Supercontext: an autopsy of media

PJ Harvey's latest album is her interpretation of the ironies of war. So why are Washington D.C. politicians criticizing it? And how did its production in a public setting contribute to Harvey's overall artistic project? iTunes direct link Google Play direct link Additional Resources: HOPE VI "I gave a famous rock star a windshield tour of D.C. — and didn't know who she was" PJ Harvey: Recording i...

Why didn't the dark Marvel superhero Netflix series "Jessica Jones" live up to our expectations? We look at the intersection of corporate entertainment, feminism and creativity to find out. Along the way we uncover the creepy secret of how your binge watching is being tracked by telephone surveillance.

Every year science fiction writer and futurist Bruce Sterling gives a "state of the world" presentation at SXSW Interactive. We consider his remarks from this year and what they mean for politics, social media and surveillance. iTunes direct link Google Play direct link Additional Resources: WATCH Bruce Sterling's SXSW 2016 Closing Remarks LISTEN to Bruce Sterling's SXSW 2016 Closing Remarks Maste...

We go to the vault in this episode, pulling out our take on True Detective's second season. Is "it all" Nic Pizzolatto? And if so, do both the blame and accolades lay at his feet? iTunes direct link Google Play direct link

While talking about the dark fantasy comic "Locke and Key," we get drawn into the complicated media world surrounding adaptations and monetization. Are comics the best engine for creative, collaborative storytelling? We look at Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez's partnership to find out. iTunes direct link Google Play direct link Additional Resources Gabriel Rodriguez reflects on "Locke and Key"  Abo...

Looking back on the television series HANNIBAL, we're enamored with its attention to detail. But how did this gruesome slash fiction make its way to network television? Charlie thinks it's because this is a "wet" show. Christian thinks it's Bryan Fuller performing a miracle. iTunes direct link Google Play direct link Additional Resources Gaumont International TV CEO Katie O'Connell Marsh on Fate o...

In anticipation of the Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds album "Skeleton Tree" and its accompanying documentary "One More Time With Feeling," we discuss the tragedy of losing a child and its effect on art, performance and persona.  iTunes direct link Google Play direct link Additional Resources The Unbearable Lightness of Being Nick Cave I Am the Real Nick Cave

The 2015 Hugo Awards showed us what happens when science fiction/fantasy fandom turns on itself. A year later we look back at the arguments and manipulations of all the parties involved: Sad Puppies, Rabid Puppies and everyone else. Given how similar this controversy's rhetoric is to the 2016 presidential election, should we look at cultural moments like this as predictors of larger issues in soci...

Charlie and Christian examine DC Comics' latest attempt to reinvent their publishing line. Is it really about defeating despair with hope, as writer/executive Geoff Johns has said? And is this friendly to new readers? We also look at the ethical implications of using characters from "Watchmen" in an attempt to create a shared universe with an emotionally compelling narrative. iTunes direct link Go...

Looking back on the Batman film "The Dark Knight," does it stand for anything? Or does it simply soak up whatever morals we bring to it? Christopher Nolan's intentions remain mysterious, but we do our best to figure them out.   iTunes direct link Google Play direct link Additional Resources JOHNSON, V. (2014). 'It's What You Do that Defines You:' Christopher Nolan's Batman as Moral Philosopher. Jo...

The Elmore Leonard character "Raylan Givens" from JUSTIFIED speaks to Charlie and Christian. For some reason he makes us feel safe and in control. Is he a barometer for the current state of America? iTunes direct link Google Play direct link Additional Resources: The Gunslinging Wit of Raylan Givens The Justified Cast on Raylan Givens, Son of a Bitch

In an unusually giddy, slaphappy episode, Charlie & Christian try to understand how Game of Thrones' sixth season was made. When does an adaptation stop being an adaptation? What happens when it passes -- and surpasses -- its source material? n an unusually giddy, slaphappy episode, Charlie & Christian try to understand how Game of Thrones' sixth season was made. When does an adaptation stop being...

