The Middle of Culture

In this week’s Middle of Culture, we dive deep into our usual blend of media obsession and existential humor — from the strange delights of villainess light novels and the chaos of gacha games to Tron Ares, which Eden declares “not a good movie… but maybe the best Tron movie.” Peter shares his thoughts on new music from Conjurer and Author & Punisher, reviews Wind and Truth with mixed feelings, and outlines a possible new nonfiction project exploring the moral dehumanization of healthcare. We close by revisiting the bizarre early UK Transformers comics — where Optimus is kind of a jerk, Starscream becomes the original “catty traitor,” and Brawn looks like he escaped a Dollar Tree toy aisle.Episode Notes:Opening Banter:Eden introduces herself as “so eeppy,” prompting Peter to admit defeat against internet slang.The two reflect on “functional depression,” aging, and surviving the current “hellscape.Eden’s Media Fixation:Revisits I’m in Love with the Villainess and praises it as one of the best isekai series ever.Explains Prison Life is Easy for a Villainess, a meta comedy about a villainess treating dungeon time as a spa retreat.Attends a PowerPoint Party and presents “Villainess as Protagonist: A Meta-Analysis of Current Media Trends.”Gacha Game Roundup:Stella Sora: “What if Hades was slower and shittier?” Deleted after 45 minutes.Chaos Zero Nightmare: Required two launchers — instant nope.Duet Night Abyss: Promising Warframe-style action without predatory gacha.Tron Ares Review:Eden: “Not a good movie… but maybe the best Tron movie.”Praises its Nine Inch Nails soundtrack and stunning action; mocks Jared Leto’s acting.Peter admits he’d watch all three Tron films once they’re streaming.Peter’s Media Corner:Music: Revisits Testament’s Parabellum, discovers Author & Punisher, and praises Conjurer’s Unself.Reading: Finishes Wind and Truth, critiques Sanderson’s editing, starts Murder Your Employer by Rupert Holmes, and begins Work Won’t Love You Back by Sarah Jaffe.Discusses a new nonfiction concept: “Connecting to Purpose: The Moral Dehumanization of Healthcare in America.”Ideological Detour:Eden: “If you’re not the owner, you’re being exploited.”Peter admits he’s “becoming radicalized.”Transformers (UK Comics):Recap of the lost “Man of Iron” episode and this week’s The Enemy Within.Discovery: This is possibly where “catty, traitorous Starscream” was born.Braun’s design roasted as “the Dollar Tree Transformer.”Optimus Prime called “a dick” for sending Brawn and Starscream into gladiator combat.Praise for Ravage and nostalgia for our childhood toys.Closing:Eden confesses to spending $100 on the new Missing Link R.C. figure — “worth every penny.”Episode ends with a reminder to subscribe, share, and leave a review.

This week, we dive headfirst into emotional ruin — courtesy of Look Back, the devastatingly beautiful anime film by Chainsaw Man creator Tatsuki Fujimoto. Before we get our hearts ripped out, we unpack a flood of new music releases — including Testament’s Para Bellum and Fayle's haunting Heretics and Lullabies — rail against Microsoft’s Game Pass price hike, and talk streaming fatigue and piracy. Peter also shares his new plan to train like a writer-athlete with a three-month learning sprint, while Eden reviews Nine Inch Nails’ Tron: Ares soundtrack, gushes about Apothecary Diaries, and explains why a Regency “choose your own adventure” romance might be the most fun book they’ve read all month. It all ends with tears, cello music, and a haunting meditation on why we create art in the first place.📝 Episode NotesIntroThe “lost” episode vanished into the ether — maybe because it was too powerful for the far right to handle.Both hosts are feeling post-busy-season burnout and existential malaise.Music Corner 🚨 Rush Reunion Tour: With Neil Peart’s family’s blessing, Rush returns with drummer Anika Nilles.Eden: “Neil was never the fastest.”Peter: Debates whether to travel for the tour or keep his memories intact.🎻 Raphael Weinroth-Browne – Lifeblood: Beautiful, emotive cello-driven prog from the Leprous collaborator.⚡️ Testament – Parabellum: Experimental thrash with black, death, and groove elements.🕯 Frayle – Heretics and Lullabies: October-perfect doom — haunting vocals and atmosphere. Peter’s album of the month.Gaming & Streaming RantMicrosoft’s Game Pass price jump to $30/month = cancellation time.Broader discussion: streaming bloat, rising costs, and the rise of “ethical piracy.”Quote of the section: “You wouldn’t scrape all the art ever made to create an anime titty generator.”Writing & Learning SprintPeter’s “Three-Month Learning Sprint” inspired by Dave Perell’s athlete model of skill-building.October–December: studying the craft of novel writing before starting Book #4 in January.Reading Save the Cat! Writes a Novel (Jessica Brody) and joining Writing Mastery Academy.Reflections on learning structure, story beats, and wanting to finally write a novel he’d let others read.Eden debates joining NaNoWriMo again… maybe.Eden’s Media & Reading Corner🎬 Tron: Ares (2024): “No one’s seeing it — and for good reason.”Weak Nine Inch Nails soundtrack, but still better than most.📚 Apothecary Diaries — finished all 15 volumes.🐀 Though I Am an Inept Villainess — courtly fantasy with body-swap hijinks and fried potatoes.❤️ My Lady’s Choosing — a hilarious, Regency-era, choose-your-own-romance adventure.🕹 Doll’s Nest — “What if Armored Core, Dark Souls, and Frame Arms Girls had a baby?”Main Event — Look Back58-minute emotional gut punch about art, friendship, and loss.Recap: child prodigies Fujino and Kyomoto become artistic partners, drift apart, tragedy strikes, and grief reignites creation.Themes: rivalry, purpose, creative identity, and the way art bridges life and death.Peter: “The moment that cello started playing, I knew this was going to fuck me up.”Discussion on Fujimoto’s tone shifts, showing vs. telling, and the balance of subtlety and brutality.Shared conclusion: gorgeous, devastating, and they’ll never watch it again.Wrap-UpLook Back is available on Amazon Prime.Next episode in a couple of weeks.Sign-off reminder: leave a review and email feedback@themiddleofculture.com

