Temple of Geek Podcast Temple of Geek

Brace yourselves, Regency Romance fans! The Temple of Geek Podcast is dissecting the juicy first half of Bridgerton’s scandalous Season 3! Our hosts, Kari, Maria, and JJ, are sharing their thoughts on the season so far.

Bridgerton whisks us back to the opulent chaos of Regency London’s elite. Picture glittering ballrooms, aristocratic power struggles, and a web of social etiquette so intricate it would make your head spin. This season centers on the charismatic Bridgerton family, eight siblings determined to find love and navigate the treacherous marriage market.

Review: Bridgerton Season 3, Part 1

Fans of Bridgerton eagerly awaited the first four episodes of season 3, but the wait may not have been entirely worth it. Hosts Kari, Maria, and JJ shared their thoughts on the new season, and while there were glimpses of enjoyment, a feeling of disappointment prevailed.



This season, Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) is done pining over Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) after his cruel words last season. She craves independence from her overbearing family and hatches a plan to snag a husband. But with her confidence shattered, her attempts at finding a match are hilariously disastrous. Colin returns from his travels a changed man – swaggering and self-assured. But he’s shocked to find Penelope, the one person who always appreciated him, giving him the cold shoulder. Desperate to win back her friendship (and maybe a little more?), Colin offers to be Penelope’s confidence coach. Little does he know, his lessons might spark feelings he never expected.

JJ, a huge Bridgerton fan, expressed that the season fell short of the expectations set by the trailers. They felt the show sidelined the central romance between Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington in favor of focusing on numerous subplots. Additionally, the development of their relationship felt rushed, leaving JJ wanting more emotional build-up. Maria chimed in with a similar sentiment. She agreed that the pacing seemed off and attributed it to the unusual format of a split season. Believing the creative team needed to create a cliffhanger for the upcoming part 2, Maria felt this resulted in a rushed plot that sacrificed character development.

Too Many Cooks Spoil the Broth: The Case for Fewer Storylines

Kari echoed Maria’s point, emphasizing how there was an overwhelming number of storylines including:



Anthony‘s story (briefly mentioned)

The boxer and his wife, Juliana

Eloise and Cressida

Benedict and Lady Tilly

The Featheringtons (including Francesca’s surprise pregnancy)

Lady Violet and Lady Danbury’s potential romance

Penelope’s secret identity as Lady Whistledown

Colin and Penelope



Kari argued that eight storylines in just four episodes were excessive, especially since some received significant focus. They suggested the season needed more episodes to properly develop each plot without sacrificing the central romance.

The consequence of this overcrowded season, according to the hosts, was a feeling that Colin and Penelope felt like side characters in their own story. They argued that the fast pacing between them, combined with the numerous subplots, left no room for genuine character development or emotional build-up.

Double Trouble: Balancing Love, Friendship, and a Secret Identity

Penelope’s friendship with Eloise (Claudia Jessie) hits a snag as Eloise finds a surprising new confidante. As Penelope gains popularity in society, keeping her secret identity as the gossip queen, Lady Whistledown, becomes even trickier.

If you were at WonderCon you may have noticed a massive, spaceship booth. That incredible and elaborate booth belonged to the one and only S.G. Blaise, a fantasy author promoting her series The Last Lumenian. Well, we got the chance to sit down with her and talk about her writing process and a little bit about what is upcoming for her and the series. 

Interview with S.G. Blaise

S.G. Blaise is a prolific writer who started her writing journey with this idea in 2012. The Last Lumenian is S.G’s debut novel that she has turned into a long-running and loved series. In 2022 the novel won the CIBA Cygnus Award for Science Fiction and all 4 released books have over 4 stars on Goodreads. It is a well-loved series and fans are excited for the next installment.



The Last Lumenian Series

Taking inspiration from her childhood, and her dreams S.G. has crafted a 13-book series, with an in-depth companion series and a special, secret project currently being worked on. So if you are a reader who wants to know that the author has a plan for your favorite characters this is the perfect series to pick up. This special, secret project will be announced or at least hinted at, at San Diego Comic Con. 

