There are certain moments in television history that transcend the episode they originated in. Moments so perfectly constructed, so brilliantly executed, that they end up defining an entire series — even one that ran for nine seasons. For How I Met Your Mother, that moment arrived on November 20, 2006, in the ninth episode of … Continue reading Slap Bet: The Legend of Marshall’s Iconic Slaps
TV
The Impact of ‘Lost’ on the TV Landscape: Legacy and Influences
I remember exactly where I was on September 22, 2004. I was sitting in front of my television, probably with some snack I’ve long since forgotten, about to watch the premiere of a new ABC drama. The commercials had been everywhere. A plane crash. A mysterious island. Survivors with secrets. I had no idea that … Continue reading The Impact of ‘Lost’ on the TV Landscape: Legacy and Influences
Rewatching Smallville – Episode 94
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 94
Villains and Heroes: A Gallery of DC Characters in Smallville
There's a particular kind of thrill that comes with watching a superhero television series slowly populate itself with characters you recognize from the comics. It's the same feeling you get when you're reading a novel and a character you weren't expecting walks into the room. Smallville understood that feeling intimately, and over the course of … Continue reading Villains and Heroes: A Gallery of DC Characters in Smallville
Rewatching Smallville – Episode 93
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 93
Rewatching Smallville – Episode 92
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 92
Vampires as Metaphors: The Deeper Themes in Buffy the Vampire Slayer
There's a version of Buffy the Vampire Slayer that exists on the surface — a campy, fun, mid-budget WB show about a teenage girl who punches monsters. That version is perfectly enjoyable on its own merits. The fight choreography is sometimes awkward, the prosthetics are occasionally laughable by modern standards, and the fashion choices are … Continue reading Vampires as Metaphors: The Deeper Themes in Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Rewatching Smallville – Episode 91
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 91
The Character Couch – Xander Harris
This post was written prior to the unexpected passing of Nicholas Brendon. My thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones. Welcome back to The Character Couch! Today we’re pulling out the worn leather cushion and inviting onto it a character who spent seven seasons being called ordinary by nearly everyone around him—including, on … Continue reading The Character Couch – Xander Harris
The Character Couch – Marshall Eriksen
Welcome back to The Character Couch! Today we’re putting on our amateur psychology hats to examine one of television’s most underappreciated characters: Marshall Eriksen from How I Met Your Mother—a man who spent nine seasons being the emotional backbone of his friend group while the show rewarded the louder, flashier dysfunction happening around him. Here’s … Continue reading The Character Couch – Marshall Eriksen