TV Wars: A New Trope

Sadly, Teen History Month has come to an end...but it ends in style, 80s and 90s style to be exact. This week we're talking "uncool teens"...for clarity, we're not just talking about ourselves as teenagers. Our editor, Cody Ziglar makes his first appearance as a guest, where he gets to hear our opinions in real life and not just through the microphones! We talked about the pilots of My So-Called Life and Freaks and Geeks. We also discuss 90s angst, awkward teenagers and the incredible cast of Freaks and Geeks, who are all still relevant. Thanks to Cody Ziglar for making us (and himself) sound good and Kara Johnson for our theme song (and token male guest host Scott Pawley)! Follow us (on Twitter, not in real life, preferably): TV Wars (@anewtrope). Asha Michelle Wilson (@ashamichelle). Mabry Williams (@mabrywilliams).

Teen History Month (a real thing that's not made up) continues this week with the trope of Supernatural Teens, an affliction that affects one out of every four fictional teens, so says science. Return guest and Teen Wolf expert Steph Militello joins us to talk about the pilots of Teen Wolf and The Vampire Diaries. We also discuss when vampires became sexy, how Stiles is a crazy psychopath, and how vampire and werewolf powers work. Thanks to Cody Ziglar for making us sound good and Kara Johnson for our theme song (and token male guest host Scott Pawley)! Follow us (on Twitter, not in real life, preferably): TV Wars (@anewtrope). Asha Michelle Wilson (@ashamichelle). Mabry Williams (@mabrywilliams).

We know you've been anxiously awaiting the second installment of TEEN HISTORY MONTH...and it's finally here! This week we dive into teen breakups and jump way back to the 80s and 90s. Special guest/funny lady/Mabry's former boss, Hayley Terris joins us to talk about Saved by the Bell, "Breaking Up Is Hard to Undo" (Season 2, Episode 17) and Boy Meets World "A Kiss Is More Than a Kiss" (Season 3, Episode 14). We also discuss a crazy hail storm in Los Angeles, the Superstore finale, strange behavior by Mr. Belding (and we get some Riverdale talk in, because of course we do). Thanks to Cody Ziglar for making us sound good and Kara Johnson for our theme song (and token male guest host Scott Pawley)! Follow us (on Twitter, not in real life, preferably): TV Wars (@anewtrope). Asha Michelle Wilson (@ashamichelle). Mabry Williams (@mabrywilliams).

To celebrate a totally modest and underrepresented minority, we're kicking off TEEN HISTORY MONTH with an episode all about the most important thing to teenagers: school dances! Kyle Drew joins us to talk about Dawson's Creek, "The Anti-Prom" (Season 3, Episode 22) and The O.C. "The SnO.C." (Season 2, Episode 5). We also discuss Olivia Wilde, the shitty way Jen gets treated, and both of these shows' iconic theme songs. Thanks to Cody Ziglar for making us sound good and Kara Johnson for our theme song (and token male guest host Scott Pawley)! Follow us (on Twitter, not in real life, preferably): TV Wars (@anewtrope). Asha Michelle Wilson (@ashamichelle). Mabry Williams (@mabrywilliams).

Friends vs Friends vs Friends! This week we discuss all things Monica, Chandler, Rachel, Phoebe and Joey. (And Ross, but only because we have to.) This week's trope is "Friends episodes where the friends compete against each other" aka the theme of our podcast. We welcomed back our friend, Tyler Alverson, to talk about his favorite comedy via two great episodes: Friends, "The One with the Embryos" (Season 4, Episode 12) and Friends, "The One With The Baby Shower" (Season 8, Episode 20). Tune in to hear our thoughts about Famous in Love, problematic Ross and 'pregnant Phoebe' vs 'pregnant Rachel'. Thanks to Cody Ziglar for making us sound good and Kara Johnson for our theme song (and, as always, token male guest host Scott Pawley)! Follow us (on Twitter, not in real life, preferably): TV Wars (@anewtrope). Asha Michelle Wilson (@ashamichelle). Mabry Williams (@mabrywilliams).

