Recorded: June 2025, before Oscar Nominations and Awards.

We could talk about this movie forever, but we finally stopped. Enjoy part 2.

Please note that this episode was recorded prior to awards season. 

Sleeping On

Helder: The films of Charles Burnett

Vivian: Woman in the Yard

Shout Outs

Helder: Our supporters

Vivian: Your Local Library

(Special shout out to Vera.)

Moment of Self Care

Helder: Reading more books

Vivian: Watching more movies

Follow us on Instagram

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Recorded: June 2025 

We are discussing one of our favorite movies of the year, Sinners. We had a lot to say so look out for part two.

Please note that this episode was recorded prior to awards season. 

Follow us on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/sopretentiouspodcast/

Recorded 12.2.25

We discussed things that we were sleeping on. Brief list below. Enjoy.

Film/Television

Deli Boys, Hulu

Stranger Things (yes, Stranger Things), Netflix

Orphan Black, Netflix

The Woman in the Window, Amazon Prime

True Detective: Night Comfort, HBO 

The Terror, Hulu

Star Trek (Original Series, Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager, and ST: Lower Decks), Paramount Plus

Re-Living Single, podcast 

Books

S.A. Cosby books

City Under One Roof, Iris Yamashita 

The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson

Pairings

Comfort Me with Apples, Ruth Reichl (book) and Mother! (film)

Shout Outs

Helder: Goddaughter, Jenna and WRTC-FM

Vivian: The Seen Workers of the World

Moment of Self Care

Helder: Listening to music

Vivian: Headphones

Follow us on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/sopretentiouspodcast/

The holidays aren’t always happy. We discuss ways to cope when grief hits you hard. 

Resources: 

988 Lifeline

International Association for Suicide Prevention

Zocdoc, find a therapist

Good Therapy

American Psychological Association (APA)

Good Grief

GriefShare

APA:Tools for Coping with Grief

Shout Outs

Helder: Santa Claus

Vivian: People going through it right now

Sleeping On

Helder: A good night’s sleep

Vivian: Heated steering wheel

Moment of Self Care

Helder: Photography and running

Vivian: Rewatching The Conjuring for the first time in years

Follow us on Instagram

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The spooky season talk continues…no we don’t care that spooky season over. Save this for next year or whenever.

Toward the end of the show, we take a moment to say goodbye to horror legend, Tony Todd. Rest in Peace. 

Select discussed items for future reference

Land of Confusion, Genesis

Somebody’s Watching Me, Rockwell

The Exorcist (1973), Review by James Baldwin

Moment of Self Care

• Helder: Starting physical therapy 
• Vivian: Walks

Follow us on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/sopretentiouspodcast/

We are back! And just in time for Spooky Season! Listen to us talk about our favorite scary movies, books, and other stuff.

Please note that while this is the first episode that you are hearing, it is not the first episode that we recorded. Episodes will debut out of order for the next few weeks. Bear with us.

Anyway, we missed all of you and hope that you are ready to get back on this weirdo ride with us. 

Select discussed items for future reference

Taaqtumi, Horror Anthology

Freddy Jamal Krueger is Horrors Greatest Boogeyman, Zane, YouTube

Shout Outs

• Helder: Deirdre d’Albertis, college professor
• Vivian: Us…meaning us outsiders

Sleeping On

• Helder: Bubba Ho-Tep
• Vivian: Marianne, Netflix  

Moment of Self Care

• Helder: Spending time with loved ones
• Vivian: Reading 
  • Current reads: 
    • Cibola Burn, James S. A, Corey
    • The Billion Dollar Whale, Bradley Hope and Tom Wright

Follow us on Instagram. 

https://www.instagram.com/sopretentiouspodcast/

Two friends talking about the intersections of popular culture, society, and the world. And yes, there are spoilers.

Episode 34: We are back-ish

This is a hybrid episode. Kind of new and kind of a rebroadcast. Enjoy! See you in 2023! 

Sleeping On

Helder: Great North - Fox; Andor - Disney Plus; Slow Horses - Apple TV  

Vivian: The Plot Thickens (season 3) - podcast; Celebrity Book Club - podcast; Vibe Check - podcast 

Moment in Self Care 

Helder: Using the Do Not Disturb feature on his phone, and quiet time

Vivian: A nice hot bath 

Shout outs

Helder: Vivian (aww!), friends who check on him, and Rick Miller

Vivian: Helder (aww!)  

Social media

Twitter 

• SoPretentious2
• LivelyVivian
• HelderMira

Instagram

• SoPretentiousPodcast
• LivelyVivian
• HelderMira

Two friends talking about the intersections of popular culture, society, and the world. And yes, there are spoilers.

