Literary Merit

We took a few weeks off, but we watched the lesbian Christmas movie so that makes up for it, right? Also, Alex blinded me with science, and Ashley is craving the flave.

We can't stop playing Hades, so we decided to put the mythology hope to use and watch Troy (2004). What do these modern retellings tell us? Also, Alex doubled down, and Ashley found a new masterpiece.

At long last, Ashley has seen The Fall. If you haven't, you really, really, really, really should. Also, Alex found flavortown, and Ashley got precocious.

After a slightly unplanned hiatus we're back, and we finally finished Korra! Also, Alex discovered a new cryptid and Ashley discovered a new guru.

Listen, we're all having a hard time. Sometimes you just need to rewatch some old stuff. Also, Alex had fun with shapes and Ashley uncovered history's mysteries.

Oh my God, they're back again. That's right, The Umbrella Academy season 2 just dropped and we're so excited we're dancing with ourselves.

While everyone else is talking about that other (extremely good) Charlize Theron action film, we watched one from a few years ago that many people passed on. Watch out Keanu, because we're here for the Theronaissance. Check out Leonora on twitter and Letterboxd: @leolermontov https://letterboxd.com/leonorathelion/

As we continue our great HBO adventure, we have arrived at the film adaptation of Doctor Sleep. And Ashley has now determined she's never, ever going to watch Ready Player One. Also, Alex joined the wild rumpus and Ashley found some big old holes.

We watched Watchmen. Get it? Also, Alex chased a mystery and Ashley enjoyed a refreshing drink.

Black trans people are one of the most vulnerable populations in America. During Pride and every other month of the year, please consider giving your time and/or money to support this community. Black Lives Matter. (The Marsha P. Johnson Institute: https://marshap.org/about-mpji/) Also, we watched a weird series(?) called Blood Machines.

Weird energy today, but the movie has a weird energy too! We actually loved it, and if you're anything like us you will too. Also, Alex learned the definition of a man, and Ashley had a sweet tooth.

We found ourselves pleasantly surprised by this nasty little gem. Also, Alex took us to Germany for something lovely, and Ashley did the same for something stupid.

We're trying to bring in the cheer with a little music... to varying degrees of success. We watched Cats (2019), Jesus Christ Superstar (1973) and Moulin Rouge (2001). Also, Alex got artistic and Ashley got toxic.

It's rough out there, so we called up our good friend Allie to talk about how we're keeping sane while we're staying safe. Also, Alex and Allie went under the sea and Ashley got musical.

We've been responsibly social distancing, so you know what that means: binging movies about fancy men fighting evil. But what do these films tell us, other than running in tight pants is a good look? Also, Alex learned a new way to run a scam, and Ashley got prehistoric (again).

Times are hard, friends. Luckily, we can turn to video games. We discovered, though, that cozy gaming is different for different people. Also, Alex brought the hard facts and Ashley brought some old bones.

We were in a Valentine mood, so we chatted about shipping! Canon or not, these ships have a huge impact on fan culture. Also, Alex gave us another great word and Ashley was feeling peckish. (Sorry about the audio quality, everyone! -Ashley)

Things have been busy, so we came in with our own individual topics: Season 3 of The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and the Netflix film adaptation of NiNoKuni! Which one do you think was ultimately disappointing? It's a pretty easy guess. Also, Alex got gory and Ashley predicts spring will be here soon.

You almost did it, Moffat. You were so close. Also, Alex has medical news and Ashley has a new hero.

It's Christmastime in this house, so we did a Christmas thing. Turns out, The Nutcracker and the Four Realms... is actually pretty ok! Also, Ashley investigated a Christmas mystery and Alex put on his Santa hat. Music is Chiron Beta Prime by Jonathan Coulton (jonathancoulton.com)

Well, we done did the thing. At long last, we watched the Robin Hood movie and found some unexpected themes floating around amongst the bizarre costumes and chewed scenery. Also, Alex has a new toy and Ashley took us spelunking.

Well, Disney+ is out, so we went back to a couple of our beloved animated series: Star Wars: Rebels and Gargoyles. Also, Alex is not granted the rank of Master, and Ashley's got the music in her... arms?

Two R Pat movies in two days! We saw The Lighthouse and The King, and boy was our Robbie serving some accents. But what was it all about? Also, Alex got the munchies and Ashley stayed on theme.

For spooktober, we decided to watch something scary-adjacent, and we really can't believe we waited so long to check this series out. Also, Alex delved further into his family history, and Ashley provided the refreshments.

We must really like our musician biopics, because we're back at it with 2004's De-Lovely. Kevin Kline plays Cole Porter, one of the most prominent songwriters of the first half of the 20th century. Of course, we focus on the gay stuff. Also, Alex talks quaint infrastructure, and Ashley gets Classical (again...).

Boy, we were surprised to find this show was actually good! From the writing to the acting to the effects, Carnival Row completely gripped us. But what did it have to say about race, miscegenation, war, and culture? Well, you should watch it to find out, but if you want to hear what we thought about it, here you go. Also, Alex learned about our favorite rare phoneme, and Ashley sheds some light on the situation.

Leonora came over and watched The Silence of the Lambs with us, and it was a nail-biter. Even Ashley was on the edge of her seat, and she'd already seen it! Of course the big issue of queer representation had to come up, and it resulted in a great discussion. Also, Leonora has found our new political candidate, and Alex and Ashley both get mythological.

Well, it's been almost two years but it was worth the wait. Mindhunter season 2 is out, and they outdid themselves. With themes like personal agency, blame, and responsibility, as well as race and sexuality, this season gave us a lot to chew on. Also, Alex and Ashley both learned about the deep [color] sea.

