On April 21st, Netflix will be bringing us the hero we need with a new talk show hosted by the 90’s icon, Bily Nye (the science guy). The show will be titled Bill Nye Saves the World, and quite frankly…we need it.
If you grew up in the 90’s, you remember Bill Nye from Bill Nye The Science Guy, an educational science based program that was shown both on TV, and in schools via VHS. Bill Nye isn’t just a 90’s star, however, and has managed to maintain true to his brand while evolving with the times. Somehow, scientist managed to do what most Disney and Nickelodeon stars couldn’t do: follow their audience into adulthood without a scandal. We went from watching Bill explain how our digestive system, to having him explain sex to us (here). It was almost like the first time you see your parents drink, but less weird. It was more like your cool aunt telling you how to smoke weed for the first time. Bill Nye has evolved into a stone. cold. savage. He takes on politicians, news anchors, and twitter trolls with the charisma, uniquen
ess, nerve, and talent of a sassy drag queen, and we live for it. He’s not afraid of the tough topics either. No more explaining helium, for Bill. For the past few years, he’s been vocal about his views, both personal and scientific, on topics such as global warming, abortion, government, creationism, etc. Not only has he now established himself as a scientific icon, but as a social and cultural one as well.
Bill Nye is so in demand, that Netflix gave him a talk show, because we wanted to see him on our screens again that bad. The talk show will feature guests from scientific authorities, to comedians and public figures, and will “refute anti-scientific claims that may be espoused by politicians, religious leaders, or titans of industry.” Topics for episodes include climate change, genetically modified food, vaccinations, and pressing social and political issues from a scientific stand point. Bill Nye will ultimately be saving the world, as the show is meant to open discussion and expose the public and average person to facts and knowledge they wouldn’t have an avenue to access otherwise. The lack of entertaining, and credible, informational programs has been high for some years. This has led to a huge gap between what scientists know, and what the general public knows-because obviously we aren’t going to look up science just for funsies. Nye hopes to use the show to bridge the gap, and assist in making us a more aware and knowledgeable society, while still making us laugh at the same time. Obviously, Nye isn’t the type of guy to sit at a desk with an empty coffee mug and talk to guests on an overpriced small sitting chair. The show is set to take place in a lab, and experiments will be involved, giving us the chance to relive all our science class feels.
Netflix released this official trailer for the series:
The series page is also up on Netflix, effectively teasing us painfully with smoke, and the same look of glee that I had when I found out he was getting a show.
Overall, the anticipation is literal death, but in a little less than a month Bill Nye will be back on the big screen, and in our hearts. He’ll be once again proving that science is cool, and there’s little to no doubt that the world will once again be chanting “Bill! Bill! Bill!”
Gotham may need a hero, but the world needs a Nye. #BillNye2k17
The Flash’s latest sinister speedster has remained a mystery. While we’ve learned the identity of his henchman, Dr. Alchemy, little is known about the “god” himself. There are a couple of theories out there about who Savitar could be. But one of the strongest choices seems to be the youngest speedster to hit the series. What if Wally West is the villainous Savitar?
WARNING: SPOILERS FOR ‘THE FLASH’ S3 DISCUSSED BELOW
One of this season’s major plot points have been Wally becoming Kid Flash. He got his powers from Savitar, partially because of his jealousy of Barry and Jesse. Since then, he’s been getting faster and faster – faster than Barry, even. Keep in mind that being faster than Barry is the major trait of every primary Flash villain. The Flash tends to pull from pre-existing characters when making their villains, in the hopes of shocking fans. What could be more shocking than Barry’s sidekick turning on him?
Since getting his powers, Wally has butted heads with nearly everyone except for H.R. All of the previous evil speedsters have been people Barry trusted. It was Wells-Thawne in S1, and Garrick-Zolomon in S2. Wally’s been around for a little bit longer than either, lasting more than one season. But that makes for an understandable build-up, as The Flash has to continuously raise the stakes. Wally was introduced as an angsty street racer, who felt abandoned by the Wests. Barry also gave Wally one hell of an inferiority complex, playing into classic family drama. While the two have been friends for a while, it would make sense for this conflict to resurface with the arrival of Wally’s powers.
