notes

The Boys season one is the topic of this episode. We're joined by Chris Thames of Christopher Case Photography and we go through the plot of the series. Frank does some comparison with the comics as they go, and points out some of the many differences. They then talk about the themes: The idea of the self of the brand. Don't meet your heroes, including some celebrity encounters in the past. Using the admiration of individuals as a means of influence. There's a lot
to unpack here, and we even come close to covering everything we'd like to.

quotes

"Well you can't really keep track of all the blackmail in this show." -John
"Homelander is the corruption inherent to power." -John

meta plot

[Chris finds himself trapped in SuperHero City with Shadette and Ruger playing cards to pass the time. Frank and John show up to the rescue in their newly acquired UFO which Chris promptly takes to flee the city, them and the erstwhile pets]

credits

Episode 117: The Boys Season 1
Produced by: Relevant to Our Interests
Hosts: John R. Belliston and Frank Shaw
Guest Host: Chris Thames
Shadette voiced by John R. Belliston
Ruger voiced by Frank
Scripting by: Frank Shaw and John R. Belliston
Edited by: Frank Shaw
Graphic Design by: Nathan Newell and Frank Shaw
Intro Music: Morning Activities by F.G. Shaw
Outro Music: Morning Activities by F.G. Shaw
Christopher Case Photography on Facebook
Christopher Case Photography on Instagram

notes

3Below season 2 is tackled on this episode of the podcast. After going through the major plot points Frank and John dive into the themes and discuss how this series takes on the theme of sacrifice from the perspective of accepting others sacrifice. Then we get personal when we discuss about accepting your parents as mortal. Finally we touch on the theme of forgiveness and the process that it entails during the series with several of the characters. Then we talk some observations and contemplate the role several of the characters will play in the upcoming Wizards series before giving our final thoughts.  

quotes

"You only have the emotional response that the main characters have towards them" -Frank

"They don't just forgive him. You see the process of them forgiving him." - John

meta-plot:

[Frank and John find themselves on a UFO, where Frank discovers the ships food supply. Then they get a call from Shadette who is trapped in SuperHero City.]

credits

Episode 116: 3Below Season 3

Produced by: Relevant to Our Interests 

Hosts: John R. Belliston and Frank Shaw 

Scripting by: Frank Shaw and John R. Belliston

Edited by: Frank Shaw 

Graphic Design by: Nathan Newell and Frank Shaw 

Intro Music: Morning Activities by F.G. Shaw 

Outro Music: Morning Activities by F.G. Shaw

notes

John tears into the third season of Stranger Things, we touch on the plot points and the good and bad factors of each. Then we discuss themes, including the ordeal of change, the fear of the other and bullying. John goes over the problems he has with the characters of Hopper and Billy. Then it's observations: 80's action flick! There's a lot of problems to the tone and plotting that the Duffer's have to this genre, and John touches on several of them. For instance: how cliched the action plot is and how the quantification of the monster makes it less effective. Frank then brings up the issue of all the disappearances in the town of Hawkins that took place this season. John brings up two valid points: the nature and lopsidedness of Nancy and Charlie's discussion about class struggle versus the sexism that Nancy faces. And 2nd... the product placement! Finally, it's insane fan theories. Then they give their final thoughts on the season, and on the series, respectively.

quotes

"Yeah, it was shark-jumping action" -John

"He's a corrupt politician in an action film, gone by the way of snidely whiplash." - John

"Robin is everything that all of the people said Barb was." -John

Meta-plot

[Frank and John are trapped in a strange dimension and to pass the time they play Parks & Pugs. Fed up, John takes the balls away from Frank and uses them to transport them someplace else]

credits

Episode 115: Stranger Things 3 JHWYL

Produced by: Relevant to Our Interests 

Hosts: John R. Belliston and Frank Shaw 

Scripting by: Frank Shaw and John R. Belliston

Edited by: Frank Shaw 

Graphic Design by: Nathan Newell and Frank Shaw 

Intro Music: Morning Activities by F.G. Shaw 

Outro Music: Morning Activities by F.G. Shaw

notes

Transformers Prime is wrapped up this episode when we discuss Transformers Prime Predacons Rising. We go over the plot. Talk about character arcs for Megatron and Optimus Prime, we touch on the thematic ideas of the film. And then go over the concept of losing the suspension of disbelief. We also talk about the nature of the Predacons and their animalistic inclinations. John also touches on his thoughts about Bumblebee's story arc in the film.  before wrapping up with our final thoughts on this short film, and the series as a whole. 

