Storm Front - Chapter 1In this episode of Recorded Neutral Territory, we explore the characterization of Harry Dresden, the noir tone of the narrative, and the public perception of the supernatural. The discussion highlights Harry's unique identity as a wizard, his relationship with technology, and his moral compass. The episode concludes with a thought-provoking question about Harry's wizardry and the implications of proving his abilities to others. (00:00) - Intro (00:40) - Exploring Harry's Detective Skills (03:08) - The Noir Tone and Harry's Optimism (07:03) - Harry's Identity and Public Perception (12:48) - The Power of Names (18:53) - Public Awareness (or Lack Thereof) (28:56) - Characterization and Morality in Magic (40:06) - The Dynamic Between Dresden and Murphy (48:10) - Chapter One Reflection: Setting the Stage (48:10) - Questions for Bob: Proving Harry's Wizardry (59:07) - Next Week's QFB: Is Marcone Better Than The Alternative? Click here to view the episode transcript. Reddit thread discussing title question: https://www.reddit.com/r/dresdenfiles/comments/1hhtuuo/why_doesnt_harry_ever_just_prove_hes_a_wizard/
In this episode, Adam and Brian delve into chapters two and three of 'Stormfront' from the Dresden Files series. The discussion highlights Harry's observational skills, his interactions with law enforcement, and the moral complexities surrounding his interactions with characters like Marcon. The episode also touches on themes of sexism, leadership, and the implications of crime in a supernatural context.(00:00) - Intro (00:45) - Arriving at the Madison (11:03) - Arriving in the Room (16:46) - Harry's Sexism (26:50) - Murphy's Leadership Acumen (34:01) - Murphy's Belief in the Supernatural (46:36) - First Impressions: Meeting Marcon (01:11:20) - Question for Bob: Is Marcone better than the alternative? Click here to view the episode transcript. Question for Bob Discussion: https://www.reddit.com/r/dresdenfiles/comments/1isw8tv/is_marcone_actually_good_for_chicago/
During the chapter discussion, we examine Monica Sells and her case, followed by our introduction to McAnally's and Susan Rodriguez.This conversation delves into the themes of noir literature and its influence on the Dresden Files series. We then explore the distinctions between noir and hard-boiled tropes, analyze the character of Harry Dresden, and discuss the evolution of the series over time. We also consider how the noir elements are balanced within the long-form storytelling of the series, highlighting the complexities of character morality and the narrative structure.(00:00) - Intro (01:39) - Ch. 4: Monica Sells (10:18) - Taking the Case (23:26) - Ch. 5 McAnally's Pub (28:17) - Writing Efficiency and Misdirection (32:55) - Introducing: Susan Rodriguez (43:37) - Dresden's Idealism and Corruption (48:18) - QfB: How Noir are the Dresden Files? Click here to view the episode transcript. Reddit Discussing QfB: https://www.reddit.com/r/dresdenfiles/comments/1j32814/how_noir_are_the_dresden_files/
In this episode, Adam and Brian delve into chapters six and seven of Storm Front. They explore the intricacies of Dresden's investigations, the introduction of magic, and the moral implications of character actions, particularly focusing on Monica Sells. The discussion also touches on the fourth law of magic and the concept of the Doom of Damocles, providing insights into character motivations and ethical dilemmas within the narrative.(00:00) - Intro (01:04) - Chapter Six - Victor's Lake House (05:24) - Circle Theory (11:41) - Toot Toot & Faery Bargains (18:44) - Fairies and Their Love for Pizza (25:42) - The Man with the Naked Sword (30:13) - "I react badly to fear" (34:58) - Morgan's Motivation (45:38) - Morgan's Investigation (52:35) - Question for Bob: Is Monica Sells Morally Culpable? (01:06:42) - Next Week's QfB: Is there a better system than Doom of Damocles? Click here to view the episode transcript. Reddit Discussing QfB: https://www.reddit.com/r/dresdenfiles/comments/1j8h11p/does_monica_sells_bear_any_moral_culpability_for/