Don’t forget how Wally got his powers. Most every character in The Flash got powers through accelerator explosions or timeline rewrites. Wally was gifted his powers by Savitar, a man intent on taking down Barry Allen. Since coming to Earth-1, Savitar has given many people powers based on their role in Flashpoint. He was specifically giving powers to people who had beef with The Flash. Why would he give Barry’s protege his powers too? Because Wally would grow up to be someone else… SOMETHING else.
Now what would push Wally to turn on Barry? Well, in ‘The Wrath of Savitar,’ Savitar said Barry had “trapped” him in the Speedforce. In the same episode, we see Wally yanked into the Speedforce, while Barry watches on in fear. It’s possible that, if Wally was feeling particularly bitter, he could see that as Barry’s fault. We haven’t seen Wally fully get over being stuck there, basically being tortured Because Barry didn’t save him, Wally was trapped for what could be an eternity. Don’t forget that the post-Flashpoint world is, in many ways, a darker timeline. Cisco’s brother had died, Caitlin struggled with being a villain, and Iris and Joe weren’t on good terms. It’s possible the new Wally isn’t just powerful, but bitter and vengeful.
This would explain why Savitar seems to spare two individuals from his wrath – Jesse and Wells. Looking back at Savitar’s comments, there are only two members of Team Flash who survive. Savitar said H.R. would live through the events Savitar has planned for the group. Then there’s the Savitar-Jesse interaction during ‘Into the Speedforce.’ Savitar says he has plans for Jesse – who, keep in mind, is Wally’s girlfriend. If Wally grows up to become Savitar, it would explain why he spares his mentor and girlfriend.
Though if Wally is Savitar, why would he kill Iris? Wally has never been as angry with his sister as he has with Barry or Joe. That being said, Wally has never been as close with Iris as he was in, say, Flashpoint. His problems with Joe carried over to Iris, especially when she interfered in his street racing days. Also, Wally’s hatred of Barry may overwhelm his love of Iris. We’ve seen a similar situation play out with Prometheus over in Arrow. So if Wally is driven to the point of becoming Savitar, it makes sense that Iris wouldn’t survive just because she’s family.
Keep in mind how important Wally’s time in the Speedforce was. Spending any amount of time in the Speedforce could drive a person mad. Barry had his powers for years before going into The Speedforce. Wally was thrown in against his will, taking on the punishment meant for the most sinister Speedster. We haven’t seen Wally make a full recovery, and he’s definitely full of fear. Not to mention that Savitar managed to get in Wally’s head before coming back from the Speedforce. That makes the perfect recipe for evildoers.
Now keep in mind, it’s probably not THE Wally – that is, the one we know. At the very least, Savitar would be some alternate future version of Wally West. One that was specifically born from Barry’s Flashpoint meddling, mind you. It would be a further illustration of how The Flash tends to repeat the same formula for villains. Reverse-Flash was Thawne posing as Harrison Wells. Hunter Zolomon used a… time remnant Jay Garrick? That bit is still kind of confusing. But Savitar is likely a bitter adult version of Wally West, who’s sworn to kill Barry for letting him be tortured.
Monkeys Fighting Robots is not the first site to make such a prediction. Nor is this the only theory around Savitar’s identity. Some have theorized that Savitar may be H.R. Wells, or a future version of Barry Allen. However, it seems less likely Barry’s time-travel nonsense would create a bitter Barry, as opposed to a bitter friend. Savitar stresses how he is a PRODUCT of Flash’s meddling, not a TRANSFORMATION. The “Future Flash” argument works for Wally, too – his name is Kid Flash, after all. And H.R. seems too much like a by-the-books comic relief character to turn heel as Savitar.