The Last Lumenian has rich worldbuilding Blaise has put a lot of thought into crafting these characters and their world. The series may have an ending in mind but there is so much more to this story than just the main series and S.G. hopes that it will one day be a television series, movies, and maybe even a graphic novel. 



If you like strong female characters and well-developed villains, The Last Lumenian is the series for you. The fifth book will be released in December and you can find S.G. Blaise out and about at San Diego Comic Con this upcoming July. 

Looking to watch Boy Kills World but worried about spoilers? This review is for you! We’ll break down the basic plot and highlight some things to consider before you watch, without revealing any key details. By the end, we’ll also give you our recommendation on whether to see it in theaters, stream it at home, or skip it altogether.



Boy Kills World Basics

The film is directed by Moritz Mohr and written by the duo of Tyler Burton Smith and Arend Remmers. Sam Raimi, Roy Lee, and a team of producers including Simon Swart, Alex Lebovici, Stuart Manashil, Wayne Fitzjohn, Zainab Azizi, and Dan Kagan bring the project to life.

Bill Skarsgård stars as Boy, a character left orphaned, deaf, and voiceless after a brutal attack by Hilda Van Der Koy (played by Famke Janssen). Hilda is the ruthless leader of a corrupt dynasty that thrives in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Fueled by the voice of a video game character he internalized as a child, Boy seeks revenge. He trains with a mysterious shaman (Ruhian) to become a weapon of vengeance. Unleashed on the eve of a horrific annual purge, Boy unleashes his deadly martial arts skills, leaving a trail of carnage in his wake. Disoriented in this chaotic world, Boy encounters a desperate resistance group and grapples with the spirit of his rebellious little sister who seems to haunt him.

Trigger Warnings

Before we dive deeper, here are some things to keep in mind. The movie features intense violence. Throughout the podcast, we will discuss how it plays into the film later but be forewarned if you’re sensitive to graphic content. The martial arts are impressive but expect brutality with lots of blood and gore.

This movie also involves children, and some violence is directed towards them. It’s all part of the story, but we wanted to mention it in case you’re concerned about that kind of content.

A Unique Blend of Narration and Violence in Boy Kills World

While Boy Kills World boasts a star-studded cast, the lead character, played by Bill Skarsgård, is simply referred to as “Boy” and remains silent throughout. This is because he’s deaf and mute. However, the entire film is narrated by his inner monologue, delivered in a video game character voice by H. John Benjamin (of Bob’s Burgers and Archer fame).



Initially, some viewers might find this combination jarring, especially due to the inherent association of Benjamin’s voice with Bob’s Burgers. However, others argue that the narration choice perfectly complements the movie’s comic book style. As the film progresses, the voiceover becomes less distracting.

Both viewpoints converge when discussing how the narration and violence work together. The movie portrays over-the-top violence in a way that highlights its absurdity. The comedic narration complements this absurdity, creating a sometimes successful, but not always perfect, balance between humor and brutality.

Graphic Novel Aesthetic

This combination evokes a graphic novel aesthetic, making it clear that the movie doesn’t take itself too seriously. While violent, it’s not like John Wick, where the action is nonstop and realistic.

The movie depicts a fascist regime that maintains control through televised violence. Each year, they hold a spectacle where people are forced to fight to the death. This brutality is presented in a cartoonish, over-the-top way, making it easier for the audience to process the harsh themes.



The story follows a young man seeking revenge for his family’s murder at the hands of the ruling family. The violence throughout the film is so extreme that it becomes almost comical, highlighting the absurdity of real-world violence.

The boy sees visions of his sister, who acts as his conscience throughout his journey. Even though she’s not physically present,

Alyvia Alyn Lind and Jack Dylan Grazer, stars of the new Roku Original Series The Spiderwick Chronicles, talk about their characters and the show in an interview with Temple of Geek.

 Jack Dylan Grazer and Alyvia Alyn Lind discuss The Spiderwick Chronicles

The new Roku series, The Spiderwick Chronicles, brings the beloved book series to life again. The Grace family – mom Helen, twins Jared and Simon, and older daughter Mallory – move from Brooklyn to their Michigan family home, the Spiderwick Estate. There, Jared stumbles upon a boggart, proof of a magical world. Only his great-aunt Lucinda believes him. She pleads with Jared to find her father’s hidden field guide on magical creatures – to protect them from the evil ogre, Mulgarath.



