Conversations with Dead People

Nikki Stafford, author of Bite Me!: The Unofficial Guide to Buffy the Vampire Slayer (AND Once Bitten: An Unofficial Guide to the World of Angel, but we’ll get there) returns! Stepping briefly away from her watch on the Wall (the final season of Game of Thrones is a demanding master), she joins me to discuss great werewolf actors, bad werewolf makeup, and uncomfortable contemporary readings of previously endearing moments in 419, “New Moon Rising.” And then in 420, “The Yoko Factor” we talk about the perceptiveness of evil, the unnecessary apologies of Angel, the comedic stylings of drunk Giles, and our respective sympathies whenever people gang up on Buffy.

Next: I’ll be joined by...somebody?...to close out the controversial college season with episodes 421, “Primeval” and 422, “Restless.”

THE BREAKDOWN

Run Time: 00:00:00

00:00:55 - Intro / Guest

00:06:15 - Main Topic

01:19:29 - Outro / Next

THE LIBRARY

Bite Me!: The Chosen Edition The Unofficial Guide to Buffy The Vampire Slayer (Seven Seasons One Book), by Nikki Stafford

Once Bitten: An Unofficial Guide to the World of Angel, by Nikki Stafford

THE LINKS

Nikki Stafford’s Great Buffy Rewatch Archive

THE MUSIC

“Conversations (feat. Wesley Mead)” by Azura (2017)

“Free Bird” by Anthony Stewart Head (2000)

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.

http://www.whedonstudies.tv/

Superstar Kenn Edwards returns, as Conversations with Dead People transitions into what it was always meant to be...Conversations about Jonathan Levinson! While discussing episode 417, “Superstar,” Paul indulges in many of his worst tendencies to go off on tangents, pondering the nature of magic as “the language of outcasts,” learning to be more accepting of Buffy Summers, and how Danny Strong has cast his own augmentation spell to become the Jonathan Levinson of the real world. And in 418, “Where the Wild Things Are,” we talk about the baffling absence of Oz, orgasm walls and other unsubtle metaphors, and Paul takes another unfair jab at Marti Noxon. Sorry.

Next: the long-awaited return of fan-scholar/scholar-fan Nikki Stafford as we discuss episodes 419, “New Moon Rising” and 420, “The Yoko Factor.”

THE BREAKDOWN

Run Time: 01:37:55

00:00:55 - Intro / Guest

00:03:52 - Main Topic

01:25:13 - Outro / Next

THE LIBRARY

Library Closed For Filing - Please Come Back Tomorrow

THE LINKS

The Alex Jonestown Massacre on Bandcamp

...on Facebook

...on Instagram

American Juggalo (Documentary)

THE MUSIC

“Conversations (feat. Wesley Mead)” by Azura (2017)

“Superstar” by The Isley Brothers, Body Kiss (2003)

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.

http://www.whedonstudies.tv/

There’s clearly been some body swapping shenanigans going on, because somehow infamous prodigal Conversational-ist Arlo Wiley makes his first appearance in the Dead People mausoleum. (I mean at least there wasn’t any hyena possession going on.) We talk around the awkward, metaphorically demonic history between us regarding the origins of this podcast before at last renewing our Faith in each other to discuss this week’s impressive double bill of episodes. In 415, “This Year’s Girl” we see the very welcome return of some long lost fan favorite characters as Faith wakes up from her coma, learns of the fate of her father figure Mayor Wilkins, and shares some tender moments with Joyce. And the extraordinary 416, “Who Are You” gives us two of THE -- BEST -- PERFORMANCES of the entire series, with Sarah Michelle Gellar and Eliza Dushku swapping roles to absolutely unbelievable effect.

For serious, guys...these are two of my personal favorites.

Next: superstar Kenn Edwards returns to discuss 417, “Superstar.” And I guess we’ll talk about 418, “Where the Wild Things Are” too, but really it’s “Superstar.”

THE CROSSOVER

Angel 118, “Five by Five”

THE BREAKDOWN

Run Time: 01:42:44

00:00:55 - Intro / Guest

00:22:12 - Main Topic

01:35:40 - Outro / Next

THE LIBRARY

Library Closed For Filing - Please Come Back Tomorrow

THE LINKS

Gobbledygeek Podcast

The Avatar Returns Podcast

“Joss Whedon’s Yardstick: Feminism, Humanism, and Xander” by Arlo Wiley, Gobbledygeek (Arlo wants to be sure you know this is old and his opinions on this topic have evolved.)

