Marvelous TV Club

The MTVC is on pause (but don't delete us yet!) Jun 09, 2022

Hi all! The MTVC has been an incredible ride, and I don't think it's over yet. But for now, I gotta press pause.

I'm so grateful to each and every one of you for taking this journey with us. Kristine, Maeve, Jesse, and Amanda have been relentlessly awesome, and I've had so much fun, but life has conspired to make it tough to fit all this fun into my schedule every week.

BUT. I hope to bring the team together now and again to check in. So much is happening in the MCU that I need to know what my besties think about it all. So don't take us out of your feeds yet! Just look for us in concentrated doses vs. every week.

Thank you to my fearless co-hosts and to each of you. Keep your ears peeled for some fun in the future, though. MTVC forever!

-Marc

Moon Knight Ep. 6: The Messy FInale May 06, 2022

We began this series with a messy character in Marc/Steven, but in a good way! We end this series with a messy finale, and that's...a little more complicated.

So what went right in this last episode? What could have gone better and how?

Our Charactercast team of Kristine Kippins, Jesse Taylor, and Marc Faletti assemble to balance the scales of Moon Knight, its finale, and the arcs of its characters.

Moon Knight Ep. 5: Judgment & Justice Apr 28, 2022

We all like to think we know the difference between a good person and a bad person. But the penultimate episode of Moon Knight challenges that assumption. Along the way, it reckons with the question: what is justice without mercy or compassion?

Our Storycast team of Amanda Marcotte, Maeve Adams, and Marc Faletti dissect this episode's nuanced examination of human nature and accountability.

[Content note: we get into some heavy topics on this episode, including sexual assault. Just a heads up!]

Moon Knight Ep. 4: Who's Running the Asylum? Apr 22, 2022

It's the ultimate showdown between Marc and Layla, then Marc and Harrow, then Marc and Steven and...a hippo goddess in a psych ward?

Kristine Kippins, Jesse Taylor, and Marc Faletti grab their bingo cards and take stock of what the eff is going on, whether Layla's involved in TV's most complicated romance, and if Moon Knight's character tropes are working.

Won't you join us for some jell-o?

Moon Knight Ep. 3: Beware Blind Faith Apr 14, 2022

It's not just the cult of Ammit that has a problem with blind faith in Moon Knight. Marc Spector, Steven Grant, and most of western science (yeah, you heard us!) fall into their own faith-based traps, and this third episode challenges all of them.

Storycast's Amanda Marcotte, Maeve Adams, and Marc Faletti break down this episode's theme of blind faith, related works and influences ranging from Shirley Jackson to James Bond, and more!

If you want to support the MTVC, consider giving our sponsor Latchkey a follow on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/shoplatchkey/

Moon Knight Ep. 2: Would You Rather...? Apr 07, 2022

...be Steven Grant or Marc Spector? Be *with* Steven or Marc? Follow Khonshu or Ammit? Wear a snappy three-piece suit or cool robes?

And those are just the beginning of our conundrums!

After another thrilling episode of Moon Knight, Jesse Taylor and Kristine Kippins join Marc for a Charactercast breakdown of our heroes, villains, outfits, and lust objects through a little game known as Would You Rather.

If you wanna join in on the discussion, follow us on Twitter or Insta @marveloustvclub!

Moon Knight Ep. 1: The Messy Self Mar 31, 2022

Lots of superhero shows explore identity, but Moon Knight asks really interesting questions about what *defines* identity. Is it how we see ourselves? How others see us? What our job is? How much good or bad we do—or will do?

We assemble our Storycast crew of Amanda Marcotte, Maeve Adams, and Marc Faletti to examine how the show's themes, plot, and costuming all interrogate these ideas and more.

Just release your body and mind to us, we'll take it from here.

A Very Literary Moon Knight Preview Mar 23, 2022

Egyptian mythology. Moon gods. Split personalities. And Batman?

We're a week away from Moon Knight, and that means our Storycast crew is back to explore the symbols, themes, and famous works of literature that might influence the series.

Join Amanda, Maeve, and Marc for all of that and more on the Marvelous TV Club!

The State of the MCU Mar 19, 2022

The multiverse has gone mad. The Netflix shows are on Disney+. And wildest of all, DC finally released something that gives Marvel a serious run for its money.

As we enter a new era full of new characters on Marvel TV, this felt like the perfect time for Jesse Taylor and Marc Faletti to take stock of the MCU. Are we at the peak of its glory? What storm clouds might be on the horizon? And, of course, who should play Reed Richards?

Get into all of that and more with us on the Marvelous TV Club!

Analyzing WandaVision One Year Later Jan 15, 2022

Happy Wandaversary! A year ago—Jan 15, 2021—the first two episodes of WandaVision dropped and blew our minds.

On this special episode of the Marvelous TV Club, Kristine Kippins and Maeve Adams join forces with Marc to analyze the show with all the perspective we've gained over the past year. How does it hold up? Which episode is the best of the series? Who's the real villain of the show? Where do Wanda, Agatha, and the rest go from here? And so much more.

