Frank is joined by Joe, aka "Muscles of the Multiverse," to talk Marvel storytelling from the comics page to the MCU screen, then go all-in on Disney+'s Wonder Man after its eight-episode drop. Joe breaks down what he does on YouTube, why he started the Reading the Multiverse podcast, and how he approaches Marvel adaptation trends without expecting (or wanting) a 1-to-1 translation.

From there, the episode shifts into a full Wonder Man discussion: why the show works as a character-first story, how it balances comedy with real stakes, and why the Simon Williams and Trevor Slattery dynamic ended up being the surprise engine of the season. The conversation also gets into Simon's anxiety and identity pressure, the Department of Damage Control angle, the "Doorman" detour episode, and what all of this might be setting up for mutants and the next big MCU era.

• 00:00 Intro and guest welcome: Joe "Muscles of the Multiverse"

• 00:30 Joe's content approach: MCU-to-comics explainers + Reading the Multiverse podcast

• 02:15 Quick MCU news: Ian McKellen "destroyed New Jersey" comment and what it could imply

• 05:10 Wonder Man first reactions: why it's landing better than expected

• 06:40 Character-driven Marvel: Simon's relatability, anxiety, and hiding "who you are" in Hollywood

• 09:00 Acting as the hook: standout performances, "meta" acting scenes, and why Trevor works now

• 18:10 Wonder Man powers explained: ionic energy basics and how the MCU might simplify the lore

• 20:10 Bigger MCU threads: Vision/Wanda possibilities, mutant framing, and Damage Control as a warning sign

• 30:45 Episode balance talk: comedy vs drama, and why the Doorman episode hits so hard

• 41:00 What's next for Simon: hero-by-proxy theory, team potential, and final scores

• 44:40 Disney+ marketing debate: why some shows feel under-pushed and what Marvel can fix

• 50:35 Recommendations: The Ultimates (Deniz Camp) and revisiting Schitt's Creek

• 53:10 Joe's upcoming work: Doctor Doom deep cuts, Fantastic Four read-through, and the editing grind

• Wonder Man works because it treats Simon Williams like a person first, superhero second.

• The show's comedy lands because the stakes stay real in the background, especially with Damage Control looming.

• Trevor Slattery is fully recontextualized here: still funny, but also weirdly wise and essential to Simon's growth.

• The Doorman episode is a standout swing that doubles as a Hollywood critique and a superhero fatigue commentary.

• Joe's breakdown of Simon's ionic-energy comic history highlights why Marvel rarely does strict comic-to-screen adaptation.

• Damage Control and the "quota" vibe point toward a wider MCU theme: institutional fear of powered people.

• Mutant groundwork is starting to feel less like a sudden switch and more like a slow social shift in-world.

• Both hosts land at a 9/10, with the only "missing point" being more about feel than a specific flaw.

• "There's usually never a 1 to 1 adaptation."

• "I didn't know that I needed more Trevor Slattery in my life. But now I do."

• "Mephisto is not going to be in everything."

• "It felt like it was made to be for an episodic TV show."

• "You can't help but root for Simon."

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss the next review and interview. Ratings and reviews help more than people realize, so if you've got a minute, drop one. And share this episode on social with #GeekFreaksPodcast.

Joe's Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@musclesandthemultiverse

Joe's Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8PARQ22AcU&list=PLnF-GbqwIyclHZ6Pg5DGOWvT1wvKOXGWh

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Got a topic you want us to cover, a Marvel question, or a show you want reviewed next? Send it in by DM on socials, or email us at [email protected] and we'll pull from listener submissions in an upcoming episode.

Marvel, MCU, Wonder Man, Simon Williams, Trevor Slattery, Ben Kingsley, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Disney Plus, Marvel TV, Department of Damage Control, Doorman, Darkforce Dimension, X-Men, Mutants, Avengers Doomsday, Magneto, Ian McKellen, Vision Quest, Scarlet Witch, Comic Book Movies, Comic Book TV, Marvel Comics, Fantastic Four, Doctor Doom, Superhero Reviews, Geek Culture Podcast

Welcome to another episode of the Geek Freaks Podcast! In this session, hosts Frank and Jonathan dive deep into the psychology of fictional resistance, analyze the gritty evolution of a fan-favorite Sith, and discuss why the upcoming He-Man movie is embracing its vibrant roots.

Are we living in an Empire? Frank and Jonathan kick off the show by questioning our fascination with fictional rebellions. From the underground movements in The Handmaid's Tale and Star Trek to the reality-shattering resistance of The Matrix, we break down which groups actually stand a chance. We also provide a full reaction to the Maul: Shadow Lord trailer, exploring Dave Filoni's darker shift in Star Wars animation. Finally, we look at the meta-fantasy world of the new Masters of the Universe film and share our latest HBO watchlist recommendations including Hacks and The Pit.

• 00:00:00 – Intro, Question of the Week: Rebels in fiction we cheer for .

• 00:04:23 – Quick real-life check-in and keeping it together through a stressful news cycle .