Peter and Eden cover a whirlwind couple of weeks—family milestones, stressful schedules, and the search for meaning outside of work—before diving into media updates like Escaflone, In Mourning’s crushing new album, and the delightfully cursed Ice Cube–starring War of the Worlds (2025). From there, things spiral into chaos with a marathon of “Would You Rather?” questions that range from the silly to the philosophical, including fart announcements, glitter burps, pinky-finger super strength, and whether you’d rather have a South Park wedding or a Family Guy funeral. It’s the most chaotic fun you’ll have all week.Episode NotesLife updates:Peter’s son Alex returns from his mission and prepares for a wedding.The challenge of balancing work, family, and downtime.Reflections on identity outside of your career.Media check-ins:Peter on Tiny Experiments and the joy of learning Final Cut Pro.New music: The Immortal by In Mourning, and “End of You” with Amy Lee, Poppy, and Courtney LaPlante.Eden’s anime binge: Azumanga Daioh (finished), Escaflone (technical mishaps + stationary bike viewing).Bad Movie Bros watch: War of the Worlds (2025) starring Ice Cube—possibly the worst movie ever made.Manga spotlight: Yoritama: From Third Wheel to Trifecta (romantic chaos).Main Event: Would You Rather?Pajamas vs. tuxedos, freakishly big mouths vs. tiny noses.Public fart announcements vs. peeing your pants.Superpowers you don’t want: invisibility only when sneezing, pinky-only super strength, screaming flight.Food fiascos: pizza hands vs. donut feet, glitter burps vs. bubble hiccups.Social nightmares: every text to mom vs. marching band of lies.Philosophical turns: 20 years with no regrets vs. 100 with many.The ultimate cursed choice: South Park wedding or Family Guy funeral.

This week Eden and Peter dive into William Friedkin’s gritty 1977 thriller Sorcerer, a tense and sweat-soaked remake of The Wages of Fear. They talk through the film’s nihilistic worldview, Friedkin’s unrelenting direction, and Tangerine Dream’s eerie score that pushes the movie into fever-dream territory. Along the way, they share personal stories of how the film lingered in memory for decades, debate whether Sorcerer deserved its original flop status, and marvel at the sheer intensity of the bridge sequence. They also connect the film to broader cultural legacies—from the shadow of Star Wars to the way cult classics find redemption years later.Show NotesOpening catch-upSummer weather updates and life events.Peter finishes Donkey Kong Bonanza and shares thoughts on Taskmaster series 7 vs 8.Music chat: new Deftones (Private Music), Testament’s upcoming Parabellum, and the death of Mastodon’s Brett Hinds.Work & reading tangents Eden’s deep dive into accessibility struggles with LaTeX, Pandoc, and PDFs (“the world’s worst file format”).Reading The Apothecary Diaries and Azumanga Daioh; comparisons with Nichijo and City.Listening to Tangerine Dream’s catalog and soundtrack prep for the film.Imperfect Practice launch Peter introduces his new blog and YouTube channel, “Imperfect Practice,” focused on experiments with productivity, journaling, and workflows.Main Event: SorcererEden’s blind pick, Peter’s buried childhood memory of the Tangerine Dream LP, and initial impressions.Full plot breakdown with detailed discussion of:The four opening vignettes.Building the trucks and loading unstable dynamite.The infamous 12-minute bridge sequence.The brutal downer ending and themes of fate and nihilism.Discussion of the title Sorcerer (why it’s terrible, Friedkin’s explanation).Behind-the-scenes misery, budget overruns, and authenticity (actors did most of their own stunts).The soundtrack’s role in creating alienation and tension.Release woes: arriving weeks after Star Wars and being critically panned before decades-later reevaluation into cult-classic canon.Wrap-up Reflections on its heavy but unforgettable impact.LinksImperfect PracticeImperfect Practice on YouTube

