Episode 33: Trollhunters

Episode 33: Trollhunters
Hosts: Frank Shaw and John Belliston
Produced by Hobos in the Back Row
Scripting by Frank Shaw and John Belliston
Edited by: Frank Shaw
Graphic Design by: Nathan Newell
Intro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 1 by F.G. Shaw
Outro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 3 by F.G. Shaw

Frank and John chat about John's newest obsession Amateur Surgeon 4, a free game you can download. (It's fun, but of course there are in app purchases. 

John and Frank also discuss Buffy the Vampire Slayer. It's 20 years old this year (the television series). John is not as fond of it as Frank is. 

John also delves a bit into the Occult with his Lepracaun Trap. Pictured Here:

John says it involves alchemy and the Seal of Solomon. I couldn't say but it looks cool and if he manages to catch a Leprechaun hopefully he'll share the wealth. 

And Frank talks about Extra Credits, and specifically Extra History. It's a Youtube channel that talks about game development and concepts but also has a spin-off series that delves into different historical topics. It's pretty fantastic: Here's their Patreon page. 

And of course: John gives out advice... badly! In John's Bad Advice.

For the main event Frank and John chat about the Netflix series produced and co-created by Guillermo Del Toro: Trollhunters. If you haven't watched it, and you like animated series (or cartoons) then you owe yourself a favor to check this out. If you have older kids, then you should down and watch it with them because it's pretty fantastic and has an amazing amount of emotional depth. It's probably one of the best produced series that Dreamworks has come out with. 
That being said, mentioning Trollhunters without mentioning the incredibly tragic death of Anton Yelchin would be a mistake. Anton voices the protagonist Jim Lake. Yelchin was a talented actor and his potential will sadly never be realized. 

Episode 26: Steven Universe and Nostalgia part 2

Episode 26: Steven Universe and Nostalgia pt. 2
Hosts: Frank Shaw and John Belliston
Produced by Hobos in the Back Row
Scripting by Frank Shaw
Edited by: Frank Shaw
Graphic Design by: Nathan Newell
Intro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 1 by F.G. Shaw
Outro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 3 by F.G. Shaw

There aren't a lot of show notes for this episode. Just a couple of links to some articles that we felt were quite relevant to the topic. Steven Universe is something that John absolutely loves (and if you've listened to the podcast that's quite apparent) and it's something that Frank enjoys as well. So this is a cartoon we'll revisit, probably next fall.

This first link is an article addressing nostalgia from the perspective of "queer kids" that grew up in the 90's. Neither John, nor Frank can fully identify with this perspective, but we can empathize and sympathize with this perspective. Homosexuality is something that society has become more comfortable and accepting of. The cautiousness of the 90's has given way to Steven Universe, a cartoon that openly shows same sex relationships, but in such a way that it never comes across as preachy. The genius of the show is how it embraces the idea of love and family and friendship. Those are the real themes of the cartoon, and ultimately it helps trigger those warm longing feelings of nostalgia that we seem to seek as we grow older.

The second article is an in depth commentary of the nostalgia of Steven Universe. This is the article where the quote from Mad Men is used that I quoted in the episode. It touches on some of the same stuff we did, but is worth a read, just for the author's enthusiasm for the series.

Nostalgia is subjective. John and Frank get that. They understand that that what triggers those wonderful feels in one person won't necessarily be the same for the next. We heavily criticized Stranger Things (despite enjoying the series) for forcing the nostalgia. Some people might be inclined to do the same with Steven Universe. Nostalgia will have a part 3 on the podcast, probably sooner than later.

Episode 25: John Hate's What You Love: Stranger Things and Nostalgia pt. 1

Episode 25: John Hate's What You Love: Stranger Things and Nostalgia pt. 1
Hosts: Frank Shaw and John Belliston
Produced by Hobos in the Back Row
Scripting by Frank Shaw
Edited by: Frank Shaw
Graphic Design by: Nathan Newell
Intro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 1 by F.G. Shaw
Outro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 3 by F.G. Shaw


Some rather involved note's this time. Partly to touch on a few things that we meant to discuss but neglected to, partly to clarify our position on the show.

First, in case it's not clear from the episode, John and I do like the series. Quite a lot actually. But we have, and the podcast illustrates this, some major complaints and criticisms about the series. Mostly how it seeks to completely create nostalgia whole-cloth by emulating intellectual properties from the 80's. This may work for some (a lot) of viewers. The next podcast explores nostalgia a bit more, and it's a subject that we'll come back to,  but now let's jump into the articles both sources for the podcast, and interesting articles that we discovered after the fact.

