Conversations with Dead People

This week I’m joined by Johny Ho, friend to basically every show I’ve produced over the past several years and very active fan and organizer in the Brazilian Buffy fan community in the early 2000’s. Episode 215, “Phases” pushes my nitpicky werewolf fan buttons, does an admirable job of examining issues of what we now know as toxic masculinity, and a very questionable job of examining issues of queer sexual identity. In 216, “Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered” Spike and Angel discuss the poetry of lung removal and Xander’s got the love. And finally in 217, “Passion” we say hello to Angelus for really the first time, goodbye to Jenny for pretty much the last time, and I get my second-favorite “characters break down sobbing in each others arms in an alleyway” scene from across the two series.

Next: I’m joined by Karen Viars, Humanities and Science Fiction Librarian at the Georgia Tech Library and author of various works on fan studies and gender. We’ll be discussing the whimsically-titled “Killed by Death,” the comedic and uplifting “I Only Have Eyes for You,” and the Shape of Water prequel episode, “Go Fish.”

THE BREAKDOWN

Intro / Guest (00:00:00 - 00:10:33)

Main Topic (00:10:33 - 01:36:33)

Outro / Next (01:36:33 - 01:39:27)

THE LIBRARY

Library Closed For Filing - Please Come Back Tomorrow

THE MUSIC

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

“Got the Love” by Average White Band, AWB (1974)

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/

This week I’m joined by Johny Ho, friend to basically every show I’ve produced over the past several years and very active fan and organizer in the Brazilian Buffy fan community in the early 2000’s. Episode 215, “Phases” pushes my nitpicky werewolf fan buttons, does an admirable job of examining issues of what we now know as toxic masculinity, and a very questionable job of examining issues of queer sexual identity. In 216, “Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered” Spike and Angel discuss the poetry of lung removal and Xander’s got the love. And finally in 217, “Passion” we say hello to Angelus for really the first time, goodbye to Jenny for pretty much the last time, and I get my second-favorite “characters break down sobbing in each others arms in an alleyway” scene from across the two series.

Next: I’m joined by Karen Viars, Humanities and Science Fiction Librarian at the Georgia Tech Library and author of various works on fan studies and gender. We’ll be discussing the whimsically-titled “Killed by Death,” the comedic and uplifting “I Only Have Eyes for You,” and the Shape of Water prequel episode, “Go Fish.”

THE BREAKDOWN

Intro / Guest (00:00:00 - 00:10:33)

Main Topic (00:10:33 - 01:36:33)

Outro / Next (01:36:33 - 01:39:27)

THE LIBRARY

Library Closed For Filing - Please Come Back Tomorrow

THE MUSIC

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

“Got the Love” by Average White Band, AWB (1974)

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 slept with my boyfriend and he doesn’t call me anymore, and now he’s killing hookers in alleys.” Listen Buffy, if I had a nickel for every time I went through the exact same thing…

This week I’m joined by James Rocha, Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Fresno State to commiserate over the Shakespearean tragedies that are episodes 213, “Surprise” and 214, “Innocence.” We talk about the pros and cons of the “Monster of the Week” format of storytelling; the confusing and inconsistent dichotomy of Angel/Angelus; the efficacy of gypsy curses; how Evil throws much better parties than Good; and I make my first (of likely many) references to the classic The Tick animated series. And as a special bonus you get a very, VERY early discussion about my unique frustration with one aspect of the series (not season, but series) finale. A not-so-subtle hint at what this whole podcast is building up to.

Next: I’m joined by Johny Ho, long time friend and very active fan and organizer in the Brazilian Buffy fan community. We’re going to be discussing episodes 215, “Phases,” 216, “Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered,” and 217, “Passion.”

THE BREAKDOWN

Intro / Guest (00:00:00 - 00:05:35)

Main Topic (00:05:35 - 01:35:23)

Outro / Next (01:35:23 - 01:40:50)

THE LIBRARY

Library Closed For Filing - Please Come Back Tomorrow

THE MUSIC

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

“Close Your Eyes” by Christophe Beck, Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Album (1999)

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/

Renaissance Man Kenn Edwards jumps on the mic with me to discuss the possibly(?) underappreciated episodes “Ted” and “Bad Eggs.” He brings with him his unique sense of...let’s call it whimsy, and his particular gift for finding a metatextual angle to every pop culture conversation. For example we talk about how Ted Buchanan represents the “programming” of entitled white males; how Buffy the Vampire Slayer knows we hate how clueless Joyce is and keeps on beating that dead horse intentionally to make us all feel as frustrated as her daughter does; we ask what’s up with all those upside down items in the school vending machine; and Kenn say I really need to look at the ultra-cheesy rubber monsters on the series in a completely different way.

Bonus: I make a controversial confession. Cue the torches and pitchforks.

