Criticism is dead
In an oversaturated market full of prequels, sequels, remakes, Marvel, and spinoffs, everything is either a "flop" or "omg this is the best thing out there".
In this climate, the hosts of the "Criticism is Dead" podcast Jenny and Pelin took a more nuanced approach to talk about our favorite media.
During a typical 50-minute episode the hosts will talk about 2 movies or TV shows and what makes them unique in the current cultural zeitgeist.
When I first listened to their episodes I first expected something very technical given the host's backgrounds in writing, criticism, and producing. In reality, I found witty and insightful conversations about films and other media they are based on. Every time I tuned in I found myself nodding during the episode. Whether it's the questionable casting choices of the lead or how the ethics of true crime stories are left unchecked during the adaptation process.
Caution: if you don't like spoilers, then approach this podcast when you already watched the films.
"House of the Dragon" vs"Rings of Power" episode talked about the spot the "Game of Thrones" and "Lord of the rings" held in the mind of current audiences, and how the shows managed to create something new and also attract the attention of existing fandoms. And while "Rings of Power" had a very clear-cut "good vs evil" story "House of the Dragon" on the other hand highlights the limitations of womanhood in Westeros. But at the same time, the show doesn't dwell on it too much. Rather, it spends time painting the picture of female rivalry for power.
"The show is putting aside they [Rhaenyra and Alicent] are women and shows what they ultimately want. Which is power"
The episode focused on the character development of the shows, the worldbuilding, and their connection to the existing media out there. Asking the vital question: as an audience are we still "in" the story when we know how it will end? In some cases *cough* Game of Thrones *cough* we don't like the ending. Or this is just another cash grab created by streaming services in the neverending race to justify their existence?
Another episode I recommend is Conversations With Friends, The Staircase, and Netflix woes.
As a fan of Rooney's writing myself, I found the discussion very relatable.
"Rooney's books are coming of age 2.0, which is the second half of your 20's. I feel like that's where she excels. What are the themes, what are you thinking about? What is your entire world essentially."
Tying in with the question of streaming services Jenny and Pelin also discussed the crumbling of Netflix that we witnessed this year. Was it a question of quality vs quantity, where HBO max wins the race? Or do audiences inevitably burn out with binging model Netflix introduced?
In the episode they fairly noted:
"Netflix is another tech company. Even though it dresses it up in entertainment and content. This is yet another Silicon Valley giant that is faltering like many of them and will continue to".