MechaDragon
By MechaDragon
MechaDragonNov 18, 2019
87. How LOKI (Season 1) Affects the MCU's Future
What does LOKI (season 1) and all its epic reveals mean for the MCU moving forward into phases 4, 5, and 6?? Frederick Chambers of the Imagine Tomorrow podcast is back for Part 2 of our discussion, in which we focus on how the show affects the Marvel Cinematic Multiverse. Come geek out with us!
Check out Fred on Twitter @HelmsmanFreddy and his podcast, Imagine Tomorrow @TerminusTerrra!
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86. LOKI (Season 1)
Our favorite MCU villain-turned-antihero returns in his own show, LOKI -- and Frederick Chambers of the Imagine Tomorrow podcast joins the show to discuss! Spoilers for all of LOKI, season 1! We review the show and dive deep on specifics like: Loki's arc, how this Loki variant compares to the one we last saw in Infinity War, the show's themes and how they were developed, the TVA (banality of evil or tough utilitarian choice?), the TVA's "retrofuturistic" design and cinematic influences, Sylvie and her relationship with Loki, Moebius and Loki, the reveals at the end (including *that* new character), what made us geek out the most, and more. Come geek out with us! (And don't miss the soon-to-be-published part 2 of this conversation, in which we dive deep on what the events of LOKI mean for the future of the MCU.)
Check out Fred on Twitter @HelmsmanFreddy and his podcast, Imagine Tomorrow @TerminusTerrra!
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85. Falcon and the Winter Soldier: ONE WORLD, ONE PEOPLE (s01e06)
Falcon and the Winter Soldier episode 6 ushered in a new era of the MCU for Marvel fans, and left some hints at what the future holds. Written Flows is our guest co-host this week. Come geek out with us!
Check out Written Flows' channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/WrittenFlows
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84. Falcon and the Winter Soldier: TRUTH (s01e05)
Falcon and the Winter Soldier episode 5 brought an inevitable fight, showed the importance of history and optimism, and gave us a very important calm before the storm. We react, discuss, and make some predictions. SPOILERS! (We also briefly discuss episode 4 at the top of the show.)
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83. Falcon and the Winter Soldier: POWER BROKER (s01e03)
Falcon and the Winter Soldier episode 3 gave us a deeper look into Walker's instability, gave us some serum clues, brought back an old friend, showed us something we never thought we'd see Zemo do, and more. We react, discuss, and break out some theories.
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82. Falcon and the Winter Soldier: THE STAR-SPANGLED MAN (s01e02)
Falcon and the Winter Soldier episode 2 dropped some heavy reveals on Marvel fans. Will and Bob break down the episode & discuss how it changed what we know about MCU history. From Isaiah Bradley to what's in store for John Walker, couples therapy & the super soldier serum, to the mysterious Power Broker & the return of Zemo, we get into it all. Predictions and theories, too!
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81. Falcon and the Winter Soldier: THE NEW WORLD ORDER (s01e01)
Will and Bob discuss the first episode of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
Topics include:
- general impressions / non-spoiler review
- How the show does what no other TV series ever has with action scenes.
- Setting up the characters.
- MCU Chronology, post-Endgame.
- Which Avengers are most like regular people.
- Steve... on the moon?
- The state of the world after Endgame.
- The Flag Smashers.
- The new "Captain America" and what that means to Sam.
- Setting up the new phase of MCU content.
- Our theories and predictions.
- Which new MCU characters might make an appearance -- a wager.
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80. Europa Report (2013)
Megan Salinas joins Will and Jes for an in-depth conversation about the 2013 sci-fi mystery drama, EUROPA REPORT. Brief non-spoiler review followed by spoiler-filled deep-dive.
Come geek out with us! #SquigleyDidNothingWrong
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79. WandaVision: THE SERIES FINALE (s01e09)
Megan Salinas joins Will and Jes for an in-depth conversation about the WandaVision finale. HEAVY SPOILERS.
Topics include:
- General impressions / review of the finale + whole series.
- How the weekly release schedule was good for the show and good for the fandom community.
- WandaVision vs. LOST: the community experience.
- What makes WandaVision work so well.
- What makes Agatha such a great character.
- Clash of the Visions: the brilliance of resolving conflict.
- The relevance of the Ship of Theseus parable.
- What's happening with white Vision next.
- WandaVision's many 'Wizard of Oz' references.
- The Darkhold: what it means for the MCU.
- Which dark entity could be behind the Darkhold and manipulating Wanda.
- How wanda could be beinng manipulated, and by whom.
- Three theories on the deed.
- The casting of Evan Peters and its effect on fans.
- Ways the MCU plays with audience expectation.
- The brilliance of how the main conflicts are resolved.
- That Scarlet Witch costume.
- The cameo we can expect in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
- The mid-credits scene and what it means.
- Agatha's punishment.
- Wanda's goodbyes: the emotional culmination of the show.
- What Wanda's final words to her children could mean.
- The post credits scene and what it means for the future of the MCU.
- Some predictions for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
- How we rank WandaVision in the MCU.
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78. Starman (1984)
Will and Screenhub's Eric Hanson dive deep into John Carpenter's 1984 cult classic sci-fi film, STARMAN.