Buckle up for a journey through character, theme, philosophy, and the cringeworthiness of child actors on the MTVC!

Our Hawkeye Finale Extravaganza—Plus Some Spidey and a Year-End MTVC Surprise! Dec 23, 2021

Did Clint Barton truly reckon with his past as Ronin? Is Kate Bishop a bad daughter? Can the Kingpin really be dead? And does Marvel struggle with satisfying finales?

A flash-bang finale of Hawkeye left us gasping for air, but also left us with a lot of questions about our favorite characters. Join Kristine Kippins, Jesse Taylor, and Marc Faletti as we dive into all the unresolved issues big and small. And SPOILER ALERT: we get into some Spidey talk, too, so fair warning to all.

Last but not least, we end the first year of Marvel TV with some surprise cameos and reflections on our favorite shows of the year. Onward to 2022 and more Marvelous TV Club!

Hawkeye Episode 5 Has a Lot to Say About Control And Redemption Dec 17, 2021

Once someone has serious red in their ledger, can they ever hope for a chance at redemption? Yelena and Maya have a very different answer to that question than Clint and Kate, and that battle takes center stage in the penultimate episode of Hawkeye.

Meanwhile, Eleanor does her best to re-establish some control over the life of her daughter just as Kazi tries to do the same over Maya.

These ideas of control and redemption tie into everything from Arrival to A Christmas Carol (and, of course, The Royal Tenenbaums). Join our Storycast crew of Amanda Marcotte, Maeve Adams, and Marc Faletti as we break all of that down and more!

The Memes, MacGuffins, and Messy Relationships of Hawkeye Episode 4 Dec 09, 2021

What was up with Clint's "Thanos Was Right" mug? Whose watch has everybody been hunting? Is Kate in a healthy place with Clint? What's Yelena's game? And are Eleanor and Jack really in love, or are they playing each other?

Join Jesse Taylor and Marc Faletti as we untangle the webs that weave together the characters of Hawkeye on this week's MTVC Charactercast!

Hawkeye Interrogates the Superhero Identity and the Meaning of Family Dec 03, 2021

We're at the halfway point of Hawkeye, and the primary themes of the series are starting to emerge! The MTVC Storycast team assembles to break down the subtly complex ideas driving the series thus far.

What makes someone a superhero, and is it a choice or a destiny? What are the risks and benefits of a more expansive definition of family? And is the Hawkeye series reframing what it means to tell a Christmas story?

Join Amanda Marcotte, Maeve Adams, and Marc Faletti for answers to all of those questions and more on the Marvelous TV Club!

How Parenting and Privilege Define the Characters in Hawkeye's First Two Episodes Nov 25, 2021

Charactercast is back with a deep dive into faces new and old from the first two episodes of the Hawkeye series!

Is Clint Barton dealing with his trauma or hiding from it? Is Kate Bishop in the hero game for the right reasons? What's Jack Duquesne really up to? And is Kate's mom a heckuva lot more sinister than she appears?

These may seem like unrelated questions, but two threads tie them together: parenting and privilege. We explain it all on the latest release from the Marvelous TV Club, starring Kristine Kippins, Jesse Taylor, and Marc Faletti.

Everything You Need to Know About the Comics That Inspired the Hawkeye TV Series Nov 16, 2021

The MTVC is back! Our Storycast crew breaks down the themes, archetypes, and big ideas of the Hawkeye comic series that inspired the TV show.

You don't have to have read a single page to enjoy this conversation. But by the time we're done, don't be mad if you wind up wanting to grab the issues for yourself!

Join Amanda Marcotte, Maeve Adams, and Marc Faletti for a trip through Matt Fraction's world of Clint, Kate, Pizza Dog, goofy Russian gangsters, and so much more!

The Answer to the Question "What If?" Is Complicated Aug 27, 2021

We're three episodes into "What If?" and that means it's time to unite a few timelines of our own to discuss what's working, what isn't, and where it's all headed.

Amanda Marcotte and Jesse Taylor join Marc for a discussion of our favorite characters, the biggest missed opportunities of the series, and how "What If?" will impact the future of the overall MCU. Oh, and we talk about Thanos's butt, too. So settle in, because we're as excited as a wild-eyed, serial-killing Hank Pym to dissect "What If?" on the MTVC!

Charactercast: Loki Episode 6 Final Arcs Jul 19, 2021

Kang/He Who Remains was full of surprises. And lies—at least if you ask Sylvie. She and Loki began the final episode closer than ever, only to find themselves multiverses apart in the end. Meanwhile, the TVA as we knew it seems gone. And in its place...well, we probably won't know for sure until season 2 just how different the new TVA is. But we definitely have some ideas.

On our final Charactercast of Loki season one, Kristine Kippins and Marc Faletti discuss the finer points of Loki's growth, Kang's plan, Sylvie's revenge, Mobius's new form, and Ravonna's past.