THE MUSIC

“Conversations (feat. Wesley Mead)” by Azura (2017)

“Trading Places” by Usher, Here I Stand (2018)

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.

http://www.whedonstudies.tv/

Michael Holland returns to the Conversations with Dead People mausoleum to discuss the agelessness of Ian McShane. (Coming soon: Conversations with Deadwood.) We also talk a little about Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Episode 413, “The I in Team” covers a LOT of territory, including a dramatically silly but thematically significant trap, the very perfunctory end of Maggie Walsh’s story, and the high watermark (so far) of the patented Buffyverse “slo-mo sex-equals-violence” montage. And episode 414 makes some implied promises with the title “Goodbye Iowa” that maybe don’t pay off the way some viewers expected. Adam studies anatomy, Riley’s off his meds, a certain subtext considers dropping the sub, and the relevance of Road Runner cartoons is discussed.

Next: I’ll be once again by Whedon Studies author and Associate Dean for Faculty, Klingler College of Arts and Sciences at Marquette University James South as we find Faith in episodes 415, “This Year’s Girl” and 416, “Who Are You.”

THE BREAKDOWN

Run Time: 01:19:00

00:00:55 - Intro / Guest

00:06:54 - Main Topic

01:13:52 - Outro / Next

THE LIBRARY

Seven Seasons of Buffy: Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Discuss Their Favorite Television Show (Smart Pop series), edited by Glenn Yeffeth

THE LINKS

Patrick (H) Willem’s Video Essays

THE MUSIC

“Conversations (feat. Wesley Mead)” by Azura (2017)

“Window to Your Soul” by Delerium, Karma (1997)

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.

http://www.whedonstudies.tv/

We’re back! For justice, and the safety of puppies! Brazilian fan community organizer extraordinaire Johny Ho joins me to talk about the maybe possibly sloggy mid-point of Season Four. In 411, “Doomed,” the kids LITERALLY go back to high school in what Paul rather grumpily refers to as a clumsy attempt to demonstrate maturation. While in 412, “A New Man,” the annual Buffy Birthday Crisis eschews the usual zombies and problematic issues of power and consent in favor of...a mid-life crisis.

Also we lament all those stories and spinoffs that could have been: the more sophisticated Giles vs. Walsh arc we never got; Ripper the Series; and the Giles/Spike half hour buddy comedy series that just simply HAS to exist in the multiverse somewhere.

Next: Someone, possibly Michael Holland, joins me to discuss 413, “The I in Team” and 414, “Goodbye Iowa.”

THE BREAKDOWN

Run Time: 01:17:00

00:00:55 - Intro / Apologies / Guest

00:03:48 - Main Topic

01:13:40 - Outro / Next

THE LIBRARY

Library Closed For Filing - Please Come Back Tomorrow

THE MUSIC

“Conversations (feat. Wesley Mead)” by Azura (2017)

“Back to School” by Ace Frehley, Trouble Walkin’ (1989)

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.

http://www.whedonstudies.tv/

I guess we have to talk...

I know, I know, it’s been a while. You thought this podcast was dead and buried. But as so many before you have learned, in Sunnydale...dead don’t take! I’m back, I have more to say, and I’ve brought the most relevant rock musician in the world Kenn Edwards back with me. This time we’re discussing one of the big mile markers of the series, “Hush.” We talk about the debut of so-shy-she’s-almost-speechless Tara; Riley Finn and other classic Greco-Roman Heroes; the subversion of princess and tower tropes; the very significant difference between language and communication; and the most (intentionally?) anti-climactic climactic screams in genre television history.

But of course the real reason to prick up your ears and listen is to hear what we have to say about the Gentlemen. Even the Mr. Burns Mob and Their Coterie of Capering Smitherses can’t stop the Conversation!

Next: Brazillian fan community organizer Johny Ho returns to help me examine episodes 411, “Doomed” and 412, “A New Man.”