Episode 33: Yadda Yadda Yadda with graphic novels

Sleeping On

Helder: Mythic Quest, Apple TV  

Vivian: Raised by Wolves, HBO Max

Moment in Self Care 

Helder: Going to bed before 10, falafels, and listening to his body

Vivian: Audiobooks and books 

Shout outs

Helder: Connecticutting

Vivian: Connecticutting, Aditee, Monica, and Rehema   

Social media

Twitter 

• SoPretentious2
• LivelyVivian
• HelderMira

Instagram

• SoPretentiousPodcast
• LivelyVivian
• HelderMira

Two friends talking about the intersections of popular culture, society, and the world. And yes, there are spoilers.

Episode 32, Blah, blah, blah: We are just talking. Our conversation is going somewhere, I think? 

But also... Helder did miss his dentist's appointment but he makes a cake that is soooooo...

Sleeping On

Helder: Ghosts, HBO Max  

Vivian: Yellowjackets, Showtime

Moment in Self Care 

Helder: Closure 

Vivian: Hanging out with friends

Shout outs

Helder: Waldemar Bastos, and George Pérez

Vivian: People working to make the world a better place  

Social media

Twitter 

• SoPretentious2
• LivelyVivian
• HelderMira

Instagram

• SoPretentiousPodcast
• LivelyVivian
• HelderMira

Two friends talking about the intersections of popular culture, society, and the world. And yes, there are spoilers.

Episode 31, Queen Butler: Today we discuss the legendary sci-fi writer, queen Octavia Butler with our special guest Taneisha Duggan.

Sleeping On

Helder: Superman '78 and Batman '89

Taneisha: Local talent 

Vivian: Only Murders in the Building 

Moment in Self Care 

Helder: Surviving and having space to do nothing

Taneisha: Napping

Vivian: Doing less 

Shout outs

Helder: Greg Tate and HartBeat Ensemble

Taneisha: Eugene Morton

Vivian: Black folks 

Social media

Twitter 

• SoPretentious2
• LivelyVivian
• HelderMira

Instagram

• SoPretentiousPodcast
• LivelyVivian
• HelderMira

Two friends talking about the intersections of popular culture, society, and the world. And yes, there are spoilers.

Episode 30, Recommendations, please… : Looking for something to read, watch or listen to? Don’t worry. We got you!

Shout outs

Helder: Teams 

Vivian: Caregivers 

Social media

Twitter 

• SoPretentious2
• LivelyVivian
• HelderMira

Instagram

• SoPretentiousPodcast
• LivelyVivian
• HelderMira

Two friends talking about the intersections of popular culture, society, and the world. And yes, there are spoilers.

Episode 29: That 70’s Show, part 2 with special guest Frank Mitchell 

We are going to discuss one of our favorite decades, the 70’s. Yes, the 70’s. Join us as we go back. Way back, Back into time. Don’t forget to bring your bell bottoms, your vinyl records, and your roller skates. 

Wait, Farrah Fawcett is responsible for “Midnight Train to Georgia?” Listen to Frank tell the story. 

Sleeping On

Frank: AMC the Channel and in particular Gangs of London

Helder: Dolemite Is My Name, Netflix 

Vivian: Made in Heaven, Amazon Prime 

Moment in Self Care 

Frank: Hiking and walking 

Helder: Making it through the day 

Vivian: Sitting outside and relaxing 

Shout outs

Frank: Farrah Fawcett 

Helder: Mario and Dan

Vivian: People making positive change in the world 

Social media

Twitter 

• SoPretentious2
• LivelyVivian
• HelderMira

Instagram

• SoPretentiousPodcast
• LivelyVivian
• HelderMira

Two friends talking about the intersections of popular culture, society, and the world. And yes, there are spoilers.

Episode 26: Catch-up Time

So how have we been doing? What have we been up to? Listen to this episode and you’ll find out! 

Sleeping On

Helder: Righteous Gemstones, HBO Max; the filmography of Miguel Arteta and Mike White

Vivian: Back Issue, podcast

Moment in Self Care 

Helder: Taking a day off 

Vivian: Love in Color, audiobook

Shout outs

Helder:  Angela, Priya, and Suchi

Vivian: People who keep the lines of communication open

Social media

Twitter 

• SoPretentious2
• LivelyVivian
• HelderMira

Instagram

• SoPretentiousPodcast
• LivelyVivian
• HelderMira

Two friends talking about the intersections of popular culture, society, and the world. And yes, there are spoilers.

Episode 26: We’re BACK! For real this time…We promise! 

We sort of came back and then we left again. But after some much needed rest, the band is officially back together. Well, COVID is still COVID-ing so we asked Dr. Viana to join us.We need some advice to get through 2022. Let’s pray.

Sleeping On

Helder: Legends of Tomorrow, The CW; Hawkeye, Disney+ 

Viana: Book - For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges and Tender Hearts, Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez

Vivian: The 4400 (2021), The CW

Moment in Self Care 

Helder: Photo a Day series on his Instagram page

Viana: Naps, and Reservation Dogs on FX

Vivian: Podcasts, books, and audiobooks

Shout outs

Helder: His supportive friend

Viana: Robert and Bobby

Vivian: Folks who are grieving 

Social media

Twitter 

• SoPretentious2
• LivelyVivian
• HelderMira

Instagram

• SoPretentiousPodcast
• LivelyVivian
• HelderMira

Two friends talking about the intersections of popular culture, society, and the world. And yes, there are spoilers.

