There was a stretch of time, not even that long ago in the grand scheme of things, when "unfilmable" was the word permanently welded to J.R.R. Tolkien's name. Too much internal monologue. Too much walking. Too many appendices. Hollywood had already taken a swing and mostly whiffed, and the conventional wisdom held that fantasy simply … Continue reading How The Lord of the Rings Rewired Fantasy for Film and TV
Stuff on TV
Rewatching Smallville – Episode 117
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 117
The Isolation Booth Was a Lie: How 1950s Quiz Shows Nearly Destroyed America’s Trust in TV
There was a moment, right around 1956, when America genuinely believed that a mild-mannered Columbia University English instructor named Charles Van Doren was one of the smartest men alive. He stood in a soundproof isolation booth, sweat beading on his forehead under the studio lights, and wrestled aloud with questions about opera and literature and … Continue reading The Isolation Booth Was a Lie: How 1950s Quiz Shows Nearly Destroyed America’s Trust in TV
Rewatching Smallville – Episode 116
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 116
The Evolution of Walter White: From Mr. Chips to Scarface
When Vince Gilligan pitched Breaking Bad to AMC, he reportedly described the show's entire arc in one sentence: he wanted to take Mr. Chips and turn him into Scarface. It's a strange comparison on its face. Mr. Chips is the gentle, beloved schoolteacher from the 1934 novel Goodbye, Mr. Chips. Scarface is Tony Montana, a … Continue reading The Evolution of Walter White: From Mr. Chips to Scarface
Rewatching Smallville – Episode 115
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 115
The Character Couch – Worf
Pull up a chair. Today's guest arrived early, sat down without being asked, and has already informed me twice that this entire exercise is beneath a warrior's dignity. He's still here. That tells you almost everything you need to know about him before he says another word. Worf is a strange case for the Couch, … Continue reading The Character Couch – Worf
Rewatching Smallville – Episode 114
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 114
Greendale’s Revolving Door: How Community Kept Its Soul Through Every Cast Change
Most sitcoms treat their cast list like a load-bearing wall. Pull one person out and the whole structure is supposed to come down. Cheers survived Shelley Long leaving, sure, but that's the exception people cite precisely because it's rare. Usually when a beloved character exits a show, the show either quietly deflates or spends the … Continue reading Greendale’s Revolving Door: How Community Kept Its Soul Through Every Cast Change
The Character Couch – Anakin Skywalker
Pull up a chair. Today's guest arrives in a full-body respirator, which is going to make the active listening portion of this session a little difficult, but we'll manage. Anakin Skywalker is one of the strangest cases the Couch has ever taken on, because he's not really one patient. He's two. There's the nine-year-old slave … Continue reading The Character Couch – Anakin Skywalker