What starts as a simple dive into media tracking apps quickly spirals into tangents about puzzles from hell, glamping with bison and mustangs, fistfights with Satan in Pittsburgh, and the glory days of scrobbling music. Along the way, Peter and Eden hash out their very different relationships with games, books, music, and movies—and why, at the end of the day, “the juice is not worth the squeeze” when it comes to tracking everything we consume.Opening catch-up: Eden returns from travel and vents about the oppressive Midwestern humidity.Eden recounts a cursed puzzle vacation and a surreal HipCamp adventure that included glamping in a bus, staying at a mustang ranch, and hearing a wild coma story involving battling Satan.A detour into mobile gaming: Eden introduces the absurd yet addictive horse girl racing game Uma Musume.Peter shares his ongoing love for Taskmaster, Donkey Kong Bonanza on the Switch 2, and recent reading progress (Wind and Truth, Tiny Experiments).Music talk:New releases from Carbomb, Abigail Williams, and Blackbraid.Remembering Eric Wunder of Cobalt, with Peter realizing Slow Forever might be his true desert island album.Main Topic: Media tracking apps and services.Video games: Eden dabbled with Backloggd but finds it too much work; Peter doesn’t see the appeal beyond Steam’s built-in history.Books: Eden logs reads in a notebook; Peter wrestles with StoryGraph, Hardcover, and Goodreads but finds the friction too high. Notion experiments fail; AI-summarized notes for nonfiction survive.Music: Nostalgia for scrobbling and Last.fm; frustrations with Spotify, Apple Music, and Plex setups. Peter praises Plexamp and Rune; Eden experiments with Cloud Beats and dreams of a NAS.Movies/TV: Eden dislikes fragmented platforms; Peter mentions using Sequel lightly but relies most on Call Sheet, an IMDb alternative. Eden uses League of Comic Geeks only to track physical comics in his collection.Closing thoughts: both agree that while tracking can be tempting, talking to people and communities is a far more rewarding way to discover new media.

In this episode, Eden and Peter dive into Fantastic Four: First Steps, a surprisingly hopeful and aesthetically stunning addition to the MCU. They unpack the film’s utopian vision, its fresh take on superhero storytelling, and why it might be one of Marvel’s most emotionally resonant efforts to date. From retrofuturist aesthetics to character depth and non-violent resolutions, they explore how this movie dares to imagine a better world—and why that makes it so special.Episode Show Notes:Catching up: Peter’s travel chaos, shaving disasters, and reading Tiny Experiments by Anne-Laure Le CunffReflections on creativity, late-stage capitalism, and the need for exploration and failureEden breaks down the odd digital logic of Japanese fantasy novels and the legacy of Dragon QuestA detour into Star Wars Galaxies Restoration and its refreshing take on MMO life and Jedi originsMain topic: Fantastic Four: First StepsBoth hosts loved the movie and were surprised by how well it workedThe mid-century retrofuturist aesthetic is a standout successThe characters feel fully-formed and lived-in—no drawn-out origin storySue Storm (Vanessa Kirby) emerges as the true heart and leader of the teamEmphasis on creativity and intelligence over brute forceA rare example of superheroes making the world better, not just protecting the status quoThe story’s utopian tone sets it apart from typical superhero narrativesFranklin Richards’ birth and future teased with major power implicationsGalactus and the Silver Surfer are compelling and visually stunning additionsA shared sense of optimism and trust among the characters and the worldSome minor nitpicks (Ben Grimm’s beard?) but overall glowing praisePost-credits Doom tease? Who cares.Nervousness about Avengers: Doomsday expectationsFinal thoughts: a hopeful, human, and character-driven superhero film that stands out

Episode SummaryThis week on The Middle of Culture, Peter and Eden dive into Superman 2025—a movie they both expected to disappoint, but ultimately left them grinning. They discuss why this version of Superman finally understands the character, their favorite portrayals (hello, Nicholas Hoult’s Lex), and the messy charm of a movie that somehow pulls off being packed without tipping over. Along the way, they touch on camping with CPAPs, ADHD and habit formation, cello-driven metal, and why The Office still sucks. It’s a jam-packed, joyful takedown and celebration of what might be DC’s best swing in years.Episode NotesPeter and Eden open with summer updates, including swim meets and car camping (aka “carmping”)Eden reviews the anime adaptation of City, praising Kyoto Animation’s hand-drawn excellenceDiscussion on ADHD and the reality of habit formation—Peter shares how journaling became a daily routine, while Eden relies on yelling reminder appsPeter recommends cello virtuoso Raphael Weinroth-Browne and shares excitement over new music from Paradise LostA shared hatred of The Office and a love for TaskmasterPeter recounts his guest appearance on The Incomparable’s “Random Pursuit” episodeMain discussion: Superman 2025Initial low expectations gave way to genuine enjoymentBoth agree: it finally gets Superman right—his compassion, moral compass, and fallibilityHighlights include Nicholas Hoult’s intense, bitter Lex Luthor and Brosnahan’s sharp Lois LaneCritiques: missing Clark Kent moments, underused Daily Planet characters, weak soundtrackPraise for standout moments like the Kansas farm scene and Mr. Terrific’s mysterious coolFun digs into comics lore with Guy Gardner, Hawk Girl, and Jimmy Olsen’s inexplicable ladykiller statusComparison to Thunderbolts (still the best superhero movie of the year so far) and some worry over Fantastic FourWrap-up with Eden ready to rewatch Superman 1978 and wishing this one had a better nameLinks:Uncanny Magazine Year 12 KickstarterRandom Pursuit on The Incomparable Game Show