quotes

"This is a goal no longer worth pursuing. it's not fun anymore." -John

meta plot

[After much searching Frank finally finds his key-chain. He then uses the newly discovered Space-Ball, and the Reality Ball to transport John and himself someplace... nefarious.]

credits

Episode 114: Transformers Prime Epilogue

Produced by: Relevant to Our Interests 

Hosts: John R. Belliston and Frank Shaw 

Scripting by: Frank Shaw and John R. Belliston

Edited by: Frank Shaw 

Graphic Design by: Nathan Newell and Frank Shaw 

Intro Music: Morning Activities by F.G. Shaw 

Outro Music: Morning Activities by F.G. Shaw

notes

Transformers Prime Season 3! We discuss the final episode of this animated series. We talk about the major plot points of the season: The regrouping of the autobots, the return of Ultra Magnus and Shockwave, and the creation of Predaking.  In addition, we talk about the pursuit of Predacon bones run away technology, the final story arc: the rebuilding of the Omega Lock and the creation of the raw substance of Cybertron and the final confrontation between the Autobots and the Decepticons. 

Themes are explored. We talk about the runaway technology of the synthetic energon and the disastrous results Knockouts initial experimentation with it. We also talk about Megatron's realization that the cloning of the Predacons may not work as he originally plans. Ultra Magnus and Wheeljack come to terms with the changes in their life. Wheeljack has to accept the fact that the Wreckers will never be what they were before and that it's time to move on. Ultra Magnus must come to terms with the idea that the military structure he'd been accustomed to is no longer viable and that the Autobots have created a family structure.  We then have a conversation about the nature of Shockwave before giving our favorite episodes and our final thoughts. 

quotes

"He's doing the scientific equivalent of just throwing darts at him." - John

"You learn by accepting these people that you can get more out of them, that you can really change things and move forward with them." -John

Metaplot

[Frank and John finally get the Space Ball, but at the cost of Franks robot car. Just when they are about to leave, Frank goes back to look for his key-chain.]

credits

Episode 113: Transformers Prime Three

Produced by: Relevant to Our Interests 

Hosts: John R. Belliston and Frank Shaw 

Scripting by: Frank Shaw and John R. Belliston

Edited by: Frank Shaw 

Graphic Design by: Nathan Newell and Frank Shaw 

Intro Music: Morning Activities by F.G. Shaw 

Outro Music: Morning Activities by F.G. Shaw

notes:

Transformers Prime Season Two: We dive right into the second season of Transformers Prime. We start off with the major plot points (as well as minor ones) including Optimus Prime losing his memory with the spark of leadership, and the decoding of the Iacon Archive and the pursuit of the scattered artifacts that it lists. For the more "minor plot points:" MECH is back and using info they gleam both from last season and this season to create their own transformer. We discuss Starscream losing the ability to transform and his entire story arc in general. And we talk about Airicnid falling out with Megatron and the Decepticons, and ultimately being captured by the Autobots. Then we go into a little more detail about the search for the last Iacon Artifcacts and the attempted revival of Cybertron. 

For themes Frank points out the Authoritarianism vs. Republicanism that is represented by the Decepticons and the Autobots respectively. The nature of destiny, and Smokescreen's (and Optimus Prime's) role is discussed next, then we wrap up the themes with a conversation about the neutrality of technology, and how the Iacon Artifacts portray that theme. Frank and John then talk about some observations they've had with the season, and Frank discusses his one big pet-peeve. 

We then wrap up with our final thoughts, and favorite episodes from the season. 

quotes:

-

Meta-plot

[John discovers the location of the Space Ball, and that the Robots have divided into two separate factions. Frank wants to hide, but John insists on moving forward. Using the Reality Ball, John turns Frank's care into a giant robot so they can move through the city to the warehouse the Space Ball is in.]

