In this Halloween-themed episode of Zeitgeist, Jordan and Niv plunge into the lore of vampires, beginning with Ryan Coogler's 'Sinners.' They investigate Michael B. Jordan's contribution to his filmography (2:23), and how it fits into the blockbuster landscape of 2025 (5:57). They talk about its relationship to the blues (9:34), black joy and storytelling (13:32), and its award-winning composer (24:54).

In the second half, they discuss the Robert Egger's reimagining of 'Nosferatu' (34:52). They discuss the historical context of what makes a vampire (48:12), the design elements (57:59), the cast (1:00:46), and how effectively the narrative structure works in our modern context (1:15:32). 

Ologies: https://www.alieward.com/ologies/vampirology

Our Black Panther 2 episode: https://www.mixcloud.com/pulpculture/the-heart-of-the-modern-blockbuster-with-top-gun-maverick-and-black-panther-wakanda-forever/

Pour a sbagliato and join us under the cabana as Jordan and Niv discuss the dark side of leisure, first leading into Tina Fey's 'The Four Seasons' on Netflix (2:01). They discuss the actors, where some of them (specifically Steve Carell) have disappeared into their late careers (5:23), and recount the cast, characters, and what makes this show appealing to create (8:44). Finally, we psychoanalyze a core relationship dynamic of the show (31:39), and how weaponized incompetence plays a role. 

Then, they move to White Lotus (41:09). They discuss one of hosts' personal connection to Thailand as a setting (55:55), the various characters taking to the resort this season (1:15:40), and how the show's penetration into the mainstream has been an impairment (1:31:16). They get into the juicy gossip behind the scenes (1:40:53) before discussing the final takeaways on the show moving forward (1:48:53).

Podcasts referenced:

https://overthinkpodcast.com/episodes/episode-106

https://www.newyorker.com/podcast/critics-at-large/is-travel-broken

This show contains spoilers for both the programs 'Adolescence' and 'You' on Netflix. In this prestige-packed episode, Jordan and Niv dig into the hit show 'You,' discuss whether its pulp or schlock (06:30), the formula behind the show (14:22), and who stands out as a performer (25:32) heading into the show's last moments. They dig into the last season (31:12), and how well its female lead holds the bar of quality relative to seasons past, particularly in the very last episode (43:18). Before the break, they discuss how the two shows connect (48:11). In the second half, they discuss 'Adolescence' and do a deep dive on all four episodes beginning with episode one (00:57:20). They investigate whether the show may be more like a play (or if any filmed art deserves that title) (01:07:03), before getting into episode two (01:24:47). They touch on the manosphere (01:24:47) before getting into episode three (01:41:07). They end on a sentimental note once they discuss episode four (01:53:35).

Special Thanks to The Powerknobs for the theme music!

Killer Empathy by Radiolab

Jordan and Niv, in their second conversation about video games, discuss how the medium allows for total immersion (1:10) before discussing 'Fallout.' (12:30) They touch on character (21:40) and tone (39:59) before moving onto Netflix's 'Arcane.' (1:02:23) They discuss the modern transition of video game adaptations to film and television, and debate on how 'Arcane' fares, similarly in terms of complexity (01:14:03), how magic integrates into the world (01:24:01), how it succeeds in its ambitious endeavor (01:33:04). They touch on character development (01:51:44) in Season 2, or lack thereof, and how it connects to the rest of the TV landscape (02:03:25).

First they talk about how X Men 97 makes an exemplary water cooler show (2:05) and its origins as a Saturday morning cartoon (04:50). They discuss what makes X Men eternal (11:07), and how was previously portrayed onscreen (12:55) in the early 2000s. Then, they delve into the cast list (16:21), the pacing (19:21), and they touch on intertextuality (25:47) within the show. After, they remark on the show’s best episode mid-season (27:20), what makes great action (29:38) and dive deep on Wolverine (31:11), Magneto (32:51), and the rest of the show’s villains (39:19) before giving it a final review (51:08).  Next, they get into the blockbuster hit, ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ (54:41) with the state of Marvel in 2024. They touch on what makes the multiverse a challenge (01:02:42), the film’s tone & purpose (01:09:34), specific moments & spoilers (01:13:04), and go deeper on Disney’s obsession with intertextuality (01:15:48). Niv touches on the movie’s first abandoned concept (01:25:51), and they grapple with the film’s tonal mismatch (01:28:42), before bringing it back to its place as the last movie in a trilogy (1:33:53). They give credence to the film’s villain (01:36:06), align the character into the future of the MCU (01:40:16), and close out the conversation in the most chaotic way possible (01:44:48).