Episode Summary:This week, Peter and Eden dive headfirst into the high-octane world of Daniel Warren Johnson’s Transformers comic run, exploring its explosive art, emotional beats, and G1 nostalgia. Along the way, they unpack the pains of modern TV consumption, vent about doomed adaptations, and gush over goth rock albums and short-form sci-fi. It’s a heartfelt mix of media love, mild despair, and giant robots punching each other in the face—with feeling.Show Notes:Peter kicks things off with a July 4th check-in and a quick rundown of what he’s been reading and listening to, including Atomic Habits and the debut album by High Parasite, a side project involving My Dying Bride’s Aaron Stainthorpe.Murderbot adaptation on Apple TV+ gets a thoughtful breakdown: Peter shares his appreciation for its tone, visuals, and how closely it mirrors Martha Wells’ novella All Systems Red, especially its deadpan view of humanity and delightful Sanctuary Moon cutaways.Discussion veers into TV trust issues—how shows like Paper Girls and Wheel of Time were abandoned too early by streamers like Amazon and Netflix, and why Apple TV+’s longer-term faith in its properties (Slow Horses) earns praise.Eden questions the fractured nature of modern TV popularity, riffing on Yellowstone’s massive reach despite their total ignorance of anyone watching it.A segment on Eden’s short-lived journey into the glitchy, chaotic world of gacha game Re Memento: White Shadow, complete with mistranslations and catastrophic layoffs.Peter shares exciting news about planning a trip to Japan for his 27th wedding anniversary—and the hurdles of learning Japanese through Duolingo.For our main topic, we dive into the first arc of Daniel Warren Johnson’s Transformers comic:Eden provides background on the series and its creative team, praising Johnson’s gritty, wrestling-inspired action sequences and nuanced character work.Peter offers perspective as a lifelong fan reconnecting with the property, reflecting on the emotional impact of Optimus Prime, especially how the comic echoes the trauma of Transformers: The Movie (1986).Highlights include gruesome Starscream moments, human character development (especially Sparky’s sacrifice), and Optimus wielding Megatron’s blaster arm.Both hosts discuss the comic’s balance between fresh storytelling and homage to classic G1 design and lore.Closing thoughts touch on the excitement (and dread) around Robert Kirkman taking over the series soon, and how this arc was a rewarding, if nostalgia-heavy, entry point for fans old and new.

In this lively and irreverent episode of The Middle of Culture, Peter and Eden build a tier list ranking 29 DC movies, from the highs of Christopher Reeve's iconic Superman to the lows of Black Adam, which earns a new category all its own: "F*** You Forever." Along the way, they debate the merits of Nolan's Batman trilogy, praise Margot Robbie while trashing her material, and wax poetic about Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman and the ridiculous joy of Catwoman (2004). The episode also dives into recent reads, including the emotionally devastating Adachi and Shimamura 99.9, with Eden delivering an impassioned recounting that might just wreck you. Add in some heat-dome weather talk, tech-death music recs, and plenty of hot takes, and you've got one of the most entertaining episodes yet.Episode Notes:Welcome BackEden shares weather misery and emotional tales of crying over Adachi and ShimamuraPeter updates on his son's relentless swim meet schedule and praises the dedication of teen athletesWhat We're IntoEden continues to love The Apothecary Diaries, now reading it aloud with CassiDeep emotional dive into Adachi and Shimamura 99.9, including:Cozy slice-of-life momentsPost-apocalyptic existentialismA bittersweet afterlife reunion that left Eden in tearsPeter shares his current reading on behavior change and playing Mario Kart with the kidsMetal music recs from Peter:Fallujah and Exocrine (tech-death highlights)Sigh's re-recording of Hangman's Hymn (2007 → 2025 edition)The Tier List Begins29 DC movies ranked from S-tier to a newly invented bottom tierImmediate praise for Superman: The Movie -- the only true S-tier filmBatman Begins and The Batman hold strong in A-tierThe Dark Knight lands at a controversial B, Dark Knight Rises flops to DSurprising affection for Catwoman bumps it up to C, while Suicide Squad, Justice League, and Black Adam are rightfully trashedEden passionately defends the joyfully chaotic Batman & Robin, despite its executionZack Snyder's Justice League makes it to B solely for its absurdityLego Batman wins hearts, even from Eden who has a Lego movie vendettaNew Tier Created: "F*** You Forever"Reserved exclusively for Black Adam, a film so despised that Peter stopped watching anything with The Rock afterwardWrap-UpOne clear conclusion: 1978's Superman stands unmatchedRichard Donner hailed as the god-tier director James Gunn can't touchGentle roast of MCU's decline vs DC's chaotic legacyCall to action: listeners encouraged to weigh in via feedback@themiddleofculture.com