Is media better when its creators have total control? We look at the first volume of SAGA and explore issues of ownership, censorship and salesmanship with this near perfect comic book. iTunes direct link Google Play direct link Additional Resources 'Saga': Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples Bring a Stellar Sci-Fi Comic Into the World [Interview]   INTERVIEW: Brian K. Vaughan on the first SAGA col...

  Quentin Tarantino's either an idiot savant or a savvy businessman with his latest film The Hateful Eight. So we cover script leaks, film stock, Black Lives Matter protests, police boycotts and much more about the making of this film to figure out why it's so damn compelling.   Quentin Tarantino's either an idiot savant or a savvy businessman with his latest film The Hateful Eight. So we cover sc...

  Are Radiohead the most accomplished "art rock" band of the early twenty-first century, as the Encyclopedia Britannica claims? Or are they savvy businessmen who've brilliantly marketed themselves for 20 years? Can they be both? In the title fight for Charlie's musical identity, Thom Yorke comes out swinging with every ounce of nihilistic ennui at his command.  iTunes direct link Google Play direc...

"G.G. Allin could have been a Flannery O'Connor character." Charlie & Chris discuss the murderous short story "A Good Man Is Hard To Find" and the difference between an author's intent and a reader's response. Why isn't this considered a horror story? And is it punk rock? iTunes Direct Link Google Play Direct Link Additional Resources: Flannery O'Connor Reads "A Good Man Is Hard to Find" (1959) Fl...

What happens when you bring together Maria Bamford, the creator of Arrested Development, and a writer for South Park? You get a brilliant new comedy celebrating mental illness and pugs on Netflix.  iTunes Direct Link Google Play Direct Link Additional Resources: Why Maria Bamford's 'Lady Dynamite' is 2016's Must-See TV Show Maria Bamford's Netflix Series Doesn't Measure Up to Maria Bamford The Wei...

Does entertainment have a responsibility to historical accuracy? Christian & Charlie tackle a film about a book written by David Lipsky about an article that was never published about writer David Foster Wallace. We struggle with how to consume media when you object to the portrayal of a real-life subject you may have identified with. Additional Resources: David Foster Wallace's family object to b...

Alan Moore and Jacen Burrows' horror graphic novel NEONOMICON is explicit, graphically violent, and filled with rape scenes. But is there something more to this award-winning HP Lovecraft homage/critique? And should it be banned from libraries? iTunes direct link Google Play direct link Additional Material: CBLDF Case Study: Neonomicon The Horror of Rape: Alan Moore, Lovecraft, and Neonomicon The...

"It's important to have a spirit animal who's an actual person," is this episode's pull quote. We discuss the making of Iggy Pop's album "The Idiot," David Bowie's role in its production, and how narratives can change music listening experiences. Google Play direct link iTunes direct link

Why do we watch trashy television? And why was FOX's The Following something we watched as much as we did even though we thought it was terrible? Additional Material: "The Fright Stuff: In the wake of 'The Walking Dead' juggernaut and the 'Sleepy Hollow' surprise, much more horror is in store" Actors May Appear Smaller Than They Are. (2012). Back Stage (19305966), 53(42), 16. "Serial Thriller" Dir...

Chris and Charlie struggle with their history with, and love for, Steve Albini, and their desire to be decent people. Can music with lyrics hostile toward women be feminist?   Additional Material: Steve Albini talks to LISTEN: "I try to be an ally in feminism" Her, She Can Go Quietly: On Steve Albini's Ally Status Shellac "You Came In Me"

SPECTRE! What can we explain about the 24th James Bond movie? We discuss how it was produced, how it was written, where the money came from, and the nonsensical story. Additional Material: Draft script for James Bond film Spectre leaked in Sony hack The Secrets Of SPECTRE's Jaguar C-X75s Latest Bond adventure Spectre sets record for Largest film stunt explosion ever - watch incredible clip 'Spectr...

In the first episode of Supercontext, Charlie and Christian perform an autopsy on the medium of podcasting. How has it changed over the years and where is it heading? And what's up with the attention it's suddenly receiving from corporations?