Episode 26: That 70’s Show, part 1 with special guest Frank Mitchell 

We are going to discuss one of our favorite decades, the 70’s. Yes, the 70’s. Join us as we go back. Way back, Back into time. Don’t forget to bring your bell bottoms, your vinyl records, and your roller skates. 

Also, rest in peace Paul Mooney. 

Social media

Twitter 

• SoPretentious2
• LivelyVivian
• HelderMira

Instagram

• SoPretentiousPodcast
• LivelyVivian
• HelderMira

Two friends talking about the intersections of popular culture, society, and the world. And yes, there are spoilers.

Episode 25: We’re BACK! 

We took a break but now we are back! What have we been doing? What has been going on? Listen to the show to find out. 

Sleeping On

Helder: Only Murders in the Building, Hulu 

Vivian: Sleep

Moment in Self Care 

Helder: Books and audiobooks

Vivian: Reading, particularly graphic novels 

Shout outs

Helder: Vivian, family and friends

Vivian: The Power, Naomi Alderman 

Social media

Twitter 

• SoPretentious2
• LivelyVivian
• HelderMira

Instagram

• SoPretentiousPodcast
• LivelyVivian
• HelderMira

Two friends talking about the intersections of popular culture, society, and the world. And yes, there are spoilers.

Episode 24: We’re Not Ready to Go Back to Normal with special guest  Dr. Viana Turcio-Cotto

Well, the US is opening back up...yay, I guess. 

Sleeping On

Helder: Usagi Yojimbo

Viana: Young Rock, on NBC

Vivian: Bike riding 

Moment in Self Care 

Helder: Take a vacation...well, staycation

Viana: Maternity leave 

Vivian: Gardening

Shout outs

Helder: His colleagues and the Trinity administration

Viana: Sheena Graham and her colleagues assisting her during her maternity leave

Vivian: Loved ones

Special shout out -
Pola Chapelle, performer of the outro song, Hallelujah. Rest In Power, Pola, and say hi to Adolfas for Helder

Social media

Twitter 

• SoPretentious2
• LivelyVivian
• HelderMira

Instagram

• SoPretentiousPodcast
• LivelyVivian
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Two friends talking about the intersections of popular culture, society, and the world. And yes, there are spoilers.

Episode 23, Sporty Spice: We are talking sports today, with special guest Carson...  well... sports and politics. ARE YOU READY?! They say that at sporting events, right? 

Sleeping On

Carson: DMX’s music
Helder: The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
Vivian: Mini-humidifiers  

Moment in Self Care 

Carson: Taking care of himself
Helder: Enjoying Vegemite
Vivian: Letting people help her

Shout outs

Carson: His brother
Helder: Zencaster, Cinema Death Cult (and host Adam Bulger) and Carson
Vivian: Shayna Wilson, American Sign Language instructor 

Social media

Twitter 

• SoPretentious2
• LivelyVivian
• HelderMira
• ItsC3K

Instagram

• SoPretentiousPodcast
• LivelyVivian
• HelderMira

Our archive can be found here (or wherever you usually listen to this podcast).

DO YOU EVEN READ THE SHOW NOTES?!

Two friends talking about the intersections of popular culture, society, and the world. And yes, there are spoilers.

Episode 22, Here We Go Again: Helder and I were tired y’all. We didn’t plan to take a break but that is what we ended up doing. We are back now though! Want to know what we were up to? Want to know what we have planned? Yes? Well take a listen. 

Sleeping On

Helder:The Falcon and the Winter Soldier   

Vivian: The Expanse (Yes, again. Because Helder keeps saying that he is going to watch it.)

Moment in Self Care 

Helder: Spending time with his father  

Vivian: Not doing chores and housework for a bit

Shout outs

Helder: Students at Trinity College who created a Change.org petition in order to get a day off for mental health purposes and President Sweeney for say yes to mental health days

Vivian: Creative people 

Social media

Twitter 

• SoPretentious2
• LivelyVivian
• HelderMira

Instagram

• SoPretentiousPodcast
• LivelyVivian
• HelderMira

We don’t have a website yet, but our archive can be found here (or wherever you usually listen to this podcast).

DO YOU EVEN READ THE SHOW NOTES?!

Two friends talking about the intersections of popular culture, society, and the world. And yes, there are spoilers.

Episode 21, Dystopia Much?: This week we discuss women and their interpretations of dystopia in film, television, and novels. Do you have a favorite that you’d like to share with the class? Email us at sopretentiouspodcast@gmail.com. Don’t worry. We didn’t forget about one of the queens of dystopia, Octavia Butler. We have a very special episode all about her coming very soon! 

