This week Derry Public Radio takes a turn into the world of Fantasy with the first half of “Eyes of the Dragon”. Join the DPR Staff as they discuss what Flagg’s appearance in this novel means in relation to other Flagg incarnations, what might be the only asexual character King has created, the obvious connections to The Dark Tower, the power of being Dim, the perfect frame for regicide takes place, Thomas becomes King, and Peter makes a plan and takes a stand in the Needle. We’re poisoning the well of sanity with, Episode 38, “Calla Calla Chameleon”.

This week Derry Public Radio relieves their book hangover from “The Stand” with a nice one off discussion as we cover the short story and film, “1408”. Tune is as the DPR Staff cover Josh’s views on “haunting” themed stories, how King may project himself on his own protagonists, how Mike’s skepticism has protected him but could lead to his downfall, nods to “The Shining”, CM’s nostalgia for the door to room 1408, Ben experiences a living nightmare on air thanks to our friend Anthony Natarelli from the One Dollar Producer Project, and one of the most complex endings we’ve discussed. Make your reservations now for your stay in Episode 37, “The Gloryshot?”

At long last the coverage of The Stand concludes with the 1994 made for tv miniseries. Tune in as the Derry Public Radio staff discusses CM’s further hatred of Frannie, the merging together of characters, doubling down on Rat Man, the secrets behind the Hemingford Home set, Ben’s love of all the corpse scenes, a surprise new favorite character, the wonderful cameos, Josh gets furious about one line in particular, what one thing we would change if we could, and the insane finale in Vegas gets even more insane. It’s not goodbye, it’s Episode 36, “Business in the Front, Evil in the Back”.

The circle closes as we reach the end of The Stand. Join us for this jam packed wrap up of book three as we discuss the true female hero of our story as Dayna faces off against Flagg, Ben doesn’t understand anatomy, the holiness of Trashcan Man, the domino effect of Flagg losing control over his people, the humanizing of the citizens of Vegas, the crew from Boulder finally faces off against Flagg’s men, the theological ramifications of the final confrontation, and a stunning epilogue that left us with a great question. Here’s to love, to friends, and Kung-Fu on Episode 35, “Deus Touches the Machina”.

We get the return of a character we didn’t know we needed and say farewell to many more on part four of The Stand. Tune in as the Derry Public Radio staff covers how useless Josh and Ben would be in the apocalypse, Fran’s excessive negligence, the good guys steal the government, Harold gets a chance at redemption, CM becomes Sheriff, the heart wrenching scene in Tom Cullen’s home, Ben plugs a Mountain Goats song, an attack on the lives of the Committee leads us to the point of no return, and Josh reveals the true villain of the story. Book Two closes with a bang on Episode 34, “I Second It!”

A new world order is starting to take shape as we discuss part three of The Stand. Join Derry Public Radio as we discuss finally meeting Mother Abigail, Nick is given his destiny, Stu and Fran each unwittingly start a snowball effect with a tragic end, we encounter one of the darkest chapters thus far, Harold begins his descent into darkness, Ben reveals his “Annie Wilkes”, King gives us one of the worst characters we’ve ever met, Trashcan Man becomes one of the most complex characters in the story, and our heroes. Don’t forget to practice your smile for Episode 33, “They’re Cold, Right?”

Captain Trips has made its mark as we move further into The Stand. Join Derry Public Radio as we discuss Ben’s relationship to one of our new characters, CM gives the best description of a character ever, we get another terrifying scene from Flagg, Lloyd’s desperate act to stay alive, Larry’s complex relationship with Rita, Glenn’s sociology thesis, we honor our favorite Darwin Award winners during the second epidemic, and the endearing relationship between Nick and Tom Cullen. M-O-O-N that spells Episode 32, “Lovers in the Nighttime”.

Derry Public Radio is finally taking on The Stand! Both our longest and most requested book! Join us as we discuss the spread of the Super Flu from its origin of a single man to the world, Stu’s growth from apathy to badass, the beginning of the dreams, CM's advice on how to handle a pregnancy announcement, how each character could be their own book, and King’s ability to write both sides of hot button issues. It’s the beginning of the end of the world on Episode 31, “Hitting the Reset Button”.

We wrap up our Running Man coverage by watching the movie that can only be described as loosely based on the source material. In this episode, Josh watched the movie for the first time and Ben and CM watched Josh watch the movie for the first time. Tune in as CM performs out of context one-liner theater, Ben argues that zones make everything better, the hilarious inconsistencies in the characters, the beyond entertaining action pieces, and Josh drops a few side stories. For those of you playing the home game, it’s time for Episode 30, “Performatively Woke”.

We can’t stay in one place for too long for the second half of The Running Man. Join us as we discuss the numerous injuries Ben Richards sustains, the hilarious inefficiency of air cars, the use of Deus Ex Machina, Richards’ use of the public attention as a defensive weapon, class tension, the bluff to end all bluffs, the intensely climactic airborne finale, and Josh proves his most important point once and for all. We’re T-Minus 0 until you can listen to our conclusion on Episode 29, “Ben Richards 3:16”.