The Protagonist Podcast

Joe and Todd are joined by returning guest Todd Petersen to discuss the Marvel comic book series The Vision. They touch on an awful lot of topics, because this is one of the most thought-provoking texts they’ve covered. Topics include the comic book form, issues of identity and prejudice, and just how many great ideas this series explores.

For our special 150th episode we’re joined by returning guest Todd Petersen! First, we reveal our ten most downloaded episodes, then with some prompts from producer Andrew we work together to make up some Halloween themed stories.

Todd and Joe are tackling a Halloween classic as they discuss the characters from a Hocus Pocus. They talk about the importance of tone for a children’s scary movie, the villains motivations, and where the film feels a bit off but also where it really hits the mark.

Todd and Joe rare discussing Gilbert Norrell and Jonathan Strange from the television mini-series Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell. We talk about what drives each character, the different styles of magic on display, and how everything about this adaptation is pretty darn amazing.

Joe and Todd tackle a true classic, discussing Hercule Poirot from Agatha Christie’s novel, Murder on the Orient Express (just in time for the upcoming film). They talk about Christie’s reputation, mystery genre conventions, and what sets Poirot apart from other detectives.

Joe and a Todd are joined by special guests Lena English and Tayler Iversen to discuss Cady Heron from the film Mean Girls. We talk about accurate exaggerations, high school drama, and how important the resolution is for the film’s message.

Joe and Todd are joined by Scott Carelli to talk about the Marvel comic book series Runaways. They talk about villainous parents, creating fully-formed characters, and surprise twists.

Todd and Joe are joined by Norman Mitchell and Producer Andrew to discuss Hittokiri Battosai/Himura Kenshin from the anime series Rurouni Kenshin. They talk about expectations and conventions of certain art forms, the characters that feel fully formed, and the greatest sword ever drawn.

Joe and Todd talk about Flavia de Luce from the novel The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley. They talk about young protagonists in grown up situations, the balance of a sad story and a bright tone, and the interconnected relationships of a broken family.

Todd and Joe are joined by special guest Pete Mummert from The Indiana Jones Minute Podcast to talk about Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. They talk about the logical problems but perfect tone of the film, the amazing action sequences, and the great father/son dynamic.