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77. WandaVision: PREVIOUSLY ON (s01e08)
Will and Jes react to WandaVision's eighth episode, "Previously On."
Topics include:
- How Agatha's backstory is/represents an important new piece of worldbuilding for the MCU.
- Questions raised by the Salem scene.
- Other MCU characters who could appear in the finale.
- Will Dr. Strange fail to detect the spectacular afterglow of so many spells cast?
- What THAT BOOK could be, and its implications for new MCU villains.
- Which other powerful villains could still appear in the finale.
- Is there even time left in the story enough to introduce a new villain?
- The "secret sauce" for the MCU's success, embodied in how it's made WandaVision so spectacular.
- What the mind stone did to Wanda.
- Why the deed with Vision's note is suspicious.
- Wanda's power level.
- Westview's Vision: illusion, dream, or physically real but created from nothing?
- The mind stone Wanda... created? (and its apparent limitations)
- Length of the finale episode.
- Loose threads that need wrapped up in the finale.
- Visions.
- How Hayward baited Wanda, and why.
- Where the penultimate episode leaves us.
- Vallainous Squirrel Girl??
- WHO'S THE BUNNY??
- Our theories and predictions for the finale.
- The MCU's multiverse arc.
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76. Bill and Ted Face the Music (2020)
Will and Jes conclude their most excellent coverage of the Bill and Ted franchise -- and this time: BILL AND TED FACE THE MUSIC!
Topics include:
- Taking the time to get the story right.
- Going in with the right expectations.
- How the film shows its love of music -- moreso than the previous films?
- Billy and Thea: our reactions.
- The film's humor.
- Behind the scenes tidbits and trivia.
- The Bill and Ted "formula": the structure of a Bill and Ted movie.
- Translating Bill and Ted to middle age.
- Bigger roles for the supporting characters.
- Jes' two favorite characters (not Bill and Ted!).
- Our favorite moments and jokes.
- The song that unites humanity and saves all of reality: the roles played by Bill and Ted and their daughters.
- How this film ties together the whole trilogy AND makes the previous two films make so much more sense.
- How rewatchable is the movie?
- Our thoughts on the end of the movie/trilogy.
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75. WandaVision: BREAKING THE FOURTH WALL (s01e07)
Will and Jes go into full-on geek-out mode with podcaster and comic book nerd Stefen in this week's discussion of WandaVision, episode 7: "Breaking the Fourth Wall".
Topics include:
- Agnes revealed.
- Sitcom influences for this episode: theme song/sequence, style, their house, etc.
- How Wanda's sitcom self is, emotionally, catching up to her true self.
- Vision and Darcy: dynamic duo.
- Why Vision was wrong about who was delaying them.
- Why Agatha isn't the sole uber-villain of the show.
- All the Mephisto references so far.
- How large a role Mephisto might play in WandaVision.
- The big, upcoming cameo: who it could be.
- Who Peter/Pietro REALLY is: the evidence.
- How WandaVision could be setting up mutants in the MCU.
- Comics roots of the Nexus and how this episode's commercial has wide-ranging implications for the entire MCU.
- What if Loki were involved in the events of WandaVision?
- Multiverse madness begins!
- Monica Rambeaux: empowered.
- The cinematic deftness of the sequence where Monica passes through, and the metaphor it evokes.
- Which of Monica's superhero names from the comics she'll be known as in the MCU, and why.
- The powers we can expect Monica to have, and who she may fight in the climactic sequence of WandaVision.
- Our predictions/theories.
- Which characters could show up in the final two episodes, and why them.
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74. WandaVision: ALL-NEW HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR! (s01e06)
Will and Jes discuss and react to the 6th episode of WandaVision, "All-New Halloween Spooktacular!" with special guest Kim.
Topics include:
- General impressions / episode reaction.
- The many acting styles and tones of WandaVision.
- Why the episode recap featured Aaron Taylor-Johnson's Quicksilver.
- Who Evan Peter's Quicksilver REALLY is: the evidence so far.
- Watching WandaVision: Marvel comics fans vs. MCU-only fans.
- Exactly how much control does Wanda have over what's happening?
- When Wanda is confronted by the cost of maintaining her Hex reality.
- What's going on with the near-motionless people at the edge of town.
- The moment Vision decides things are REALLY bad in town.
- Poor Agnes: her level of involvement and awareness.
- The emotional realism of the MCU and how its made the MCU so successful.
- The theory that explains the Hex origin, Vision being alive, his mind-stone powers, and free will.
- The Mind Stone theory!
- WandaVision's Scooby Doo episode.
- Hayward's true agenda.
- What THAT COMMERCIAL reveals about the mysteries of the show.
- How could the children have been concieved?
- How this episode's theme song creepily describes the Wanda's thoughts.
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73. WandaVision: ON A VERY SPECIAL EPISODE... (s01e05)
Will discusses WandaVision, episode 5 ("On a Very Special Episode...") with a special guest named Brad.
Topics include:
- How Vision is alive.
- The extent of Wanda's control over life and death.
- Wanda's parenting.
- The importance of Wanda's children to the show's mystery.
- Vision's increasing awareness.