If you're looking for a podcast that talks about artisanal blood and Nazis in the same episode, you've found it. This week's trope is Alternate Universes! Comedian Jay Light (Comedy Central's Roast Battle) joins us to discuss Buffy the Vampire Slayer "The Wish" (Season 3, Episode 9) and The X-Files, "Triangle" (Season 6, Episode 3), and all that alt universe goodness (actually, both universes are pretty scary). And as a SPECIAL BONUS, Mabry chatted with the amazing Dean Haglund (Richard "Ringo" Langley in The X-Files) about all of our burning X-Files related questions. Thanks to Cody Ziglar for making us sound good and Kara Johnson for our theme song (and, as always, token male guest host Scott Pawley)! Follow us (on Twitter, not in real life, preferably): TV Wars (@anewtrope). Asha Michelle Wilson (@ashamichelle). Mabry Williams (@mabrywilliams).

As promised, here's Part 2 of our talks with The Wild Brunch duo (Alex Gradet and Joe Tower). It's just as much fun, if not more, than the first! This (and last) week's trope is: Backstory Dump! (aka episodes with lots of character backstory). We watched The West Wing "Bartlet for America" (Season 3, Episode 9) (10 on Netflix) and Firefly "Out of Gas" (Season 1, Episode 8) (aired 5th on Fox). This week we get to the Firefly portion of our talks...and you finally get to find out the winner / our OTP and MVP picks for both episodes! After you finish this episode, go listen to The Wild Brunch Podcast, because duh. (www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-wild-brunch) Special shout out to Cody Ziglar for making us sound good and Kara Johnson for our theme song (and token male guest host Scott Pawley, as per usual)! Follow us (on Twitter, not in real life, preferably): TV Wars (@anewtrope). Asha Michelle Wilson (@ashamichelle). Mabry Williams (@mabrywilliams).

It's our first two-parter! We had so much fun talking to The Wild Brunch guys (Alex Gradet and Joe Tower), that we have two weeks of great tv talk for you. This (and next) week's trope is: Backstory Dump! (aka episodes with lots of character backstory). We watched The West Wing "Bartlet for America" (Season 3, Episode 9) (10 on Netflix) and Firefly "Out of Gas" (Season 1, Episode 8) (aired 5th on Fox). We discuss Mal's love for Serenity, Leo's love for President Bartlet and everyone's love for Bradley Whitford. Plus, Alex brought a West Wing script book, which won him the "most prepared guest" award. We'll be completing the 2nd part of this podcast crossover soon, so go listen to The Wild Brunch Podcast and look out for our episode! (www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-wild-brunch) Special shout out to Cody Ziglar for making us sound good and Kara Johnson for our theme song (and token male guest host Scott Pawley, as per usual)! Follow us (on Twitter, not in real life, preferably): TV Wars (@anewtrope). Asha Michelle Wilson (@ashamichelle). Mabry Williams (@mabrywilliams). Part 2 out next Thursday, you might be pretty surprised who each guest picks as the winning episode.

It's the ultimate battle of our two nerdy shows, finally battling head to head in our trope of the week: Favorite Nerdy Episode. Z Nation writer Delondra Williams joins us to discuss (and nerd out over) Doctor Who "School Reunion" (Series 2, Episode 3) and The X-Files "Jose Chung's From Outer Space" (Season 3, Episode 20). We also talk about Riverdale (again), Mulder's late night activities, and how emotional Mabry got over a tin dog. Special shout out to Cody Zigler for making us sound good and Kara Johnson for our theme song (and token male guest host Scott Pawley, as per usual)! Follow us (on Twitter, not in real life, preferably): TV Wars (@anewtrope). Asha Michelle Wilson (@ashamichelle). Mabry Williams (@mabrywilliams). And watch full episodes of Z Nation on SyFy.com!

As most think pieces will tell you, traveling is one of the most fulfilling experiences you can have. But if you can't afford the time or money, watching fictional characters do it is close enough, right? This week's trope is Travel Episodes and our own international friend, writer Giorgis Despotakis, joins us to discuss Friends "The One with Ross's Wedding: Part One" (Season 4, Episode 23) and Veep "Helsinki" (Season 2, Episode 5). We also talk about real and fake international politics, the Warner Brothers tour, and how all the friends are jerks to each other. Special shout out to Cody Zigler for making us sound good and Kara Johnson for our theme song (and token male guest host Scott Pawley, as per usual)! Follow us (on Twitter, not in real life, preferably): TV Wars (@anewtrope). Asha Michelle Wilson (@ashamichelle). Mabry Williams (@mabrywilliams).