Show Notes:Life Updates & Pencil Parties- Eden recounts a surreal Minneapolis trip to witness the "sharpening" of a 20-foot neighborhood pencil statue.- Attendees included 1,500+ people, costumes, DJs, and a fake giant pencil sharpener hoisted into place.- Cassi already has cosplay plans for next year.Dollhouses, Gundams & DIY Projects- Eden builds a full miniature room box to pose model kits like Gundams in.- Explores the satisfying craft process of assembling furniture, windows, and baseboards in a modular design.Music Corner- New Katatonia album: promising with fresh energy, but Peter reserves judgment.- Rivers of Nihil: cool influence from Black Crown Initiate, but repeated saxophone use is a dealbreaker for Peter.- Vildhjarta: heavy, adventurous, and rewards deep listening.Gaming Talk- Peter's impressions of the Switch 2: improved Mario Kart experience with 24-player chaos, but still not a travel must-have.- Thoughts on the cult of Nintendo vs. more versatile handheld platforms like the Steam Deck.- Eden's attempt to play Synduality: Echo of Ada ends in a refund due to game-breaking texture issues.Cult & Camp Cinema- Eden attends a VHS screening of the awful-but-fun 1970s exploitation film White Fire with a themed drinking game.- Peter is tempted by the trailer but is firmly advised: "Don't watch White Fire."Reading Recommendations- Eden finishes all 11 published volumes of Adachi and Shimomura, including volume 99.9 (sci-fi time-jump bonus stories).- Enthusiastic recommendation of The Apothecary Diaries, a mystery series set in a fictionalized ancient China full of intrigue and clever deduction.What We're Watching- Peter enjoys Taskmaster Season 19 with Jason Mantzoukas, calling it chaotic, hilarious, and worth the YouTube binge.Main Topic: The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)- Eden loved it: tense, stylish, electric; Peter found it frustratingly flat in tension and offensively dated.- Discussion touches on 70s NYC despair, racism and misogyny in period pieces, Walter Matthau's charisma, and how modern remakes miss the gritty charm of the original.- Fun fact: Robert Shaw (Mr. Blue) also played Quint in Jaws.- Finale: Walter Matthau's "Gesundheit" stare is iconic.

Episode Notes:- The episode opens with Eden reading a Tumblr post that hilariously and bleakly explains modern burnout as a result of living in a crumbling world. Peter and Eden relate strongly, setting the tone for a cathartic conversation.- Eden checks in with the ongoing Adachi and Shimamura manga journey. Volume 8 features a flash-forward to adulthood and two momentous forehead kisses.- Gaming fatigue takes center stage as Eden recounts failed attempts to get into Sunhaven, Paradise Killer, and even the stylish-but-demanding Shenmue. Nothing sticks.- Eden shares a new afternoon ritual: practicing Gong Fu tea ceremonies. A color-changing fox teapet becomes a symbol of small joys amid burnout.- Music talk includes Pelican's new album, which fell flat in comparison to a recent live show from Russian Circles, with Pelican being described as "bargain-basement Russian Circles."- Peter introduces Bleed's debut album, which feels like a time capsule from the early 2000s alt-rock scene. It's not groundbreaking, but the nostalgia hits just right.- Avowed patch 1.4 discussion highlights fun new features: spiders replaced with spheres, better loot drops, and the return of everyone's favorite character, the raunchy and hilarious Yatzli.- Main topic: What Remains of Edith Finch. Peter and Eden break down their impressions of the game: - It's emotionally heavy, occasionally to a fault. - Some vignettes (like Lewis's cannery sequence and Barbara's horror comic) are standout. - Others, like Molly's transformation or Gregory's bathtub scene, fall flat or feel manipulative. - Both hosts agree it's visually and structurally ambitious, but uneven. - Eden calls it the "death knell" of the walking simulator genre.- Final thoughts reflect on the evolution of indie storytelling and how walking sims have largely given way to more interactive, mechanic-rich narratives.- The episode wraps with a discussion of the flawed 7-to-9 scoring scale used in video game reviews and how many games get overhyped despite major issues.

Show Notes:- Spiritbox concert recap: Peter attended a standout show in Salt Lake City, noting the energy, mixed-gender crowd, and explosive live performance that solidifies Spiritbox's rising status in metal.- Graduation celebrations: Aubrey graduated from the University of Utah; Peter recounts the efficient ceremony and celebratory Rodizio Grill outing.- TTRPG return: Peter is back to GMing, running Keys from the Golden Vault for his old group, reflecting on the prep and joy of returning to the table.Reading updates:- Peter: The Artist's Way to rekindle creative energy.- Eden: Finished volume 6 of Adachi and Shimamura, started reading Late Bloomer (romantic, flower-farm drama with "sexy conflict").Other updates:- Free Comic Book Day: Eden helped run the busiest, most successful FCBD at the comic shop yet, featuring coffee, custom buttons, and signings by Phil Hester and Eric Gapster.- Infinity Nikki patch 1.5 chaos: Eden breaks down the game's disastrous update—retcons, glitches, co-op flops, disappearing currency, and a literal girlcott.- Girls Frontline 2: Exilium: Eden praises the writing in this tactical gacha game while lamenting its horny robot girl aesthetic.Marvel's Thunderbolts* (spoiler-free and spoiler-filled discussion):- Florence Pugh carries the film with emotional depth.- Emphasis on connection and community over brute force.- The ending subverts typical MCU punch-fests.- Surprises and smart character arcs elevate it above recent Marvel fare.2003's Hulk retrospective:- Hulk as a metaphor for trauma and abuse—possibly the most emotionally resonant portrayal of the character.- Praise for Jennifer Connelly and Sam Elliott.- Visual style mixing comic book panels and split screens—ambitious if inconsistent.- Talbot's goofy subplot and memorable death scene.- Mixed feelings on the CGI Hulk's look but appreciation for its bold emotional scope.Pop Culture Quick Hits:- Jeremy Renner's lowball pay offer and the uncertain future of Hawkeye Season 2.- Reactions to the Murderbot trailer and miscasting concerns.- Hype (and tempered expectations) for Fantastic Four and the future of the MCU.Join us in another two weeks for more great pop-culture discussion and exploration. Reach out at feedback@themiddleofculture.com and we'll see you then!

