John Davidson is the most remarkable man I’ve ever met. Tonight especially, I just want to say that the people living with Tourette syndrome…they need our support and understanding.”
The BAFTAs are broadcast on a tape delay. But the BBC did not edit the audible slur from its broadcast on the television channel BBC1 and on E! in the U.S. Nor did the BBC edit the archival version available in the U.K. on its BBC iPlayer platform until Monday.
On Monday, the BBC responded to NPR in a written statement: “Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the BAFTA Film Awards. This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and as explained during the ceremony, it was not intentional. We apologize that this was not edited out prior to broadcast and it will now be removed from the version on BBC iPlayer.”
Gerry Turner
Scores New $1M Pad With Fiancée Lana Sutton
Published
Gerry Turner is leveling up with fiancée Lana Sutton — the couple just dropped nearly $1 mil on a house together.
The former “Golden Bachelor” and his leading lady showed off the digs on IG, and the new-build stunner in the sought-after Chatham Village does not disappoint — five bedrooms, five bathrooms, and a sprawling 4,455 square feet.
It’s packed with perks, too — a dramatic two-story family room with a tile-surround fireplace, a luxe super shower in the main bath, and a massive game room. In other words, very much worth the seven-figure splurge … even if it took some convincing.
Gerry tells TMZ they toured the place several times but hesitated to make an offer. Plot twist — the builder called them up and asked what the hold-up was. Gerry says once they explained their concerns, the builder nudged them to go for it, which they did — and now they’re both on the deed, splitting it 50/50.
As for the wedding, it’s still happening. Gerry tells us they’re planning to tie the knot — just taking it slow and haven’t locked in a date yet.
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