We all have our favorite TV Villain, or "baddie" as they call it across the pond! This week we discuss two baddies we love to hate, or hate to love. We watched Scandal "A Door Marked Exit" (Season 3, Episode 10)(for papa Rowan Pope)& The Vampire Diaries "Masquerade" (Season 2, Episode 7)(for doppelgänger Katherine). We welcomed special guest Laurie Magers to discuss love triangles, 25 year olds playing high schoolers, and the one true villain of each episode (it could be literally anybody). P.S. What is a 'moonstone' and why does everyone on TVD want it? Special shout out to Cody Zigler for making us sound good and Kara Johnson for our theme song (and token male guest host Scott Pawley, as per usual)! Follow us (on Twitter, not in real life, preferably): TV Wars (@anewtrope). Asha Michelle Wilson (@ashamichelle). Mabry Williams (@mabrywilliams).

We had so much fun talking about new shows last week, we decided to do it again! This week is new shows we love (and after a week, we easily could've picked Riverdale). We watched This is Us "Pilot" (Season 1, Episode 1) and Legion "Chapter One" (Season 1, Episode 1). Angie Browne joins us to talk about these show's aesthetics and music, paranormal soap operas, and whether she hated or REALLY hated one of the shows this week. Special shout out to Cody Zigler for making us sound good and Kara Johnson for our theme song (and token male guest host Scott Pawley, as per usual)! Follow us (on Twitter, not in real life, preferably): TV Wars (@anewtrope). Asha Michelle Wilson (@ashamichelle). Mabry Williams (@mabrywilliams).

There are tons of new-ish shows out there, and this week we discuss two of the most ridiculous and/or awesome ones! We watched Riverdale "Chapter One: The River's Edge" (Season 1, Episode 1) & Lucifer "Pilot" (Season 1, Episode 1). We welcomed special guest Cameron Jackson to help us break down these super fun pilots! We also discuss the Betty & Veronica love triangle, KJ Apa's instagram & all of the attractive people getting distracted by other attractive people (on both shows). Special shout out to Cody Zigler for making us sound good and Kara Johnson for our theme song (and token male guest host Scott Pawley, as per usual)! Follow us (on Twitter, not in real life, preferably): TV Wars (@anewtrope). Asha Michelle Wilson (@ashamichelle). Mabry Williams (@mabrywilliams).

In honor of the Oscars but days away, this week's trope is "The Hollywood Episode." Actor Tyler Alverson joins us to talk about Supernatural "Hollywood Babylon" (Season 2, Episode 18) and The West Wing "20 Hours in L.A." (Season 1, Episode 15). We also discuss the meta-ness, the Oscars, and our never-ending Bradley Whitford love. Special shout out to Cody Zigler for making us sound good and Kara Johnson for our theme song (and token male guest host Scott Pawley, as per usual)! Follow us (on Twitter, not in real life, preferably): TV Wars (@anewtrope). Asha Michelle Wilson (@ashamichelle). Mabry Williams (@mabrywilliams).

After a long hiatus (of just one week), Kara Johnson is back as our special guest! We discuss two of our favorite TV guest stars: Steve Guttenberg & Jemaine Clement. We also talk about Starbucks commercials, It Takes Two & how 10 year old Kara had the same haircut as Martin Starr. We watched two great episodes: Rick and Morty "Mortynight Run" (Season 2, Episode 2) and Party Down "Steve Guttenberg's Birthday" (Season 2, Episode 5). Special shout out to Cody Zigler for making us sound good and Kara Johnson for our theme song (and guest host Scott Pawley, as per usual)! Follow us (on Twitter, not in real life, preferably): TV Wars (@anewtrope). Asha Michelle Wilson (@ashamichelle). Mabry Williams (@mabrywilliams).