• 00:05:08 – Star Wars: Maul: Shadow Lord trailer reaction and what the POV shift could mean .

• 00:11:13 – Masters of the Universe trailer talk, Jared Leto as Skeletor, tone, and first impressions .

• 00:16:29 – God of War series update: Cast talk, what fans should expect, and where the show could land.

• 00:22:05 – Fable showcase reaction: Humor, vibe, and why this reboot could work.

• 00:26:48 – Marvel's Wonder Man spotlight: Who he is, why he matters, and what the show might be going for.

• 00:39:58 – Release-week plan for Wonder Man and quick network updates.

• 00:42:48 – Weekly recommendations: Starfleet Academy, Hacks, and The Pit.

• 00:45:06 – Wrap-up.

• Effective Rebellion: Jonathan argues that "The Dawn" from The Handmaid's Tale is a superior rebel group due to their infiltration tactics, whereas the Maquis were too easily dismantled.

• The Maul Evolution: The upcoming Shadow Lord series aims for a darker, "Rated R" feel, focusing on Maul's pursuit of freedom through the criminal underworld rather than the Jedi/Sith binary.

• Critique of the Jedi: The hosts discuss how the Jedi Order often pursued "control" under the guise of "balance," making Maul's perspective more relatable to some viewers.

• Embracing the Vibrant: Unlike many "dark and gritty" reboots, the new Masters of the Universe is leaning into the colorful, fun, and meta aspects of the original 80s property.

• "When did we vote for the Empire? Why did we end up this way?" – Frank

• "The Dawn... they are so well embedded. They're very sneaky." – Jonathan

• "The Jedi Order is not perfect either... the balance they were pursuing was not balance. It was control." – Jonathan

• "Justice comes at the tip of a lightsaber." – Frank

If you enjoyed this deep dive, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform! Share this episode on social media and tell us who your favorite fictional rebel is using the hashtag #GeekFreaks.

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Apple Podcast Tags: Star Wars, Darth Maul, Maul Shadow Lord, He-Man, Masters of the Universe, The Matrix, Rebels, Pop Culture, Geek News, Animation, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Dave Filoni, Andor, Star Trek Maquis, HBO Hacks, The Pit HBO, Geek Freaks Podcast

Episode Summary

In this blockbuster episode of Geek Freaks, Squeaks, Frank, and Thomas dive into the massive shakeup at Lucasfilm. We discuss the breaking news of Kathleen Kennedy stepping down and what the new leadership duo of Dave Filoni and Lin-Wen Brennan means for the future of Star Wars. We also roll out our "We're So Back vs. Stuck" segment, analyzing why Dune is the current heavyweight champion of cinema while franchises like Star Trek and Jurassic World are struggling. Plus, we react to Sophie Turner being cast as Lara Croft, give our first impressions of the new tone in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, and break down a mind-bending MCU time code theory.

• 00:00:00 – Intro: The "We're So Back" vs. "Stuck" Era

• 00:01:08 – Dune: The undisputed heavyweight of event cinema

• 00:02:49 – Jurassic World: Is the franchise stuck in a loop?

• 00:03:42 – Tomb Raider: Sophie Turner cast as the new Lara Croft

• 00:04:36 – Star Trek: Why the final frontier feels stuck in neutral

• 00:06:24 – Alien and Predator: The massive resurgence of sci-fi horror

• 00:07:07 – Star Wars Breaking News: Kathleen Kennedy steps down; Dave Filoni and Lin-Wen Brennan take the lead

• 00:22:18 – A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: Initial reactions to the humor and tone of the new Westeros

• 00:42:43 – MCU Theory: Do the new teaser time codes link back to Avengers: Endgame?

• 00:58:10 – Network Updates: A final farewell to our sister show, Challenge Accepted

• 01:02:58 – Comic Book Quick Hits: Absolute Batman and Absolute Wonder Woman

• New Star Wars Leadership: The shift to Dave Filoni (Creative) and Brennan (Business) mirrors the James Gunn/Peter Safran model at DC, signaling a fan-focused future for the franchise.

• Westeros Gets a New Voice: A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (The Hedge Knight) moves away from the heavy political drama of House of the Dragon to introduce a refreshing, almost comedic tone.

• MCU Hidden Clues: Fans have identified time codes in recent Marvel teasers that appear to sync perfectly with the Ancient One's multiverse explanation in Endgame, suggesting a massive "reboot" or "multiverse" event is imminent.

• The Dune Standard: The crew agrees that Dune has replaced Avatar as the definitive "must-see" theatrical experience of the decade.

• "We have two Star Wars fans that are making Star Wars now. That feels good to me." — Speaker 3

• "I think [Dune] is the undisputed heavyweight right now. The energy's right." — Speaker 1

• "It's good to be in Westeros again... just the beautiful panning shots and the dirtiness of the fairground." — Speaker 3

Love the show? Make sure to subscribe on your favorite platform and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! It helps more geeks find us. Share this episode on social media using the hashtag #GeekFreaks.

Head over to GeekFreaksPodcast.com for all the latest news and episode archives. GeekFreaksPodcast.com is the primary source for all news and topics discussed on this episode.