The Marvelous TV Club: For all time. Always!

PonderVision: Loki Episode 6 Making Sense of the Multiverse Jul 17, 2021

The possibilities within the MCU literally exploded out of the Loki season finale, and the implications are almost impossible to comprehend. But that is exactly the kind of problem space we love here at PonderVision!

If you want to know how time works now, what happened to the TVA at the end of the episode, the potential origins of Kang's tech and plans, and where the MCU might go from here, we've got you covered.

Join Jesse Taylor and Marc Faletti for the kind of branching discussion through the exciting possibilities that we specialize in here at the Marvelous TV Club!

Storycast: Loki Episode 6 Final Themes Jul 15, 2021

What a barnburner! What a mind-twister! What a cliffhanger!

The end of Loki's first season had it all -- well, except pat answers. Those were in short supply. But that's what makes it so fun to unpack and explore thematically, which is what we specialize in here at Storycast.

Join Maeve Adams, Amanda Marcotte, and Marc Faletti for a look at two primary themes of the finale: 1) that we do not need to invent an oppressive god to save us from ourselves, and 2) despite what many other stories have told us, love and war are fundamentally incompatible.

Charactercast: Loki Episode 5 Relationships and Futures Jul 12, 2021

Loki and Sylvie showed major growth in teaming up to battle Alioth. But will those changes stick? And should we be worried about either (or both) of them surviving the series if their arcs start to feel complete?

Meanwhile, we met a bunch of new Lokis to discuss, Mobius continued to be the Loki Whisperer, and Ravonna might be the biggest bad of them all. Or is it Miss Minutes? Kristine definitely votes for Miss Minutes.

Join Kristine Kippins and Marc Faletti for the kind of entertaining reflection on our fave heroes and villains you'll only get on Charactercast!

PonderVision: Loki Episode 5 Easter Eggs and Lokigate Jul 10, 2021

PonderVision is back to take you for a mind-bending ride through the wildest questions raised by Loki episode 5, "Journey into Mystery!"

Inside the episode, we explore the easter eggs littered throughout the Void, the ideal candidates for the Big Bad at the end of time, how Loki's powers work, and more.

Then we step into the real world to discuss the controversy surrounding a Loki reviewer, the challenge of meeting fan expectations for the series finale, and Jesse's fond memories of childhood D.A.R.E. concerts.

Join Jesse Taylor and Marc Faletti for all of this, a few convoluted sports analogies (we promise we're banning them for a while!) and who knows what else on PonderVision!

Storycast: Loki Episode 5 Themes and Journeys Jul 08, 2021

Loki's fifth episode is titled "Journey into Mystery," which is a tip to the ways it draws on the themes and ideas of classic works about, well, journeys into mystery! (Yes, it's also the name of the comic where Loki and Thor first appeared, but it's not *just* that!)

On Storycast, Maeve Adams and Amanda Marcotte explore how this episode and the series itself ties into the Divine Comedy, the Wizard of Oz, and Alice in Wonderland. But it doesn't just reference their ideas, it also updates them—particularly in regards to what it means to love someone.

Grab your horned helm and join us beyond the veil of time for a ride on the wild side of literature and Loki!

Charactercast: Loki Episode 4 Heroes, Villains, and Therapists Jul 05, 2021

Put on your alligator Loki horns and join Kristine Kippins and Marc Faletti for an exploration of the complex relationships between Loki, Mobius, Sylvie, Ravonna, B-15, and more!

We also address, once and for all, who's the superior Loki, how much of the TVA propaganda Ravonna actually buys, and the creative decision that made the scene between B-15 and Sylvie so moving.

We've got two episodes left, and the time/space shenanigans show no signs of letting up. So strap in for a Charactercast that's not afraid to wake up at the end of the timeline!

PonderVision: Loki Episode 4 Time Feuds and Love Quizzes Jul 03, 2021

The nature of the relationship between Loki and Sylvie is as hard to define as it is for them to actually get a damn moment of peace together. To resolve this, Jesse Taylor and Marc Faletti examine it in the most scientific way possible: a Cosmo quiz.

This being PonderVision, we also explore the outer limits of the most fascinating questions raised by Loki's fourth episode. For example, how does "pruning" actually work given the revelation of Loki's survival? What are the real names of the Timekeeperbots? How good would it feel to be the Sif in that timeloop situation? And so much more.

Come ponder the most captivating conundrums of "The Nexus Event" with us now!

Storycast: Loki Episode 4 Themes and Reclaimed Histories Jul 01, 2021

The shocking and surprising fourth episode of Loki intertwines two powerful ideas: that the so-called "natural order" is a way to write marginalized people out of the dominant narrative, and the idea that the reclaimed stories and histories of those same folks are much more powerful than the "official" stories.

Join Amanda Marcotte, Maeve Adams, and Marc Faletti as we explore the power of revolutionary storytelling in "The Nexus Event."