Next: I’m joined by James Rocha, Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Fresno State and contributor to Slayage: The Journal of Whedon Studies. We’ll be discussing the one-two punch of episodes 213, “Surprise” and 214, “Innocence.”

THE BREAKDOWN

Intro / Guest (00:00:00 - 00:10:20)

Main Topic (00:10:20 - 01:45:05)

Outro / Next (01:45:05 - 01:51:52)

THE LIBRARY

The Sandman Companion, by Hy Bender

THE LINKS

The Alex Jonestown Massacre - “What We Do Is Stupid”

The Joke, a film by Kenn Edwards

A / V, a film by Joseph William Lewis, starring Kenn Edwards

THE MUSIC

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

“I Wanna Be a Cowboy” by Boys Don’t Cry, Boys Don’t Cry (1986)

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/

Watcher-in-Training Melanie Scala joins me in the cemetery this week to discuss the first two parter of Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s second season, “What’s My Line? (Part One)” and “What’s My Line? (Part Two).” These episodes mark a significant turning point in the arc of the series. By introducing the concept of a second Slayer being activated, and fleshing out some further details on how the Slayer/Watcher dynamic works outside of the Buffy/Giles paradigm, the world of the Buffyverse expands dramatically. But what in the name of all the hell dimensions is up with that accent?!

Also, the Order of Taraka absolutely will! not! stop! hunting Buffy...umm, until they do; Bad Pants; our Jonathan Count reaches “Hostage Guy” status; the term Scooby Gang is FINALLY officially coined; and should said Gang ever have to contain Angel, for whatever reason, not saying they would, but you know, just in case, all they’ll need is a cheap padlock and it should be all good.

Next: my good friend and frequent podcast collaborator Kenn Edwards, actor, writer, director, and stand-up comedian is joining me to find something of value in episodes 211, “Ted” and 212, “Bad Eggs.”

THE BREAKDOWN

Intro / Guest (00:00 - 07:27)

Main Topic (07:27 - 1:19:29)

Outro / Next (1:19:29 - 1:23:16)

THE LIBRARY

Library Closed For Filing - Please Come Back Tomorrow

THE MUSIC

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

“Scooby Doo, Where Are You?” by Matthew Sweet, Saturday Morning: Cartoons Greatest Hits (1995)

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/

For this week’s conversation David Bushman and Arthur Smith, TV curators at the Paley Center for Media in New York and authors of Buffy the Vampire Slayer FAQ: All That's Left to Know About Sunnydale's Slayer of Vampires, Demons, and Other Forces of Darkness join me to discuss rumors of “Golden Circle” behavior in the Mutant Enemy writers room and how that compares to the growing insularity of the Scooby Gang over the course of the series. We touch very briefly on Xander’s role as the Joss proxy; early hints of #Gamergate mentality; and how story, theme, and emotion tend to trump consistency in the Whedonverse.

Episode 206, “Halloween” introduces Ethan Rayne, the only character ever to deliver a convincing read of a Latin incantation. In 207, Buffy asks Giles to “Lie to Me,” or...to her, or whatever. You know what I meant. And Ethan is back to mess things up for Giles and Jenny in 208, “The Dark Age.”

Next: Melanie Scala, long time fan of genre fiction in general and Buffy the Vampire Slayer in particular, and apparently young Watcher-in-training joins me to discuss “What’s My Line? (Part One)” and, you guessed it, “What’s My Line? (Part Two).”

THE BREAKDOWN

Intro / Guest (00:00 - 8:34)

Main Topic (8:34 - 1:28:35)

Outro / Next (1:28:35 - 1:32:39)

THE LIBRARY

Buffy the Vampire Slayer FAQ: All That’s Left to Know About Sunnydale’s Slayer of Vampires, Demons, and Other Forces of Darkness, by David Bushman and Arthur Smith

THE LINKS

Big Bad Buffy Interviews - iTunes - Facebook

THE MUSIC

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

“Saturday Night” by Bay City Rollers, Rollin’ (1975)

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/

So my excuse for the crappy audio this time will be that it’s punk to not care about sound quality, and with Spike’s glorious debut I’m trying to make the show more punk. Yeah, that’s it. *sigh*

Anyway, as unprofessional as I may be Theresa Fortier, founder of supportspike.com and producer at VidiotsOnline.com still agreed to join me this week to discuss the most important episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Episode 203, “School Hard,” and how it dramatically shakes up the vampire status quo of the series with the introduction of some exciting new characters. Also on deck we’ve got 204, “Inca Mummy Girl,” which introduces two more brand new characters, one arguably the most abused in series history and the other inarguably the most laconic. And in 205, “Reptile Boy,” the series addresses the fratboy cultist cliche in the metaphorical room that we all knew we were going to have to get to sooner or later.

And yes the episode runs long. It’s punk, dammit. Leave me alone.