Who do YOU think Savitar is? Do you think it may be a future Barry? Could it be someone else, like Julian or Thawne? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Sony’s ‘Venom’ Needs A Spider-Man; Miles Morales Is The Only Fit!
Sony seems to finally be in a good place with their Spider-Man franchise. ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming‘ is getting positive buzz and the company recently announced they are launching a series of films based on Venom. They also announced the ‘Venom‘ movie will be separate from the existing Spider-Man films. Fans became outraged at the idea of Spider-Man not fighting Venom but this leaves the door open for something much more! With no Peter Parker in ‘Venom‘, can Miles Morales fill the void?
For those who don’t know, Miles Morales is Spider-Man in what Marvel dubbed “Ultimate Marvel“. Morales picked up the mantle of Spider-Man following the comic death of Peter Parker, a very bold move for the company. What also adds to the boldness of Miles Morales is the fact he is a Black Hispanic teenager. Following the initial shock of the character, Morales has gained the respect of many readers. There was even a petition years ago for the character to be Spider-Man in the Marc Webb films!
Another notable thing about Miles Morales as Spider-Man is when he faced off against Venom in Ultimate Marvel’s “Venom War” storyline. In the story, Morales faced off against Venom and eventually retired due to the death of his mother. This iconic story is something perfect for an R-rated film adaptation.
The fact that this is an alternative version of the Spider-Man universe on the big-screen feels like Ultimate Marvel so introducing Miles Morales almost feels nature. It also helps that Sony has announced an animated feature film for 2018 that will star Morales. That could be the best way to give the character a test-run.
Personally, the ‘Venom’ film doesn’t need a Spider-Man at all. If done right, the terrifying Symbiote could become the darkest anti-hero ever. The R rating and potential battles with Black Cat or Carnage lends itself to enough action. But the fan demands for Venom vs Spider-Man won’t allow that so why not use an untapped resource?
Let me know what you think about Miles Morales in the Venom film!
Let’s set the stage, shall we? The year was 1985. Hulkamania was just beginning to run wild, Tears For Fears ruled the airwaves, and those “Monsters of The Mid-Way” were getting ready to shuffle their way to a trailblazing year for Chicago sports. However, something just as monumental happened in the Windy City that February; Michael Phillip Curalli was born.
You’ll be spared the details, but the following is a list of flicks deemed by the author as amazing LEGENDARY. Keep in mind, Cinephiles, critical acclaim means NOTHING on this list. Just the thoughts and opinions of a borderline psycho… ENJOY!
Full disclosure: The thought crossed my mind to put the “Oscar rule” into effect to sneak this one on the list, because this is in my top 10 favorite movies of all time. (Meaning if the movie comes out at some point in the calendar year it counts). Vintage Eddie Murphy here as he just eats up every scene like Joey Chestnut on July 4th. There is never a dull moment in this picture due to the amazing action scenes combined with the underrated quotability of this blockbuster. Alas, 84 is 84… dammit Billy!
This movie is flat-out fun and campy in the absolute perfect way. Every actor is having the time of their lives playing these off-the-wall characters. Clue does not have a weak link in its cast, but Tim Curry’s Wadsworth takes the taco, for my money. The Butler just seems one step ahead of everyone, and Curry let’s us in on the fun without showing his hand.
Why you ask? Well there is this. And this. Oh and while we are at it…
You get the picture. Let’s clean this up anyway!
Incase you missed it, Michael J. Fox was a pretty big deal in 1985. While we’ll eventually get to his other work, we would be remiss to just skim over this late-summer vehicle. It’s also my opinion that this movie doesn’t get the credit it deserves for attaching the obvious metaphor of high school and wolf transformation. Nobody connected the dots before this, and although one could argue Teen Wolf is absurd; that notion is exactly what makes the film enjoyable! Think about it? Wouldn’t you use your newly found superpowers to win high school basketball games, get laid, and become the most popular kid in school? Thought so..