The 90s had a few Big Gay Movies, and 'The Birdcage' might be the best known among them. But what about 'To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything! Julie Newmar'? We took a look at this depiction of Drag culture and small-town America to consider its high and low points. Also, Alex learned some astronomy and Ashley learned some biology.

Alex sat Ashley down to watch a couple movies she missed this decade: Snow White and the Huntsman and it's pre-sequel, The Huntsman: Winter's War. One of these movies is better than the other, but you might be surprised which it is. Also, Alex warns of unusual infrastructure concerns, and Ashley introduces you to a woman you probably don't know.

Boy howdy, this season was a lot. We run down the many cinematic homages, as well as discuss the very rude boys that the real heroes of the day had to put up with. Also, Alex got caught up and Ashley's got a sneaky new friend.

Oh boy, just when things calmed down we had to go and kick that beehive. That's right, Captain Marvel was good and y'all gotta deal with it. Also, Alex killed some time and Ashley had a special treat.

Well, we loved it. Our discussion mostly revolved around that, but we did manage to do an OK job explaining what made it so good. And just talking about how great Taron Egerton is all the time and in everything. Also, Alex learned a new word and Ashley had a craving.

It's been a long time coming, but we've finally done it: The Magicians. Super extra spoiler warning if you haven't seen the end of season 4. WE'RE SERIOUS. Also, Alex has a craving and Ashley does some time travelling. Once again we've got some audio drops, sorry about that. We're trying to figure out how to fix it.

Did you see Jupter Ascending? Ashley hadn't and boy, was there a lot to have feelings about. Mostly that the Wachowskis didn't go far enough. Also, Ashley introduced Alex to the original original Nightstalker, and Alex learned about balls.

We sought outside help for this week's topic! Writer and friend of the show Leonora Anne joined us to discuss trans representation in film, and we had an absolute blast. Its a bit of a fraught subject, but we can all at least agree that Jared Leto sucks. Also, Alex brought us another sweet treat, Leonora found our new vacation spot, and Ashley read up on a big mystery. Find Leonora's work: https://lightsightsreviews.com https://letterboxd.com/leonorathelion @LeoLermontov

Were you one of the many people who missed Crimson Peak? Ashley says you missed out. We're talking about our guy Guillermo and the spooky ghost movie he did. Also, Ashley learned about glamorous science, and Alex gives you a gift you didn't know you needed. Also also, the short story Ashley referenced is Herman Melville's "Benito Cereno"

We sat down and watched Waiting For Guffman, and ended up with a few questions. Namely, what's the point of mockumentary in the first place? Also, Ashley gets dangerous and Alex gets delicious.

Ashley and Alex are officially roommates, and the first order of business was sitting down and watching Beautiful Creatures. How was this gem of a film forgotten? Oh right, it's target audience was teen girls. Also, Alex learned about a saint, and Ashley learned about a sinner.

What is it about Netflix's adaptation of The Umbrella Academy that connected with us, and what does it say about this generation? This episode explores the themes behind the series and contrasts it with other hero stories, and maybe manages to make a point about something. Also, Alex and Ashley both managed to see the same movie in the theater and didn't even plan it.

Because we just can't get enough we're back again with our friend Rachel, aka. brentraptor, and we're talking about the burger show and why it's just so good. Also, Alex fell down the Disney hole and Ashley is very sad about the Disney. Find Rachel on twitter: @brentraptor

One month in, and already this year has given us a lot to talk about. We cover Kingdom Hearts 3, Polar, The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and Conversations With a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes. Also, BIG NEWS EVERYONE!!!!!!

Rejoice, as the Gay Agenda(TM) claims another for our flock. Soldier 76 is gay, and we love it, but so what? What does it matter for Soldier to have a boyfriend, and what about other queer characters in other games? Also, Ashley leared about soome spooky little guys, and Alex has been watching Netflix (surprise!).

So... what even was last year? Alex and Ashley try to piece together what 2018 looked like in media, and try not to think about all the... other things that occurred. Also, Alex has strengthened his relationship with Youtube, and Ashley wants to get her gambling freak on.

It's been a while, but we're back and talking about The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina: A Midwinter's Tale! Well, after the important business of those new movie trailers... Also, Alex has a new toy and Ashley has a new child.

What are we to do when a problematic person is involved with a project we like? What about when a creator we once admired has started making a lot of bad decisions? We're not totally sure we can answer those questions, but we'll talk about them anyway. Also, Alex has questions about salad, and Ashley has questions about ham.

What did we think of Netflix's newest, spookiest original series? This is your chance to find out, lucky you. Also, Ashley had a great pie and Alex met a big pumpkin.

Alex's story is The Stepmothers by Kelly Magee Ashley's story is The White People by Arthur Machen This episode's music is Sorcerer by Mort Garson

So... what the heck is hygge? How do you even pronounce it? And what does it have to do with Hayao Miyazaki? We answer these questions and more in this extra cozy episode. Also, Alex is experiencing a time slip and Ashley has no more bones.

Once again we've prepared a nice scatter-shot of stuff we watched. Looking for a new series to start? We've got you covered. Also, Ashley achieved culinary perfection and Alex might be cursed.

Now that Ashley has finished watching Avatar: The Last Airbender, we wanted to discuss what we saw as being one of the most prominent themes running through the show: the perpetuation and breaking of cycles of violence and abuse. Also, Ashley found a new favorite show and Alex has a hot date.