Episode 11 – The Witcher

Explicit content warning

01/16/20 • -1 min

On the latest episode of Culture Pulse we discuss Netflix’s The Witcher–a new series adapted from the book series of the same name by polish author Andrzej Sapkowski. Henry Cavill stars as Geralt of Rivia, the titular Witcher, a bounty hunter with exceptional strength and basic magical powers in the politically tumultuous fantasy world called The Continent. Also starring is Anya Chalotra as Yennefer, an ambitious sorceress and love interest for Geralt, and Freya Allan as Ciri, a royal member of the ruling family in Cintra one of the many kingdoms under threat by the theocratically fanatical Nilfgaardians. Your intrepid hosts James and Dane discuss our reactions to the show as well as the proliferation of fantasy in the post Game of Thrones television landscape.

https://archive.org/download/episode11thewitcher/Episode11_TheWitcher.mp3

https://archive.org/download/episode11thewitcher/Episode11_TheWitcher.mp3

Previous Episode

Episode 10 – The Mandalorian

Launching, Disney+, the new streaming service from cultural behemoth Disney, The Mandalorian is a miniseries in the star wars universe following a lone gunslinger type who wanders the galaxy hunting bounties for anyone willing to fork over the cash, no questions asked. When one of his bounties turns out to be a baby yoda-esque creature, The Mandalorian will confront his own difficult origins against the backdrop of a lawless universe fragmented by the destruction of the empire. Dane and James discuss the beginnings of the series, their thoughts on production quality, and where the series may go. We also dissect the Christmas ad released by Peleton.

https://archive.org/download/episode10mandalorian/Episode10_Mandalorian.mp3

Next Episode

Episode 12 – 2020 Movie Preview

Awards season has wrapped and with 2019 receding into the rearview, it’s time to take a look at the year ahead in film. On this episode of Culture Pulse we discuss our most anticipated movies from what looks to be a promising year at the multiplexes and, increasingly, in your living room. Several of our favorite auteur directors, including Charlie Kaufman, Wes Anderson, David Fincher, Spike Lee, Christopher Nolan, and Kelly Reichardt, are all releasing movies in 2020. The year ahead also brings major blockbuster releases including a new entry in the James Bond franchise, a Top Gun sequel, and the start to the next phase in the MCU with Black Widow and The Eternals. Join us for an animated discussion of an exciting year for the rapidly evolving film industry.

https://archive.org/download/episode122020moviepreview/Episode12_2020MoviePreview.mp3