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Apple Podcast Tags: Star Wars, Kathleen Kennedy, Dave Filoni, Lin-Wen Brennan, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Game of Thrones, MCU theories, Avengers Endgame, Sophie Turner, Lara Croft, Tomb Raider, Dune, Absolute Batman, Geek Freaks Podcast, Movie News, Marvel Rumors

This week on Geek Freaks, we break down the latest Avengers: Doomsday chatter and what the teaser strategy might be hinting at for the MCU's next big swing. We also hit the latest Tangled live-action conversation, dig into Netflix's theatrical strategy, and wrap with quick recs you can jump into right now.

• Avengers: Doomsday teaser rollout and what it suggests about the movie's tone and focus

• Doctor Doom and X-Men speculation, what feels likely vs what feels like fan fuel

• Tangled live-action updates and why casting discourse is always a battlefield

• Netflix's theatrical window approach and what it means for studios and audiences

• Quick recs and what's worth your time this week

• 01:46 Question of the week: Geek New Year's resolutions
• 05:55 Network update: Why Challenge Accepted is being put to rest
• 08:12 Are Disney live-action remakes still worth it?
• 16:52 Sebastian Stan rumored for Harvey Dent in The Batman: Part 2
• 17:40 Netflix and Warner Bros. talk, plus the 17-day theatrical window idea
• 25:33 Avengers: Doomsday marketing strategy: four teasers vs one trailer
• 50:25 Weekly recommendations: comics, movies, and a Taskmaster pitch
• 54:41 Network shout-outs and wrap-up

• The way Marvel markets Doomsday may tell you as much as the footage does.

• Doctor Doom only works if the story earns his presence instead of rushing him in.

• X-Men teases hit harder when they support the main plot, not replace it.

• Live-action remake casting always turns into a referendum on the whole idea.

• Netflix's theater strategy keeps changing, and that uncertainty affects everyone.

• Recs are still the best part of a news-heavy week when you just want something fun to watch or play.

• The "teaser strategy is the story" point for Avengers: Doomsday

• The "Doom needs to feel inevitable, not sudden" take

• The Tangled casting reality check on fan expectations

• The Netflix theatrical window conversation and why it matters beyond one movie

If you enjoyed the episode, follow the show, leave a rating, and share it with a friend using #GeekFreaksPodcast.

All news discussed on the show is sourced from GeekFreaksPodcast.com.

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Send us your thoughts and topics you want covered next week. If you've got a hot take, keep it tight and we'll read a few on the next episode.

Apple Podcast Tags: Marvel, MCU, Avengers, Avengers Doomsday, Doctor Doom, X-Men, Tangled, Disney, Netflix, Warner Bros, Movies, TV, Pop Culture, Geek Culture, Entertainment News, Trailer Discussion

Frank and Jonathan are officially back for 2026 after a hectic but fun holiday break, including the Geek Freaks Network Christmas party and a little self-awareness about how often podcasters say "you know." From there, they hand out their personal "best of 2025" picks across movies, TV, superhero projects, and games, plus run through the community poll winners.

Then it's full speed into 2026 hype: a family-friendly movie calendar, the big "adult list" blockbusters (including the absolute chaos of Avengers: Doomsday and Dune 3 landing the same day), and the TV slate they're most excited to keep on the radar. They close with a spoiler-heavy talk on the Stranger Things finale and what the show stuck the landing on, especially character growth, the goodbye energy, and how cinematic the final battles felt.

• 00:00 Welcome back, holiday break recap, and the Geek Freaks Network Christmas party
• 01:45 "Best of 2025" picks: movies, TV, and what surprised them
• 04:26 Superhero movie and superhero show poll results (plus some spicy takes)
• 10:16 Game of the year voting and falling back on comfort games
• 11:38 Best villain debate and why Pennywise took over the conversation
• 14:50 2026 family movie calendar (kid-friendly theater picks)
• 20:22 2026 blockbuster calendar: 28 Years Later, Project Hail Mary, Ready or Not 2, and more
• 26:43 The "event day" problem: Avengers: Doomsday and Dune 3 on the same date
• 28:22 2026 TV hype: The Boys, Game of Thrones spin-offs, Star Trek, One Piece, Lanterns, and more
• 38:46 Stranger Things finale review: the goodbye, the battle, and what hit hardest
• 47:15 Dungeons and Dragons sidebar and why they need binders like Stranger Things
• 50:01 "Most cinematic finale" talk and the Abyss/Dimension X discussion

• Sinners was Frank's clear movie of 2025, with major praise for the craft and the left-turn genre surprise.

• Superman won the community superhero movie vote, but Thunderbolts got real respect for performances and exceeding expectations.

• Andor is still the "tell your friends they're missing out" show, even if Stranger Things owned the bigger pop culture moment.

• The superhero show vote was tight, and the conversation around Daredevil: Born Again came with real critiques about structure and payoff.

• 2026 is stacked across both "take your kid to the movies" picks and big-ticket IMAX events.