Materials discuss (partial list):

Strange Days - film

84 K, novel

Children of Men, film

The Book of M, novel

V for Vendetta, graphic novel and film

Y: The Last Man - graphic novel

Hunger Games, novel and film 

The Power, novel

Mad Max: Fury Road, film

Terminator 2: Judgment Day, film

In honor of National Poetry Month: Hope is a Thing with Feathers by Emily Dickinson 

Sleeping On

Helder: Resident Alien (SyFy or Peacock app)

Vivian: Two Sentence Horror (Netflix) and FreakstheFxxOut (Instagram) 

Moment in Self Care 

Helder: Using his standing desk and opening the windows

Vivian: Yoga in the basement

Shout outs

Helder: Tim Howard (Rest in Peace)

Vivian: Mothers and mother-figures

Social media

Twitter 

• SoPretentious2
• LivelyVivian
• HelderMira

Instagram

• SoPretentiousPodcast
• LivelyVivian
• HelderMira

Two friends talking about the intersections of popular culture, society, and the world. And yes, there are spoilers.

Episode 20, Good Grief: Today we discuss grief. We are all grieving something or someone so lets do it together. If your grief is overwhelming you, please see the resources below. Don’t go through this alone. We also briefly discuss this year’s Academy Award Nominations.

Suicide Prevention

Suicide Prevent Lifeline

• 800-273-8255
• Text HELLO to 741741
• https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Prevent Suicide CT

• https://www.preventsuicidect.org

National Mental Health Institute

• https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention/index.shtml

Therapy Resources

• Finding Therapy
• Find a Therapist via Psychology Today
• Good Therapy 

Mental Health Resources for People without Health Insurance

• How to Access Therapy and Other Mental Health Services If You Don’t Have Insurance
• Mental health services: How to get treatment if you can’t afford it
• Getting Mental Health Help When You Don't Have Insurance

Stationary and Comic Bookshops

• Hartford area
  • Hartford Prints
  • Key Book Store
  • A Hero’s Legacy Comic books  
• USA
  • Greer 

Sleeping On

Helder: Fountain pens

Vivian: Stationary

Moment in Self Care 

Helder: Baking

Vivian: Audiobooks, short stories, and the Scam Goddess podcast - Start with the  Hilaria Baldwin or Mena Chang episodes.

Shout outs

Joint shout out: Helder’s cousin, Vera

Helder: The Late William Harnish 

Social media

Twitter 

• SoPretentious2
• LivelyVivian
• HelderMira

Instagram

• SoPretentiousPodcast
• LivelyVivian
• HelderMira

@heldermira and @edwardodell are joined for the finale recap by Courtney King (@connecticutting)!  We dive into  the finale, give our takes and share thoughts in the implications going forward.  Spoilers, as always, so buckle up.

Sleeping On:

Courtney: Sleep and News not brought to you by twitter

Helder: (totally slept on his own question)

Ed: Les Blank's Documentary on Werner Herzog’s Fitzcarraldo:  Burden of Dreams
And Blue Anon

Shout Outs

Courtney:  Joe Milone (@joemilone)

Helder: @connecticutting and @edwardodell

Ed: Susan Campbell, Hearst Media, @campbellsl, fresh out of Twitmo


Self Care:

Courtney: Spending time outside with her goats

Helder:  Opening windows to let fresh air in!

Ed: Resting

So Pretentious recaps are back! Sort of...

@heldermira and @edwardodell are here to recap the new WandaVision series that just wrapped on Disney Plus.  We’re jumping in head first as we build to the series finale, discussing the Marvel source material, the myriad connections within the extended MCU, casting/story choices, references and influences.

Two friends talking about the intersections of popular culture, society, and the world. And yes, there are spoilers.

Episode 17 -  Our Watchmen Finale: We (finally) close the loop on our Watchmen discussion. Topics include: Lady Trieu, Judd and white supremacy, further exploration of Hooded Justice, and the show’s finale. With special guest, Edward Odell. 

Sleeping On

Ed: Thrice Upon a Time

Helder: Lupin, Netflix

Vivian: L Word Generation Q, Showtime

Moment in Self Care 

Ed: Cooking 

Helder: Building LEGO sets

 Lighting a fire

 Binge watching

Photo a day project 

Vivian:  Walking the dog

 Listening to audiobooks and Here to Slay

Shout outs

Ed: Susan Campbell, Hearst Media 

Helder: Eugene Goodman

Vivian: Black and brown content creators

Dionne Warwick on Twitter 

Social media

Twitter 

• SoPretentious2
• LivelyVivian
• HelderMira

Instagram

• SoPretentiousPodcast
• LivelyVivian
• HelderMira

Two friends talking about the intersections of popular culture, society, and the world. And yes, there are spoilers.

