Episode 11 - Surprise / Innocence (feat. James Rocha)

“I slept with my boyfriend and he doesn’t call me anymore, and now he’s killing hookers in alleys.” Listen Buffy, if I had a nickel for every time I went through the exact same thing…

 

This week I’m joined by James Rocha, Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Fresno State to commiserate over the Shakespearean tragedies that are episodes 213, “Surprise” and 214, “Innocence.” We talk about the pros and cons of the “Monster of the Week” format of storytelling; the confusing and inconsistent dichotomy of Angel/Angelus; the efficacy of gypsy curses; how Evil throws much better parties than Good; and I make my first (of likely many) references to the classic The Tick animated series. And as a special bonus you get a very, VERY early discussion about my unique frustration with one aspect of the series (not season, but series) finale. A not-so-subtle hint at what this whole podcast is building up to.

 

Next: I’m joined by Johny Ho, long time friend and very active fan and organizer in the Brazilian Buffy fan community. We’re going to be discussing episodes 215, “Phases,” 216, “Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered,” and 217, “Passion.”

 

THE BREAKDOWN

Intro / Guest (00:00:00 - 00:05:35)

Main Topic (00:05:35 - 01:35:23)

Outro / Next (01:35:23 - 01:40:50)

 

THE LIBRARY

Library Closed For Filing - Please Come Back Tomorrow

 

THE MUSIC

“Conversations (feat. Wesley Mead)” by Azura (2017)

“Close Your Eyes” by Christophe Beck, Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Album (1999)

 

THE SCHOLARS

Whedon Studies Association is a non-profit academic organization devoted to the study of the works of Joss Whedon and his associates. They put out Slayage: The Journal of Whedon Studies, and Watcher Junior​: The Undergraduate Journal of Whedon Studies, both blind peer-reviewed twice-yearly online publications. They also host the biennial Slayage Conference on the Whedonverses, which brings all these incredible scholars together to present papers, discuss ways of incorporating Whedon Studies in education, and basically just geek out together.

http://www.whedonstudies.tv/