- The deliberate attempts to keep Wanda (and Vision?) within the Hex reality.
- The catalyst that may eventually drive Wanda and Vision to try to leave the Hex.
- MCU timeline: from Endgame to WandaVision episode 5.
- Did Wanda make a Faustian bargain?
- Wanda is the Center, not the Puppeteer.
- Agnes's role in Westview.
- Ralph's true identity.
- That email: EXPLAINED.
- 80s sitcoms references/homages.
- Vision's assumptions about his unremembered past.
- When Wanda was telling the truth, and how that points to the Puppeteer.
- The evidence that Westview's mind control is also affecting Wanda.
- Why the Peter/Pietro who arrives is consistent with the Hex reality.
- The specific reason why Wanda could become the villain in Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness.
- The surprising characters that could appear in the show.
- A possible post-credits scene for the series.
- Our predictions.
- Episode 5 as midpoint of the series and what that implies about the rest of the show.
- When the Mephitso/Puppeter character will be revealed.
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72. WandaVision: WE INTERRUPT THIS PROGRAM (s01e04)
Will and Jes discuss WandaVision, episode 4 ("We Interrupt This Program") with podcaster and horror maven Megan Salinas.
Topics include:
- S.W.O.R.D. as audience surrogate.
- Returning MCU characters.
- Super-meta: how the show reflects the way we now watch television.
- What Darcy's been doing for the past 10-15 years.
- Exactly where WandaVision fits in the MCU timeline, and the definitive evidence for it.
- Catching up with Monica.
- How this episode re-contextualizes some things in Avengers: Endgame.
- What Wanda and Monica share that will be central to both their character arcs and the story of the show.
- Why Monica may be the only one who can reach Wanda.
- WandaVision's unfiying theme.
- The Babadook of the MCU?
- S.W.O.R.D. -- what the organization's full name implies.
- How the events of Captain Marvel contribute directly to WandaVision.
- Mysterious Agnes.
- WTF is going on with Vision.
- Why it's not as simple as, "It's all Wanda..."
- Possible reasons why the events inside Wanda's "sitcom reality bubble" are being broadcast.
- Wanda's "deal with the devil."
- What explains Vision's free will.
- Our predictions and theories.
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Megan Salinas
Twitter: @themenguin
Silver Screams podcast: @Silver_Screams
No Love Lost podcast: @NoLoveLostPod
BONUS: WandaVision WATCH-ALONG! "Now in Color" (episode 03)
Watch WandaVision episode 3 with us! RPG Designer Jessica Marcrum joins us for fun commentary, informed observation and speculation, and geeky shenanigans. Instructions on how to easily sync up our watch-along at home are in our very brief intro comments. We're releasing this watch-along as a bonus episode to give one example of new content we have planned starting this year. For further details, including how to get much more bonus content, follow us @MechaDragonShow on Twitter.\
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71. WandaVision: NOW IN COLOR (s01e03)
Will and Jes discuss WandaVision, episode 3 ("Now in Color") with RPG Designer and Social Worker Jessica Marcrum.
Topics include:
- The theory that EXPLAINS the Beekeeper, the helicopter, and "Geraldine."
- Wanda and Vision's neighbors: who they are, what they know, who's "in on it," and what Herb was trying to say.
- Who Agnes really is.
- S.W.O.R.D.: the new meaning behind the acronym, and why they're concerned with Wanda's Westview.
- The implications of SWORD's role in the MCU.
- Inspirations from the comics and how the show still goes its own way.
- How the show works as a sitcom AND on a meta-level.
- Why Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and other Marvel shows prior to WandaVision aren't really part of the MCU (yet?).
- The escalating "glitches" in Wanda's sitcom reality.
- Wanda vs. Captain Marvel: who is more powerful.
- Wanda's suprising role in Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness
- The grief and loss in Wanda and Vision's story.
- Vision: a character we haven't seen enough of.
- How Wanda and Vision's most intimate, personal moments carry the story and will make the end more tragic.
- The Mephisto connection EXPLAINED.
- Why Mephisto chose to appear in the way he did, when he did; and why he behaved that way.
- Monica Rambeaux.
- Who's pulling Wanda's strings, and how/why she's psychologically vulnerable to manipulation.
- The character we'll see whose presence will be most shocking (and it's insane multiversal implications).
- What Jes would put right what once went wrong in the MCU.
- QUICKSILVER(s)!!!??
- How Vision is alive.
- One limit of Wanda's power.
- Which 80s sitcom will the next episode be modeled on? Which sitcom house will they live in?
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70. WandaVision: EPISODES 1 & 2 - (s01e01+e02)
The MCU has finally returned with WANDAVISION! Will and Jes discuss the highly-anticipated premiere (episodes 1 & 2) with guest Ben Adelman.
Topics include:
- General impressions, brief non-spoiler review.
- SPOILERS BEGIN: ~16:54.
- Which audiences WandaVision appeals to (and which it might not).
- The many genres of WandaVision.
- The central mysterty of the show.
- Will we get "event fatigue?"
- Thematic connections to the comics that inspired the show (House of M and The Vision).
- Why the classic sitcom format was the perfect fit to illustrate how Wanda's trauma is affecting her.