Episode 16 Miami or Bust: This week we fangirl over our queen Regina (THEEEEEE) King and her directorial film debut One Night in Miami. There is so much to talk about! The writing, the performances, and of course, the directing! Take the journey with us. 

Leslie Odom Jr. singing A Change is Gonna Comefrom One Night in Miami

Sleeping On

Helder: The last seasons of 30 Rock

Vivian: Las Culturistas podcast 

Moment in Self Care 

Helder: Taking a day off 

Vivian: Deciding to NOT to be productive 

Shout outs

Helder: James Hadley and Peter McMorris of Cinestudio

Vivian: Race & Democracy: America is Always Changing, But America Never Changes featuring Dr. Eddie S. Glaude Jr. - Virtual event hosted by Trinity College 

Social media

Twitter 

• SoPretentious2
• LivelyVivian
• HelderMira

Instagram

• SoPretentiousPodcast
• LivelyVivian
• HelderMira

Two friends talking about the intersections of popular culture, society, and the world. And yes, there are spoilers.

Episode 15: So Valentine’s Day got us thinking about love...wait, but not in the way that you are thinking. There are many types of love out there yet the world only seems to focus on romantic love. Love exists beyond romance so let’s talk about it. I’ve got a sneaky feeling that after you listen to the show you’ll find that love actually is all around😉

Rest In Peace: Cloris Leachman, Christopher Plummer, and Cicely Tyson

Sleeping On

Helder: High Fidelity, the tv show (Hulu) 

Vivian: The Expanse (Amazon Prime), Hear to Slay (Luminary), and Politically Reactive 

Moment in Self Care 

Helder: Listening to records 

Vivian: Cava 

Shout outs

Helder: Angela, Priya, and Su-Chee

Vivian: Luiselle

Social media

Twitter 

• SoPretentious2
• LivelyVivian
• HelderMira

Instagram

• SoPretentiousPodcast
• LivelyVivian
• HelderMira

Two friends talking about the intersections of popular culture, society, and the world. And yes, there are spoilers.

Episode 14 - Saying No is Self-Care: Dr. Viana is back and we need her! She shares advice and critical self-care tips. Enjoy! 

Mental health resources for the uninsured

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA)
• Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) 
• Better by Today

Sleeping On

Helder: Listening to music more 

Viana: Local news before 11 am, particularly Fox 61 News’ segment, Verify

Vivian: Parable of the Sower, graphic novel 

Moment in Self Care 

Helder: Naps and not beating himself up

 Logging off social media

Viana: Naps and listening to music

Vivian: Enjoying the still/peaceful moments

Shout outs

Helder: His dad 

Viana: Her friends Kenny and Avoleen   

Vivian: Ice cream and candy

Social media

Twitter 

• SoPretentious2
• LivelyVivian
• HelderMira

Instagram

• SoPretentiousPodcast
• LivelyVivian
• HelderMira

Two friends talking about the intersections of popular culture, society, and the world. And yes, there are spoilers.

Episode 13: ...Happy New Year... I guess...

The new year just started and we are already tired. Anyway, welcome to season 2. 

Sleeping On

Helder: Reading and Love and Rockets, graphic novel
Vivian: Survivor 

Moment in Self Care 

Helder: Practicing acceptance and forgiveness
Vivian: Walking/Being outside 

Shout outs

Helder: Vivian
Vivian: Helder’s mom 

Special announcement: Next month we are discussing the graphic novel adaptation of Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower adapted by writer Damian Duffy and artist John Jennings

SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter 

• SoPretentious2
• LivelyVivian
• HelderMira

Instagram

• SoPretentiousPodcast
• LivelyVivian
• HelderMira

Helder's Photo A Day project:

• Follow on Twitter
• Flickr

Two friends talking about the intersections of popular culture, society, and the world. And yes, there are spoilers.

Episode 12 - The Holidays are for Streaming (featuring special guest Edward Obell)

Because of COVID-19 going to the movies seems to (temporarily?) be a thing of the past and streaming new blockbusters releases is the “wave of the future.” Join us as we discuss Wonder Women 1984 and Soul. We also discuss The Photograph, starring Issa Rae and LaKeith Stanfield, a smaller film that didn’t get enough attention because it was released right before pandemic really hit.  Our final episode of 2020 (Good riddance!) packs a punch. 

