There's a moment near the beginning of Jurassic Park — the novel, specifically — where chaos theorist Ian Malcolm sits across from the park's creator, John Hammond, and delivers what amounts to the entire thesis of the book in a single paragraph. He explains, with the patient condescension of a man who has done the … Continue reading Life Finds a Way… But Should It?
Buffy’s Most Memorable Monsters and Villains
There's a version of Buffy the Vampire Slayer that doesn't work. It's the version where the villains are just obstacles — big, dumb, evil things that show up to be defeated so everyone can go home. Fortunately, that's not the show Joss Whedon made. The show he made gave us villains who were frightening and … Continue reading Buffy’s Most Memorable Monsters and Villains
Rewatching Smallville – Episode 99
Welcome back to Rewatching Smallville, my weekly dive into the iconic series that explores Clark Kent’s journey before becoming Superman. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the show, you’re invited to join in each Tuesday as I revisit episodes and share my thoughts and observations. Be sure to share your own memories and … Continue reading Rewatching Smallville – Episode 99
Disney 24 – The Fox and the Hound
The Fox and the Hound 1981 Directed by Art Stevens, Ted Berman, and Richard Rich Welcome back to Movie Monday. As we do every first Monday of the month, we're setting aside the disasters for something I actually love. This month we're heading into the woods with Disney's 1981 animated film The Fox and the … Continue reading Disney 24 – The Fox and the Hound
The Most Dangerous Substitute
Gary Pullman had spent seventeen years teaching seventh-grade history, which meant he had developed an almost supernatural ability to look completely unbothered by chaos. This skill, it turned out, would become his greatest liability. He was in Lisbon for a reason that could not have been less glamorous: the International Symposium on Middle School Curriculum … Continue reading The Most Dangerous Substitute
Question of the Week #488
Welcome back to another Question of the Week here at The Confusing Middle! This week's question comes, as always, from Gregory Stock's The Book of Questions. And I'll be honest — when I landed on this one, I laughed out loud a little, because it manages to be both completely absurd and uncomfortably pointed at … Continue reading Question of the Week #488
The Last Battle: C.S. Lewis’s Vision of the Apocalypse and Heaven
There's a version of The Last Battle that reads like a nightmare. A beloved world is crumbling. A con artist ape has convinced an entire civilization that God has been replaced by a corporate entity. The heroes are outnumbered, outmaneuvered, and increasingly out of options. Most of the characters you've grown to love over six … Continue reading The Last Battle: C.S. Lewis’s Vision of the Apocalypse and Heaven
E Is for Extinction: Grant Morrison’s New X-Men Era
Fair warning before we dive in: this post discusses major plot points from Grant Morrison's New X-Men run (2001–2004), including significant revelations and character deaths. If you'd rather go in completely fresh, bookmark this and come back. You've been warned. I'll be honest with you — I came to Grant Morrison through DC Comics. His … Continue reading E Is for Extinction: Grant Morrison’s New X-Men Era
She Who Will Not Die: The Enduring Legacy of Laurie Strode
There is a moment near the end of the original Halloween (1978) that tells you everything you need to know about Laurie Strode. She's exhausted, she's terrified, and she has just survived what should have been an unsurvivable night. Dr. Loomis has shot Michael Myers off a balcony, and Laurie sits on the stairs, sobbing … Continue reading She Who Will Not Die: The Enduring Legacy of Laurie Strode
Rewatching Smallville – Episode 98
Welcome back to Rewatching Smallville, my weekly dive into the iconic series that explores Clark Kent’s journey before becoming Superman. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the show, you’re invited to join in each Tuesday as I revisit episodes and share my thoughts and observations. Be sure to share your own memories and … Continue reading Rewatching Smallville – Episode 98
The Confusing Middle 