- Wanda's power level: MCU and the show vs. the comics.
- Who could be manipulatiung Wanda.
- Vision = Frodo Baggins??
- How the comics inspiring the show point toward tragedy.
- Elements from the comics in the show.
- Agnes: victim, friend or foe?
- Who created Wanda's alternate reality -- who manipulated her into it.
- Clues in the show that tell us the extent of Wanda's control over her alternate reality.
- Mephisto.
- S.W.O.R.D.: what they're doing in the show.
- Why the S.W.O.R.D. helicopter was toy-sized (and how the same principle could explain the beekeeper).
- Balancing the narrative and the meta-narrative.
- The Agent Coulson wager.
- What happens (and the dangers of) when Wanda goes off-script.
- How many of Agnes's lines can be read two ways, and what that implies about the mystery and her character.
- Agnes's purpose in the Wanda's altered reality.
- How Jes's kids reacted to the show.
Predictions/theories/hopes:
- What Vision's calculations at work could mean.
- Why S.W.O.R.D. might be involved with these events on Earth, rather than S.H.I.E.L.D.
- The possible importance of the very first line of the show.
- Which surprising characters might be a part of the show moving forwward.
- A post-credits scene at the end of the series? What it could be.
- Which character might has a chance of making a surprise camero appearance and make the fandom erupt with joy.
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69. Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
Will and Jes kick off the New Year with a discussion of Wonder Woman 1984, with special guest Jessica Marcrum.
Topics include:
- How the development of the film's theme adversely affected the whole story.
- Max Lord and his defeat: in the comics vs. in the film.
- Would the movie have been more effective if it had been released a few years ago?
- Chris Pine's inclusion in the movie.
- "Body-snatching" Steve Trevor.
- Plotholes or not-holes?
- Revealing character in action sequences.
- "Steve is no punk."
- A toxic theme?
- What happened to the stone after Max Lord renounced his wish.
- The characters who did NOT renounce their wishes.
- The film's performances.
- Pedro Pascal's performance, and when "the mask slips."
- Gaps in the emotional realism of the movie.
- What made the film's climax less cathartic than it could have been.
- That post-credits scene.
- Our top DC comics films.
- Wonder Woman 1984: the good vs. the not-so-good
- What if the film had been set AFTER the events of Justice League?
- Why deleted scenes get deleted from movies.
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68. Marvel / Star Wars CROSSOVER PITCH!
Will and Jes team up with podcaster and horror maven Megan Salinas to pitch Marvel / Star Wars crossover films! What must you get right to do justice to each universe? What do you need to avoid? Which characters would work well together in a crossover story? How would these franchises even cross over?? Are you Jonesing for more MCU and/or more Star Wars? Come geek out with us as we give detailed pitches and discuss!
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67. Scrooged (1988) - A Four Dads Review!
Will and Jes team up with the guys from the Two Dads Review podcast, Clay and Corey, for our 2020 Christmas episode on the 1988 film SCROOGED!
Topics include:
- Behind-the-scenes trivia and drama!
- Bill Murray's performance in his first lead role in a major film.
- The film's delightfully comedic characters.
- The love story subplot: did it work and was it essential?
- Frank's character arc and how the subplots make it work.
- The signs that Frank was redeemable.
- How and why the ghosts mirrored Frank's own behavior.
- Why Claire taking Frank's own advice was the most frightening thing for him.
- What Frank's IBC programs tell us about his character.
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66. The Mandalorian: THE RESCUE (s02e08)
Will and Jes discuss THE MANDALORIAN (season 2, episode 8) CHAPTER 16: THE RESCUE! (Spoilers!)
Topics include:
- Why this episode's fan service works so well as part of the story.
- "Two Mandalorians walk into a bar..."
- Din's team.
- This episode's music.
- The many homages to the OG Star Wars films.
- The "girls get it done" scene.
- Mandalorians in sync.
- What happened to the Comms Officer? Why we believe she's still alive and when/where we could see her again.
- The Dark Troopers: metaphorically on-brand for the Empire; their music and lethality.
- Subtle references to the Sequel Trilogy.
- Darksaber darksaber darksaber.
- Bo Katan's reaction to Din winning the Darksaber, and what it means for the future of the show.
- Predictions for the future of the show and how it will tie in to the other upcoming Star Wars shows.
- Why [SPOILER] was the best choice to arrive to take [SPOILER].
- Jes's live reactions to his first viewing "caught on tape".
- THAT SCENE AT THE END.
- Did they do Luke -- and the fans -- justice?
- When we could see Baby Yoda / Grogu again.
- Grogu's genesis: the debate.
- The most important thing Luke said to Din.
- CGI Luke nitpicks.
- Boba Fett's future in the Star Wars Cinematic Universe.
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65. The Mandalorian: THE BELIEVER (s02e07)
Will and Jes discuss THE MANDALORIAN (season 2, episode 7) CHAPTER 15: THE BELIEVER! (Spoilers.)
Topics include:
- Mayfeld: adding layers.
- The title's importance to the episode.
- Din's Decision: his most important moment and what it means.
- Imperial Security Software.
- New Star Wars shows and how they'll cross over with The Mandalorian.
- Who Din is recruiting to help free Grogu.