With that said, there is no defending how terrible the basketball is here. Sure, even Hoosiers doesn’t age well at this point, but the premise of the movie is more believable than these “athletes.” Isn’t Chub like 40 in this flick? (He was 27.) However, Michael J Fox pretends to surf on top of a moving van to the Beach Boys… As a werewolf. Do we even have to talk more about this?
Extra Credit, kiddies: Bill Simmons wrote an amazingly fun comparison of Teen Wolf and Kobe Bryant in his Book of Basketball. Give it a read!
You want more than that? OK. How about we do an awesome movie check list?
Epic Leading Role: Pee-Wee Herman FTW! [√]
Amazing Soundtrack: Tequila. [√]
Sweet Cameos: Tom Berenger. Phil Hartman. TWISTED SISTER [√]
Timeless Quotes: I’m a loner, Dottie. A rebel. [√]
Iconic Director: Tim Burton (in his first feature none the less..) [√] Breakfast Machine: [√√√]
The defense rests. This opinion is not for sale FRANCIS!
How do you beat out Pee-Wee Herman? Huey Lewis, duh.
Let’s face it. Most of you have this movie at #1, and with good reason. Back to The Future is the perfect summer movie blockbuster. With a perfect mix of action, humor, star power, longevity, and catchy soundtrack this movie is cinematic equivalent of a 5-tool player.
Back to the Future hooks you right from the moment you hear that oh-so-sweet baritone of one Hugh Anthony Cregg III. Marty McFly is the every man underdog protagonist that subsequent films have based their archetypes on, and for good reason. The viewers are instantly reminded that Michael J Fox was the baddest dude in the land! Bro woke up late for school and his hair was perfect.. How on earth did he not bite it riding that skateboard on a truck, too? All of these thoughts, mind you, transpire within in the first 30 seconds of the movie!
Christopher Lloyd is the MVP of this film, though. Fox makes you root for Marty, but Doc Brown makes you care about all of this. From the time those damn Libyans attempt to murder “The Good Doctor” the viewer instantly gravitates to Lloyd. This really is his movie. Sure Michael J gets to invent Rock and Roll, but you leave the movie feeling good for Doc Brown.
EVERYONE LOVES THIS MOVIE!! Too bad it is not number one on my list…
Was there any doubt? Probably. This doesn’t change the fact that Rocky IV is a misunderstood classic. This movie was so important that Sylvester Stallone could not trust anyone else with the tasks of writing, directing, and starring in it. Rumor has it Sly even hand rolled the meat balls that they served in catering. That is not true at all, but you want to know what is true?
Rocky IV is no Citizen Kane, and nobody seems bothered by that. Not one person complains when Arnold fights an alien-killing machine in Predator, right? Now, imagine if you will, that the alien killing machine was really a 6’8 Russian whose right hand could snuff out a dwarf star with a single blow!
Ivan Drago kills Apollo Creed in the most horribly refereed sporting event of all time after a flashy performance by “The God Father of Soul” himself, JAMES BROWN. Does Rocky morn? You bet he does… In the most amazing way possible! Rocco, in one of the films 37 montages, drives his Lamborghini around town reassessing his existence on this very planet. When Rocky finishes there is only one logical conclusion. “The Italian Stallion” must travel to The Soviet Union to fight “Russian He-Man” on his home turf. A location where we are fairly certain his trainers are allowing Drago to pump himself with the super-soldier serum from Captain America. Balboa will also have to miss Christmas with his family, and receive no money for this fight, because this is the most heroic thing anyone has ever heard of!
Rocky IV does not take place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but it is undeniable that Rocco is a bigger superhero than all The Avengers combined! HE ENDED THE COLD WAR, FOR PETE’S SAKE!!!
Maybe one could argue that I got carried away here, but what do you want from me? I’ve seen this movie 98 times! Besides, you were all warned.. I am a little psycho.