There's several well documented lists that detail the inspiration for the series. The Duffer brothers also detail many of the inspirational sources themselves in various interviews.  Some of the inspirations are blatantly obvious as you watch the series, some are more subtle. There are things the series does right. The fact that it is essentially a 7 1/2 hour film, and is able to explore characters that would not normally be explored through the course of the film. Winona Ryder's character, as well as her older son's story is developed and interesting. The character of Nancy is also explored, which would not have happened had this simply been a film.

The monster, the Demogorgon, both of us have some issues with. John is disappointed that it isn't stranger and more ominous than it ends up being. (I am too.) There was a lot of potential with the monster initially. The concept art for it shows that it could have been so much more than it actually was. My major complaint is that the Duffy brothers, and the series itself, doesn't bother to attribute the Lovecraftian horror influence that the source material that inspired them is clearly pulling from.

There's also something that we neglected to talk about (though I did tease it at one point with my E.T. comment), and that's the fact that Eleven is woefully neglected in many ways. And in many ways is a text book example of the "Smurfette Principle."  I had meant to bring up the idea that Eleven was essentially the token girl, but failed to during the course of the episode. Millie Bobby Brown is a great young actress and hopefully they explore her characters life, and move away from the horrible tragedy and making her the token magical creature (a la E.T.) that she ends up being in the first season.

Now for a couple of positive things: The Upside Down, what a fantastic idea! This is honestly one of my favorite parts of the show, and I'm very excited about being able to explore it more in the next season (I really hope they do.) The idea of a parallel universe is one of those sci-fi tropes that I just can't get enough of, and it's something that I fully embrace with this series. I love the idea of there being a side dimension along side our own and the fact that there is some scientific evidence that lends credence to the idea.

There are many questions left open at the end of the series. There's are fan theories about Will, Eleven, the Upside Down, the Demogorgon. We put forth our favorite theory about Eleven in the podcast as detailed in this video by Uproxx. There are other theories about the monster out there that are just as engaging. 

John (despite the title) and I really did enjoy the series. It's one of the reasons why we're so critical of it. We recognize all the things it does right (and it does a lot). While pointing out all of the things it does wrong. One of the things that we both feel missed the mark is the idea that it tries to manufacture the nostalgia for the viewer. This does, admittedly work for a lot of folks that watched the show, it didn't for us. It felt forced and unfortunately we both think it could have been better had it not attempted to do that.  The Duffer brothers have some genuine talent for creating interesting plots, and characters. There's a lot of potential in this IP and there's a lot of obvious love and passion that went into making it. So if you haven't, give the episode a listen for our full thoughts on the series and nostalgia. And if you haven't go watch Stranger Things, because despite our criticism it is really an enjoyable series.

Episode 24: Bob's Burgers.

Episode 24: Bob's Burgers
Hosts: Frank Shaw and John Belliston
Produced by Hobos in the Back Row
Scripting by Frank Shaw
Edited by: Frank Shaw
Graphic Design by: Nathan Newell
Music Loop for "What's Interesting" Autumn_Loop Wave created by M-Red
Intro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 1 by F.G. Shaw
Outro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 3 by F.G. Shaw

The Bob's Burgers episode was hell to finally get down. It took 5 separate attempts over the course of three weeks at either scheduling or actually trying to record before we got the above episode . One of the great disadvantages to John and myself not being in the same city. We got it though, and I'm pretty pleased with how fun the episode turned out.

Next episode (Episode 25) is going to be on Star Trek the Original Series. John will be missing, but I'll be joined by our friend Richard Sanders. So be sure to check it out.

Here's an interview with H. John Benjamin made just after the first season of Bob's Burgers.

One thing both John and I find fun to do (though it isn't always relevenant to the episode) is look at topics T.V. Tropes. It's fun to see how television, movies, and video games fall into place, or subvert the different popularized tropes. Here's the link to Bob's Burgers page.

Episode 21: Rick and Morty

Episode 21: Rick and Morty
Hosts: Frank Shaw and John Belliston
Guests: Richard Sanders
Produced by Hobos in the Back Row
Scripting by Frank Shaw and John R. Belliston
Edited by: Frank Shaw
Graphic Design by: Nathan Newell
Sounds from freesound.org Hiphop Beat, 110 Loop, Spring 1, Spring Drip Hit
Intro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 1 by F.G. Shaw
Outro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 3 by F.G. Shaw

John and I are joined by a summoned Richard Sanders to discuss Rick and Morty. We talk about the absurdism, the nihlism and the over arching ethics of the series. We also talk about a few interesting things in our 'What's Interesting' segment.