• Stranger Things earned its goodbye, especially by bringing the focus back to friendship, growing up, and the reality that life moves on.

• "You realize how much you say 'you know' when you're podcasting."

• "It felt like a finale divided in two."

• "This is about friends and not just this big brand fight."

• "Don't let Disney brush it off. Watch it and enjoy this fresh idea from Marvel."

• "As much as they're saying bye to each other, they're saying bye to us as well."

• Best superhero movie vote: Superman took the top spot (with Thunderbolts close behind in their personal debate).

• Best superhero show vote: Daredevil: Born Again edged out Peacemaker in a near tie.

• Game of the year vote: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 came out on top.

• Best villain talk: Pennywise (Welcome to Derry) dominated the conversation, with shout-outs to other standouts.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the show and leave a quick review. It genuinely helps more people find us. Share the episode with #GeekFreaksPodcast and tag us so we can shout you out.

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Got a take on the Stranger Things finale, or a most-hyped 2026 movie pick you're already planning your opening weekend around? Send it in, and we'll read and react on a future episode.

Apple Podcast Tags: Geek culture, Pop culture news, Stranger Things, Stranger Things finale, Movies 2026, TV 2026, Marvel, DC, Star Wars, Andor, Superman, Thunderbolts, Avengers Doomsday, Dune 3, Gaming news, One Piece, Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, The Boys

It's a year end, clocked out episode with Burke joining the show for holiday traditions, Christmas movie rotations, and why Christmas Vacation hits different the older you get. Then it's straight into the biggest geek headlines: the Avengers: Doomsday chatter around Steve Rogers, Christopher Nolan taking on The Odyssey (and why it feels built for IMAX), and the latest Superman casting talk with Lars Ettinger reportedly stepping in as Brainiac.

The back half is a full, spoiler heavy review of Avatar: Fire and Ashes, covering the new faction dynamics, how the family story lands this time, Varang's presence as a villain, Quaritch's shifting loyalties, and what the ending sets up for what's next.

• 00:00:00 Intro and holiday vibe check with Burke

• 00:00:51 Christmas decorating habits, movie rotation, and Vacation franchise talk

• 00:03:49 Avengers: Doomsday discussion and the Steve Rogers reaction

• 00:08:59 Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey trailer breakdown and IMAX hype

• 00:14:04 Superman talk, Lars Ettinger as Brainiac, and story hopes

• 00:17:34 Avatar: Fire and Ashes review begins (full spoilers)

• 00:27:35 Varang breakdown, motivations, and the darker mirror of "I see you"

• 00:33:27 Kiri's bigger role, the spiritual threads, and what it could mean next

• 00:41:44 Nitpicks, repetition talk, and the voice casting complaint

• 00:46:09 Scores, theater recommendation, and looking ahead

• The episode starts relaxed and holiday coded, then shifts into big franchise conversation fast.

• The Avengers: Doomsday segment focuses on bringing Steve Rogers back without flattening Sam Wilson's space in the story.

• The Odyssey trailer has the crew excited for Nolan going mythic on a massive, grounded scale made for premium screens.

• Brainiac feels like a smart follow up villain for Superman, especially if the story ties power to personal stakes and Krypton lore.

• Avatar: Fire and Ashes hits harder emotionally this time, with Spider's place in the family and Neytiri's growth standing out.

• The main knocks are a few familiar Avatar beats repeating, even if the spectacle still wins.

• "This is very much Christmas Vacation. We are clocked out."

• "At the end of the day, I'm just happy to have Steve Rogers back."

• "How do they keep making perfect movies?"

• "You're basically following a dead man's memories."

• "I see you in that mirror."

• "I felt like the Colonel when I was just sitting there staring at her."

If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe, leave a quick review, and share it with a friend using #GeekFreaksPodcast.

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Send your questions, hot takes, or topic requests via DM on Instagram, Twitter, or Threads, and we'll hit the best ones in a future episode.

Apple Podcast tags: Geek Culture, Pop Culture, Movie News, Trailers, Marvel, Avengers, Avengers: Doomsday, Captain America, Steve Rogers, Sam Wilson, Secret Wars, Christopher Nolan, The Odyssey, IMAX, DCU, Superman, Brainiac, Krypton, Avatar, Avatar: Fire and Ashes, James Cameron, Film Review, Sci Fi, Fantasy

This episode is a geek news and trailer roundup with a full IT: Welcome to Derry Season 1 finale discussion, plus reactions to the Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow teaser and the Netflix live action Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2 trailer. We also hit the biggest Game Awards 2025 winners and reveals, including Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic, a new Divinity announcement, and first impressions of the Street Fighter movie trailer. Spoiler note: Full spoilers for IT: Welcome to Derry Season 1 kick in during the dedicated segment later in the episode.

• 0:00:00 Intro, holiday check-in, and California fog weather

• 00:01:22 Question of the Week: Which classic horror movie should become a modern series?