*Special Thanks to IMDB for all the information used here*
In the latest episode of the FilmKind Podcast, Kieran discusses and reviews the action-packed new trailer for Spider-Man: Homecoming. Does this look like it will be the best Spider-Man movie yet? Will we see the first great Marvel villain? Listen to the review and find out!
The FilmKind Podcast is an awesome new show discussing the latest movies and movie related content. With amazing weekly episodes and detailed reviews!
Listen To The FilmKind Podcast’s Review Of The Spider-Man: Homecoming Trailer Below!
A young Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Tom Holland), who made his sensational debut in Captain America: Civil War, begins to navigate his newfound identity as the web-slinging super hero in Spider-Man: Homecoming. Thrilled by his experience with the Avengers, Peter returns home, where he lives with his Aunt May (Marisa Tomei), under the watchful eye of his new mentor Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.). Peter tries to fall back into his normal daily routine – distracted by thoughts of proving himself to be more than just your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man – but when the Vulture (Michael Keaton) emerges as a new villain, everything that Peter holds most important will be threatened.
Spider-Man: Homecoming stars Tom Holland, Marisa Tomei, Michael Keaton, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, Donald Glover, Laura Harrier, and Robert Downey Jr.
This morning at MFR is getting A24-centric this morning, as we now have the trailer for A Ghost Story. It says Rooney Mara and Casey Affleck, who are reuniting again with Ain’t Them Bodies Saints director David Lowery. It’s not what you think it is…
Here’s the trailer:
In this singular exploration of legacy, love, loss, and the enormity of existence, a recently deceased, white-sheeted ghost returns to his suburban home to try and reconnect with his bereft wife.
I certainly wasn’t expecting this sort of movie when I clicked on the trailer. You see the A24 logo, A Ghost Story for the title, you think one thing and get another. But what we get instead of some haunted house tale looks to be an entirely new, cool, fascinating story about the endlessness of time? Whatever it is, I have been sold. This looks like a heavy tale.
A24 continues its consistent run of quality, low-key horror films with The Blackcoat’s Daughter. Oz Perkins’ unsettling, hypnotizing movie is a slow burn collage of countless other horror films, only it isn’t here to tell a recycled story; it uses familiarity as a means of misdirection.
The majority of the runtime, we are wound tight with dread, pulled in by the threatening score, kept intentionally off balance, always curious to the point of madness as the parallel stories unfold. The first involves Rose (Lucy Boynton) and Kat (Kiernan Shipka, Sally Draper from Mad Men), two boarding school teens whose parents mysteriously never made it to the school pick them up for winter break. With no real options, the headmaster leaves the two girls at the school under the thumb of two weird ass, curiously dressed nurses. At least I think they’re the nurses.
The second story is Joan’s, played by Emma Roberts. Joan is a drifter at a bus stop, one who catches the eye of Bill (James Remar), a good samaritan with a less enthused wife (Lauren Holly) along for the ride. Bill gives Joan a ride, and almost for the duration of the film, motives in this car remain muddled. Perkins’ direction never shows his hand too early, sometimes not at all. The ambiguity of people’s demeanor and motivation in both stories create an uneasy disorientation.
Things start happening, phones in hallways ring. Things go bump in the night. And I don’t want to spoil any part of the film so let’s leave the plot description here.
As these two storylines converge, The Blackcoat’s Daughter pivots between a dozen familiar tones and settings. Remnants of boarding school slasher films, the supernatural, haunted house films, and any number of atmospheric thrillers echo here, but they’re all used to keep us off balance while we put the puzzle together. The year isn’t given, but it definitely feels like we’re in the mid 90s; fitting that the film then reminds me of a young David Fincher. Perkins and cinematographer Julie Kirkwood use wide lenses and set shots where some young filmmakers would eagerly employ the handheld or shaky cam; it’s an aesthetically pleasing descent into madness.