What We've Been Up ToPeter's Update: - Recovering from a cold - Saw his wife Elissa perform as Mary Poppins in local theater - Unable to watch planned content like Andor and Daredevil Born Again - Finished playing Avowed, started Eternal Strands but finding limited character progression - Considering returning to Dragon Age: The Veilguard and excited about Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion RemasteredEden's Update: - Preparing for Free Comic Book Day at their comic shop - Working with local artists Phil Hester and Eric Gapster who will be signing - Special coffee brew called "Daydreams" and beer samples planned for the event - Recently visited House on the Rock in Wisconsin, describing it as a fascinating collection of oddities created by an eccentric collectorGaming Corner- Peter discusses his frustrations with Eternal Strands' limited character progression despite enjoying the gameplay- Eden is playing Claire Obscure Expedition 33, describing it as "Super Mario RPG's combat with very slick French production value"- Both agree Oblivion is worth revisiting, with Eden calling it "the best Elder Scrolls game"- Discussion of Oblivion's unique development quirks, including voice actors recording lines alphabetically rather than by sceneMusic Highlights- Peter recommends several new metal releases: - Dormant Ordeal - Tooth and Nail - Kardashev - Alunea - Tribunal - In Penitence and Ruin - Conan - Violence Dimension - Structure - HeritageBracket Tournament: Disney vs. Marvel vs. Star Wars vs. Muppets- We conduct a bracket tournament comparing properties from these four franchises- Notable matchups include The Incredibles vs. Muppet Christmas Carol and Iron Man vs. The Great Muppet Caper- The Muppet Christmas Carol ultimately emerges as the champion- Discussion of what makes the Muppet movies so special, particularly Michael Caine's serious performance alongside MuppetsComing Up Next- In two weeks: Special episode reviewing Ang Lee's Hulk (2003) starring Eric Bana- Peter has never seen it, while Eden maintains it's "still the best version of the Hulk"

📝 Episode Notes🎮 Main Topic: RPG Mechanics We Love (and Why Avowed Stands Out)- The hosts highlight key RPG mechanics that elevate the player experience: - Maps that matter: Clarity, verticality, and incentivized exploration. - Visible resources on mini-maps: Encourages environmental interaction and rewards curiosity. - Streamlined crafting: Especially for those who don't usually like crafting--Avowed's system is intuitive and meaningful. - Sound cues for treasures: Smart audio design reinforces exploration loops. - Pre-battle preparation: Crafting buffs (health, essence, stat boosts) that have meaningful impacts on both combat and conversations. - Flexible combat builds: No locked classes; dual loadouts and hybrid builds let players constantly evolve. - Quick-access radial menu: A smart, snappy way to deploy consumables mid-fight without breaking immersion.🧠 What Makes an RPG Great (Beyond Avowed)- Good maps that invite exploration, not just wayfinding.- Meaningful character backgrounds that influence narrative and world reactions.- Strong writing: doesn't need to be literary, but must be compelling and well-structured.- Characters and companions that enrich the story and provide emotional depth.- Combat and game mechanics that are fun to play, not just functional.🧨 Spoiler Section: Choices in Avowed- Peter and Eden both freed Sapadal, embraced the godlike heritage, and set the Living Lands free.- Differences in choices led to varied narrative outcomes: one preserved a city, the other unknowingly let it burn.- The third-act "Obsidian moral choice" delivers hard-hitting emotional consequences.- The endgame allows for meaningful reflection on godhood, revolution, and rebirth.📚 What We're Reading & Watching- Adachi and Shimamura -- A slow-burn light novel with standout prose.- Jamis Bachman, Ghost Hunter -- Paranormal mystery in small-town Utah.- Andor Rewatch -- A deep dive into the thematic richness of the heist arc.🎧 Recent Metal Discoveries- Deafheaven -- Lonely People with Power: A return to form, potentially surpassing Sunbather.- Amenra -- With Fang and Claw & De Toorn: Two EPs showcasing both their brutal and post-metal sides.- Allegaeon -- The Ossuary Lens: Tech-death meets progressive emotion; Peter's album of the year (so far).