Sleeping On

Ed:

1. Book: Between the World and Me
2. Podcast: QAnon Anonymous 
3. Music: Low-fi hip hop
4. TV Show: Call My Agent/10% (from France)

Helder:

1. Movie: Knives Out & Jojo Rabbit
2. Books/Graphic Novels: The MARCH Trilogy, The Complete Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck, and Green Lantern/Green Arrow
3. Podcast: The Last Post by the Bugle
4. TV Show: The Mandalorian, The Good Place, and The Agents of Shield
5. Music: A special playlist created by Helder and his friend

Vivian: 

1. Book: All Boys Aren’t Blue
2. Music: Soca (on Saturdays while you clean the house)
3. TV Show: Watchmen and Girlfriends 
4. Movie: Horror Noire and Coherence 
5. Podcast: Scam Goddess 

Social media

Twitter 

• SoPretentious2
• LivelyVivian
• HelderMira

Instagram

• SoPretentiousPodcast
• LivelyVivian
• HelderMira

Summary:  

We’re gathering up our Grogu rescue posse, including Boba, Fennec Shand, Bo-Katan, Koska Reeves and a not-particularly-reluctant Dr. Pershing.   After the crew intercepts Pershing and commandeers his Imperial Lambda Shuttle, Boba and Koska trade a few blows on an unnamed refinery planet before establishing yet another hasty alliance. The plan: Mega-Mando Team Up! Mando gets Grogu, Cara gets Moff Gideon and Bo-Katan gets the Darksaber, while Boba uses Slave One as a decoy.  Jumping out of hyperspace, Boba will give the appearance of a chase, with the rest of the crew looking to sneak aboard Moff Gideon’s Light Cruiser using Pershing’s stolen shuttle. 

Helder and Edward on Twitter: @heldermira @edwardodell

IMPORTANT FOR FRIENDS OF THE SHOW:

We’re planning a post-season recap show! We want to invite as many of you on as can reasonably be managed, so, rather than one, giant, impractical Zoom call, we plan to do sessions either one-on-one, or in small groups, then edit it together. IF you’re interested, hit us up either in the DMs, or snitch tag us at the show’s main account: @sopretentious2

Notes:

Chapter 16 delivers on the much anticipated season two finale with some nice, big payoffs in terms of action and pathos. Spoilers were dropping like crazy on social media on the day of the premiere, and if you aren’t aware that the Jedi who comes in to save the day is Luke Skywalker, well, all we can say is you’re listening to the wrong Mando-recap podcast.

This is a superb way to cap off what has been an excellent season for Mando. Favreau, Filoni and Director Peyton Reed delivered in a way that was emotionally strong and poignant without going entirely over to cloying sentimentality.  Kudos to the entire cast and especially the production staff.

Most of the criticism seems to focus on the practical matter of Mark Hamill’s casting-via-CGI, which was wisely kept to a minimum. It didn’t maintain the suspension of disbelief for everyone:

https://www.thewrap.com/the-mandalorian-that-cgi-character-luke-skywalker-was-really-weird/

Temuera Morrison’s Boba Fett makes this season finale an “all-helmet” event, though not before popping Bib Fortuna straight in the dome in the post-credit sequence:

https://www.looper.com/298550/the-mandalorian-chapter-16-post-credits-explained/

Interesting Tweets:

@MingNa talking about The upcoming Book of Boba Fett:

https://twitter.com/MingNa/status/1341063828130332672?s=20

Summary: 
With the help of Marshall Cara Dune, Mando recruits ex-imperial sharpshooter Migs Mayfeld to help them locate Moff Gideon's Imperial Cruiser carrying the kidnapped Grogu. Written and directed by Rick Famuyiwa, who also helmed Season 1's The Prisoner with Bill Burr's previous time out as Mayfeld, we're given backstory to Mayfeld and his philosophy as an ex-Imp.
Pull up a seat, pump up your helmet's headset, and join Helder and Edward as they travel with the crew to help save Grogu.

Twitter:
@heldermira
@edwardodell

Notes:

• Written/Directed by Rick Famuyiwa. 
• Homage to William Friedkin's "Sorcerer"
• Return of Mayfeld (Bill Burr)
• First episode without Grogu
• Boba Fett body shaming (RUDE)
• Disney+ announcing new shows: 
• The bs rumor mill from the fall that Pedro Pascal wanted out because not enough time out of helmet?

This episode features special guest Dr. Viana Turcios-Cotto. She shares self-care and mental health strategies to help you get through the holiday season and beyond. This time of year is difficult for so many of us so let’s get through it together. 

Article of Interest

Is Your Therapist Qualified to Treat People of Color? By Monica T. Williams, Ph.D.

Shout Out

Robert

Sleeping On

Helder: Who Needs Sleep? (documentary)

Viana: 1. The Last OG and sleep (Yes, sleep. She is right!)

Vivian: Black and Brown people in sci-fi/horror novels (Ex. Tananarive Due)

Dr. Viana Turcios-Cotto can be found at VianaWellness.com. 

Resources - 
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255

Social media

Twitter 

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• LivelyVivian
• HelderMira

Instagram

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Summary:  
We’re setting down on Tython, where Mando and Grogu have an appointment at the Seeing Stone, and an unexpected meet up with Slave One and Boba Fett!  Expectations are naturally high, with Robert Rodriguez in the director’s chair for an action-packed 33 minutes. Helder and Edward break it all down with the usual attention to detail.