This week we explore chapters 8 and 9 of Storm Front; asking questions like: "Why do potions get phased out of the series?" and "What limitations does Bob have with regard to Harry's control?" We also spend some time exploring Murphy's flaw in this early book before moving on to one of the most impactful scenes in the series: Harry's first confrontation with Bianca.(00:00) - Intro (05:27) - Chapter 8: Why No More Potions? (09:56) - Meeting Bob (19:09) - Bob is an "Artifact" Tier Magic Item (25:50) - Chapter 9: In Defense of Murphy (37:09) - A Wizard's Best Tool: Preperation (47:01) - Encountering Bianca (52:47) - Exploring Bianca's Mindset (59:44) - QfB: Is The Doom of Damocles The Best Option? (01:18:27) - Next Week's Question for Bob Click here to view the episode transcript. Reddit Discussing QfB: https://www.reddit.com/r/dresdenfiles/comments/1jj9ag3/is_there_a_better_system_than_the_doom_of_damocles/
This week we're covering Storm Front chapters 10, 11, and 12. In these chapters, Harry follows up on some leads, gets a concussion, ruminates on the case with Murphy, and passes out. Brian and Adam dig in to the interesting questions these chapters present. Why did Linda Randall change her mind about talking to Dresden? Why was the Three-Eye junkie able to see the Walkers? When and why did Victor decide to kill Linda and Harry? Finally, we dive into our question for Bob this week: What changes (mentally) when a half-Rampire goes full red-court?(00:00) - Intro (02:29) - Ch. 10 - Making Calls (08:27) - Harry's First Concussion? (14:23) - Ch. 11 - Harry Reports to Murphy (27:00) - Ch. 12 - Why does Linda Change Her Mind? (37:06) - QfB: What happens to the mind when Rampire takes over? Click here to view the episode transcript. Reddit Discussing QfB: https://www.reddit.com/r/dresdenfiles/comments/1k0ih2z/rnt_what_changes_mentally_when_a_person_goes_full/
This week we tackle Chapters 13 and 14, which contains the first fight scene in the series, along with the first use of combat magic! Adam discuses the setup of the fight, while Brian discusses the conjugations of Latin nouns. Of course, we also find some time to discuss the fight with the Toad Demon, itself. Finally, we dive into our question for Bob this week: What makes for a great fight scene in The Dresden Files?(00:00) - Intro (03:12) - Ch. 13 - How much has he changed? (09:52) - Setting Up the Fight (22:10) - The Fight With the Toad Demon (30:49) - Chaos in the Basement (38:05) - Ch. 14 - Into the Storm (48:33) - Inventing Magic on the Fly (58:37) - QFB - What Makes a Great Fight Scene? Click here to view the episode transcript. Reddit Discussing QfB: https://www.reddit.com/r/dresdenfiles/comments/1kccq4q/rnt_what_makes_a_good_fight_scene/
This week we're exploring chapters 15, 16, and 17. Harry is at his lowest point, blaming himself for Linda's death, lying to Murphy, and then, having his hair stolen by one of Marcone's thugs! The final chapter of this episode examines the first time we see a wizard going 'all out', as Harry blasts his way into the Varsity to confront Marcone. Finally, we dive into our question for Bob this week: Why don't we see Thaumaturgy used more against Dresden?(00:00) - Intro (02:56) - Ch. 15 - From Murphy's Perspective (19:04) - Is Harry Justified In Lying to Murphy? (25:50) - Ch. 16 - Gimpy steals Harry's Hair (31:12) - Ch. 17 - A First Impression (39:58) - Marcone's Reaction (52:17) - QfB: Why not more offensive thaumaturgy? Click here to view the episode transcript. Reddit Discussing QfB: https://www.reddit.com/r/dresdenfiles/comments/1kitsus/rnt_why_isnt_thaumaturgy_used_more_often_as_a/
This week we're tackling chapters 18, 19, 20, and most of 21. We explore the information presented about Harry's father, Malcom Dresden. Next, we discuss Harry's confrontations with the Photographer and Monica Sells until ultimately, Monica cracks the case wide open for him.Finally, we dive into our question for Bob this week: What was the Enemy's Plan?(00:00) - Intro (01:25) - Ch. 18 - Malcom Dresden and Harry's Coping Mechanism (12:58) - Ch. 19 - Confronting The Photographer (22:27) - Ch. 20 - Confronting Monica Sells (36:38) - Ch. 21 - The Twisted Path of Victor Sells (56:12) - Jenny Sells Makes it Real (01:06:36) - QfB: What Was Nemesis' Plan? Click here to view the episode transcript. Reddit Discussing QfB: https://www.reddit.com/r/dresdenfiles/comments/1kuefwv/rnt_what_is_the_enemys_plan_in_storm_front/