Roberts does what Roberts does best, plays introverted and “troubled” as well as anyone her age. And Lucy Boynton is terrific at times as Rose. But it’s Shipka’s work as Kat that stands apart. In her limited screen time on Mad Men, Shipka proved the more mature angles of the show weren’t too big for her. Here, she pushes forward with that nervous energy and cold gaze she perfected as the put upon daughter in the show. She handles a challenging part with a sort of seasoned confidence rare in young actresses.
The Blackcoat’s Daughter isn’t without a few missteps. Characters have to make a few of those horror-movie decisions – investigating a noise, being too trustworthy, etc. – and even though part of the brilliance of the film is its ambiguity, it’s perhaps too open ended for its own good. The ends are just a little loose. But these are minor quibbles with a film that is another terrific genre entry from A24, the studio who brought us The Witch, Ex Machina, and Green Room (and pretty much everything else they do except Tusk).
A brand new trailer for Spider-Man: Homecoming has been released! Watch it below.
What are your thoughts? Are you looking forward to seeing Spidey’s first outing in the MCU? Comment below, let us know!
“A young Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Tom Holland), who made his sensational debut in Captain America: Civil War, begins to navigate his newfound identity as the web-slinging super hero in Spider-Man: Homecoming. Thrilled by his experience with the Avengers, Peter returns home, where he lives with his Aunt May (Marisa Tomei), under the watchful eye of his new mentor Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.). Peter tries to fall back into his normal daily routine – distracted by thoughts of proving himself to be more than just your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man – but when the Vulture (Michael Keaton) emerges as a new villain, everything that Peter holds most important will be threatened.”
Spider-Man: Homecoming features Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Donald Glover, Zendaya, Marisa Tomei, Robert Downey Jr., Jon Favreau, Tyne Daly, Tony Revolori, Bokeem Woodbine, Hannibal Buress, and Martin Starr.
FX Networks’ Legion has been one of the most unique spectacles on television this year. The show’s score has played a crucial role in immersing viewers into this mad world. Ahead of the season finale on Wednesday, March 29th, I had the opportunity to speak to the show’s composer, Jeff Russo. Writer/producer of the show, Noah Hawley, has a special partnership with Russo. The two also collaborated on all three seasons of Fargo.
What is the process like when working with Noah?
When working with Noah, it’s different from any other project I do. We sit down very early in the process, right around the time he finishes the first script. We discuss music and I go off and start writing themes, ideas, geographical locations, and feelings for the whole piece. That continues to develop throughout the entire series. I start to look at picture when it’s ready, begin to edit pieces, and rewriting to picture. The process starts very early, Noah believes the music is a crucial part of the story telling. It plays a very important role early on. His writing is super visual and evocative, it’s easier for me because it points me in the right direction.
What kind of preparation did you go through for Legion?
In preparation, we didn’t really talk about the comic books, he had asked me to read a book called Hallucinations. There was a chapter on auditory hallucinations and how people can actually hallucinate sound. As well as visual hallucinations, how it feels and what it sounds like when someone has a hallucination. We talked a lot about Pink Floyd’s Dark Side Of The Moon, how it’s the sound of schizophrenia for the 1970’s. I actually went out and found a late 1960’s synthesizer, the same kind they used on the album. We were interested in going that deep with it. Noah said he wanted that sound to very much be apart of this world. That being one of my favorite albums of all-time, it was all very exciting to me.
Legion has a very diverse spectrum of emotion and theme. One of the stronger aspects as the series unfolds is that of horror. What is your background in the horror genre?
It’s funny, I have no background in horror. I’ve seen my fair share of horror movies but nothing was a touchstone for me as far as horror movie music. I went on instinct on what sounds would be eerie, creepy, or scary. We would much rather not use music to scare people. We would rather use it to make people uncomfortable in a horror-type setting. In this particular instance, it’s much more effective to make someone feel uncomfortable. If the picture doesn’t scare them, we’ve already failed.
Noah and yourself seem to have a collaborative chemistry similar to what you find between band members.