- That cafeteria scene.
- Boba Fett's new paint-job.
- Predictions / fan theories.
Predictions:
- Which characters will be in the season finale / Din's team.
- Dire consequencs for Grogu.
- How much can they fit into the season finale?
- The surprising figure who might take Grogu from Moff Gideon.
- What the focus of season 3 could be, based on the season 2 finale.
- The case against Ezra Bridger showing up.
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64. The Mandalorian: THE TRAGEDY (s02e06)
Will and Jes return to discuss THE MANDALORIAN (season 2, episode 6) CHAPTER 14: THE TRADGEDY! (Spoilers.)
Topics include:
- Our reactions to the shocking events of Chapter 14: The Tragedy!
- Tython lore & the Jedi Order -- How old is that seeing stone?
- Din's developing bond with Grogu.
- Boba Fett and Slave I.
- What might the Boba Fett show rumors REALLY mean?
- What would a Boba Fett show BE?
- Mandalorian season 3: Lethal Weapon?? (Boba = Riggs, Din = Murtaugh?)
- The Comms Officer: evil badass with a further role to play.
- Predictions / fan theories.
Predictions:
- How much of Chapter 15 will be trying to get Mayfeld.
- The characters Din will recruit.
- Din's plan to get Grogu back.
- When we'll see more of the Dark Troopers.
- What could happen to Grogu.
- Which Jedi will answer Grogu's call?
- Who heard Grogu's call?
- When will a Jedi come for Grogu?
- What season 3 of 'The Mandalorian' will be about.
- Will Din get Grogu back this season?
- The chances we'll see Luke Skywalker.
- The chronology of that final scene in STAR WARS: REBELS, and how that fits into The Mandalorian.
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63. The Mandalorian: THE JEDI (s02e05)
SPOILERS!! Guest Mike Gagne (of Boston Harbor Horror Presents) joins Will and Jes for an epic discussion of 'THE MANDALORIAN: Chapter 12: The Jedi'! We went deep on this truly monumental episode from season 2.
Topics include:
- Ahsoka Tano (& Rosario Dawson casting) and her live-action debut.
- How Ahsoka's backstory (The Clone Wars, SW: Rebels) affects her in this episode.
- Rosario Dawson's career: from Kids to Star Wars.
- Baby Yoda's name!
- Grogu's timeline.
- Tython: its history, location, special properties, and importance to the Jedi.
- Which Jedi or other Force-sensitive characters might respond to Grogu's visit to the seeing-stone on Tython.
- Which character might actually have trained in the Force under Darth Maul?
- Din Djarin and Grogu's bond.
- Is there evidence that Mando is Force-sensitive to some degree? If so, what would that mean for the show?
- Mando's spiritual mentor.
- The scene that epitomizes the western genre and the samurai genre at the same time.
- How a Star Wars cinematic universe is being built on Disney+.
- Who is Grand Admiral Thrawn? What will his role be in The Mandalorian?
- Could Moff Gideon be a Force user?
- Predictions / fan theories.
Predictions:
- When Din & Grogu will make it to Tython.
- Thrawn's connection to Moff Gideon and the lab from THE SIEGE
- what will happen in the final three episodes of the season
- a 'Seven Samurai' / 'Magnificent Seven' style team-up
- When we could see Boba Fett again.
Mike Gagne - Boston Harbor Horror
Twitter: @BostonHbrHorror
Instagram: @bostonharborhorror
RSS: https://bostonhorror.libsyn.com/rss
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BostonHarborHorror/
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62. The Mandalorian: THE SIEGE (s02e04)
Guest co-host Jessica Marcrum joins Will to discuss 'THE MANDALORIAN: Chapter 12: The Siege'! Heavy spoilers as we dive deep into this one.
Topics include:
- Cara Dune's tattoo.
- How Mando is becoming a better father.
- How and why Mando is loosening up.
- Puppetry in Star Wars.
- How DO the aqualish eat?
- Cara's new friend for life - a.k.a. how to adopt a stray.
- Three "straight men" and a Mythral.
- The Empire's OSHA violations.
- The clone vats: what they could mean.
- Could storytelling in The Mandalorian improve the Sequel Trilogy with tie-ins?
- The Dark Troopers: what are they? Are they connected to Moff Gideon's project with The Child?
- The post-'Return of the Jedi' galaxy.
- Imperial Remnants in the Outer Rim: what are they up to?
- Cara Dune's most important scene: why it's important for her and for the galaxy.
- Setting up a Cara Dune spinoff show?
- Disney/Lucasfilm seting up a SW cinematic universe on Disney+.
- How can Ahsoka help Mando and the Child?
- Why and how Baby Yoda might be separated from Mando.
- Next episode predictions, including: the new cutest friends for Baby Yoda, the return of Boba Fett, the Darksaber.
- Setting up an Ahsoka Tano show.
MechaDragon.net
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Email: MechaDragonShow@gmail.com
61. Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey (1991)
Will and Jes continue their most excellent coverage of the Bill and Ted franchise -- straight from 1991, it's BILL AND TED'S BOGUS JOURNEY!
Topics include:
- Movie trivia & behind the scenes stories.
- What makes this movie more well-written than the previous one.