This week's trope is Musical Episodes, and our roommate and special guest Kara Johnson is with us to talk about finales that make us cry, pregnancy in sitcoms, and the math of musicals. We watched Scrubs "My Musical" (Season 6, Episode 6) and How I Met Your Mother "Girls Versus Suits" (Season 5, Episode 12). Shout out to Cody Zigler for his amazing audio editing help and Kara Johnson for our theme song! Follow us (on Twitter, not in real life, preferably): TV Wars (@anewtrope). Asha Michelle Wilson (@ashamichelle). Mabry Williams (@mabrywilliams).

This week we asked ourselves, "what shows do we watch but don't know really know why?" Turns out it's the same show. So, we watched Once Upon A Time, twice! Hear us discuss Jamie Dornan's facial hair, evil curse logic and how all magic comes at a price. Our special guest Steph Militello likes television and making fun of it, just as much as we do! We discussed Once Upon A Time "Pilot" (Season 1, Episode 01) and "There's No Place Like Home" (Season 3, Episode 22). If you feel so inclined, please subscribe and/or leave us a review on iTunes! Want bonus good person points? Suggest a trope or tell us who you think should have won on Twitter or by email at anewtrope@gmail.com . Follow us (on Twitter, not in real life, preferably): TV Wars (@anewtrope). Asha Michelle Wilson (@ashamichelle). Mabry Williams (@mabrywilliams). **There are spoilers (as always).

Have you ever had to go undercover and pretend to be dating a coworker or associate in order to solve a crime or murder? Us neither, but we're talking all about those who have in our Undercover Lovers trope this week. The very lovely and funny Analise McNeill joins us on the podcast this week to talk about Chuck "Chuck Versus The Suburbs" (Season 2, Episode 13) and Bones "The Woman In The Sand" (Season 2, Episode 8)**. We also discuss zoot suits, swingers, and how Resting Serial Killer Face is a real thing. Feel like doing something nice in these crazy, crazy times? Subscribe and/or leave us a review on iTunes! Want bonus good person points? Suggest a trope or tell us who you think should have won on Twitter or by email at anewtrope@gmail.com . Follow us (on Twitter, not in real life, preferably): TV Wars (@anewtrope). Asha Michelle Wilson (@ashamichelle). Mabry Williams (@mabrywilliams). **We do have some Bones spoilers in this episode, for those of you just starting your first watch of Bones (for whatever reason).

New Year, Same Us! The trope of the week is "Character Returns" - because we're returning to your speakers, earphones and/or cars! We also have our first guest who is also a dog, so you better tune in. This week we welcome back guest-host Scott Pawley and extra special guest Maggie Jung(who brought along her dog partner in crime, Murphy). We chose -- Firefly "Trash" (Season 1, Episode 11) and Fringe "Entrada" (Season 3, Episode 8). Characters welcome, to return. Like what your hear? Subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes! Also, suggest a trope or tell us all your opinions on Twitter or by email at anewtrope@gmail.com . Follow us (on Twitter, not in real life, preferably): TV Wars (@anewtrope). Asha Michelle Wilson (@ashamichelle). Mabry Williams (@mabrywilliams).

This week we have no guest OR a ghost guest, you decide. We discuss the theme "Ghosts of Lovers Past", a trope we kind of made up. Both of these episodes have murder/suicide, ghosts taking over beloved characters bodies, and SO MUCH MORE. We chose -- The X-Files "How the Ghosts Stole Christmas" (Season 6, Episode 6) and Buffy the Vampire Slayer "I Only Have Eyes For You" (Season 2, Episode 19). Listen in to hear us say lots of words with guest host Scott Pawley, who isn't a ghost. We think. Like what your hear? Subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes! Also, suggest a trope or tell us all your opinions on Twitter or by email at anewtrope@gmail.com . Follow us (on Twitter, not in real life, preferably): TV Wars (@anewtrope). Asha Michelle Wilson (@ashamichelle). Mabry Williams (@mabrywilliams).

One appearance away from a three-peat, Mal Merpi returns to the podcast to talk about two shows she's never seen, that hold a special place in our childhood hearts. It's episodes of our nostalgic shows -- Charmed "P3 H20" (Season 2, Episode 8) and Degrassi: The Next Generation "Holiday" (Season 3, Episodes 11 and 12). We're talking crop tops & flare jeans, how exactly Leo's powers work, and the cardboard cut out that is Ashley Kerwin of Degrassi. Like what your hear? Subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes! Also, suggest a trope or tell us all your opinions on Twitter or by email at anewtrope@gmail.com . Follow us (on Twitter, not in real life, preferably): TV Wars (@anewtrope). Asha Michelle Wilson (@ashamichelle). Mabry Williams (@mabrywilliams).