Absolutely, Noah was also a musician in a band during college. We share a love for the same type of music. We definitely have a musical forehand, that has become very handy over time. He can look at me and say “You know that one thing you did that one time? Try that.” And I’ll know exactly what he means, that kind of shorthand.
I like the notion that you guys are a package deal.
I’d like to think that, but you never know as people grow and change. Up to now, I’ve done pretty much every project he’s done. I very much feel like we’re a band, so to speak.
Were there any scenes, during production, that stand out as particularly fun?
Having to put together a version of Bolero by Maurice Ravel was fun. Writing the themes for this was great, I got to merge a lot of the orchestral with the synthetic. That was a lot of fun for me. I did something in Episode 8 that hasn’t really been done in television. Without giving it away, the whole show begins with an instrument that you will have not heard on TV.
How does the creative process change from Legion to Fargo?
They’re like two different animals altogether. Two different musical approaches, styles, and two totally different narratives. It’s like washing myself clean, like a pallet cleanser. It was difficult to jump back and forth when writing both at the same time. Sometimes it’s nice to do that and provide yourself with a clean pallet. However, with Legion and Fargo, they’re so diametrically opposed that it was like doing a 180. I find myself writing something for Fargo that would’ve worked for Legion, and have to scrap it.
Is there a genre that you haven’t been able to touch on yet in your career that you would like to?
Now that the superhero/sci-fi thing has come to fruition with Legion, andI feel really good about it. I’ve always wanted to make a true Western. I’ve yet to be asked to do one.
The second season of Legion was announced, Jeff says they’re already starting to talk about it. He’s finishing up the first couple episodes of Fargo season three right now. That premieres April 19 on FX. As soon as he wraps up on Fargo, they’ll start diving into Legion season two.
He’s currently working on a show for Netflix called Altered Carbon, based on a series of books by Richard Morgan. Jeff is also working on a show for Starz called Counterpart starring JK Simmons. As well as a movie called Lizzie, A psychological thriller based on the infamous 1892 murders of the Borden family.
If you aren’t already watching Legion, do yourself a favor and dive in. Don’t let superhero fatigue keep you from this one, it’s worlds away from CW or Netflix shows.
What’s your favorite episode from season one? Which moments did the music grab you the most? Let us know in the comments below!
Watching Sunday night’s episode of The Walking Dead, I flinched at Rapey Davey leaning into Sasha and then beginning to unbuckle his belt. I felt my stomach tighten in fear as Negan then entered her cell. Any woman who has been through a sexual assault watched that moment in horror.
Then, Negan entered Sasha’s cell.
For a moment, given Negan’s treatment of women as objects, I expected him to join Rapey Davey. I watched Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s face as he made the “Negan Evil Smirk.” I watched him talk to the underling, almost as if he was going to let Rapey Dave go free. Negan is the villain. We expect villainous things. After all, he’s used Lucille to bash in several brains and shoved a doctor in a furnace. It’s not like we’re talking someone averse to violence.
Then he stabs Rapey Davey through the neck.
I totally cheered. I mean, really, if you were a woman watching that? It’s something you’ve wanted to do to any rapist you’ve ever met.
Then, Negan said my favorite line ever. He congratulated Sasha for her
Beach-Ball-Sized Lady Nuts
In one episode, Negan became a feminist hero. But, he’s a sociopathic feminist hero. It’s a really awesome approach to the character.
Here you have this guy who objectifies women. He sleeps with them. He uses their loved ones as bait to obtain sexual “favors.” For all intents and purposes, he’s nothing more than a sex trafficker of the apocalypse.
Here’s the thing, sociopaths are different from psychopaths. Sociopathy, as defined by Jack Pemment of the University of Mississippi Biology Department, “is indicative of having a sense of morality and a well-developed conscience, but the sense of right and wrong is not that of the parent culture.” Indeed, the same article notes, “The fact that sociopaths do have a sense of morality and a sense of right and wrong reflects that they have beliefs about the social world.” Moreover, this signals that sociopaths have a sense of empathy.
