Welcome to another exciting edition of The Character Couch! This is that section of The Confusing Middle where we take a look at well-known movie characters and examine them from a psychological point of view. What makes them tick? Today we're diving into the troubled psyche of William "Stuttering Bill" Denbrough from Stephen King's It—the … Continue reading The Character Couch – Bill Denbrough
Emmy-Winning Actors Who Defined Their Roles
Television has given us countless memorable characters, but only a select few performances transcend the medium to become cultural touchstones. These are the roles that don't just entertain—they redefine what television can achieve, pushing boundaries of storytelling while showcasing the transformative power of exceptional acting. The Emmy Awards have recognized many great performances over the … Continue reading Emmy-Winning Actors Who Defined Their Roles
Ancient Myths Commenting on Current Environmental Crises
In the pantheon of young adult literature, few authors have wielded ancient mythology as effectively as Rick Riordan to address contemporary anxieties. While his Camp Half-Blood Chronicles, Magnus Chase series, and Kane Chronicles are celebrated for their inclusive representation and mythological accuracy, they also function as sophisticated environmental allegories that translate climate science into the … Continue reading Ancient Myths Commenting on Current Environmental Crises
Rewatching Smallville – Episode 60
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 60
Disney 15 – Lady and the Tramp
Lady and the Tramp 1955 Directed by Hamilton Luske, Clyde Geronimi, and Wilfred Jackson Welcome back to Movie Monday, dear readers! Since this is the first Monday of the month, we're taking a well-deserved break from my ongoing series about the absolute worst movies I've ever had the misfortune to witness. Consider this your monthly … Continue reading Disney 15 – Lady and the Tramp
The Archive Keeper
Margaret Thorne had always told her third-graders that every story matters. She never imagined she'd be the one telling humanity's last one. The basement of Lincoln Elementary still smelled faintly of chalk dust and industrial disinfectant, even after four months. The fallout shelter, built during the paranoid optimism of 1962, had become her world—forty-by-sixty feet … Continue reading The Archive Keeper
Question of the Week #449
This week, Gregory Stock's The Book of Questions presents us with a scenario that cuts to the heart of human communication, moral courage, and the delicate balance between truth and compassion: When you have to tell people something they won't want to hear, do you tell them directly? If not, why not? At first glance, … Continue reading Question of the Week #449
The Spielberg Effect
When a young Steven Spielberg convinced a Universal Studios security guard to let him onto the lot in the summer of 1965, he unknowingly set in motion a career that would fundamentally reshape how movies are made, marketed, and experienced. More than five decades later, the "Spielberg Effect" extends far beyond his own filmography—it's embedded … Continue reading The Spielberg Effect
Serious Topics with How I Met Your Mother
When most people think of How I Met Your Mother, they picture Barney's legendary catchphrases, Marshall and Lily's adorable relationship goals, and Ted's romantic misadventures across nine seasons of New York City hijinks. But beneath all the laughs, laser tag, and legen... wait-for-it... dary moments, the show tackled some of the most profound themes in … Continue reading Serious Topics with How I Met Your Mother
Friday the 13th in Video Games, Novels, and Comics
When Sean S. Cunningham's Friday the 13th slashed its way into theaters in 1980, few could have predicted that Jason Voorhees would become one of horror's most enduring icons. What started as a low-budget slasher film has evolved into a multimedia franchise spanning video games, novels, comics, and merchandise worth over $125 million. Yet this … Continue reading Friday the 13th in Video Games, Novels, and Comics
The Confusing Middle 