We are moving to a new studio! Because of this, we're taking a week off. Fear not. We'll be back in two weeks with a brand new episode. In the meantime, follow us on social media for bonus content.
Episode 64: Way Down Below the Ocean
Once upon a time, way down below the ocean, there lived a little mermaid who longed to be part of a different world. This week, Derek and Laurel deconstruct one of the most beloved stories of all time, from its ancient mythic inspiration to its 19th Century origins—all the way to the classic Disney animated movie. We’ll break apart tragic themes and what it means to give a happy ending to a heartbreaking fairy tale, and explore the social hierarchies and family dynamics that make The Little Mermaid a perfect allegory for some of our worst fears. And, most importantly, everything comes back… to Plato.
Episode 63: A Balm in Gilead
How did we get here? Where are we going? The future may seem an abstract concept, a faraway thing, but every action we take, every word we set down in the present determines the outcomes and intricacies of our world to come. This week, we pull apart some of the religious references in Hulu’s hit series The Handmaid’s Tale to further understand the message the story is really telling. We’ll discuss Offred’s journey so far, what we’ve learned about Gileadian social structure, and the sacred texts upon which this new country is based. Under his eye.
Episode 62: These Violent Delights
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Have you every questioned the nature your reality, or podcast? Per chance you should…Listen this week as The Midnight Myth applies its thoughtful analysis to the HBO hit series West World. Central to West World is the idea of the "west", a frontier, a lawless land ripe for civilized folk to come and claim— if they are tough enough to keep it. Amid the moral questions of artificial intelligence and a world created where humans can cater to every lustful wish and violent desire, is a narrative of America. This week Derek and Laurel seek to understand the narrative, from Ancient Rome, to Enlightenment Politics, and everything in between and hereafter.
Episode 61: Infinity War, Oh Snap **SPOILERS**
Warning: This episode completely spoils Marvel's the Infinity War!
In 2008, Tony Stark said the age old proverb that the best weapon is one you never have to fire, was wrong. He preferred the weapon you only have to fire once. That weapon is here, and it has 6 stones. The infinity gauntlet as arrived, and is being wielded by a purple skinned Titan— Thanos. Listen as Derek and Laurel do their heavy spoiler filled discussion on 10 years of build up in Marvel’s Infinity War.
The Boomerangerang: Infinity War
Who would make the better souffle—Nick Fury or Tony Stark? The Boomerangerang is back to get you pumped for Marvel’s latest blockbuster, Avengers: Infinity War! Join Derek & Laurel for a silly yet stimulating battle royale between your favorite Marvel heroes and villains (in some wacky and unexpected scenarios). Let us know who you think wins the debates!
Episode 60B: Reach out with your Feelings
Last week, we talked about the Force awakening in Rey, our hero. This week, Derek & Laurel explore the continuation of Rey’s character journey through the Last Jedi. As a mentor-less orphan wandering the galaxy in search of guidance, Rey’s coming-of-age is unique in the Star Wars universe. Where the heroes who came before her were aided by the likes of Yoda and Obi-Wan Kenobi, Rey must find her way more or less alone—with the fate of the galaxy quite literally hanging in the balance. Join us for part two of a deconstruction of Rey, a new kind of Star Wars hero.
Episode 60A: Rey of Light
What makes a Star Wars hero? In a world concerned with fan theories and mysterious backstories, how do we assess the value of who our hero is here and now. Join us for the first of a two-part mini-series on Rey, the central hero of the new Star Wars saga. This first part tracks her journey through the Force Awakens, compares her to the heroes we recognize, and tries to understand what makes Rey truly unique for a new generation of Star Wars fans. When an ordinary scavenger goes head to head with the strongest Dark Side Force user we’ve ever seen—and makes it out the other side stronger—we know we’re dealing with something new.