Taking this a step further, we can argue that Negan’s sociopathic tendencies make him more likely to be a feminist specifically because his own sense of morality places him outside the mainstream culture.
The Walking Dead has been noted to have a woman problem. Say what you will about Michonne being a “strong woman,” she’s still got that Strong Woman Trope thing happening. So fine, feminism isn’t at the top of Kirkman’s list of things he’s excited about. (And lest you think it’s just in TWD,look how his television representation in Outcast spoiled one of the best scenes in ever.) Television is entertainment, whatever. I get it.
However, the sociopath, the guy who shoves doctors into furnaces, is the one who believes in the idea of gender equality and merit based awards.
Think about that for a second.
Now that you have, let’s review what this says about society. Here we have a reprehensible yet charismatic character. He rules by fear. His entire method of ruling is violence. As a sociopath, he has a sense of morality that is outside the mainstream.
Rick constantly has to “save” the women. Morgan tries to tell Carol how to live her life. Daryl is either looking for a mother or a daughter. Abraham cheated on Rosita almost without a real care. Most of the men see women as some sort of mother, wife, whore trope.
For the most part, the women in TWD end up as helpers to the men. They are valued as those who can do the work that the men don’t want to do. They continually have to prove that they can be competent. Even when zombies have taken over the world, women still have to prove that they’re useful outside of the domestic space.
More importantly, Negan’s feminism is counterpoint to Gregory’s misogyny. Maggie slowly proves to The Hilltop that her strength lies in her character as much as her physicality. She strips Gregory of his leadership qualities by noting in front of others he had never killed a zombie before. Her quiet, steely, passive-aggressive comments undermine Gregory’s illusions of power. She shouldn’t have to be passive-aggressive. Yet, because Gregory represents a hegemonic, mainstream culture, that’s the only way a woman can be considered more powerful than a man.
Meanwhile, we have the most charming sociopath. Negan knows that Sasha hates him, wants to kill him. Yet, he respects her the way he would respect a man specifically for that. We could argue that by masculinizing her with the comment “lady balls” he’s arguing that she is more like a man than a woman. However, a close reading analysis could say that by noting she has “lady” balls, he’s particularly pointing out that she’s not acting in a masculine way. He’s specifically acknowledging her femininity and equating it to the masculine sphere. It takes a sociopath, someone who plays by his own rules, someone who acts outside of traditional morality, to accept a woman as a de facto equal.
Think about that for a short minute.
Only the sociopath accepts a woman without first questioning the weakness of her gender or expecting her to conform to traditional gender roles.
Perhaps, it’s not that he thinks all women are objects. Maybe he just really thinks those other women aren’t his equals because they’re weak. After all, in a world where skills are at a premium, he killed a doctor because he thought the man had sold him out. He doesn’t respect weak men or weak women.
Negan respects strength regardless of gender.
And he’s a sociopath.
My beach-ball-sized lady nuts and I think that’s a pretty powerful message.
comedians and public figures, and will “refute anti-scientific claims that may be espoused by politicians, religious leaders, or titans of industry.” Topics for episodes include climate change, genetically modified food, vaccinations, and pressing social and political issues from a scientific stand point. Bill Nye will ultimately be saving the world, as the show is meant to open discussion and expose the public and average person to facts and knowledge they wouldn’t have an avenue to access otherwise. The lack of entertaining, and credible, informational programs has been high for some years. This has led to a huge gap between what scientists know, and what the general public knows-because obviously we aren’t going to look up science just for funsies. Nye hopes to use the show to bridge the gap, and assist in making us a more aware and knowledgeable society, while still making us laugh at the same time. Obviously, Nye isn’t the type of guy to sit at a desk with an empty coffee mug and talk to guests on an overpriced small sitting chair. The show is set to take place in a lab, and experiments will be involved, giving us the chance to relive all our science class feels.