Twitter:
@heldermira
@edwardodell

Notes:
 
 This episode marks the formal return of New Zealander Temuera Morrison in a speaking role as Boba Fett.  It's not long before he name checks his dad, trades up from his cloak and barbed staff and emerges in his original armor with moves that are both classic callbacks and “fresh and funny” killshots. 

Of particular interest:  Morrison played opposite Marlon Brando in the ill-fated production of The Island Of Dr. Moreau. The original, uncredited director Richard Stanley was infamously fired and replaced by John Frankenheimer, but this didn’t stop Stanley from sneaking back onto the set, as covered in the documentary Lost Soul.

Boba’s return happily includes a classic ship from the original series: the problematically named Slave One.  Here’s some notes on the original concept art:

A PopSugar (sigh, yes, we know) article on the origin and etymology of “Dank ferrik”:

Katy O’Brian (you may know her from Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) is the Imperial Officer serving directly under Moff Gideon, and her Twitter is pretty cool:

A collection of…interesting tweets about the episode

https://twitter.com/VyceVictus/status/1335043446193655808?s=20

https://twitter.com/Mericam49/status/1334899722163793922?s=20

Chapter 13, “The Jedi” delivers on the long-awaited entrance into the series of former-Jedi Ahsoka Tano in her first official live-action incarnation, here played by Rosario Dawson. This episode also features some major pivot points, mostly centering on the origin and identity of The Child.  Dave Filoni as back in the director’s chair and is also the credited writer.  

Twitter handles:

Show: @sopretentious2

Helder: @heldermira

Ed: @edwardodell

Show Notes:

Helder went in to some detail discussing this episode’s cinematographer: Barry Baz Idoine.  Fans may know his prior work as Second Unit director for Rogue One, but his credits include a lot of recent prestige television, such as True Detective and Westworld.

Wookiepedia Episode Page

Artwork of Ralph Mcquarrie

Mcquarrie’s “A New Hope” concept art

Concept Art and Stills for The Mandalorian Chapter 13 - The Jedi

Morgan Elsbeth, played by Diana Lee Inosanto. Trained in Jeet Kune Do and Eskrima, and her father, the martial artist Dan Inosanto, was Bruce Lee’s student and training partner.

And last, but most certainly not least, RIP to the original Darth Vader, David Prowse.
(Farkle Alzheimers and COVID)

Episode 9: The Watchmen Episode Part 2

We continue with our discussion the Watchmen HBO adaptation/continuation of the graphic novel. Adapted by Damon Lindelhof, we discuss the show's origin and fan service to the series that influenced it. 

The episode features special guest, Edward O’Dell.

Shout out: La Marca Prosecco

What Are You Sleeping On

Helder: The Leftovers (as selected by Ed

Vivian: , television show

Ed: Fireball: , documentary 

Follow us:

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Email us:

SoPretentiousPodcast [at] gmail.com 

Two friends talking about the intersections of popular culture, society, and the world. And yes, there are spoilers. 

Episode 8: The Watchmen Episode Part 1

We discuss the origins of The Watchmen graphic novel. Its characters and cultural significance as well as its continued relevance. We also discuss the Zack Synder film adaptation which we had plenty of...uh...thoughts about. The television series was mentioned a bit, but we will focus more on that in part 2. The episode features special guest, Edward O’Dell.

Shout out: La Marca Prosecco

What Are You Sleeping On

Helder: Willie documentary 

Vivian: Hoarders, television show

Ed: Fireball: Visitors from Darker Worlds, documentary 

Follow us:

Instagram: SoPretentiousPod

Twitter: SoPretentious2

Email us:

SoPretentiousPodcast@gmail.com 

Two friends talking about the intersections of popular culture, society, and the world. And yes, there are spoilers. 

Episode 7: 

It is tough out there and we discuss some ways that you can take care of yourself. Please do what you can to make yourself a priority even if it is just for a few minutes. 

“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence. It is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare," Audra Lorde, A Burst of Light" and Other Essays.

We discuss (partial list):

• The origins of self-care and its definition
• Therapy
• Being the primary caregiver of a sick family member or friend
• Books
  • You Are a Bad Ass by Jen Sincero
  • Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel
  • Calvin and Hobbes
  • Daredevil by Frank Miller
• Doomscrolling
•  TV recommendations
  • Cheers
  • Damages (Season 1-3)
  • Bored to Death
  • The Good Place
• Puzzles and LEGO sets
• Day One journal app
• Evernote
• Music specifically I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor and the Cake cover 
• Parks (Central and Bushnell Parks)

Two friends talking about the intersections of popular culture, society, and the world. And yes, there are spoilers. 

Episode 6: Self Care Thy Name Is Cupcake 

We end spooky season by discussing movies and television shows that creep us out. And yes, we do talk about Lovecraft Country again, primarily episode 7 and a little bit of 8 and 9 so consider yourself warned. Helder shares the origins of the waves monologue featured in an earlier episode.