Charactercast: Loki Episode 3 Arcs and Revelations Jun 28, 2021

The clues Sylvie dropped about her history might've revealed much more than she intended—especially about her relationship to the TVA. And while Loki's moral compass has proven unreliable so far, one crucial event on Lamentis may have changed all of that.

Meanwhile, from motivations to instincts to attention span, Loki and Sylvie are night and day. And yet! They both strive to shield themselves from the very thing they also most desperately seek. What could that be? Well, if you join Kristine Kippins and Marc Faletti on this week's Charactercast, you'll find out! Provided we don't mind-wipe you after the fact, of course...

PonderVision: Loki Episode 3 Apocalyptic Questions Jun 26, 2021

Let's face it: The name "Lamentis" is telegraphing that you're gonna have a bad time. But maybe there's more to that name than meets the eye? Meanwhile, there are so many small details that raise big questions, like:

Where is Sylvie's missing horn?

What's at the top of those gold elevators?

Where's that Lamentis scene from the trailer?

Which is weirder: Sylvie and Loki, or Josh and Cher from Clueless?

Join Jesse Taylor and Marc Faletti for PonderVision, the place where Loki episode 3's most captivating conundrums will be explored. Even if it takes a toll on our backsides.

Storycast: Loki Episode 3 Themes and Types of Love Jun 24, 2021

They say you can't truly love someone else until you love yourself. But, uh, what if you combine those into one relationship?

The third episode of Loki is an intimate examination of love, but not in any traditional way. Like Loki and Sylvie, it's subversive, chaotic, and interested in testing the boundaries of what's possible.

It's also an episode that drives home the old adage that no plan survives first contact with the enemy, which happens to Loki and Sylvie at every turn, but also almost everyone else we meet (or watch blow up).

Join Amanda Marcotte, Maeve Adams, and Marc Faletti for a judgment-free romp through the themes of "Lamentis" and what it means to love.

Charactercast: Loki Ep. 2 Deep Dives on Loki, Mobius, Sylvie, and More Jun 21, 2021

Sylvie pulled off her scheme, but what's her real agenda? Loki dove through her time door, so does that mean he's given up on the TVA? And will Mobius's mistakes mean he's a fugitive from the only life he's ever known?

Charactercast goes inside the hearts and minds of our main characters to tease out their plans, loyalties, arcs...and a fascinating theory about who's "real" and who might be a variant. Join Kristine Kippins and Marc Faletti for all of this and more as we gear up for episode three of Loki!

PonderVision: Loki Episode 2 Mysteries and Paradoxes Jun 19, 2021

The TVA cafeteria is a source of endless mystery. How do they decide what food is available? Where do those Jostas even come from? And if you like *that* mystery, wait til we get to the question of how there can be both a sacred timeline and a bunch of different Lokis running around!

Loki episode 2 gave us a ton to chew on, and Jesse Taylor and Marc Faletti decide to take a huge bite out of its most compelling mysteries and paradoxes. If you've ever wondered to yourself, "Is Loki more like Charles Lindbergh or Prince?" then this PonderVision is the perfect show for you.

Storycast: Loki Episode 2 Themes and Competing Realities Jun 17, 2021

If the first episode of Loki pitted free will against fate, the second episode sets up a clash of order vs. chaos. This tension ripples throughout the relationship between Loki and Mobius, but also in the showdown between Loki and his female counterpart. Even the jet ski plays a crucial role in this debate!

But that's not all. "The Variant" also explores how much our ideology can shape the reality we perceive. And when competing views of reality come face-to-face, violence is usually just around the corner...

Join Amanda Marcotte, Maeve Adams, and Marc Faletti as we strip Loki's second episode down to the scaffolding to see what makes it tick.

Charactercast: Loki Episode 1 Allies, Threats, and Snitches Jun 14, 2021

How villainous is this Loki, really? Is Mobius someone he can trust? What about anyone else at the TVA? And what would cause a Loki to go full serial killer?

As we anxiously await episode 2, it's a perfect time to get inside the heads of everyone we met in the premiere. Join Kristine Kippins and Marc Faletti for a breakdown of our favorite potential allies, most serious threats, and how many Lokis it might take to bring down the TVA.

PonderVision: Loki Episode 1 Spoke to a Fundamental Truth About Life Jun 12, 2021

What does it mean to be Loki? Is he a side character in the lives of the people around him? Does he exist so that other people can make use of him on their more important journeys? Is he truly at fault for the time variance he created?

PonderVision exists to wrestle with the most captivating conundrums of each episode of Marvel TV, and the first episode of Loki delivered a heaping helping of them. Join Jesse Taylor and Marc Faletti as we digest the delicious meal that is "Glorious Purpose."

Storycast: Loki Episode 1 Themes and Archetypes Jun 10, 2021

Loki begins! And Storycast is here to break down its underlying themes and genre conventions. As always, we'll also discuss the works of literature and film that inform it.

