Charlie and Steve Watch Stuff

We're back! In this episode of Charlie and Steve Watch Stuff, your hosts Steve Selnick and Charlie Peppers return from a brief hiatus to review the season finale of X-Men 97: 'Tolerance is Extinction Part 3.'

They catch up on recent activities, including Charlie's trips to New York and Puerto Vallarta, as well as his upcoming film 'Stakeout.' The duo delves into the finale with comprehensive discussions on character development, plot points, and numerous cameos and Easter eggs. They conclude with their thoughts on the episode’s emotional and narrative impact, ending with their Sentinel ratings. Additionally, they tease upcoming challenges and characters for season 2 and a prospective season retrospective episode.

Be sure to check out all the details about Charlie's film STAKE OUT - you can donate directly to its production here! You can also follow the film's journey via their Instagram.

Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your Podcasts, watch us on YouTube, and follow on Instagram to share what you thought with your own Ratings!

In this episode of 'Charlie and Steve Watch Stuff', Steve Selnick and Charlie Peppers, provide an in-depth analysis of the ninth episode of the first season of X-Men '97, titled 'Tolerance is Extinction Part Two'.

They discuss the episode's plot points, character developments, and thematic elements, highlighting the confrontation between the X-Men and their adversaries; Bastion, Magneto, and Mr. Sinister. The podcast delves into the relationships among characters, the strategic mistakes made by Charles Xavier, and the implications of Magneto's actions in reversing Earth's polarity. Additionally, they compare the dynamics within the X-Men team to sports cultures like the Miami Heat's 'heat culture' and discuss the thematic undertones related to leadership, loyalty, and ethics. The hosts also explore the narrative's deeper layers, including the climactic scene where Magneto extracts adamantium from Wolverine, and they speculate on potential storylines for future episodes.

The conversation covers a range of topics, from the tactical decisions of X-Men's leaders to the animation style's homage to Japanese anime. The episode concludes with Steve and Charlie sharing their overall Sentinel Ratings for the episode, their excitement for the season finale and future content of their podcast.

Join us on the show's Instagram page to drop your Sentinel Ratings in the comments for this episode's post. 

In this engaging episode of Charlie and Steve Watch Stuff, hosts Steve Selnick and Charlie Peppers are joined by Ian Carlos Crawford, the prominent host of SlayerFest 98 and My Bloody Judy, to delve into the intriguing details of 'X-Men 97' episode 8, 'Tolerance is Extinction'.

The discussion highlights Magneto's drastic measures against the Prime Sentinel threat by shutting down global electricity, character evolutions, and numerous action-packed scenes. Special attention is given to meaningful cameos from Spider-Man and other Marvel characters, exploring themes of bigotry and the repercussions of Magneto's actions. This episode is praised for its comprehensive analysis and the dynamic interaction between the hosts and their guest, rendering it a must-listen for fans eagerly following 'X-Men 97'. Before we go, the trio drop their final thoughts and Sentinel Ratings for the episode.

A special thank you to Ian, be sure to check out all of his coverage of X-Men '97 on Slayerfest '98 and his other content on My Bloody Judy, and you can always connect with him on the good old Instagram.

Speaking of IG, be sure to follow along the Podcast's page and let us know what your Sentinel Ratings for this episode were! 

In this episode of 'Charlie and Steve Watch Stuff', hosts Steve Selnick and Charlie Peppers are joined by guest Keith Jones to discuss X-Men '97, spotlighting Rogue's intense actions in the episode titled 'Bright Eyes'.

The trio appreciates the intricate animation and storytelling, comparing it favorably to previous X-Men series, while discussing character development, especially Rogue's significant role and Jean Grey's portrayal as a powerful, compassionate character. They tackle Rogue's controversial decision to drop Trask, leading to a broader conversation about character morality. The episode also explores fan theories, character dynamics, and the overall craftsmanship of the X-Men '97 series, with particular attention to its treatment of complex themes such as coming out and allyship within the context of mutant and human relations.

A special thanks to Keith for joining us on today's episode, be sure to follow him on Instagram! Also join us on our show's Instagram page to drop your Sentinel Ratings in the comments for this episode's post. 