- Death and his games is homage to which famous film?
- The origin of Station!
- Bill and Ted... in the MCU!?
- The biggest rift yet between Will and Jes.
- Who's more cringey? Station or Jar Jar Binks?
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60. The Mandalorian: THE HEIRESS (s02e03)
Will and Jes are back to discuss 'THE MANDALORIAN: Chapter 11: The Heiress'! Spoilers abound as we delve into the events and characters of the show, what it all means, and what it portends for future episodes as well as for the rest of The Galaxy Far Far Away.
Topics include:
- Mandalorian lore and history: Deathwatch and the creed, the Darksaber, differing Mandalorian traditions.
- Mando's (Din Djarin's) widening perspective.
- Bo-Katan and her historical connection to Din Djarin.
- Baby Yoda and baby frog-person.
- The many ways this show explores the aftermath of events from Return of the Jedi.
- When we can expect to see Ahsoka Tano.
- The Ewok wager!
MechaDragon.net
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Email: MechaDragonShow@gmail.com
59. Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989)
Will and Jes discuss the most bodacious movie of 1989: BILL AND TED'S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE!
Topics include:
- What was *almost* the movie's title?
- Behind the Scenes tidbits: deleted scenes, previous script versions.
- How well does the movie hold up?
- What makes the movie so fun, even today.
- The three parts that don't hold up in 2020.
- Comparisons to the 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail' treatment of history
- The Mall: evidence of an age gone by.
- Bill and Ted and Stockholm Syndrome.
- Emotional respite: the value of suspending disbelief for Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure.
- Time traveling phone-booth trivia.
MechaDragon.net
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58. The Mandalorian: THE PASSENGER (s02e02)
57. She Dies Tomorrow (2020)
Come geek out with Will, Jes, and returning guest Megan Salinas for a deep-dive into the indie film Variety called a "psychedelic and freakishly timely psychodrama". From pacing and non-linear structure to Mozart's Lacrimosa and inventive cinematic depictions of anxiety, this movie provoked an unexpectedly fun discussion.
Megan Salinas
Twitter: @themenguin
Silver Screams podcast: @Silver_Screams
No Love Lost podcast: @NoLoveLostPod
MechaDragon.net
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Email: MechaDragonShow@gmail.com
56. The Mandalorian: THE MARSHAL (s02e01)
SPOILERS! Will and Jes discuss the season 2 opener of The Mandalorian -- Chapter 9: The Marshal.
Topics include:
- Boba Fett and setting up his inevitable confrontation with Mando
- baby Yoda's mental development as a 50-year old toddler
- western genre elements used expertly by the show
- key samurai films that inspired the premise of The Mandalorian
- how much time has passed since season 1 began
- what's the plural of ballista?
- Greef Karga's beard: the grand debate
- the wonderful worldbuilding of "The Mandalorian" as an organic part of the story
- familiar Star Wars characters to be introduced in season 2
Come geek out with us!
MechaDragon.net
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Email: MechaDragonShow@gmail.com
55. Trick 'r Treat (2007)
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!! MechaDragon celebrates All Hallows' Eve with the 2007 cult classic "Trick 'r Treat" -- and horror maven Megan Salinas helps the boys break it down.
Topics include:
- the ultimate Halloween holiday film?
- why the movie is so successful as a horror anthology
- navigating the horror/comedy balance
- the Rules
- the single most important character who ties everything together
- the film's central message
- which "twists & turns" were most effective and why
- stand-out moments
Have a great (and safe) Halloween, everyone!
Megan Salinas
Twitter: @themenguin
Silver Screams podcast: @Silver_Screams
No Love Lost podcast: @NoLoveLostPod
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54. House (1986)
WTF is this movie?? Will and Jes try to answer this question with horror maven / Halloween Month co-host Megan Salinas. Where does the film succeed (and where does it struggle)? How does it balance the horror and the comedy? This episode is some of the most fun we've had podcasting!
Other topics include:
- 80s camp and goofiness vs. chilling moments
- What IS the House and what does it want?
- Monsters and special effects
- Memorable moments
- How the film excites the imagination
- Core concepts vs. execution
- Theme & character development (kinda)
- Again, what the actual f---??
Megan Salinas
Twitter: @themenguin
Silver Screams podcast: @Silver_Screams
No Love Lost podcast: @NoLoveLostPod
MechaDragon.net
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Email: MechaDragonShow@gmail.com
53. The Babadook (2014)
Halloween Month celebration continues with THE BABADOOK, a horror movie with heart. Writer/Producer of the Boston Harbor Horror audiodrama, Mike Gagne, returns to the show with horror afficionado and podcaster Megan Salinas to discuss the film with Will and Jes. This is a film with a lot of depth, so we dive deep.