Episode 1, "Glorious Purpose," explores the question of free will vs. predetermined fate, and sets up even more thrilling interrogations of that eternal conundrum. It also makes powerful use of the archetype of the dystopian bureaucracy, which informs everything from character to set design.

Join Maeve Adams, Amanda Marcotte, and Marc Faletti as we unpack all of this and more on the Marvelous TV Club's Storycast!

Charactercast Loki Preview: Loki Past, Present, and Future Jun 07, 2021

Our character-driven preview of Loki focus on the main man himself, Loki. But which Loki? Because this show has teased the possibility of meeting several different Lokis from various times and timelines. So we’re going to discuss three of the Lokis near and dear to our heart: the Loki of our past, the Loki of the present, and the Loki we might see in the future.

Join Kristine Kippins and Marc Faletti for a look at what makes Loki tick, how he's grown over time, and what it means that the 2012 version of Loki is back in the saddle.

PonderVision Loki Preview: Regulating Time in the MCU Jun 05, 2021

In the second MTVC Loki preview, we explore the Time Variance Authority and how time travel works(ish) in the MCU. What are the best uses of time shenanigans thus far? Is there a coherent theory of time travel in the Marvel universe? How will—and how should—the Time Variance Authority work? And is this all the fault of Steve Rogers?

Jesse Taylor and Marc Faletti explain all of this and more on an especially mind-bendy episode of PonderVision.

Storycast Loki Preview: The History of Tricksters Jun 03, 2021

Loki is less than a week away! To kick off our preview week, Storycast unearths tricksters — and trickster gods — that have appeared in art from ancient times through the streaming era. What makes them tricksters, exactly? Who are the best tricksters? Who are some famous characters that we might not think of as tricksters but most definitely are?

We also discuss how Loki fits into the archetype, and whether the Loki from Avengers makes as much sense as we think he does.

Join Amanda Marcotte, Maeve Adams, and Marc Faletti as we sneak through literature and film to find the tricksters hiding in plain sight!

Interview: The Hotly Contested Origins of Marvel's Biggest Heroes with Stan Lee Biographer Abraham Riesman May 11, 2021

Who created Spider-Man and the Fantastic Four? That seems like a simple question, but the super messy answers—and the difficulty in determining them—may astonish you!

Abraham Riesman, author of True Believer: The Rise and Fall of Stan Lee, joins Jesse Taylor and Marc Faletti for the first-ever interview on the Marvelous TV Club. Buckle up for a trip through Marvel's past, and prepare to challenge the way we give credit for the creation of our favorite Marvel characters.

Epic Crossover: The Best and Worst of MCU TV So Far May 04, 2021

Five hosts. One TV universe. Several rounds of an absolutely unforgettable game we call f***/marry/snap. And that's just the appetizer!

In our first-ever epic crossover event, the stars of the Marvelous TV Club's Storycast, Charactercast, and PonderVision unite to take stock of the Marvel TV project on Disney+ thus far. Who are the best and worst characters? Which themes meant the most to us? What do we hope to see from Loki and beyond?

All of that and more awaits you in the most sacred event for any comics-related project: the epic crossover!

PonderVision: Our Reckless Questions from Falcon & Winter Soldier Ep. 6 Apr 28, 2021

How many children can Bucky lift? What are the best locations for a fight scene? Did the Flag Smashers' plan make sense? Why was John Walker treating the Senate hearing chamber like an H&M dressing room?

All of these questions and many more arose from the season finale of Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Jesse Taylor and Marc Faletti strive to answer them all for you on the one and only PonderVision.

Charactercast: The Arcs and Resolutions of Falcon & the Winter Soldier Ep. 6 Apr 26, 2021

Sam Wilson isn't just a new Captain America, he's redefining what it means to be Captain America. But did Sam do justice to Isaiah Bradley's story in the end?

Meanwhile, Bucky starts making genuine amends while John Walker can't wait to pat himself on the back for one half-decent decision. Karli, Sharon, and Zemo all factor into a jam-packed episode, too.

On the MTVC's Charactercast, Kristine Kippins joins Marc Faletti to evaluate where our heroes and villains landed in the season finale of Falcon and the Winter Soldier.

Storycast: The Final Themes of Falcon & Winter Soldier Ep. 6 Apr 24, 2021

If there is a pat moral to this story, it's this: there are no pat morals to the American story.

The season finale of Falcon and the Winter Soldier stages its final battles between nationalism and patriotism. It also asks the difficult question of how best to reckon with past sins, especially when their impact in the present is a matter of life and death. Sam and Karli present opposite ends of the spectrum, and we interrogate their competing beliefs on Storycast!

Join Amanda Marcotte, Maeve Adams, and Marc Faletti for a deep dive into the big ideas of this series and how they reflect on our current moment.

PonderVision: The Biggest Questions from Falcon & Winter Soldier Ep. 5 Apr 21, 2021

From a mysteriously acquired fingerprint to the extent of Steve Rogers's blind spot on race, Falcon and the Winter Soldier episode 5 cracked open a ton of interesting questions.