 Dr. Strange trailer on Youtube.

Faraday Future's new electric car plant.

Samsung's new contact patent.

Short article on Rick and Morty

 Philosophy of Rick and Morty by Wisecrack

Is Rick and Morty the ideal scientists? PBS Idea Channel.

The Original Morty Cartoon Conspiracy

The Secret of the Ticket The Save Point Guild

Rick's True Crime Exposed Film Theory

Rick isn't a super genius kitkatpaddywak

107 Rick and Morty Facts Toonedup@Cartoon Hangover

Episode 15: Jessica Jones

Episode 15: Jessica Jones
Hosts: Frank Shaw and John Belliston
Special guest: Matthew Ivan Bennett
Produced by Hobos in the Back Row
Scripting by Frank Shaw and John Belliston and Matthew Ivan Bennett
Edited by: Frank Shaw
Intro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 1 by F.G. Shaw
Outro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 3 by F.G. Shaw

John and I are joined by playwright Matthew Ivan Bennett on this episode of the podcast to discuss Jessica Jones: What are our thoughts on the Netflix series? How does it portray female superheros? How well does it portray the survivor of domestic abuse? What are our thoughts about what's to come for Marvel Netflix series? We try to answer all those questions and more in the podcast.

There is one question we discuss above that have better sources than what we three are able to give and that's the matter of the survivor of domestic abuse. To start with here are several links where women give their response to Jessica Jones and how it portrays the victim/survivor role of Jessica in the series.

I have little commentary about the following links because the content is not to be sugarcoated, and nothing I say can do the job of the articles original authors. Each and every one of the following articles is worth a read, especially if you've watched Jessica Jones.

Here is the first link.
Here's the second link.
Here is a link to a Cracked article right in line with the previous two.
And finally, here's a link with information about being "gas lighted" or psychology abused and manipulated.

None of the above links are particularly light reads. As well they shouldn't be. It's a pretty nasty topic but is something that needs to be addressed, and confronted. As you'll read Jessica Jones does a good job of doing just that.

In a complete switch, here's a link to detailing about Jessica Jones next season, or lack of one.

I've been searching for the specific article Matt mentions in the podcast from the Overthinking website (a fantastic pop culture/geek oriented blog and podcast network), as soon as I find it I'll be sharing it here.

Episode 12: In the Flesh

Episode 12: In the Flesh
Hosts: Frank Shaw and John Belliston
Contributing Guests: D'Artagnon Wells
Produced by Hobos in the Back Row
Scripting by Frank Shaw
Edited by: Frank Shaw
Intro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 1 by F.G. Shaw
Outro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 3 by F.G. Shaw

This week we're joined by D'Artagnon Wells to continue our discussion on zombies. We talk primarily about In the Flesh. But other topics the crop up this episode are The Walking Dead, iZombie, Allan Moore, Firefly and the unsung heros of film and television: make-up artists and lighting designers.

Not many links this week:

Here's a link to the Daily Dot on an article detailing In the Flesh's demise.

AMC has picked up The Walking Dead for a season seven. 

And here's a link discussing what's going on with BBC 3. 

Episode 4: John Hates What You Love: Firefly.

Episode 4: John Hates What You Love: Firefly
Hosts: Frank Shaw and John Belliston
Produced by Hobos in the Back Row
Edited by: Frank Shaw
Intro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 1 by F.G. Shaw
Outro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 3 by F.G. Shaw

Here's the newest episode of the show!
This one might rub folks the wrong way a bit, but it still proves to be a fun conversation.
We have a lengthy discussion about Firefly, discuss the purpose of science fiction and criticize Joss Whedon (again).
Give it a listen.

UPDATE:

The show notes are not nearly as extensive as the last few times.

Here's a link detailing the wherefore and why of Firefly's eventual cancellation and how Fox mishandled the series.

This link is a short essay on where the series could possibly go after Serenity. Interesting read, and honestly I'd love something like what the author suggests (I'm sure John wouldn't be opposed either).

Here's a link to Margaret Weiss Productions page on the Firefly RPG. I mention in the podcast that I played the RPG. The version I played was the original version (also by Margaret Weiss Production) and was actually called the Serenity RPG. It was limited to stuff in the film initially. Well it's been republished as the Firefly RPG now and has a few supplements out as well. The game mechanics are sound and the quality and flavor of the books are fantastic. If you like RPG's and you like Firefly it's worth your time to pick this up. I can attest it's a solid system.