Topics include:
- non-spoilery review (at the beginning)
- spoiler-heavy discussion
- the monster's fright-factor
- The Babadook and parenting
- metaphor and symbolism: what the Babadook represents
- expertly crafted theme through metaphor: what the story is really about
- WTF? The film's ending: explained
Mike Gagne - Boston Harbor Horror
Twitter: @BostonHbrHorror
Instagram: @bostonharborhorror
RSS: https://bostonhorror.libsyn.com/rss
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BostonHarborHorror/
Megan Salinas
Twitter: @themenguin
Silver Screams podcast: @Silver_Screams
No Love Lost podcast: @NoLoveLostPod
MechaDragon.net
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MechaDragon/
Email: MechaDragonShow@gmail.com
52. The Thing (1982)
MechaDragon's celebration of Halloween Month 2020 continues with an in-depth discussion of THE THING, John Carpenter's 1982 horror masterpiece. Horror aficionado and podcaster Megan Salinas returns with film critic and writer Eric Hanson to discuss the film with Will and Jes. We start with our standard but brief non-spoilery review before moving into a more in-depth and spoiler-filled conversation about the movie.
Topics include:
- leveraging the ensemble size for added tension
- masterful use of ambiguity: what, how, and why
- the film's legendary practical effects
- Lovecraftian imagery
- use of pacing, suspense, and character
- Ennio Morricone's score
- creating tension and suspense through what's shown on screen and what isn't
- much more
MechaDragon.net
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51. Horror Films That Influenced Us
MechaDragon dives into Halloween Month 2020 with a discussion of horror films that made a huge impact on Will and Jes. Each talks about three horror films that influenced them, what's special about them, some interesting background info and factoids about them, and why they were so influential. Which film made people believe it was actually real? Which movie showcases an alien entity that personifies "the cosmic indifference of the universe, in a very Lovecraftian sense"? Which horror comedy is essential to the development of the zombie movie genre and introduced one of its most well-known tropes? Which gave us what's arguably the most delightfully terrifying practical effects sequence in horror movie history (that still holds up to this day)? Which films kept us up at night in a tizzy of paranoia? And which one was a total mindf**k? Join us to find out all of this and more.
MechaDragon.net
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Email: MechaDragonShow@gmail.com
50. Our Top Geek Influences
In MechaDragon's 50th episode special, join Will & Jes for a more intimate chat about their all-time top geeky/nerdy influences. What are their top geeky influences, what do they love so much about them, and how were they influential?
Topics include:
- nourishing the imagination
- geek/nerd content as escapsism
- providing inspiration and hope
- shaping our sense of humor
- creative impact of geek influences
- finding community
MechaDragon.net
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Email: MechaDragonShow@gmail.com
49. Aliens & UFOs in Congress, Part 2
UFOs are once again a major topic of serious discussion in the United States Senate, where the Senate Intelligence Committee has voted to require a more coordinated collection of UFO encounter data from across all intelligence agencies, and a new official to oversee the process, which will culminate in (among other things) a public report on the findings. In this follow-up to our as-yet most popular episode, Will and Jes discuss a plethora of new details about UFO/UAP activity, which has increased sharply in recent years. Topics include:
- all the juicy details from actual Senate documents
- shocking statements about the reality of UFOs from high-ranking government officials
- why the government is finally, officially saying UFOs are real
- who will oversee UFO/UAP data collection and deliver the public report
- the To The Stars Academy of Arts and Sciences: government/military connections, its possession of UFO material, and more
- research into materials recovered from actual UFOs / UAPs -- who has them, how they're being studied, and more
- four possibilities that could explain what UFOs/UAPs actually are and why they're here
- and much, much more
LINKS
https://gen.medium.com/the-vindication-of-a-ufo-hunter-c79fd1508a76
June 17, 2020: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CRPT-116srpt233/pdf/CRPT-116srpt233.pdf
How To Scientifically Test & Analyze Potential UAP/UFO Material: https://youtu.be/SbAtCzZIIsk
Eric Davis on working for Pentagon UFO program | New York Post (May 27, 2020): https://youtu.be/X3CcaP3yAkc
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48. The Vast of Night (2019)
Will & Jes return to discuss the indie breakout hit, THE VAST OF NIGHT, in which two ambitious small-town go-getters find themselves on the increasingly mysterious and disturbing trail of a signal that invades the airwaves on the night of the biggest high school basketball game of the year. What makes this film so incredibly and unexpectedly compelling?
Topics include:
- how the film's treatment of UFO lore excels despite it being a much-used subject
- the film's expert use of suspense
- how the cinematography -- sometimes unconventional but always deft -- enhances the story
- how the script meticulously builds character to make the ending (and every crazy story beat) feel compelling and breathlessly realistic
- the ambiguity of the finale
- how the aliens of CONTACT (1997) compare to whoever or whatever is behind the mysterious signal in THE VAST OF NIGHT
- how Jes will get his teenage children to watch the movie
Come geek out with us!
MechaDragon.net
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Email: MechaDragonShow@gmail.com
47. TERMINATOR Franchise: Sequel Pitch!
Special guest Daryl from The Story Geeks podcast and returning guest Eric Hanson of Screenhub join Will & Jes for our Sequel Pitch on the TERMINATOR franchise! Join us as we pitch a wide array of new TERMINATOR movies... We also discuss what a good Terminator sequel needs to do -- and what it must avoid. There's no fate but what we make, fellow geeks. Come geek out with us!