As the Emmy window closes, Jordan and Niv recall two historically-based dramas from this year on TV. They discuss 'Mary and George' on Starz, how homosexuality plays a role in the show (8:50) and overall how seriously the show takes its execution (19:01). They touch briefly on some spoilers for the final moments of the sensational program (22:17) before moving on to 'Shogun' on Hulu (35:56). Niv maps out the real-life locations in Japan (44:16) that 'Shogun' spends its time around before detailing the period the show takes place in (46:33). They discuss together the show's acting talent and characters (53:12), and get into spoilers for the show (1:06:04).

For its second year, Zeitgeist checks in on the state of the animation industry. In the first half, Jordan and Niv talk about 'Blue Eyed Samurai'. They Tackle race and identity (06:30), break down the talents behind the series (11:29), animation style (17:48), and tone (26:40). Then, they touch base on 'Scavengers Reign' on Max (now also Netflix). They investigate the state of the industry (46:56), the show's animation style (51:31), themes & influences (55:24), and how ensemble plays a role (01:05:24).

[Editorial Note: You’ll hear some pops and clicks near the front of the episode today from an unresolved recording issue.] Niv and Jordan discuss the 2024 Oscars in relation to a snub, Sofia Coppola’s ‘Priscilla.’ Then, they’re joined by Sam (9:00), who lays the foundation for the work at hand through providing context in our world today. They discuss how Priscilla inspired Lana Del Rey (11:45), Priscilla’s infantilization in relationship to domestic isolation and independence (16:13), and how Coppola wrangles with these topics (24:00). From there, they litigate Elvis’ star power in film (29:43), touch once again on Sofia’s sensibilities (39:09) before ending on why Sofia is one-of-a-kind (42:18).   In the second half, Jordan and Niv talk about the two films in relation to one another, the Oscars, and a supposed "Zeitgeist Curse (45:07)," before setting the scene for 'May December (47:43).' They debate which of the two main character is the true protagonist (55:32), they praise the cast (1:07:07), and they discuss whether 'May December is a comedy, and how that genre convention relates to the theatrical traditions of Bertolt Brecht (1:20:22).

Jordan and Niv discuss two forays into Asian-American led TV on Netflix, first in regard to the recently settled SAG/AFRA and WGA strikes. Then, they set the scene for the Emmy nominated 'Beef' (7:36), investigate whether the series could have been a film (11:48), and highlight a cast on the rise (13:12). They debate the class struggles inherent in 'Beef' (16:52), and examine the way the show uses Korean representation (21:20). Then finally, before transitioning to their conversation on 'One Piece', they inquire whether Netflix is willing to take a risk on more shows with such a specific tone (25:25).

In their spoiler-filled conversation about 'One Piece', Niv dissects the balance of creative control (32:40) before Jordan shares his overall thoughts on the series (37:30). They contrast the show with its origins (41:00), before evaluating whether its exactly what Netflix is looking for (58:08). Then, they return to comparing this live-action series to its source material (1:02:51) and anticipate what Season 2 might bring (1:23:25).

Niv and Jordan talk about the act of counterprogramming as it relates to Barbie and Oppenheimer (1:20) before they discuss how Barbie rose from the cloud of smoke Oppenheimer left behind (11:58), and the rocky path to get there. Jordan dissects the acting in Barbie (21:45), and Niv designates the different ways to develop a household item into a fully realized film (28:31). They talk about the negatives and positives (42:45) before ultimately determining where they stand on Greta Gerwig’s ‘Barbie’ (54:30).

After the break, they discuss ‘Oppenheimer’ in depth (01:06:27). They talk about the leading performance that the movie revolves around (01:11:11), how the actors fit into the tone its director, Christopher Nolan, achieves in the film (01:22:01). They critique how Nolan has historically treated women in his films (01:25:01), and how ‘Oppenheimer’ fares. They deliberate about the unusual structure and the way he approaches character (01:27:54), before weighing both films possibilities in the upcoming Oscar race (1:48:11).