Bonus fun facts from this episode: 

• Nightcrawler’s intro card has the original font from his comic in the 80s
• Bastian appeared in an obscure photo of episode 4.
• We see Gambit’s ex-fiance Belladonna, brother Robert, and former colleague from the Thieves Guild at the funeral. A nice touch.
• Nightcrawler ordains the funeral, which ties into his first appearance. This is a full circle moment
• It’s unclear what Gambit did in the world of the show, but in the comic books he worked for Mister Sinister. Watching the massacre of Morlocks pushed him onto the path of redemption
• Master Mold tried replacing Senator Kelly’s brain with a computer. The X-Men saved his life. This explains why he and the team are on cordial terms
• Rogue attacks a facility commanded by General Thaddeus Ross. He’s voiced by the same actor on What If…? Also, the series Incredible Hulk  takes place in the same universe as X-Men. 
• Captain America has technically worked with the X-Men before. In season five, he appeared in Old Soldiers working alongside Wolverine. Spider Man also chose him, along with Wolverine and Storm, to be one of his champions in the Secret Wars saga.
• In the comic books, Val Cooper is a shady person. Her first loyalty is to the government, not mutants. In episode five, she tried pulling gala members away. She also led mutants right into the line of Sentinel fire. Did she know the massacre was going to happen? There is a chance she’s working with OZT
• Jean is now wearing her hair down like Madelyne. Beau Demayo has confirmed Madelyne is dead. In some ways Jean might’ve absorbed Madelyne’s psyche. They share a psychic connection. It’s possible a piece of her mind is attached to Jean.
• Cyclops is notably more aggressive in episode five and seven. He’s losing patience in humanity. In the comics, Cyclops leads a new mutant nation called Utopia on the ashes of Genosha. The show could be moving this way in season two.
• Lots of cameos on Genosha: Mimic, Amelia, Angel, STRONG GUY, Multiple Man, etc.
• We get Callisto’s shrine. Steve was right. She’s definitely gone.
• Jean feels the last thoughts of Dazzler, Sebastian Shaw, Squid Boy, etc. They are confirmed dead
• Emma also discovers her diamond skin the same way in the comics. Will she be turning over a new leaf and joining the X-Men next season? We have the roster for Grant Morrison’s New X-Men here: Scott, Jean, Beast, Wolverine and Emma Frost
• Cap’s license plate is a reference to Avengers Annual 10. The first appearance of Rogue, which was written by X-Men writer Chris Claremont. Cap says he’ll lead his team to Mexico to apprehend Gyrich. This could be setting up Avengers v X-Men, which took place after the slaughter on Genosha. Steve is voiced by Josh Lucas who also portrays him in What If…? When Rogue and Cap go to the secret facility inside the cabin, the music sounds eerily similar to Winter Soldier.
• Gyrich listens to Madame Butterfly. A nice touch.
• Rogue sees Bastian and Nimrod – the figure from the opening credits – when she absorbs Gyrich’s memories. When will Nimrod appear?
• Madripoor is an embarrassment of billboard advertisements: Roxxon, Stark Industries, Horizon Labs (which appeared in the Amazing Spider Man comics), Pingo Cola (a fictional soda from the Incredible Hulk film), Yashida, Da Costa (Roberto’s family), and lastly Hammer Industries (Justin Hammer was the villain in Iron Man 2)
• Bastian is a combination of Master Mold and Nimrod who passed through a portal to gain human form. He is the ultimate killing machine. AI with no regard for human or mutant life.

In an engaging episode of 'Charlie and Steve Watch Stuff', hosts Steve Selnick and Charlie Peppers are joined by Robyn Warren of GeekGirlStrong to dissect X-Men '97's newest episode, 'LifeDeath - Part Two'.

The Trio explores the intricate narrative involving Storm's self-discovery, her fight against The Adversary, and her dynamics with Forge, alongside Charles Xavier's ethical dilemmas in the Shi'ar empire and the revelation of [SPOILERS] as the main antagonist. The episode further touches on the episode's encapsulation of empowerment, representation, and the impact of cataclysmic events on society, mirroring pre and post-9/11 themes.

Concluding with a critique that suggests a desire for improved pacing and deeper character exploration, the hosts unanimously appreciate the episode, albeit noting its crowded plotlines. This discussion not only reviews 'Life Death Part Two' but also sets the stage for what could be coming with the final four episodes of the season.

A special thank you to Robyn for joining us on today's episode - be sure to check her out on Patreon to see all of the amazing work that she does in the intersection of the Geek and Movement space, she creates a top notch community can you can be a part of it with just a few clicks. 

We'd love to hear what you think may be coming next for the X-Men on our Instagram Page. 

In this episode of 'Charlie and Steve Watch Stuff,' hosts Steve Selnick and Charlie Peppers discuss the fifth episode of 'X-Men 97,' titled 'Remember It.'