Credits

Episode 112: Transformers Prime Two

Produced by: Relevant to Our Interests 

Hosts: John R. Belliston and Frank Shaw 

Scripting by: Frank Shaw 

Edited by: Frank Shaw 

Graphic Design by: Nathan Newell and Frank Shaw 

Intro Music: Morning Activities by F.G. Shaw 

Outro Music: Morning Activities by F.G. Shaw

notes:

Transformers Prime season one is examined. John and Frank go through the major plot points: including what or who the Transformers are and their background. Who the major characters are, and the nature of their conflict on Earth. We also talk about the relationship the Autobots have with humans, including the terrorist organization MECH. Then we touch on the politics of the Decepticons including the nature of StarScream and Megatrons' relationship, and I recommend you check out this video from Lindsay Ellis on the character here. Here's the Cracked Article John mentions as well. We also talk about the different types of energon and how each shows up this in this first season and their importance to the plot. Then we go over Airachnid and her relationship with both the Autobots and Decepticons, And we wrap up the plot-points by discussing Unicron. 

Then it's a dive into themes: The freedom to choose, and the importance of choice is first talked about. The savior aspect of Optimus Prime and how this series subverts that idea with Megatron in the first season. We also talk about the idea of protecting the innocent, and how the show handles that idea. Frank gives out some observations and questions  that he has about the series. Then we give our final thoughts for the first season. 

quotes

"I wish every paladin would just be Optimus Prime." - john

"But like a better Jesus, cause he can turn into a truck. and laser gun hands." -John 

Meta-Plot

[Frank creates a car with the Reality Ball to drive him and John to Robot City. When they get there they discover that the robots have created giant versions of themselves to help protect the city from threats. Frank wants to abandon the search for the Space Ball, but John insists they look for it.]

Credits

Episode 111: Transformers Prime One

Produced by: Relevant to Our Interests

Hosts: John R. Belliston and Frank Shaw

Scripting by: Frank Shaw

Edited by: Frank Shaw 

Graphic Design by: Nathan Newell and Frank Shaw

Intro Music: Morning Activities by F.G. Shaw

Outro Music: Morning Activities by F.G. Shaw

notes

Spider-Man: Far From Home! To start with we discuss "Life to the Fullest: A Benefit Concert for Annie Burdzy" that is taking place on July 20th at Ogden Highschool in Ogden Utah. We encourage everyone who can to check it out.  Annie's an amazing person and could use your support. Read about Annie here! And check out the auction and website here!

Then it's on to Spider-man: Far From Home. It's plot points first: Frank goes over the plot points: we touch on how the movie treats those affected by the "blip". The treatment of Mysterio, and where all the other heroes might be, and our thoughts on MJ in this Spider-Man continuity. We also discuss our thoughts about the mid and post credit scenes. 

We then go into themes: The most obvious one being of course "With great power comes great responsibility." Most exemplified by the EDITH glasses Peter is given early in the film. There's also the idea that you don't have to become those that preceded you. And my favorite, don't mistreat your employees.

Finally it's observations and theories. John talks about how this film book ends quite nicely with the original Iron Man film. Frank talks about what he hopes is coming down the road for the next Spider-Man film. Then we give our final thoughts. 

Quotes:

"But I think this version of MJ, is a better version than any other MJ." -John  

Meta-plot

[John and Frank return to Calculator City to find out it’s been destroyed by all the fighting monsters kangaroos and angels and demons. John endeavors to find Chuck Spiodermen CPA but soon discovers that the destruction is an illusion created by Frank to get him to move on from the city.]

Credits

Episode 110: Spider-Man Far From Home
Produced by: Relevant to Our Interests 
Hosts: John R. Belliston and Frank Shaw 
Scripting by: Frank Shaw 
Edited by: Frank Shaw 
Graphic Design by: Nathan Newell and Frank Shaw 
Intro Music: Morning Activities by F.G. Shaw 
Outro Music: Morning Activities by F.G. Shaw

Notes

Jessica Jones Final Season. To start with we give a shout out to the See You Next Tuesday podcast, who are doing a men's health episode soon, John gives us an update on his health, and it's good news! We then toss the idea of having Haydn from See You Next Tuesday on as a guest near the end of summer. 