• 00:05:31 Streaming consolidation talk and why big mergers worry creators and viewers

• 00:12:08 Far Cry series discussion and what makes the games work as TV

• 00:17:05 The Game Awards 2025 recap: winners and biggest reveals

• 00:25:48 Trailer reactions: Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow teaser and Lobo glimpse

• 00:32:52 Trailer reactions: Netflix Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2, Toph, Azula, bending rules

• 00:39:25 IT: Welcome to Derry Season 1 spoiler discussion and finale thoughts

• 00:49:28 What's next: Season 2 (1935) and Season 3 (1908) setting breakdown

• 00:53:03 Ratings and recommendations, plus network updates and wrap-up

• The show dives into how streaming consolidation could impact jobs, creativity, and what viewers pay.

• Far Cry feels like a perfect TV sandbox if it nails the villain and the escalating rebellion vibe.

• The Game Awards conversation focuses on what looks exciting now versus what might be years away.

• Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow looks like it's keeping the comic's tone and trauma-driven edge front and center.

• Netflix Avatar Season 2 has the ingredients, but the details matter, especially Toph's presentation and Azula's intensity.

• IT: Welcome to Derry sticks the landing for the crew, and the back-in-time structure could keep future seasons fresh.

• "Merging in the end makes a small amount of people rich."

• "That is such a devious strategy. You almost got to respect it."

• "How does this story about Pennywise make me feel feelings?"

• "I need to see bloodbending."

If you enjoyed the episode, follow Geek Freaks on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, leave a five star review, and share the show using #GeekFreaksPodcast. Also keep an eye on our socials for Geekies voting and nominees this week.

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Send us what you want covered next, including:

• Which Game Awards reveal are you most excited to actually play?

• What moment from IT: Welcome to Derry Season 1 hit you the hardest?

• What Avatar Season 2 moment do you think Netflix cannot afford to cut?

IT: Welcome to Derry, IT Welcome to Derry finale, Pennywise, Stephen King, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, DCU, Lobo, Jason Momoa, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Netflix Avatar live action, Toph, Azula, The Game Awards 2025, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic, Knights of the Old Republic, Divinity, Larian Studios, Street Fighter movie, Far Cry series, Noah Hawley, Rob McElhenney, streaming wars, geek news, TV trailers, video game news

In this Stranger Things Season 5 Part 1 special, Squeaks and Frank break down the first four episodes of the final season and talk about why the show somehow leveled up from what already felt like peak television. They revisit the fallout from Season 4, the new status quo in Hawkins under military lockdown, and how the kids have become a true high level party on the offensive instead of just surviving.

The conversation hits character arcs for Will, Dustin, Eleven, Mike, Lucas, Max, Joyce, and Hopper, plus the return of Kali and what that might mean for the story. Frank and Squeaks trade theories on Vecna's real plan, Will's new powers, who might die before the end, and whether the Stranger Things theatrical finale is worth seeing in a packed theater. It is a spoiler packed, reference filled hangout for fans who just finished Part 1 and are already starving for more.

• 00:00 – Intro & First Reactions Squeaks kicks off the Stranger Things special, Frank joins, and you both give your one word (or two word) reactions to Season 5 Part 1.

• 02:00 – Recap & Season 5 Setup Quick recap of Season 4's ending, Vecna's attack on Hawkins, the crater, the "crawl," and the military lockdown over the Upside Down rift.

• 05:40 – Will, Dustin & Character Arcs Deep dive into Dustin's grief and "Eddie mode," Will stepping up with new powers, and how some characters have evolved or stalled.

• 11:40 – Pacing, Max's Mindscape & Tone Talking through the pacing of Part 1, Max's inner "bubble" world, how the show balances horror, heart, and 80s vibes.

• 16:30 – Death Predictions & Who Might Go Theories on who could die in Part 2 and the finale, emotional stakes, and which characters feel expendable.

• 24:20 – Vecna's Entrance & Part 1 Finale Breakdown of Vecna's Vader-style entrance, revived Demogorgons, Will's power moment, and why the finale feels "next level."

• 32:40 – Hopper, Eleven & The Powered Kids Hopper and Eleven's relationship, trust and training, Kali's return, and ideas about Vecna building his own "lab" of powered children.

• 37:10 – Darker Themes & Fan Theories Discussion about trauma, possible subtext with Vecna/Henry, Stephen King influences, and how far the show might push it.

• 40:40 – Returning Faces & Endgame Ideas Speculation on seeing Barb, Eddie, Billy or others again, plus big theories about Will, Vecna, and the future of the Upside Down.

• 42:50 – Theater Finale, Ratings & Wrap-Up Chat about seeing the finale in theaters, New Year's Eve timing, your Eggo ratings for Season 5 Part 1, and closing thank-yous.

• Stranger Things Season 5 Part 1 somehow raises the bar on a show that already felt like peak TV, especially with the Part 1 finale.

• Hawkins has adjusted to life around the Upside Down crater, with the military putting a "bandage" on the wound and building a base to go on offense instead of just reacting.

• The kids function like a well oiled high level DnD party now, splitting up by quadrants, hunting Vecna, and understanding each other's strengths.