This week we're delving into chapters 22-24 of Storm Front. This includes Harry fighting against the Scorpion, his confrontation with Morgan at Macs, and his confrontation against his own darker nature outside the lake house.Finally, we dive into our question for Bob this week: How does Air Magic Work with Physics?(00:00) - Intro (01:49) - Ch. 22 - Murphy's been poisoned (15:49) - So a scorpion walks on to an elevator... (30:35) - Ch. 23 - Sitting down with Morgan (43:44) - Ch. 24 - Two Paths Diverged Outside a Lakehouse (01:12:31) - QfB: How Does Air Magic Interact With Physics? (01:20:57) - Next Week's Question for Bob Click here to view the episode transcript. Reddit Discussing QfB: https://www.reddit.com/r/dresdenfiles/comments/1kzao2k/rnt_how_does_air_magic_interact_with_physics/
This week we're discussing the final 3 chapters of Storm Front (25, 26, and 27). Harry finally confronts the Shadowman, decides to sacrifice himself to stop him, and then gets rescued anyway. The story concludesFinally, we dive into our question for Bob this week: What Could Harry Have Done Differently*?(00:00) - Intro (00:49) - Ch. 25 Harry Enters the Lake House (19:20) - Ch. 26 - The Showdown With Shadowman (40:53) - Ch. 27 - Nothing but Epilogue (01:04:45) - Allusions to "The Second Coming" by W.B. Yeats (01:15:42) - QfB: What Could Harry Have Done Differently? (01:29:19) - No Episode Next Week; Then SF Review Episode Click here to view the episode transcript. Reddit Discussing QfB: https://www.reddit.com/r/dresdenfiles/comments/1l5mu7w/rnt_what_could_harry_have_done_differently_in/
We've finished our chapter by chapter re-read of Storm Front, but we're not done yet. This episode dives into the unresolved questions around this book. We start with an additional analysis of the book's major beats and best scenes. We then examine Harry's use of Magic and Gadgets within this book, and we then rank his relationships with other characters at the end of this book. We intend to examine these stats for each book, putting them into context within the larger series as we go.We also discuss several questions from our listeners that didn't make the Questions for Bob yet this book.(00:00) - Intro (01:19) - Which scenes are best, and which scenes impact later books? (35:07) - Themes in Storm Front (44:50) - Questions about Storm Front (01:06:25) - Magic Stats! Gadget Stats! (01:15:51) - Favorite Lines and Favorite Names (01:26:23) - Where's Harry at? (Physically, Mentally, & Magically) (01:30:51) - Rating Harry's Realtionships (01:37:09) - Ranking the Book and the Title (01:45:23) - RNT Podcast Updates (01:47:53) - Next QfB: Why doesn't Kim Delaney Tall Harry the Truth? Click here to view the episode transcript.
We're off to a quick start in our analysis of Fool Moon. This episode discusses the first 4 chapters of the second book, consisting of Harry's inauspicious meeting with Kim Delaney, Murphy dragging him to the Crime scene, a tense standoff with FBI Agents, and a reconciliation between Harry and Murphy. Finally, our Question for Bob discusses how things might have gone differently if Kim had told Harry the truth in Chapter 1.(00:00) - Intro (02:11) - Ch. 1 - Making a mistake with Kim Delaney (12:07) - Ch. 2 - Crime Scene at the New Varsity (25:22) - Ch. 3 - Harry and Murphy reach and understanding (35:43) - Ch. 4 - The Lobo Killings (50:24) - QfB: What if Kim Told the Truth? Click here to view the episode transcript. Reddit Discussing QfB: https://www.reddit.com/r/dresdenfiles/comments/1lm6fvu/rnt_could_kd_approach_her_conversation_with_harry/
Harry continues to fumble his relationship with Murphy in this set of chapters (5, 6, & 7). We also meet the Alphas for the first time, and learn about all the different types of werewolves while Bob helps Harry make two potions that definitely won't backfire later in the book. (00:00) - Intro (00:52) - Ch. 5 - Meeting the Alphas (17:18) - Ch. 6 - Murphy and Harry; cut from the same cloth (33:39) - Ch. 7 - Potions and Werewolves (51:51) - QfB: What is the dumbest thing anyone has done in TDF? Click here to view the episode transcript. Reddit Discussing QfB: https://www.reddit.com/r/dresdenfiles/comments/1lrq7m7/rnt_whats_the_dumbest_thing_anyone_does_in_the/