Q&A with Alyvia and Jack

This interview offers a glimpse into the world of the new Spiderwick Chronicles series, Alyvia dives into the complexity of her character, who is dark but also rewarding. She talks about the quick turnaround from getting the role to filming and how exciting it was to explore the world of Spiderwick.

Jack discusses the fun of voicing a character like Simple Jack and how he finds inspiration in classic creature portrayals like Howie Mandel’s work in Little Monsters. They both express their excitement for fans to see the new show and the world of Spiderwick brought to life.

Nick (Temple of Geek): Congratulations on the new show! Alyvia, what was it like to play such a complex character in a dark world?

Alyvia: It was so much fun and rewarding! Even though there wasn’t much time between finding out about the role and filming, I loved reading the scripts. It felt like getting a new book in the series and discovering a whole new world with these characters. I also got to create the character from the ground up, which was both intimidating and exciting.

Nick (Temple of Geek): Jack, you’ve done voice acting before, but how was it being a creature like Thimbletack?

Jack: It was so much fun! Thimbletack is quick-witted and a bit sporadic, but also charismatic. I loved exploring the character and doing a puppet voice. It reminded me of classic creature portrayals like Howie Mandel voicing Gizmo in Gremlins.

Nick (Temple of Geek): But Thimbletack was also described as mischievous. Do you relate to that in any way?

Jack: (Laughs) Me? Is Thimbletack mischievous?

Alyvia: (Laughs) Apparently!

Jack: Well, it is mischievously mischievous… Is it mischievous or mischievous?

Alyvia: I’m told it’s spelled “mischievous.”

Nick (Temple of Geek): What was it like for both of you to be in this dark but magical world?

Alyvia: The world of Spiderwick is huge! I didn’t realize how big it was until I started reading the books and learning about the lore. There are so many fans who love it, and I became one of them too. Even if I wasn’t in the show, I’d be excited because it brings Spiderwick back to life with a whole new vision.

Nick (Temple of Geek): Is there anything in particular you’re excited for people to see?

Jack: The elation I feel playing this incredible character!

Alyvia: There are so many things! You’ll have to watch the show to see.

Nick (Temple of Geek): Thank you both for talking to us!

The Spiderwick Chronicles lands on The Roku Channel, the free streaming app, on April 19th, 2024.

Also Check Out:

WonderCon 2024: Jack Dylan Grazer and Alyvia Alyn Lind in “The Spiderwick Chronicles”

The cast of the “The Spiderwick Chronicles” at WonderCon 2024

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This podcast episode of Lady Comic Book History dives deep into the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender. But this time, we’re focusing on the phenomenal female characters! Katara, Toph, Azula, Suki – these aren’t your typical damsels in distress.

Women of Avatar: The Last Airbender

In this episode, host Aleandrea is joined by Maria as they discuss the ways the show’s creators crafted a cast of women who are strong, intelligent, and complex. We’ll explore how Avatar: The Last Airbender portrays femininity in a refreshing light, allowing these characters to be both powerful benders and well-rounded individuals.



Strength, Brains, and Bending

During our exploration of the women of Avatar: The Last Airbender we also discuss the live-action adaptation and how it approached these iconic women. We’ll discuss what elements worked in translating them to a new format, and where the live-action series might have missed the mark. So, join us as we delve into the world of Avatar’s amazing women, celebrating their strength, smarts, and individuality across two incredible series!

Live Action vs Animated Series

Avatar: The Last Airbender is a rare gem. It’s a show that truly transcends age. Think about it: those of us who grew up with it can still rewatch it and find enjoyment as adults. Even those who are just now discovering it as adults become huge fans. That’s because Avatar isn’t just for kids, it’s for everyone. Striking that balance is incredibly difficult, but the show manages it beautifully.