THE BREAKDOWN

Run Time: 01:15:12

00:00:55 - Intro / Guest

00:03:06 - A few words about Buffy the Vampire Slayer #1 from BOOM! Studios

00:16:03 - Main Topic

01:10:40 - Outro / Next

THE LIBRARY

Why Buffy Matters: The Art of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, by Rhonda V. Wilcox

THE LINKS

The Alex Jonestown Massacre on Bandcamp

...on Facebook

“Shake Me Judy” music video

THE MUSIC

“Conversations (feat. Wesley Mead)” by Azura (2017)

“Voices Carry” by ‘Til Tuesday, Voices Carry (1985)

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.

http://www.whedonstudies.tv/

PhD student, Slayage contributor, and shadowy, mysterious Spuffy fanfic author Jessica Hautsch makes her Conversations with Dead People debut! Together we find the titular troublemakers in 407, “The Initiative” to be non-mixy things, possibly even a little bit world-breaky? In 408, “Pangs,” as is usually the case with Thanksgiving gatherings there are things we really love and things we really don’t. And finally, Spike pops the question to Buffy and is welcomed into the family with open arms in 409, “Something Blue.”

What is up with the creepy TA/student power dynamics? Did the show just blatantly foreshadow an important character development in Angel Season Five? And what is even holding Sunnydale up at this point?

Enjoy your ritual sacrifice with pie, everybody!

Next: my good, loud, punk rock friend Kenn Edwards unplugs and joins me to discuss episode 410, “Hush.” The entire conversation will take place via dry erase boards, which ought to make for a pretty interesting podcast.

THE CROSSOVER

Angel 107, “The Bachelor Party” and 108, “I Will Remember You”

THE BREAKDOWN

Intro / Guest (00:00:00 - 00:00:08:38)

Main Topic (00:08:38 - 01:49:30)

Outro / Next (01:49:30 - 01:54:40)

THE LIBRARY

Library Closed For Filing - Please Come Back Tomorrow

THE MUSIC

“Conversations (feat. Wesley Mead)” by Azura (2017)

“Something Blue” by Elvis Presley, Pot Luck with Elvis (1962)

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.

http://www.whedonstudies.tv/

Melanie Scala is back and we’re gettin’ all Clan of the Cave Beer in the cemetery this week. It’s a big overture, little show in 404, “Fear, Itself.” Nothing can defeat the penis in 405, “Beer Bad.” And 406, “Wild at Heart” should be considered an emotional hate crime. Somehow neither one of us were drunk during this recording.

Also, hashtag Beeranderthals!

Next: I’m joined by Slayage contributor and Spuffy fanfic author Jessica Hautsch to discuss 407, “The Initiative,” 408, “Pangs,” and 409, “Something Blue.” Things are about to get weird.

THE BREAKDOWN

Intro / Guest (00:00:00 - 00:07:50)

Main Topic (00:07:50 - 01:49:15)

Outro / Next (01:49:15 - 01:55:45)

THE LIBRARY

Library Closed For Filing - Please Come Back Tomorrow

THE MUSIC

“Conversations (feat. Wesley Mead)” by Azura (2017)

“Hooray for Beer” by Bowling For Soup, Sorry for Partyin’ (2009)

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.

http://www.whedonstudies.tv/

PhD student, author, and Mr. Pointy Award winner Stephanie Graves makes her debut on the podcast with a discussion of Buffy’s transition from the innocent days of high school to the bleak promise years of college. In 401, “The Freshman,” Willow opens herself to the thrusting, spurty knowledge of UC Sunnydale while Buffy makes what will prove to be one of the darkest, most brutal quips of foreshadowing possibly in the history of the series. 402, “Living Conditions” gives us...not a whole lot, actually. And in 402, “The Harsh Light of Day,” Giles has a TV! He’s shallow like us!

Also, Blondie Bear is back and can’t wait to see if he freckles; Xander isn’t awful; Riley isn’t awful either; but Parker is manipulative and shallow...and why doesn’t he want me?

Next: Melanie Scala is back for a three-peat appearance in the coveted guest host slot, this time discussing 404, “Fear, Itself,” 405, “Beer Bad,” and 406, “Wild at Heart.”

THE CROSSOVER

Angel 101, "City of..." and 103, "In the Dark"

THE BREAKDOWN

Intro / Guest (00:00:00 - 00:08:05)

Main Topic (00:08:05 - 01:41:42)

Outro / Next (01:41:42 - 01:45:07)

THE LIBRARY

Library Closed For Filing - Please Come Back Tomorrow

THE MUSIC

“Conversations (feat. Wesley Mead)” by Azura (2017)

“Believe” by Cher, Believe (1998)

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.

http://www.whedonstudies.tv/