In chapters 8, 9, and 10: Harry will pass off his werewolf report to Agent Denton, and receive a wild goose chase in return. Upon reaching the Fool Moon garage, Harry bumbles the interrogation and instead of leaving with answers, he leaves with more enemies. Finally, Marcone confronts Harry and offers him a deal, but is forced, instead, to accept Harry's counter-offer. This is how Harry learns of MacFinn and the Northwest Passage project.Click here to view the episode transcript. Reddit Discussing QfB: https://www.reddit.com/r/dresdenfiles/comments/1lxi34f/what_mortal_magic_feels_most_like_an_outlier/
In Chapters 11, 12, and 13 of Fool Moon, Harry calls up a demon for information, examines Kim Delaney's murder scene, and barely avoids getting arrested with the help of Tara West. (00:00) - Intro (02:05) - Ch. 11 - Summoning Chauncy (22:40) - Ch. 12 - Kim Delaney's Body (45:40) - Ch. 13 - Escape From The Feds with Tera's Help (53:59) - QfB: Who Killed Harry's Parents and Why? Click here to view the episode transcript. Reddit Discussing QfB: https://www.reddit.com/r/dresdenfiles/comments/1m3clsm/rnt_why_are_harrys_parents_dead/
In Chapters 14 through 16 of Fool Moon: Harry's gunshot wound is treated by Tera, who leads him to MacFinn. He shares information with Harry, but not enough to draw any conclusions. Then the whole group gets scattered when the cops show up, and Harry/Tera/Susan go back to his apartment for supplies.(00:00) - Intro (01:33) - Ch. 14 - Tera the Combat Medic (12:02) - Ch. 15 - Getting Answers from MacFinn (32:31) - Bridger Rant - Too Much Pain for Harry! (45:47) - Ch. 16 - Susan to the rescue & Tera's distraction (57:23) - QfB: What entities can be Soul Gazed? Click here to view the episode transcript. Reddit Discussing QfB: https://www.reddit.com/r/dresdenfiles/comments/1m9cfkv/rnt_what_makes_someone_eligible_for_a_soulgaze/
Chapter 17 includes Harry sneaking into SI, but finding out he's too late to put a cage around the Loup Garu. MacFinn tears through prisoners, and then comes for Harry.Chapter 18 starts with Murphy saving Harry's life using inherited silver bullets. This allows Harry to back off and take a breather, where he realizes that the silver bullets caused the Loup Garu to bleed, and he can use that blood to bind it!In Chapter 19 Harry comes back to the fight, but dozens of SI cops have already been ripped to pieces. Carmichael sacrifices himself to save Murphy, and Harry finally hits the thing with the strongest Feugo we've seen up to this point.(00:00) - Intro (05:42) - Ch. 17 - Harry's Blending Potion works...too well (22:37) - Ch. 18 - Murphy to the rescue! (27:05) - A Defense of Karrin Murphy in Fool Moon (49:53) - Ch. 19 - Carmichael's Sacrifice (01:15:43) - QfB: Carmichael Character Analysis Reddit Discussing QfB: https://www.reddit.com/r/dresdenfiles/comments/1ml2h68/rnt_character_analysis_detective_ron_carmichael/
Chapters 20 through 23 include Harry's first conversation with Shadow Harry, getting captured by the Streetwolves, and Harry managing to escape to hide in the back of the Fool Moon garage just as Denton, Marcone, and the Streetwolves tear into teach other.(00:00) - Intro (01:59) - Ch. 20 - Meeting Shadow Harry (13:05) - Ch. 21 - He jumped out of the car? What? (24:11) - Ch. 22 - Captured by the Streetwolves (31:19) - Ch. 23 - Marcone to the Rescue (Part 1) (46:33) - QfB: What's the deal with Subconscious Harry? (01:05:15) - Next Week's QfB: How does Wizard Stamina Work? Click here to view the episode transcript. Reddit Discussing QfB: https://www.reddit.com/r/dresdenfiles/comments/1mr6o9q/rnt_whats_the_deal_with/
In chapters 24 through 27, Harry manages to escape the battle in the Fool Moon garage, interrogate Agent Harris, flee the scene and find a quiet moment with Susan to discuss their relationship.(00:00) - Intro (02:14) - Ch. 24 - Harry cowering in the garage (23:31) - Ch. 25 - The Interrogation of Roger Harris (34:12) - Ch. 26 - The Burger King (of the van) (40:31) - Ch. 27 - Susan's Gift (51:46) - QfB: How does wizard stamina work? Click here to view the episode transcript. Reddit Discussing QfB: https://old.reddit.com/r/dresdenfiles/comments/1mxkxpo/how_does_wizard_stamina_work/