• Dustin's harsher attitude is framed as grief and guilt over Eddie's death, with Dustin trying to embody Eddie's rebellious spirit and sometimes missing the point.

• Will finally steps out of pure victim mode into a true powered role, with his connection to the hive mind unlocking abilities that visually mirror Vecna.

• There is a strong theory that Vecna is basically recreating the lab in his own way, turning traumatized children into his own numbered "program" of powered kids.

• Hopper and Eleven's relationship is one of the emotional anchors of the season, moving from overprotection to mutual trust as Hopper finally accepts that Eleven must fight.

• The show keeps a balance between heavy horror and comedy, with 80s style jokes, sexual innuendo, and teen banter that make the world feel lived in even as the apocalypse looms.

• Fans should brace for major losses in Part 2 and the finale, with Joyce, Mike, and Will all brought up as possible tragic sacrifices in different theories.

• The final two episodes are cinematic enough that a theatrical run makes sense, especially with big visual moments like Will's full power activation and Vecna's Vader style entrance.

• "The show was already at a caliber that I was thinking was like peak television, and somehow it elevated it."

• "The kids are a well oiled machine at this point. They are searching in different quadrants and have different plans on how to find Vecna and confirm that he is dead."

• "I think Will was a victim in the beginning, and now we see him as a badass. What victimized him is now his greatest asset."

• "Instead of a training montage where he slowly moves a cup, it is victim, victim, victim, not a victim. That flip makes the moment hit harder."

• "By the end of this first batch it felt like the end of Predator or Terminator. It is that big 80s action climax energy."

• "If Joyce dies, we get a montage of her saving Will and being the only one who believed he was alive. That is the kind of scene this show would absolutely do."

• "There always has to be a Vecna. If Vecna is gone, who else could control the Upside Down but Will now"

If you enjoyed this Stranger Things Season 5 Part 1 breakdown, make sure you follow the show and hit subscribe so you do not miss our Part 2 reaction and finale coverage. Drop us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help more fans find Geek Freaks, and share this episode with your fellow Stranger Things friends using the hashtag #GeekFreaksPod.

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We want to hear your Stranger Things theories

• Who do you think will not make it to the end of the series

• What are your predictions for Will's powers and Vecna's final plan

• Would you watch the finale in theaters or keep it as a couch binge

Send your questions, reactions, and wild theories to us on social media or by email so we can feature them in a future episode.

Apple Podcast Tags Stranger Things, Stranger Things Season 5, Stranger Things Season 5 review, Netflix originals, Geek Freaks podcast, TV recap podcast, Vecna theories, Will Byers powers, Dungeons and Dragons, 80s nostalgia, sci fi horror series

In this episode of Geek Freaks, we get you ready for Stranger Things season 5 with a full recap of seasons 1 through 4, plus a review of Wicked For Good and reactions to the new Hunger Games prequel trailer, Sunrise on the Reaping. We also break down the new live action TMNT reboot news and what that means for The Last Ronin, along with George R. R. Martin's latest Game of Thrones spinoff teases.

Frank and Jonathan kick things off with some Thanksgiving week chatter, holiday prep, and a quick update on the redesigned GeekFreaksPodcast.com and this year's Patreon holiday swag bundles. From there, they talk about Sunrise on the Reaping, why the Hunger Games world still works, and why Wicked For Good might actually top the first film for musical fans.

The bulk of the episode is a big Stranger Things refresher. The guys walk through seasons 1 through 4, season by season, covering major story beats, character arcs, and the emotional moments that still hit, while calling out why Vecna, Max, Eddie, and the Starcourt Mall finale matter so much as we head into season 5. They wrap with current watch recommendations and a Thanksgiving thank you to the Geek Freaks community.

