In which we acknowledge the one true ship, look up to Lois Lane, and lament the loss of obligatory musical numbers in superhero films. All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss a selection of Superman stories.

Bee comes back to the fold, Gricel jumps in on the the trivia-sharing action, and Ashley demonstrates the importance of being plugged into the cultural zeitgeist. The lady nerds follow up on their viewing of Star Wars and Spaceballs, share their surprising faves, and announce a super new topic.

In which we find surprising links to other popular franchises, examine the value of “children’s works,” and discuss the importance of developing your story’s plot arcs in a timely fashion. All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss the films Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope and Spaceballs.

Bee shares thought-provoking misgivings, Gricel tries to plead on behalf of Diana Wynne Jones, and Ashley can’t remember if she ever really read the sequels to Howl. The lady nerds follow up on their reading/viewing of Howl’s Moving Castle, confess their nostalgic faves, and announce a ludicrous hope.

In which we gush over the magic of Diana Wynne Jones, examine the tropes of Japanese storytelling, and beam over the varied roles of female characters. All this and more as the Bluestockings share their thoughts on the novel and film Howl’s Moving Castle.

Ashley is overcome with emotion, Gricel refuses to acknowledge canon, and Bee reads a salacious diary entry from an unexpected source. The lady nerds share news about works covered in previous episodes, squee over their OTPs, and play an off-the-mark First Impressions.

In which we discuss the right balance between fantasy and realism in romance, the rise and fall of the Manic Pixie Dream Girl, and the legal and ethical ramifications of drugged pies. All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss the TV series Pushing Daisies.

Ashley reshapes the narrative to give lady mice agency, Gricel reveals a surprising role model, and Bee finally forces the others to watch one of her favorite shows of all time. The lady nerds confirm the book is always better than the movie, talk about the works that have inspired them, and play First Impressions.

In which we discuss gender and personality traits, defend the importance of real science, and contrast modern romantic and medieval courtly love. All this and more as the Bluestockings share their thoughts on the film The Secret of NIMH.

Fueled by egg nog, holiday cookies, and candy canes, the lady nerds look back on the works they discussed in 2017 and, in the spirit of the season, mercilessly pit them against each other to award “Sockies” in 10 categories. Happy Holidays!