THE BREAKDOWN

Intro / Guest (00:00 - 7:29)

Main Topic (7:29 - 1:51:27)

Outro / Next (1:51:27 - 1:56:03)

THE LIBRARY

Library Closed For Filing - Please Come Back Tomorrow

THE LINKS

SupportSpike.com

VidiotsOnline.com

[email protected]

Twitter: @Eyelashout

THE MUSIC

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

“Hello” by Ghost of the Robot, Bourgeois Faux Pas (2015)

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/

When the Audio Was Bad! That’s right, in the ‘90s two high school kids with low-end lab equipment could resurrect the dead, but here in the 21st century two adult professionals can’t make a podcast that doesn’t sound like it’s broadcast from the bottom of an empty grave. Skype is a bitca! I apologize for the inconvenience, but the conversation is still good, so please grab your tin can on a string and listen in as Michael Adams, author of Slayer Slang: A Buffy the Vampire Slayer Lexicon joins me to ring in Season Two with episodes 201, “When She Was Bad,” and 202, “Some Assembly Required.” We talk about language on the Hellmouth, the possibly unfair redemption expectations placed upon Cordelia Chase, and how the series is already starting to explore the consequences of coming back from the hereafter.

Next: Theresa Fortier, founder of supportspike.com and producer at VidiotsOnline.com joins me to celebrate the introduction of a couple of brand new characters to the world of the Slayer in 203, “School Hard.” Oh and there’s also 204, “Inca Mummy Girl,” and 205, “Reptile Boy.”

THE BREAKDOWN

Intro / Guest (00:00 - 11:06)

Main Topic (11:06 - 1:23:13)

Outro / Next (1:23:13 - 1:27:21)

THE LIBRARY

Slayer Slang: A Buffy the Vampire Slayer Lexicon, by Michael Adams

Buffy Goes Dark: Essays on the Final Two Seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer on Television, edited by Lynne Y. Edwards, Elizabeth Rambo, and James B. South

THE MUSIC

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

“My Girl” by the Temptations, The Temptations Sing Smokey (1964)

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/

When the Audio Was Bad! That’s right, in the ‘90s two high school kids with low-end lab equipment could resurrect the dead, but here in the 21st century two adult professionals can’t make a podcast that doesn’t sound like it’s broadcast from the bottom of an empty grave. Skype is a bitca! I apologize for the inconvenience, but the conversation is still good, so please grab your tin can on a string and listen in as Michael Adams, author of Slayer Slang: A Buffy the Vampire Slayer Lexicon joins me to ring in Season Two with episodes 201, “When She Was Bad,” and 202, “Some Assembly Required.” We talk about language on the Hellmouth, the possibly unfair redemption expectations placed upon Cordelia Chase, and how the series is already starting to explore the consequences of coming back from the hereafter.

Next: Theresa Fortier, founder of supportspike.com and producer at VidiotsOnline.com joins me to celebrate the introduction of a couple of brand new characters to the world of the Slayer in 203, “School Hard.” Oh and there’s also 204, “Inca Mummy Girl,” and 205, “Reptile Boy.”

THE BREAKDOWN

Intro / Guest (00:00 - 11:06)

Main Topic (11:06 - 1:23:13)

Outro / Next (1:23:13 - 1:27:21)

THE LIBRARY

Slayer Slang: A Buffy the Vampire Slayer Lexicon, by Michael Adams

Buffy Goes Dark: Essays on the Final Two Seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer on Television, edited by Lynne Y. Edwards, Elizabeth Rambo, and James B. South

THE MUSIC

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

“My Girl” by the Temptations, The Temptations Sing Smokey (1964)

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

We close out the conversation about Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season One with guest scholar James South, editor of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Philosophy: Fear and Trembling in Sunnydale and the upcoming Westworld and Philosophy: If You Go Looking for the Truth, Get the Whole Thing. Together we discuss the hidden chalkboard messages of 111, “Out of Mind, Out of Sight,” and the intentional fallacy of Merrie Melodies in 112, “Prophecy Girl.” Cordy finally goes to the library; Xander is a bully; and Buffy’s only 16.

Also, what did the Beatles know about invisible assassin school and when did they know it?

Next: Michael Adams, author of Slayer Slang: A Buffy the Vampire Slayer Lexicon shares some words with me about the first two episodes of the second season, “When She Was Bad” and “Some Assembly Required.”

THE BREAKDOWN

Intro / Guest (00:00 - 5:00)

Main Topic (5:00 - 1:19:50)

Outro / Next (1:19:50 - 1:26:16)

THE LIBRARY

Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Philosophy: Fear and Trembling in Sunnydale (Popular Culture and Philosophy, Vol. 4), edited by James B. South

Westworld and Philosophy (The Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series), edited by James B. South

THE LINKS

James South Academic Site

THE MUSIC

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

“Happiness is a Warm Gun” by the Beatles, The Beatles (1968)

THE SCHOLARS

Whedon Studies Association is anon-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/