• 00:00 – Thanksgiving Week Check-In & Housekeeping Holiday plans, cleaning for family visits, and trying (and failing) to start Christmas decorating early.
• 00:59 – New Website & Patreon Holiday Bundles Frank explains the revamped GeekFreaksPodcast.com and reminds Patreon members to update their addresses for the holiday swag packs.
• 02:06 – TMNT Live Action Reboot & The Last Ronin Delay Reactions to a new live action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie, practical suits vs CGI, and frustration that The Last Ronin adaptation is being paused.
• 04:31 – Game of Thrones / Westeros Spinoffs Talk George R. R. Martin's sequel teases, who deserves a spinoff (Arya, Davos, the Manderlys, Dorne), and what corners of Westeros and Essos they most want to see.
• 13:06 – Sunrise on the Reaping Trailer & Hunger Games Worldbuilding First impressions of the new Hunger Games prequel trailer, why the tech vs poverty contrast in Panem still works, and how closely the films stick to Suzanne Collins' books.
• 18:30 – Roofman Ad Read Frank drops a mid-episode spot for Roofman and why the premise stands out.
• 18:30 – Wicked For Good Review (Spoilers Light) Why Frank loved Wicked For Good, how it runs alongside The Wizard of Oz, character growth for Glinda and Elphaba, and thoughts on musicals in general.
• 26:15 – What Did Not Work In Wicked For Good Some middle-act clutter, narrative complexity around Elphaba's sister, and how the dual narratives can get a little dense.
• 32:16 – Setting Up the Stranger Things Season 5 Rewatch Prep Explaining the plan to recap seasons 1–4 as a full refresher to get ready for Stranger Things season 5.
• 32:29 – Stranger Things Season 1 Recap & Reactions The disappearance of Will, the first trip to the Upside Down, meeting Eleven, and why the show's early mystery and 80s vibes hit so hard.
• 36:02 – Stranger Things Season 2 Recap & The Lost Test Subjects The Mind Flayer's first move, Max and Billy's introduction, Eleven's "sister" detour, and how fan reactions may have changed the direction of the show.
• 40:07 – Stranger Things Season 3 Recap & Starcourt Mall Finale Rats, Russians, mall culture nostalgia, the Billy redemption, and Hopper's "death" in the gate machine.
• 46:33 – Stranger Things Season 4 Recap: Vecna's Curse Chrissy's death, Max's "Running Up That Hill" escape, the Creel House, Hopper in Russia, Eddie's hero moment, and Hawkins merging with the Upside Down, setting the stage for season 5.
• 52:35 – Nostalgia Done Right: Stranger Things, Stephen King, Welcome to Derry Comparing Stranger Things' style of nostalgia to cheap reboots, thoughts on Welcome to Derry and Pluribus, and why good worldbuilding feels fresh even when it looks retro.
• 58:18 – Weekly Recommendations Jonathan: Rewatch Stranger Things as season 5 approaches, and check out Pluribus on Apple TV. Frank: Make Some Noise on Dropout and why good improv feels like magic.
• 59:52 – Thanksgiving Wrap-Up & Five-Star Reminder Thanking the Geek Freaks community and reminding listeners to drop those five stars on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

• The new GeekFreaksPodcast.com is live with a cleaner layout that makes it easier to share news and highlight shows across the network.

• Patreon holiday bundles are going out soon, so supporters need to confirm or add their mailing addresses to actually receive the swag.

• The new live action TMNT film has fans worried that The Last Ronin adaptation is getting shoved aside, and there is a strong preference for practical suits over full CGI turtles.

• George R. R. Martin continues to develop Westeros spinoffs, and there is a lot of interest in stories about Arya's travels, Dorne, the Manderlys, and Davos rather than revisiting the same old angles.

• Sunrise on the Reaping, the new Hunger Games prequel, looks like classic Hunger Games with the same sharp contrast between Capitol excess and district poverty that made the original films land.

• Wicked For Good nails its character work, deepens Glinda and Elphaba, and cleverly runs parallel to The Wizard of Oz, even if the middle stretch gets a bit tangled.

• The Stranger Things recap walks through all four seasons to give listeners a full refresher before Stranger Things season 5, hitting major character arcs, big deaths, and how the Upside Down threat has evolved.

• Season 4's Vecna twist, Max's near death, and Eddie's "Master of Puppets" distraction set up a darker, more apocalyptic final season, with Hawkins literally merging with the Upside Down.

• Stranger Things is praised for doing nostalgia the right way, feeling familiar without just copying older stories, similar to the best of Stephen King adaptations.

• "If this looks at all good, I know I'll be seeing it." – Frank on the new live action Ninja Turtles movie.

• "Just stop doing these retellings of the same story and continue to make us fresh content that just happens to be related to the things we already like." – Jonathan on constant reboots.

• "Northern mermaid folk with tridents on their banners? Come on, man, how are we not doing a show about them?" – Frank on the Manderlys.

• "That 'Running Up That Hill' scene basically broke the internet." – Jonathan on Stranger Things season 4.

• "It is not the same song, but it sounds familiar. That is what good nostalgia should feel like." – Frank on Stranger Things and Goonies-style stories.

• "I officially give you permission to yell at people who sing full volume in the theater." – Frank on musical movie etiquette.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure you follow or subscribe to Geek Freaks on your favorite podcast app so you do not miss our Stranger Things season 5 coverage. Drop a 5-star rating and a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help more geeks find the show. Share the episode with a friend who is rewatching Stranger Things, and use #GeekFreaksPodcast when you post your reactions online.

• Geek Freaks – news source for everything we talk about: GeekFreaksPodcast.com

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Have thoughts on Wicked For Good, the TMNT reboot, or your own Stranger Things season 5 theories? Send your questions, hot takes, or predictions to us on Twitter, Instagram, or Threads at @geekfreakspod / @geekfreakspodcast and we may feature them in a future episode.

stranger things, stranger things recap, stranger things season 5, wicked for good, wicked movie review, teenage mutant ninja turtles, tmnt reboot, hunger games, sunrise on the reaping, geek culture podcast, tv review podcast, movie review podcast

This week Frank celebrates his birthday in the studio with Jon, keeps the vibes relaxed, and still manages to pack in a full slate of geek news and debates. The two kick things off with updates on Shogun Season 2, breaking down the ten year time jump, the politics of feudal Japan, and how Western audiences connect with Asian history and tropes on screen. From there they pivot to Valve's newly announced Steam Machine concept and what it means for the future of consoles, PC gaming, and cloud streaming.