As we go through the plot we talk about Jessica, and where she starts this season, as opposed to the beginning of last season. We also touch on Malcolm and Trish characters as well. We have some opposing perspectives on the characters this episode as we discuss the old and new characters introduced this season: Eric Gelden and Gregory Salinger, and give our thoughts on the villain this episode, and how he compares to the previous two seasons. 

After our discussion on plot and character we dive into the themes of the season: Starting with “the ends justify the means”, which is most apparent in Trish's story arc as well as Jeri's. Then it’s “You're never a villain in your own story”, which is also the crux of Trish's story arc this season. But the serial killer Salinger also doesn't consider himself a bad individual, despite the murders he's committed in the pursuit of "truth". Then we talk a little about how Jessica seems to perceive herself through out the season, and the series. Which brings us to the last thought on themes: “That you can't give yourself the label of hero, it's given to you by others, and then you have to live up to it”. 

John then elucidates his issues thoroughly about this season. Frank throws out some observations on the seasons treatment of LGBQT characters. Then Frank throws out some vain hope for the future on Disney+. Finally we wrap up with our final thoughts. 

Quotes

"This season, as much as I thought it was great, it's really, it's really shitty that this is where, where we end it." -John

"I'm kinda ok with her dying alone and unloved." -John

"In a lot of ways they are the most products of their time" -John

Meta-Plot

[Frank uses the reality ball to recreate SuperHero City, where all the residents constantly fight each other. They hide beneath the Big Bad Baddie Building where they discover, after a phone call with John's brothers dog, Wagner, that there's a tunnel that goes all the way to calculator city.]

Credits

Episode 109: Jessica Jones Final

Produced by: Relevant to Our Interests 

Hosts: John R. Belliston and Frank Shaw 

Scripting by: Frank Shaw 

Edited by: Frank Shaw 

Graphic Design by: Nathan Newell and Frank Shaw 

Intro Music: Morning Activities by F.G. Shaw 

Outro Music: Morning Activities by F.G. Shaw

Notes:

Video Games and Youtube!

First up Frank talks about the lack of horror movies recently where he lives in Utah, with both BrightBurn and Child's Play failing to play on any of the screens near him. We then talk about the recent petition to remove Good Omens from Netflix and the hilarious comments that both Amazon and Netflix gave in response. 

Then it’s video games! Frank gives a rambling response to his excitement about isometric RPG's being released on the consoles this fall. As well as several Action RPG’s and JRPG’s too. Frank then goes on about E3: He talks about the release dates for the Final Fantasy VII remake, as well as  current and upcoming releases for the Switch. Then we talk about the Switch port for The Witcher III and how we love having so many great ports on the go. John then talks about the indie games he's been playing on the Switch recently, while Frank suggests checking out Budget Gamer Youtube channels for indie game reviews. Frank then dives back into E3: including Nintendo's big announcement about the Breath of the Wild sequel. Then Frank talks briefly about the Xbox Scarlet and the next generation of consoles that will be coming out next year. 

John talks about the Youtube channel Hugo and Jake, a channel that roasts Christian films and Chick Tracts. John recommends any of their Halloween episodes or their series on Jordan  Peterson's book.

Then John talks about the Midsummer Night's Masquerade Ball that takes place Saturday night, June 29th (see the Anarchy Girls Facebook page for details. about the event). Finally Frank talks briefly about losing his dear dog Shasta. And then we talk about introducing the dog's in John's life into the meta-plot. 

We're skipping John's Bad Advice this week, but send us your questions for it to: relevant2rinterests@gmail.com 

Quotes:

"I think they should show up in every show, in the second season." - John on the "Funky-town Punks"

On the Meta-Plot:

[Frank finds the Reality Ball, and discovers that the Space Ball is back in Robot City. He and John resign themselves to walk back through the body strewn battlegrounds to the destroyed city and search for the 2nd ball of power.]

Credits

Episode 108: Video Games and Youtube
Produced by: Relevant to Our Interests
Hosts: John R. Belliston and Frank Shaw
Scripting by: Frank Shaw
Edited by: Frank Shaw
Graphic Design by: Nathan Newell and Frank Shaw
Intro Music: Morning Activities by F.G. Shaw
Outro Music: Morning Activities by F.G. Shaw