One of the things we delve into in this episode is how the animated series handles its female characters. In the cartoon, they’re written with incredible depth and nuance. And there is disappointment expressed with the portrayal of Katara in the live-action adaptation. Fans feel it misrepresents her established character.

Why Fans Love Katara: Honesty, Resilience, and Bending Mastery

Katara, in particular, has always resonated deeply with female audiences. Alexandria and Maria delve into what makes Katara such a relatable character in Avatar: The Last Airbender. They praise Katara’s honesty, anger, and goofiness, seeing her as a reflection of the complexities and humor of real life. Many fans connect with Katara’s responsibility as a maternal figure, shaped by the hardships she’s faced.

Her journey with water bending is admired for its focus on growth and accomplishment, not just trauma. The show’s emphasis on developing characters before delving into their backstory is seen as a key to its success.

The way Katara’s character unfolds through the narrative is seen as particularly important. Fans appreciate how her personality is revealed gradually throughout the story.

The Temple of Geek Podcast dives into the world of Renaissance Fairs! Join hosts Lacey Bond and Nick Williams as they geek out about all things Renaissance Faire. In keeping with the theme, their guest is a Ren Faire veteran and vendor, Molly Conway of Krakenwhip. Lacey, Nick, and Molly will provide the ultimate beginner’s guide to conquering the Renaissance Faire.



So, whether you’re a returning listener or a new friend, come along for a little adventure into the world of Ren Faires. Good morrow and welcome, Faire Gentles, to a very special information-packed episode of the Temple of Geek podcast. We’re geeking out about all things Renaissance Faire, whether you prefer to call it a Renaissance Festival or a Ren Faire – the season is upon us!

A Beginner’s Guide to Conquering the Renaissance Faire

Renaissance Fairs are immersive experiences where attendees can dress up in period clothing, shop for handmade crafts, enjoy food and drinks, and participate in activities. These events transport you to a bygone era, filled with costumed characters, handcrafted goods, delicious eats, and fun activities.



What to Expect



Shows: Be entertained by Shakespearean plays with a twist, bawdy comedy routines, and jousting tournaments.

Vendors: Browse through unique shops selling everything from handmade crafts and leather goods to food and drinks. Some fairs even have adult-themed areas with stronger drinks and performances.

Immersive Experience: Many fairs are designed to resemble a real Renaissance village, with costumed characters and period-specific demonstrations.



Tips for Attending a Renaissance Fair



Dress Up (Optional): Enhance the experience by dressing in Renaissance clothing, but comfortable clothes are also a must.

Arrive Early: Parking can get crowded, so plan to arrive early to secure a good spot.

Hydrate: Bring a reusable water bottle and stay hydrated throughout the day, especially because it can get hot and dusty.







Pace Yourself: It’s a long day, so plan for breaks and find shady areas to rest. Fairs often have shows with seating, which can be a good opportunity to relax.

Wear Comfortable Shoes: There will be a lot of walking on uneven ground, so comfortable shoes are essential.

Bring Cash: While some vendors may accept credit cards, it’s always a good idea to have cash on hand.



Accessibility



Uneven Terrain: Be prepared for uneven ground, which can be difficult to navigate with mobility aids.

Compassionate Community: The Renaissance fair community is generally very accommodating and helpful to people with disabilities.







Ask for Help: If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to ask a vendor or staff member. They’re happy to help!



Pro-Tips for making the most of your time at Renaissance Faire



There is no historical accuracy requirement for costumes, but most people wear something related to the Renaissance era.

If you have dietary restrictions, it can be challenging to find food options. Talk to fair staff about bringing your own food if necessary.







Be aware that weapons sold at Renaissance Fairs are real and not toys. Children especially need supervision when handling these items.

Some fairs offer rentals for costumes.

Many people build their fair wardrobes over time, acquiring a few new pieces each year.

Tightlacing bodices can be dangerous, especially if you plan on drinking alcohol.

It’s a good idea to pace yourself throughout the day and stay hydrated.



Overall, a Renaissance fair is a unique and fun experience that offers something for everyone. With a little planning, you can have a memorable day.

About our Guest

Molly Conway is a classic product of the Theatre Kid to Ren Fa...