Then it is trailer time. Frank and John react to the new Fallout Season 2 trailer and its New Vegas setting, the Super Mario Galaxy movie trailer from Illumination, and the first official images from the live action Legend of Zelda movie. They also dig into Disney's Moana live action remake and use it as a springboard to talk about when fans want faithful recreations and when they actually want a fresh take.

In the second half, Frank launches a new recurring bit called Shallow Dives, a timed debate game where one host takes a position and the other plays devil's advocate. Topics this round include whether physical media is really coming back, if critic and audience scores should be hidden for a movie's first week, and how central cosplay is to modern fandom. The episode wraps with recommendations for Welcome to Derry and a timely revisit of V for Vendetta.

Timestamps and Topics

• 00:00 – Birthday intro, in person recording, and why this episode is more relaxed

• 01:00 – Shogun Season 2 news, ten year time jump, and how the show handles Japanese history and European trade politics

• 05:30 – Valve's new Steam Machine concept, console vs PC, and why price point might decide its fate

• 11:20 – Fallout Season 2 trailer reaction, New Vegas connections, Elvis ghoul Kings, and Macaulay Culkin's role

• 15:40 – Super Mario Galaxy movie trailer, Bowser in a jar, Bowser Jr, Rosalina, and Illumination's animation style and music

• 18:20 – First look at the live action Legend of Zelda movie and a deeper talk about faithful adaptations vs reinterpretations

• 24:00 – Moana live action trailer, shot for shot remakes, green screen fatigue, and who these remakes are really for

• 28:15 – Introducing Shallow Dives, the 5 minute debate game and how it might work at conventions

• 29:30 – Shallow Dive 1: Is physical media actually making a comeback or is streaming still king

• 35:00 – Shallow Dive 2: Should critic and audience scores be hidden for the first week of release

• 41:00 – Shallow Dive 3: Is cosplay a core part of fandom or its own parallel hobby

• 46:20 – Weekly recommendations: Welcome to Derry and why V for Vendetta still matters

• 48:10 – Wrap up and sign off

Key Takeaways

• Shogun Season 2 will jump ten years into the Edo era, exploring what it means for Toranaga to not just conquer Japan but govern it while foreign powers like Portugal and Britain push for control.

• For Western viewers, Shogun can be a gateway into Asian history and storytelling, with Frank and John comparing it to Game of Thrones style politics filtered through a real world lens.

• Valve's new Steam Machine raises real questions about timing and audience, but John argues that if the device hits the right price and lives in the living room it could appeal to younger PC focused players and convention setups.

• The Fallout Season 2 trailer leans hard into New Vegas iconography, from Elvis themed ghoul factions to Roman inspired forces, while doubling down on the tension between Lucy's idealism and the brutal wasteland reality.

• The Super Mario Galaxy movie and the Zelda live action first look both seem to be chasing a very faithful visual style, keeping game aesthetics intact while polishing them for film, especially through music and world design.

• Moana's live action remake sparks a bigger conversation about when fans want a nearly shot for shot remake and when they want a reinterpretation, with both hosts skeptical about the flat, overly digital look of some recent remakes.

• In the Shallow Dives segment, the physical media debate lands on a nuanced middle ground: streaming is convenient, but physical and local digital collections still matter for ownership, longevity, and curation.

• The discussion about scores leads Frank to explain why Geek Freaks removed numeric ratings from posts, preferring to describe how a story feels instead of flattening it to a single number.

• On cosplay, both hosts agree that it might be its own fandom as much as a subset of any one property, but it absolutely boosts the sense of community and safety at cons by signaling "you are with your people."

Memorable Quotes

• "I would rather put out a relaxed episode than no episode."

• "Each vault in Fallout is just a wild experiment, and that weirdness is the charm of the show."

• "Physical media might not be for everyone anymore, but owning a copy means nobody can pull it off your shelf overnight."

• "Reviews should tell you how a story makes you feel, not just slap a number on it."

• "Cosplay is like an instant signal that you are in a safe place to be as nerdy as you want."

Call To Action

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to Geek Freaks on your favorite podcast app, leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, and share the show with a friend who loves Fallout, Zelda, or Disney animation. Spread the word using the hashtag #GeekFreaksPodcast so we can see what you think of the new Shallow Dives segment.

Links and Resources

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Listener Questions

Have a question, hot take, or Shallow Dive topic you want us to debate next time Send your thoughts and prompts to us on social media or through GeekFreaksPodcast.com and we might feature your idea in a future episode.

Apple Podcasts Tags Geek Freaks, TV and Film, Entertainment News, Pop Culture, Shogun Season 2, Fallout TV Series, Fallout Season 2, Super Mario Galaxy Movie, Legend of Zelda Movie, Moana Live Action, Video Games, Cosplay, Physical Media, Movie Reviews, Streaming Services, Stephen King, Welcome to Derry, V for Vendetta, Alan Moore