Catching Up:• Peter shares a laid-back spring break filled with Avowed, a vasectomy, and home recovery. He praises the game's gray morality and engaging writing.• Eden talks about buying a Boox Palma (a minimalist e-reader) to curb phone addiction, reading five books in a week, and recommends the Practice Perfect romance series by Carson Tate.Tech Dalliances:• Both hosts talk about recent tech indulgences.• Eden raves about the Boox Palma as a life-improving gadget for focused reading.• Peter details his journey with the Ayn Odin 2 Portal, a handheld Android gaming device. His dream of retro emulation quickly becomes a nightmare of BIOS files and sideloading drama.• The takeaway? Sometimes it's better to just play your modern Steam backlog.Comics Corner:• Eden shares thoughts on DC's new Absolute line and its reimaginings of classic characters:• Absolute Wonder Woman is a standout.• Absolute Batman explores a working-class Bruce Wayne.• Absolute Martian Manhunter earns high praise for reinventing a character Eden never cared about.• A rant about Hush 2 and a Harley Quinn scratch-and-sniff fart fetish comic provides comic book industry absurdity.Main Topic -- Andor Episodes 1-3:Peter's First Watch:• Came in skeptical due to Star Wars burnout.• Found episode one a bit slow, episode two better, and episode three "hooked" him.• Admits it's the most he's enjoyed Star Wars since Return of the Jedi--possibly ever.Themes and Analysis:• Andor is a serious, adult take on Star Wars, unafraid to depict the empire as a metaphor for real-world fascism and police brutality.• The show avoids nostalgic gimmicks and "wink-wink" references in favor of grounded storytelling and rich characterization.Setting Praise:• Ferix, Cassian's home, is a fully realized working-class world with its own culture, social code, and resistance instincts.• The show's commitment to practical sets over digital environments makes it visually compelling.Character Deep Dives:• Cassian Andor's backstory reveals a lifetime of loss and injustice, priming him for future rebellion.• Marva's complex relationship with Cassian is explored through strong performances and layered writing.• Syril Karn is identified as a perfect example of authoritarian overreach--ambitious, small-minded, and terrifyingly familiar.Visual & Directorial Highlights:• Directed by Toby Haynes, the series is praised for its cinematography, lighting, and gripping action sequences.• The bell ringer, glove wall, and "droid that is stairs" moments are noted as the kind of world-building Star Wars does best.Looking Ahead:• Eden hints that the upcoming arcs in Andor get even better.• Season 2 will follow a similar structure: four arcs of three episodes, each set a year apart leading up to Rogue One.Closing Thoughts:• Peter is intrigued and excited to continue.• The hosts tease more Andor discussions ahead and wrap up with their usual mix of sarcasm, cultural critique, and sincere enthusiasm.

Welcome back!• Peter and Eden catch up on life, touching on:• Why modern society feels like a "hellscape."• Eden's unique take on a book club (it's really just a reason to meet at a bar and talk about books).• A foray into Bad Movie Bros, a community dedicated to watching and laughing at terrible films.• Highlights from their recent March Badness-- including absurd movies like The Core and the utterly bizarre 1980 film The Apple.Cultural Tangents & Side Discussions• The joys of intentionally bad movies and their ability to bring people together.• The absolute madness of The Apple, a musical disaster that features a literal rapture via a spectral Buick.• Eden's ongoing quest to master Riichi Mahjong-- and the realization that half of the players in Mahjong Soul are either total newbies or unbeatable experts.• Peter's thoughts on Wind and Truth by Brandon Sanderson and the daunting length of his books.• Tsunami Sea by Spiritbox and why Peter thinks they are the next big thing in metal.• Bioluminescence by Dawn of Ouroboros, blending prog, death, and jazz influences.• A surprising deep dive into Poppy, a genre-defying artist oscillating between pop, metal, and chaos.Main Segment: Desert Island Albums• How We Chose: Instead of just picking favorites, Peter and Eden each framed our choices as "Which five albums would I be most sad to never hear again?"• No Live Albums or Compilations Allowed!Our Picks:• Eden's Five:1. Koyaanisqatsi (Philip Glass) -- The haunting neoclassical score from the experimental documentary.2. Systems/Layers (Rachel's) -- A genre-defying, deeply personal post-classical album.3. F# A# ∞ (Godspeed You! Black Emperor) -- A post-rock masterpiece of apocalyptic soundscapes.4. The Harp of New Albion (Terry Riley) -- Experimental piano music with a tuning that bends reality.5. Promises (Pharoah Sanders & Floating Points) -- A jazz masterpiece that Eden describes as the finest piece of jazz music ever recorded.• Peter's Five:1. Through Silver and Blood (Neurosis) -- An impenetrable wall of sound and raw emotion.2. Terrasite (Cattle Decapitation) -- A brutal yet oddly cathartic death metal record.3. Slow Forever (Cobalt) -- A riff-heavy American black metal album that never gets old.4. Dreaming Neon Black (Nevermore) -- A concept album of insanity, grief, and power.5. Folium Limina (The Otolith) -- A haunting, violin-infused post-doom album that Peter has written three books to.Honorable Mentions:• Rush's Permanent Waves and Moving Pictures (though both hosts realized they could mentally replay these albums in full without ever hearing them again).• Mariner by Cult of Luna & Julie Christmas.• Catharsis by YOB.• Chopin's Opus 28 Preludes, specifically Amy Kobayashi's recording.Final Thoughts• Reflecting on how music shapes personal identity and memory.• The joy of rediscovering albums that remain impactful years later.• Eden's experience revisiting The Harp of New Albion and realizing its timeless brilliance.• Peter's increasing excitement for The Otolith and the music that fuels creativity.Thanks for listening and join us in two weeks for another fun episode!