Jesse Taylor joins Marc Faletti to explore all of them and more in the way that only PonderVision can.

(Bonus: if you've ever wondered what the parenting policy should be for playtime with vibranium weaponry, well, we have thoughts!)

Charactercast: What We Can Learn from the Arcs in Falcon & Winter Soldier Ep. 5 Apr 19, 2021

Isaiah Bradley's story has a lot to teach Sam, and also the audience. Meanwhile, in Delacroix Sam and Bucky each take meaningful steps towards personal growth. The same can't be said for Walker or Karli, though, whose personal warpaths continue to threaten everyone's safety. And somehow Zemo's the person most at peace?

Kristine Kippins joins Marc Faletti to talk about all of this and—of course—the mutual emergent thirst between Sarah and Bucky. (Sam, get out of the way, please! This Charactercast has no time for overprotectiveness. Let Sarah have her fun!)

Storycast: The Powerful Themes of Falcon & the Winter Soldier Ep. 5 Apr 17, 2021

Heroism is powerfully interrogated by the fifth episode of Falcon and the Winter Soldier, which is also one of the best hours of Marvel content ever made.

John Walker thinks there's heroism in empty vengeance, whereas Sam and Bucky find a much more meaningful version in the little things. The Delacroix community finds it in the goodness of the Wilson family, which they reward with their own small acts of heroism. But Isaiah Bradley's story is a monument to the hard truth that many heroes never get the chance to tell their own stories; instead, they're tortured and exploited by cowards in power.

Join Amanda Marcotte, Maeve Adams, and Marc Faletti for a compelling look into the themes that arise from this exploration of heroism and other works of literature and film with similar ideas.

PonderVision: The Most Fun—and Most Difficult—Questions from Falcon/Winter Soldier Ep. 4 Apr 14, 2021

This week, we tackle challenging topics like: How does the ending of this episode relate to ongoing cop violence in America? Was Lemar's death narratively justifiable? And why doesn't Sam's therapy background make him a better friend to Bucky?

But we also take time to find the joy in questions like: Why is Bucky afraid of holes? Could the Dora Milaje have gotten away with icing Walker? And what kind of Zemo candy would've worked on us as kids?

On this PonderVision, Jesse Taylor and Marc explore the twists and turns of these two very different paths. Join us on the emotional roller coaster, won't you?

Charactercast: The Best Decisions and Worst Mistakes in Falcon/Winter Soldier Ep. 4 Apr 12, 2021

Zemo manipulated heroes into fighting amongst themselves again. John Walker just became the most hated man in the world. And Bucky learned just how ungrateful and vulnerable he really is.

The fourth episode of Falcon and the Winter Soldier delivered some exhilarating highs and devastating consequences for our characters. Kristine Kippins joins Marc to assess the fallout on the MTVC's Charactercast.

Storycast: The Major Themes of Falcon/Winter Soldier Ep. 4 Apr 10, 2021

The super soldier serum = fruit from the Tree of Knowledge—and some characters are extremely bad at resisting its temptations.

The fourth episode of Falcon and the Winter Soldier tells a positively biblical tale about that temptation and its corresponding corruption. The show also wrestles with the perils we suffer when there's inequality in our bodies, our wallets, and our systems of justice.

Amanda Marcotte and Maeve Adams join Marc to break down all of that and more (Steve Rogers = Aslan?!) on the Marvelous TV Club!

PonderVision: The Biggest, Strangest Questions Before Falcon & Winter Soldier Ep. 4 Apr 07, 2021

Jesse Taylor joins Marc to debate the best Madripoor theme bars and the best supervillain lair to keep on ice while in prison. We also get into the meaning of the heightened violence in this series and what it means for Zemo (the guy who killed T'Chaka) to be weighing in on the Black experience in America. Also, there seem to be multiple flavors of One World Government taking root. Which one is least bad? Grab a jalapeno popper from Jesse's new Madripoor joint and join the conversation!

Charactercast: Sharon's Secrets and Zemo's True Nature in Falcon/Winter Soldier Ep. 3 Apr 05, 2021

Sharon seemed pretty pissed at Sam and Bucky, but she's also living in a mansion with stolen art...and a private driver she hid from our heroes. What's she really up to? Meanwhile, Zemo flashes a more sympathetic side, and a certain legacy continues to haunt Sam, Bucky, and even John.

Kristine Kippins joins Marc to puzzle analyze characters new and old from Falcon and the Winter Soldier, episode 3: Power Broker! Grab a snake ball cocktail and join us, yeah?

Storycast: The Themes and Archetypes of Falcon/Winter Soldier Ep. 3 Apr 03, 2021

Zemo's reading material has a lot to say about the choices made by everyone from Bucky to Sharon to Karli. And if you picked up a Blade Runner vibe from this episode, well, that was probably intentional.

Amanda Marcotte and Maeve Adams join Marc to explore this episode's interrogation of when the ends might justify the means as well as the influence of the noir genre across the entire episode.

