Zeitgeist by Pulp Culture

In this episode, Jordan and Niv talk about the beginning of the new DC Cinematic Universe, and a breakpoint for Marvel's nearly twenty year run. They begin by talking about Supergirl (15:30), explore its connection to its source material (22:12), and the film's mixed reception (29:55). They dissect the film's themes of family and revenge (34:40), and how the adaptation struggles to focus (39:20). As they transition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe with 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' (40:13), they compare it to previous Spider-Man iterations and discuss its unique take on the hero's journey (52:30). They analyze the film's villains and the implication around their introduction (1:01:15), while pondering the future of Spiderman in the MCU (1:10:22).

Jordan and Niv dig deep into the horror craze taking over the world, beginning with the folk horror of our era, 'Backrooms.' They discuss the intersection between horror and comedy (2:57), as well as its dramatic renaissance (5:37). They dig into the larger Zeitgeist and connections to 'Love Island (USA)' (10:12), who the main character might be (21:10), and how the central conflict might be more elusive than you might think (24:49). Then they talk about 'Obsession (29:33), what it's about (33:18), how the Monkey's paw has affected all of cinematic history (37:21), its cast (40:50), its impact and behind the scenes (43:05). They go deeper and wrangle with its unique take on possession (54:50), immoral complacency (01:02:43), and implicit consent (01:05:22).

Jordan and Niv dive deep on the Zendayaverse, beginning with her portrayal of Rue on 'Euphoria.' They kick it off by talking about the show as an adaptation (03:52), the newcomer character of Alamo (07:03), creator Sam Levinson (14:45), the biblical references (25:50), and how the show's past has changed its future (31:21). In the second half, they transition to 'The Drama (36:31). They share their thoguhts on the star power of the movie's two leads (45:17), the harrowing twist (49:26), how the film tackles its difficult topic (55:16), and how movie stars combat our contemporary Hollywood (01:04:25).

Jordan and Niv discuss the characters in 'Industry'(3:24) and the rot inherent in the financial system (21:56). Then, Niv overcomes his fears to watch 'The Pitt' (34:16), they compare seasons one and two (40:21), discuss Dr. Robby and the broader ensemble (46:50), fan theories around the show (1:03:01), the show's politics (1:04:13), the younger generation on the show (1:07:59), before discussing the next episode of our podcast (1:14:23). Thanks to the Powerknobs for the theme music and we'll see you at the end of June for our episode on 'Euphoria' and 'The Drama'!

Jordan and Niv talk about Netflix's flirtation with nostalgia bait: they talk about which generations gravitate towards it (0:56), and how Stranger Things fits in (7:10). With Stranger Things specifically, they talk about why Steve Herrington is the standout character of the show (16:16), which other characters stand out in the later seasons (20:31), and why there may be too many (24:05). Getting into spoilers for this section (25:40), they discuss the permanence of death for TV at large, which cast member has the best chance at breaking out (31:03), and why Stranger Things has become an "actor attractor" (36:34) before touching on the now-infamous conformity gate (40:46). In the second half (47:36), they discuss how Cobra Kai has grown season by season (58:51), whether it needed to class up (1:04:44), what makes it so memorable (1:10:50), and the secret to how it stays fun to the very end (1:13:38).