Discussion topics (partial list):

• Lovecraft Country (mostly episode 7)
• Event Horizon
• Tenet
• The Medieval Fun Time extended trailer
• The Good Place 
• The Brood
• Night of the Living Dead
• Shaun of the Dead
• Get Out
• Screaming Jay Hawkins
• The Ring
• LEGO sets
• Obama by Pete Souza
• The Mandalorian 
• 99 Percent Invisible podcast
  • The Green Book episode
• Warshan Shire quote about naming daughters
• Key and Peele
  • White Zombies
  • Alien Imposters

A Moment in Self Care

Helder: Eating a cupcake from Hall’s Market and reading “Obama” by Peter Souza to support a local book store, River Bend Bookshop.

Vivian: Watching the documentary, Horror Noire 

What Are You Sleeping On

Helder: Los Espookys

Vivian: Movie - The Evil Eye and the Spooked podcast 

Two friends talking about the intersections of popular culture, society, and the world. And yes, there are spoilers. 

Episode 5: The Snobbery of Reading 

We discuss the snobbery surrounding reading. In order to be seen as “literate” you must read the right books written by the right people which means graphic novels are a big no-no. Also, even if you read the right books they only count if you read them the “right way” so no audiobooks and for god sakes, do not even think about using an e-reader. We believe people should read what they want in whatever format(s) work best for them. 

We discuss (partial list):

• Graphic novels
  • The March Trilogy 
• Audiobooks
  • The Passage by Justin Cronin
  • Make Love the Bruce Campbell Way by Bruce Campbell (read by author)
  • Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin
  • God Bless the Child by Toni Morrison (read by author)
  • Becoming by Michelle Obama (read by author)
• E-books
• The Kid Stays in the Picture by Robert Evans
• Chicken soup from Hall’s Market
• Hartford Stage’s Breakdancing Shakespeare 
• Orson Welles’ “Voodoo” Macbeth
• The queen, Octavia Butler - Parable of the Sower 
• Philip K. Dick - Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?
• Bubba Ho-Tep
• What are people sleeping on? 
  • Helder: Love and Rockets, the graphic novel. 
  • Vivian: The Public Theater’s theatrical podcast Richard the II (Vivian accidentally said Richard the Third….ooops).

Two friends talking about the intersections of popular culture, society, and the world. And yes, there are spoilers. 

We started the conversation with a discussion about Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the importance of mammograms then we decided to keep the cancer talk going (because f*ck cancer). How does it impact the person living with it? How does it impact family and other loved ones? What can you do to help people dealing with it? Should we use words like “battle” and “fight” in regards to cancer? 

Believe it or not we somehow managed to pivot to a discussion about Batman. Is he a friend or foe? Is he really the good guy or is his white privilege showing? We also announced the date of our Watchmen episode! Buckle up, kids. We are going to Tulsa...soon. 

Mammogram Services for those without health insurance:

• Where to Get a MaEpisode 4 - F*ck Cancer or Who Are the Good Guys? mmogram
• Find a Screening Program Near You 

We discuss (partial list):

Breast Cancer

F*ck Cancer 

X-Men

Batman 

Watchmen 

Spin, documentary on YouTube

Bitch Planet

Politically Reactive

March trilogy

Voting

Widows, the movie

Mental services/resources for those without health insurance:

• 7 Ways to Seek Therapy Without Breaking the Bank
• How to Access Therapy and Other Mental Health Services If You Don’t Have Insurance 

We discuss (partial list):

• Mental health
• Therapy
• Grief
• Sister Sister (Yes, again)
• Marvel: Chadwick Boseman (Rest in Power), Thor/Chris Hemsworth, and Infinity War
• Haunting of Hill House
• Podcasts centering mental health: 
• The Hilarious World of Depression 
• Therapy for Black Girls
• Imani State of Mind

We discuss (partial list):
Lovecraft Country episodes 1-5n - HBO & HBO Max
The Alien Trilogy (yes, trilogy)
The Terror: Infamy (season 2) - Hulu & AMC
A.P. Bio - The Peacock streaming service
Gremlins
Child stars and the film and television industry
Tia and Tamera Mowry
Living Single
Wine and sommelier
Som, documentary
Uncorked, Netflix
Regina the King
Watchmen
The Emmys
Southland
227
Poetic Justice
Yahya Abdul Mateen II
Jean Smart
Octavia Butler
Graphic Storytelling and Y.A.
Racism
H.P. Lovecraft
America
Please note that this episode was recorded prior to the announcement of the Breonna Taylor decision.

We discuss (partial list):
October is all about scary movies! 

• Scary movies that Helder hasn’t watched
• Aliens (yes, again but very briefly)
• The Exorcist and James Baldwin
• The Scream films
• Candyman
• Wine - Drinking culture
• Friday the 13th
• Nightmare on Elm Street and a New Nightmare 
• Marianne (Netflix)
• Haunted (Netflix)  

What's your favorite scare?