PonderVision: The Wildest Questions Posed By Falcon/Winter Soldier Ep. 2 Mar 31, 2021

Does the Flag-Smashers' ideology make a lick of sense? What would going to high school with John Walker have been like? What is the hidden message in Sebastian Stan's Instagram account? And how on earth is there a connection between Helmut Zemo and Princess Leia?

PonderVision's Jesse Taylor and Marc Faletti zoom out from the second episode of Falcon and the Winter Soldier for the kind of mind-altering discussion you will only find on the Marvelous TV Club!

Charactercast: Untangling the messy relationships in Falcon/Winter Soldier Ep. 2 Mar 29, 2021

Our favorite dysfunctional duo really amped up the love/hate tension in their first episode together. Kristine Kippins joins Marc for our own counseling session to talk about whether Sam and Bucky are friends, foes, frenemies, or family. Then we get into what makes John Walker tick—and how that ticking means he might be a bomb about to explode. Finally, we discuss the most amazing new character of the series: Isaiah Bradley. There's even more (Lemar! Karli!) inside the ep, so hit play and let's do this thing.

Storycast: The Themes and Big Ideas of Falcon/Winter Soldier Ep. 2 Mar 27, 2021

America has always loved a good cowboy story. But the second episode of Falcon and the Winter Soldier puts that messed-up mythos under a harsh light. It also asks powerful questions about who gets to define someone's identity and the cost of so-called "unity" for people who can't call the shots.

Amanda Marcotte and Maeve Adams join Marc to uncover the deeper themes of another fantastic episode of this MCU mini-series. We miss you already, Redwing!

PonderVision: Falcon & Winter Soldier Ep. 1 Wildest Questions Mar 24, 2021

Jesse Taylor joins Marc as we ask each other the biggest, weirdest, and most uncomfortable questions raised by the premiere episode of Falcon and the Winter Soldier. For example: What would've happened if Sam had named himself Captain America? What was — and what should be — Bucky's dating profile? Are there PS5s for Sarah's kids in the MCU? Was this episode's commentary on systemic racism too subtle or just right? And how much of allllll of this is Steve Rogers' fault?

Come get smart and silly about all of this and more on PonderVision.

Charactercast: Falcon & Winter Soldier Ep. 1 Best Decisions and Worst Mistakes Mar 22, 2021

Just how big of a mistake was it for Sam to hand over the shield? How screwed will Bucky be when he finally tells his friend Yori what happened to his son? Any why is Leah so incredibly bad at first dates? Kristine Kippins joins Marc to analyze all of that and more on our Charactercast. We dive into a ton about Sam and Bucky while making room to welcome Sarah, Torres, and more to the party. Strap on your flying squirrel suit and join us for a wild ride!

Storycast: Falcon & Winter Soldier Ep. 1 Themes and Symbols Mar 20, 2021

Amanda and Maeve join Marc to explore the themes of the premiere episode of Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Sam and Bucky may be apart in this episode, but a lot of baggage binds them together from afar. Let’s unpack it together on Storycast!

PonderVision: Falcon and the Sokovia Accords Mar 17, 2021

Jesse Taylor joins Marc for a deep dive into everything the Sokovia Accords are, aren't, and should be. What do we know about them? Are they still a thing? How would the best possible version of them work? We also talk about whether the MCU is making progress in diversity from top to bottom and whether secret identities are a good idea or not.

Get weird, stay weird, live PonderVision.

Charactercast: Sam, Bucky, Sharon, and Zemo Previews Mar 15, 2021

Kristine Kippins joins Marc to talk about the strengths, weaknesses, and best scenes for the titular characters in Falcon and the Winter Soldier. We then assess whether Zemo's a quality villain and try to grasp what Sharon was thinking when she french-kissed her great aunt Peggy's man. Finally, Kristine shares her thoughts on what it would mean to have a Black Captain America in today's world. All of that and more awaits you on Charactercast!

*Elevator music in my Zemo aside courtesy of Bensound YouTube

Storycast: The Symbolism of Captain America Mar 13, 2021

Falcon and the Winter Soldier is almost here! To preview it, Maeve Adams and Amanda Marcotte join Marc to discuss the evolving symbolism and values of Captain America over the last 80 years. And no story-focused preview of this series would be complete without a look at the iconic buddy stories that we hope will influence its narrative. All of that and more awaits you on the Marvelous TV Club's Storycast!

PonderVision: Conspiracies in the MCU Mar 10, 2021

Jesse Taylor joins Marc to unpack all the weird and wild questions still eating at us after WandaVision. We discuss conspiracy theories might work in the MCU and continue to explore what it means to theorize responsibly as a Marvel fan. Oh, and there's plenty more on the Ship of Theseus problem and Agatha's fate, too! Join us on this cosmic walkabout, the totally unique Marvelous TV Club show that is PonderVision!*

*And yeah, we're 100% keeping that name for future MCU shows.