They explore its emotional depth, likening its impact to the infamous Red Wedding episode of 'Game of Thrones' and discuss key plot points, including Genosha's addition to the UN and the setup of a potentially powerful leadership duo with Magneto proposing Rogue as his queen. They also delve into character development, focusing on the complex dynamics between Scott, Jean, and Madeline Pryor, and the tragic twist involving Gambit's heroic demise.

The episode is noted for effectively handling emotional and action-packed sequences, raising the stakes for the series while exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and the ongoing struggle of mutants. Before signing off, the pair rate the episode on a scale of 5 Sentinels.

We'd love to hear what you think may be coming next for the X-Men on our Instagram Page. 

In this episode of Charlie and Steve Watch Stuff, hosts Steve Selnick and Charlie Peppers review the episode 'Motendo/LifeDeath Part One' from X-Men '97. 

The review delves into two main storylines from the episode. The first focuses on Jubilee and Roberto (Sunspot) getting sucked into a video game by Mojo on Jubilee's 18th birthday, showcasing their battle against in-game challenges and Mojo himself. The episode successfully ties in themes of coming of age and self-discovery, highlighted by Jubilee realizing the importance of living life without cheat codes or extra lives. 

The second storyline involves Storm visiting Forge's ranch to undergo a procedure to restore her powers, leading to a deeper examination of identity crisis and transition in adulthood. Storm's journey is abruptly interrupted by the reveal of Forge's past actions and his confession of love, complicating their relationship. This segment ends with the emergence of a demonic entity known as the Adversary, setting up suspense for the next episode. 

Throughout the review, Steve and Charlie share their ratings, insights, and personal connections to the themes, while pointing out easter eggs and making predictions for future episodes.

In this episode of Charlie and Steve Watch Stuff, hosts Charlie Peppers and Steve Selnick dive into a detailed review of 'X-Men '97: Fire Made Flesh,' currently streaming on Disney+.

The episode involves the X-Men's confrontation with an immortal mad scientist, leading to a tragic twist involving Jean Grey. Charlie and Steve discuss Easter eggs and plot developments, including the presence of Mr. Sinister, the revelation of Jean Grey's clone, and the intricate dynamics within the X-Men team. They also touch on the deep emotions and moral questions raised by the episode, speculating on character development and future storylines. The pair rate the episode out of 5 Sentinels, appreciating its balance of action, character depth, and loyalty to comic book storytelling.

We'd love to hear what you think may be coming next for the X-Men on our Instagram Page. 

In this episode of 'Charlie and Steve Watch Stuff', the dynamic duo shifts their focus from Batman the Animated Series to the much-anticipated 'X-Men '97'.

Through a meticulous analysis of the early episodes, they unravel the narrative, pinpointing pivotal moments, enhanced animation and deeper character arcs. The duo navigates through the series’ homage to its origins and teases about its ties between comics storylines and potential upcoming plot points. Entertaining and thought-provoking speculative discussions on potential storylines and character evolutions conclude the episode, we'd love to hear what you think may be coming next for the X-Men on our Instagram Page. 

This podcast episode serves as a comprehensive guide for fans old and new, offering a blend of humor, analysis, and speculative exploration of 'X-Men '97'.

2:55 Episode 1 "To Me, My X-Men"
42:37 Episode 2 "Mutant Liberation Begins"

In this episode of Charlie and Steve Watch Stuff, the boys welcome Ryan Aguirre, a Studio Publicist for 2023's "All of Us Strangers" to discuss the overall plot and their thoughts on this drama starring Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal.

The discussion takes a deep dive into the film's complex narrative, the spooky and sexy elements of the film, significant plot points, the distressing revelation in Harry's apartment, and character dynamics revolving around coming out, familial connections, intimacy, and dealing with trauma.

The hosts and their guest examine the characters' interactions with ghostly apparitions, representing unresolved grief and acceptance, the impact of personal growth, and the importance of diverse storytelling. The narrative depth, character development, and emotional impacts are further dissected, alongside the film's universal themes, its depiction of queerness and grief, and the poignant use of music, offering a rich analysis of its storytelling prowess.

Before they go, they boys give their rating for the film on a scale of 5 Records.

Watch All of Us Strangers now on Hulu!

A special thank you to Ryan for joining us on the show - be sure to connect with him on LinkedIn (especially if you're one of those studio execs we talked about), and follow him on Instagram and X.

Thanks for being a part of the Charlie and Steve Watch Stuff Community - Follow us on Instagram and share what your Record Ratings are for "All of Us Strangers"!