We Interrupt This Program
What do you get when you mix a family science scholar and a media researcher? Deep dives into the human and technical elements of film and television, silly! Join Ebony and Vern as they (lovingly) beat your favorite media to death with a microscope and interrupt the programming we all receive from the mythology of our modern era. But like, relatably! As academics we know that knowledge can be gatekept by its makers, and we want to take higher learning to more accessible places. We believe media literacy is not only a right but a responsibility and that people who are knowledgeable about family and relationship dynamics can be better friends, partners, neighbors, members of a society. We chose to use the most accessible texts in our culture (movies/tv) and empower people to become better versions of themselves.
Episodes
Summary
Ebony and Vern explore the film 'Tucker and Dale vs. Evil,' discussing its unique blend of comedy and horror, character dynamics, and the themes of miscommunication, identity, and perception. They delve into how the film plays with horror tropes, the significance of costuming, and the impact of prejudice and stereotypes. The discussion highlights the film's commentary on class and regionality, as well as the role of female c...
Vern Cooper and Ebony Williams delve into the film 'Sinners,' exploring its themes of colonialism, spirituality, and the cultural significance of music. They discuss the characters' coping mechanisms, the film's moral complexities, and the impact of historical context on contemporary narratives. The dialogue highlights the importance of cultural appropriation, allyship, and the dangers faced by Black individuals, while also drawing...
Vern and Ebony delve into the season finale of The Last of Us, exploring character dynamics, moral dilemmas, and the consequences of Ellie's actions. They discuss themes of parenthood, community, and the cyclical nature of violence, while reflecting on the emotional weight of the narrative and its implications for future seasons.
Takeaways
The finale explores deep character dynamics and development.
Ellie's journey is marked by signif...
Vern Cooper and Ebony Williams delve into the film 'Sinners' directed by Ryan Coogler, exploring its themes of representation, music, colonialism, and identity. They discuss the significance of the Great Migration, the portrayal of monsters as metaphors for societal issues, and the concept of 'sinners' as a reflection of ideological control. The dialogue also touches on the importance of body image and the complexities of liminalit...
Vern and Ebony delve into the emotional complexities of the characters in 'The Last of Us', particularly focusing on Joel and Ellie's relationship. They explore themes of generational trauma, the significance of birthdays, and the challenges of parenting in a post-apocalyptic world. The conversation highlights the characters' growth, the impact of their choices, and the nuances of love and sacrifice, culminating in a reflection on ...
In this episode review of 'The Last of Us', hosts Vern Cooper and Ebony Williams delve into the intricate character relationships, emotional stakes, and moral dilemmas faced by the characters. They explore the tension between Ellie and Dina, the impact of trauma on their lives, and the choices that lead to consequences. The discussion also highlights the action sequences, the nature of violence, and the cycle of revenge that permea...
Vern and Ebony reflect on their previous discussions about films, particularly focusing on 'Barbie' and 'Iron Claw.' They explore themes of masculinity, patriarchy, and representation in media, discussing how these films critique societal norms. The conversation delves into personal reflections on identity and the impact of media on their lives, as well as the importance of interruptions in film narratives. They also touch on the s...
In this episode of 'We Interrupt This Program,' hosts Ebony and Vern delve into the latest episode of 'The Last of Us,' exploring themes of psychic predictions, character dynamics, horror elements, childhood development, and the complexities of relationships. They analyze the technical aspects of filmmaking, the emotional depth of the characters, and the cultural reflections on identity, particularly bisexuality. The conversation h...
Vern Cooper and Ebony Williams delve into the themes of The Last of Us Season Two, exploring the significance of representation, the impact of grief and loss, and the complexities of character relationships. They discuss the polarized reactions from fans, the importance of community and leadership, and the ongoing exploration of morality and agency within the narrative. The conversation highlights the depth of character development...
Vern and Ebony delve into the themes and cultural implications of the Barbie movie. They explore its campy elements, the portrayal of masculinity and patriarchy, representation and tokenism, emotional depth, and the intersectionality highlighted in America Ferrera's speech. The discussion also touches on class representation through the character of Weird Barbie and the dynamics of identity and relationships between Barbie and Ken....
In this conversation, Vern and Ebony discuss the premiere of Season Two of 'The Last of Us,' exploring themes of storytelling, character development, violence, moral relativism, and the impact of trauma. They reflect on the dynamics between characters, the introduction of new threats, and the significance of queerness and therapy in the narrative. The discussion emphasizes the importance of trusting the story being told and the com...
In this conversation, Ebony Williams and Vern discuss the emotional impact of Season Two of The Last of Us, focusing on character development, themes of violence, grief, and the importance of community. They explore the complexities of forgiveness and the evolution of Ellie as a character, while also reflecting on the performances of Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey. The discussion emphasizes the significance of trust in storytelling ...
Unpublished ep from a year ago. Proof that we never stopped raving about The Last Of Us! And just in time for our regular review eps. Subscribe for Thursday's S2E1 review!
Ebony and Vern want you to know it's ok to have a fraught relationship with the media you consume. And it's possible to talk back while we still enjoy ourselves!
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