In this episode we discuss 'Unresolved Sexual Tension' ...the television trope, not our personal struggles. Well maybe some of that too. We picked Cheers "Someone Single, Someone Blue" (Season 1, Episode 20) - for Sam & Diane AND Dawson's Creek "Four to Tango" (Season 3, Episode 9)- for Pacey & Joey, boo Dawson! Listen in to see if our special guest Jake Goldman likes the bar or the creek better! PS this episode was recorded a few months ago and saved up just for you! So some of the references may not apply. Like what your hear? Subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes! Also, suggest a trope or tell us all your opinions on Twitter or by email at anewtrope@gmail.com . Follow us (on Twitter, not in real life, preferably): TV Wars (@anewtrope). Asha Michelle Wilson (@ashamichelle). Mabry Williams (@mabrywilliams).

Love is complicated. Triangles are not. Put them together and you get TV magic. This week our host/guest rectangle discusses two great television triangles: Doctor Who "Amy's Choice" (Series 5, Episode 7) and LOST "I Do" (Season 3, Episode 6). Listen in to see which 'angle' our special guest Michelle Leibel likes best! Like what your hear? Subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes! Also, suggest a trope or tell us all your opinions on Twitter or by email at anewtrope@gmail.com . Follow us (on Twitter, not in real life, preferably): TV Wars (@anewtrope). Asha Michelle Wilson (@ashamichelle). Mabry Williams (@mabrywilliams).

If we watch it, we will drink. The trope of the week is Intoxicated Episodes, so naturally, we had a drink (or five) with our amazing guest David James. We (drunkenly) discuss behind-the-scenes It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia stories, jury duty, how some of us became friends, and our OTPs. But we're mainly talking Parks and Recreation "The Fight" (Season 3, Episode 13) and It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia "The Gang Beats Boggs" (Season 10, Episode 1). Like our drunken rambles? Subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes! Also, suggest a trope or tell us all your opinions on Twitter or by email at anewtrope@gmail.com . Follow us (on Twitter, not in real life, preferably): TV Wars (@anewtrope). Asha Michelle Wilson (@ashamichelle). Mabry Williams (@mabrywilliams).

Comedian Grace Baldridge joins us to discuss secret lesbian crushes, terrible friends, and if Meredith Grey is maybe the most boring person in her own show, in the trope of the week: The Best Episode of Shows We Hate to Love. We're talking about Pretty Little Liars “Pilot” (Season 1, Episode 1) and Grey's Anatomy "Pilot (Season 1, Episode 1). WARNING: There are spoilers for Pretty Little Liars, Season 1 in this episode, mainly about "The Jenna Thing" which is mostly too ridiculous not to talk about. Into what you hear? Subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes! Agree/disagree with the winner? Let us know on Twitter! Follow us (on Twitter, not in real life, preferably): TV Wars (@ANewTrope). Asha Michelle Wilson (@ashamichellewilson). Mabry Williams (@mabrywilliams).

This week on the first official episode of TV Wars (one day late, but hey, it’s always Trope Tuesday in our hearts), we overanalyze Different Character Perspectives with very special guest Mal Merpi! The episodes are Coupling “The Girl With Two Breasts” (Season 1, Episode 5) and The X-Files “Bad Blood” (Season 5, Episode 12). Into what you hear? Subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes! Follow us (on Twitter, not in real life, preferably): TV Wars (@ANewTrope). Asha Michelle Wilson (@ashamichellewilson). Mabry Williams (@mabrywilliams).

TV Wars is a weekly podcast where your television obsessed hosts Asha Michelle Wilson and Mabry Williams overanalyze television shows, tropes and cliches, and comedy rules of three. Follow us (on Twitter, not in real life, preferably): @ANewTrope Asha Michelle Wilson (@ashamichellewilson). Mabry Williams (@mabrywilliams).