Episodes
Tuesday Jan 21, 2020
Episode 49 - Tabula Rasa / Smashed / Wrecked (feat. James Rocha)
Tuesday Jan 21, 2020
Tuesday Jan 21, 2020
James Rocha, Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Fresno State and co-author, along with his wife Dr. Mona Rocha, of Joss Whedon, Anarchist? A Unified Theory of the Films and Television Series, returns to help ease us into the poor decision making of the Scooby Gang, and the heavy-handed “metaphor” application of the writers headed into the darker half of the darkest season. In episode 608, “Tabula Rasa,” James does his best to get into the philosophy of it all, while I just question if Buffy has jumped the shark. In 609, “Smashed,” we talk about Willow’s reasons for finally de-ratting Amy; the debate over Spike’s reasons for trying to bite the blonde in the alley is rehashed; and Buffy (the “good” Slayer) has now slept with twice as many named characters as Faith (the “bad” Slayer). And 610, “Wrecked” reminds us how important Merrie Melodies cartoons are; the so-called subtext becomes painful, bludgeoning text hammered directly into our innocent, trusting faces; and my oft-referenced issues with one particular writer are made just a little more clear. For better or worse.
Next: co-host of The Avatar Returns podcast, co-author of The Deli Counter of Justice, my friend Eric Sipple joins the conversation for the first time to discuss episodes 611, “Gone,” 612, “Doublemeat Palace,” and 613, “Dead Things.”
THE BREAKDOWN
Run Time: 01:54:55
00:00:55 - Intro / Guest
00:03:26 - Main Topic
01:51:15 - Outro / Next
THE LIBRARY
Joss Whedon, Anarchist? A Unified Theory of the Films and Television Series, by James Rocha and Mona Rocha
THE MUSIC
“Conversations (feat. Wesley Mead)” by Azura (2017)
“Goodbye to You” by Michelle Branch, The Spirit Room (2002)
THE SCHOLARS
Whedon Studies Association is a non-profit academic organization devoted to the study of the works of Joss Whedon and his associates. They put out Slayage: The Journal of Whedon Studies, and Watcher Junior: The Undergraduate Journal of Whedon Studies, both blind peer-reviewed twice-yearly online publications. They also host the biennial Slayage Conference on the Whedonverses, which brings all these incredible scholars together to present papers, discuss ways of incorporating Whedon Studies in education, and basically just geek out together.
Sunday Jan 12, 2020
Episode 48 - Once More, With Feeling (feat. Arlo Wiley)
Sunday Jan 12, 2020
Sunday Jan 12, 2020
So you know how time flows differently from one dimension to the next? Yeah, I was sucked into a hell dimension where it felt like only a week went by, but here in the real world you guys have suffered through three Conversations with Dead People-free months! Or maybe I was in Heaven...I think I was in Heaven. YOU guys were stuck here in THIS hell dimension without me. But anyways, I apologize for the unsolicited hiatus. The good news is I’m back! The better news is I’m back with Buffy the Vampire Slayer episode 607, “Once More, With Feeling.” The only so-so news is that guest Arlo Wiley is back too. And we may, we just may sing every word of our discussion. I mean you take the good, you take the bad, right?
The BEST news? Because you demanded it, as of 10:08 into the podcast the naughty words moratorium is officially ended. Bring on that EXPLICIT CONTENT warning!
Next: I’m joined by Assistant Philosophy professor and Slayage: The Journal of Whedon Studies contributor James Rocha, back to discuss episodes 608, “Tabula Rasa,” 609, “Smashed,” and 610, “Wrecked.” It’s about to start getting rough, folks.
THE BREAKDOWN
Run Time: 01:40:05
00:01:00 - Intro / Guest
00:05:07 - Main Topic
00:10:08 - Someone has a potty mouth
01:35:40 - Outro / Next
THE LIBRARY
Music, Sound, and Silence in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, edited by Paul Attinello, Janet K. Half yard, and Vaness Knights
THE MUSIC
“Going Through The Motions” by Sarah Michelle Gellar & Orchestra, Buffy the Vampire Slayer - Once More, With Feeling (Soundtrack from the TV Show) (2002)
“Where Do We Go From Here?” by Buffy the Vampire Slayer Cast, Buffy the Vampire Slayer - Once More, With Feeling (Soundtrack from the TV Show) (2002)
THE SCHOLARS
Whedon Studies Association is a non-profit academic organization devoted to the study of the works of Joss Whedon and his associates. They put out Slayage: The Journal of Whedon Studies, and Watcher Junior: The Undergraduate Journal of Whedon Studies, both blind peer-reviewed twice-yearly online publications. They also host the biennial Slayage Conference on the Whedonverses, which brings all these incredible scholars together to present papers, discuss ways of incorporating Whedon Studies in education, and basically just geek out together.