Theorycast: The Messy Obsession with Theories in WandaVision Mar 09, 2021

Jessica and Owen Pieklo join Marc to talk through the implications of Wanda's post-credits scene, the mystery of Cataract's whereabouts, Mr. Bohner's true identity, and whether Wanda will regress to villainy again. Then we dive into the theory culture that developed around the show. Is it possible to have a healthy obsession with theories, or will it always lead to disappointment? And whose fault is it that so many people got hooked on theories in the first place? We share our thoughts on all of that and more on Theorycast!

Charactercast: WandaVision Finale Winners and Losers Mar 08, 2021

Kristine Kippins joins Marc to crown our final WandaVision winners and losers, dest and worst decisions of the episode, and series champions. We also tease a little of what's to come from Falcon and the Winter Soldier. So gear up and head back to Westview one more time. We promise no mental torture will be involved!

Storycast: The WandaVision Finale and Series Themes Mar 06, 2021

Maeve Adams and Amanda Marcotte join Marc to discuss the themes threaded through WandaVision's finale, including the powerful questions raised by the Ship of Theseus problem posed by Vision. And since this is goodbye (or at least a delayed hello!), we take stock of the series as a whole. Is it more of a Shakespearean tragedy or postmodern pastiche? Why not both dot gif?

PonderVision: WandaVision Episode 8 Big Weird Questions Mar 03, 2021

Jesse Taylor joins Marc to evaluate Agatha's effectiveness of a therapist, why an Avenger would buy a house in Westview, how Dateline would have handled the blip, and more. There's so much weirdness to unpack, and we tackle as much as we can before our sanity starts to slip. Won't you join us? [Agatha laugh intensifies]

Theorycast: WandaVision Episode 8 Predictions and Probabilities Mar 02, 2021

Jess and Owen Pieklo return to peer into the crystal ball and predict where the finale of WandaVision will take us. What lies ahead for Wanda, Agatha, Vision, the *other* Vision, the twins, Monica, Hayward, and more? We make our predictions to help you make yours on the Marvelous TV Club's Theorycast.

Charactercast: WandaVision Episode 8 Best and Worst Decisions Mar 01, 2021

Kristine Kippins joins Marc to debate the winners and losers of WandaVision's penultimate episode. Kristine scores a ton of points for being right about Hayward, but Marc's surprise loser of the week literally brings a tear to Kristine's eye. It's an emotional roller coaster, and we hope you have half as much fun with this pod as we did.

Storycast: WandaVision Episode 8 Thematic Revelations Feb 27, 2021

Amanda Marcotte and Maeve Adams join Marc to pull a theme heist on WandaVision episode 8, "Previously On." We tease out the big idea at the heart of the episode, poke around in the history of magic and science, and explore this episode's connection to some of the most important works of the 19th century.

There's no show quite like Storycast! So if you want a whole new way to think about WandaVision, start here.

PonderVision: The Questions Still Haunting Us Feb 24, 2021

Jesse Taylor joins Marc for a deeply necessary walkabout through the deeper questions that keep us up at night as we gear up for WandaVision episode 8.

Do you wonder about things like: Who is Dottie? What are the deeper meanings of Monica's superhero landings? And how would anyone in the MCU have any faith in government at this point? If so, then this is the TV Club for you!

Theorycast: WandaVision Episode 7 Predictions and Possibilities Feb 23, 2021

Jessica and Owen Pieklo join Marc Faletti to consider evidence and speculate (mostly) responsibly about where WandaVision is headed. Topics include Agatha's agenda, Monica's *actual* superpower, where the twins are, what the bunny and stork mean, the future of mutants in the MCU, and so much more!

Charactercast: WandaVision Episode 7 Winners and Losers Feb 22, 2021

Kristine Kippins joins host Marc Faletti to evaluate the fortunes and decisions of all the important characters of WandaVision. Who's the winner of the week? Who's the biggest loser? Who made the best decision? Who had the worst idea? We've got answers to those questions and more in our first Charactercast of the Marvelous TV Club!

Storycast: WandaVision Episode 7 Thematic Revelations Feb 20, 2021

Amanda Marcotte and Maeve Adams join Marc Faletti to wind and twist their way through the thorny themes of "Breaking the Fourth Wall." There are a lot of great sitcom references, of course, but it's horror movies—and a little-known Albert Brooks film—that really help make sense of the episode. Oh, and don't forget the pop culture Divorce of the Week!

This is our first official week of the Marvelous TV Club, so please leave us a review and let us know what you think!

Storycast: The WandaVision Archetypes Feb 16, 2021

Surprise! We've got an early-release Storycast for you as we gear up to go weekly! Put on your thinking caps and join experts Amanda Marcotte and Maeve Adams as we explore how the characters and themes of WandaVision compare to other great works of literature and film. Who says superhero shows aren't high art, eh? Well, pretty much everyone. But not us! And if you disagree, we dare you to tune in to the Marvelous TV Club.

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