Daryl Smith
Twitter: @darylhsmith
The Story Geeks: @TheStoryGeeks
Eric Hanson
Twitter: @Eric_of_Arkham
Screenhub: https://screenhub.blog/
Twitter: @MechaDragonShow
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MechaDragon/
Instagram: @mechadragonshow
Email: MechaDragonShow@gmail.com
46. Wonder Woman vs. Captain Marvel
Wonder Woman vs. Captain Marvel: Which was the better superheroine movie and why? How well did each deal with feminist themes, what can the franchises learn from each other, and how can leading ladies elevate the MCU and DCEU to greater heights? And if they fought, who would win? Join us for this and much more. Special guests: Megan Salinas of the No Love Lost podcast & Silver Screams YouTube channel; nerd culture journalist Amanda Finn; and RPG-designer and writer Jessica Marcrum.
Megan Salinas
Twitter: @themenguin
No Love Lost podcast: @NoLoveLostPod
Silver Screams: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCciI2E_nTX9BU2uCRYS0x8Q/featured
Amanda Finn
Twitter: @FinnWrites
website: amanda-finn.com
Jessica Marcrum
Twitter: @Miss_Jess03
website: https://www.jessicamarcrumwrites.com/
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/angrynerdgirl
MechaDragon.net
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MechaDragon/
Instagram: @mechadragonshow
Email: MechaDragonShow@gmail.com
45. Captain Marvel: Sequel Pitch!
We pitch the next CAPTAIN MARVEL movie! Joining Will are Megan Salinas of the Silver Screams podcast & No Love Lost podcast; journalist Amanda Finn; and Jay Sherer of The Story Geeks. Come geek out with us as we pitch four potential CAPTAIN MARVEL sequels! We also delve into what any Captain Marvel sequel needs to get right. If you’re jonesing for more MCU & more Captain Marvel, you will NOT want miss this. Megan Salinas Twitter: @themenguin Silver Screams podcast: @Silver_Screams No Love Lost podcast: @NoLoveLostPod Amanda Finn Twitter: @FinnWrites website: amanda-finn.com Jay Sherer Twitter: @JaySherer The Story Geeks podcast: @TheStoryGeeks Reclamation Society: Fantasy Storytelling YOUTUBE: https://t.co/8DwHhKTEo7?amp=1 MechaDragon.net Twitter: @MechaDragonShow Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MechaDragon/ Instagram: @mechadragonshow Email: MechaDragonShow@gmail.com
44. ALIEN Franchise: Sequel Pitch!
Special guest Aaron from ALIEN VS. PREDATOR GALAXY and returning guest Eric Hanson of Screenhub join Will & Jes for our first Sequel Pitch episode! Join us as we pitch a new ALIEN movie -- more than one, in fact. If you're a fan of ALIEN and want a new installment that won't disappoint, put on your face-hugger protective gear... and come geek out with us!
Aaron on Twitter: @_CorporalHicks
Alien vs. Predator Galaxy
- Website: https://www.avpgalaxy.net/
- Twitter: @avpgalaxy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avpgalaxy
- Instagram: @alienvspredatorgalaxy
Eric Hanson
- Twitter: @Eric_of_Arkham
- Screenhub: https://screenhub.blog/
- Twitter: @MechaDragonShow
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MechaDragon/
- Instagram: @mechadragonshow
- Email: MechaDragonShow@gmail.com
43. 12 Monkeys (1995)
Descend into the "tinfoil rabbit-hole" with Will & Jes, and guests Captain Raine & Jamye, as they navigate the marvelous madness of "12 Monkeys." Free will, time travel, insanity, power -- join us for a deep dive into these and more.
MechaDragon.net
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42. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2005)
For our 42nd episode, Will & Jes discuss "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" with returning guest Jamye and new guest Captain Raine. Hilarity abounds as we search for the meaning of Life, the Universe, and Everything. 42!
"So Long and Thanks for All the Fish" song: written by composer Jobie Talbot, conductor Christopher Austin, and director Garth Jennings; performed by the Tenebrae Choir.
MechaDragon.net
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41. Labyrinth (1986)
This episode is dedicated to the late Terry Jones, who (among his many accomplishments) wrote the screenplay for the topic of Will & Jes's conversation: LABYRINTH, the 1986 cult classic starring Jennifer Connelly and David Bowie. Topics include: the film's appeal to all age groups; the power of nostalgia; use of fantasy tropes to tell a very original "coming of age" story; the deep mythic and psychological underpinnings of Labyrinth's themes of growing up; celebrity deathmatch: Jareth the Goblin King vs. Freddy Kreuger... and much more.
Come geek out with us!
REFERENCED ARTICLE: The Heart of the Labyrinth: Reading Jim Henson's Labyrinth as a Modern Dream Vision
https://dc.swosu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1213&context=mythlore
Chilly Down - song and lyrics by David Bowie - performed by Charles Augins, Richard Bodkin, Kevin Clash, and Danny John-Jules
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40. R2D2 vs. The World
39. Top Five Star Wars Villains
Will & Jes each list their TOP 5 STAR WARS VILLAINS, and discuss why each villain made the list at that ranking. Character backgrounds, villainous style, and much more are examined as we rank the biggest bads in the galaxy far, far away. Come geek out with us!
MechaDragon.net
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Email: MechaDragonShow@gmail.com