Life Updates & Gaming AdventuresThe February blues hit hard as we commiserate about adulting struggles, work deadlines, and the never-ending battle against muddy paw printsEden champions Obsidian's Avowed as a triumph of weird fantasy and complex moral choices that puts other RPGs on noticePeter confesses he hasn't fallen under Avowed's spell yet but is intrigued by Eden's passionate defense of its uniquenessMusical JourneysPeter takes us into the melancholic melodies of Dawn of Solace and the powerful vocal performances in Lacuna Coil's latest releasesEden surprises everyone (including themselves) with an unexpected deep dive into 1960s Brazilian samba, featuring hidden gems from Tenorio Jr. and the Salambanso TrioLiterary ExplorationsEden savors the sweet cultural journey of A Bánh Mì for Two while struggling through the deliberately paced Cold War classic The Spy Who Came in from the ColdPeter connects the dots between Le Carré and Nick Harkaway's The Gone Away World, revealing literary legacies hiding in plain sight, and assures everyone he will, eventually, start Wind and TruthFeatured Topic: Akane Banashi - Where Tradition Meets AmbitionWe unpack the first three volumes of this captivating manga about Rakugo, the centuries-old Japanese art of storytelling. Akane Banashi masterfully transforms this traditional art form into a compelling underdog narrative with:The perfect blend of reverence for tradition and the fire of youthful ambitionCompetition that feels both high-stakes and surprisingly cozyCharacters who demonstrate that truly owning a story means finding your authentic voice within itA fascinating peek into an art form that feels both foreign and surprisingly universalTune in as Peter shares his perspective as a manga newcomer, and we both explore why this series about sitting alone on stage telling stories has us completely hooked!

Welcome back to another exciting episode of The Middle of Culture! Your hosts, Peter and Eden, are here to dive into the world of pop culture, sci-fi, and everything in between. This week, we’re braving the cold and tackling a highly recommended novella that’s been on our TBR list for far too long.What we are checking out:Peter has been diving into some serious reading, tackling "The Lost Metal" from the Mistborn series and a nonfiction book on philosophyEden has been exploring new manga and video games, including finishing "Nichijou" and starting "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle"A deep dive into "Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes," a spiritual successor to the beloved Suikoden series, and its stunning HD 2D graphicsAll Systems RedWe both share our initial thoughts on "All Systems Red," agreeing that it’s an enjoyable read but not necessarily a mind-blowing oneDiscussion on the book’s cozy sci-fi reputation and appeal to fans of softer, quieter mediaWe dive into the book’s exploration of personhood, autonomy, and the dehumanization of cyborgs and AIEden brings up the interesting dynamic between Murderbot and the augmented human, and the implications of respectability politicBoth hosts express curiosity about the broader sociopolitical context of the series and the motivations of the antagonistic groupSpeculation on how the TV adaptation will handle the casting and portrayal of Murderbot, especially regarding its degendered identity.Wrap-Up:Thank you for joining us on this journey through "All Systems Red." We hope you enjoyed our discussion and are as excited as we are to see how the Murderbot Diaries will be brought to life on screen. Stay tuned for our next episode, and as always, take care of yourselves!

Welcome back to The Middle of Culture. This week, we take a deep dive into the state of entertainment in 2025. From the bleak outlook of upcoming movies and TV to the rare gems in music and video games, we break down what we’re anticipating with excitement and what we’re bracing for in disappointment.Movies and TVMission Impossible: The Final Reckoning -- The only movie Peter is planning to see opening weekendSuperman: Legacy and Fantastic Four -- Will DC's latest reboot succeed? Will Marvel recover?Disney's live-action remakes (Lilo and Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon) -- Do we really need these?Just how bad will Tron: Ares suck, and why is it all going to be Jared Leto's fault?Daredevil Born Again -- The trailer has some promise, but will it deliver?GQuuuuuuX -- A bizarre Gundam reimagining that might be brilliant or a disasterGamingAvowed -- Will Obsidian continue its strong storytelling streak?Doom: The Dark Ages -- Medieval DOOM? Yes, pleaseClaro Obscure Expedition 33 -- A turn-based RPG with an eerie, unique premiseNintendo Switch 2 -- Worth it or just another console collecting dust?MusicNew albums from Spiritbox, Lacuna Coil, Testament, Mastodon, and moreThe resurgence of Rebecca Black as a hyper-pop queenPlus:Eden's latest manga obsession Nichijou, weird food adventures, and why TikTok's vibes are now offThe increasing difficulty of finding things to truly look forward to in today's entertainment landscapeJoin us for a candid, sometimes cynical, but always insightful look at what's ahead for pop culture in 2025.

This Week on "The Middle of Culture": Return to The Matrix!Twenty years after Neo and Trinity's supposed final chapter, we're diving deep into 2021's surprise sequel "The Matrix Resurrections." After weeks of defending the oft-maligned sequels, we're here to ask: Does this unexpected return stick the landing? (Spoiler: We might have some hot takes that'll surprise you!)🎮 What We're Into:- Eden's getting existential with the haunting manga "Girls' Last Tour" and battling through the God Eater series (even if the games aren't exactly masterpieces)- Peter's finally ready to tackle Brandon Sanderson's "The Lost Metal" after refreshing his Mistborn knowledge- Eden's still charmed by Andy Griffith's legal adventures in Matlock- Peter's headbanging to new releases from The Halo Effect (nostalgic Gothenburg melodeath goodness) and Obscure Sphinx's first music in 7 years!🎬 Matrix Resurrections Deep Dive:- Why did Lana Wachowski return to The Matrix without her sister Lily?- The fascinating meta-commentary on modern blockbusters (and why some "messy" moments might be intentionally so)- Neo and Trinity's reunion: How their chemistry still lights up the screen- Where does this fall in our Matrix rankings? (The answer might surprise you!)Whether you loved it, hated it, or haven't seen it yet, our discussion might change how you view this ambitious return to the franchise that changed action movies forever.Got thoughts? We'd love to hear them! Drop us a line at feedback@themiddleofculture.comSee you in two weeks, when we'll have more culture to dissect right from the middle! 🎙️