In the aftermath of our Twin Peaks panel, we’re joined again by Roz Townsend and Pól Rua for a continued discussion about how awesome actor Miguel Ferrer is. We also dive into how Twin Peaks‘ Pacific Northwest setting is very familiar to our Seattle-area panelists, and how the show influenced a decade of television.
We get into automated fansourcing of our entertainment, why Godwin’s Law demands you support the arts, and the British science fiction series, Blake’s 7.
Also, Mike argues with a folksy robot.
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Oh, man, I got all excited when I saw the title, because I finally thought IG-88 was going to get his due, and then nothing… 😛
Seriously, though, Mike’s encounter with the robot telemarketer reminded me of this episode of Radiolab from a few years ago (which I only listened to recently). It’s really worth a listen; the first segment in particular covers the same territory as the creepy, pretend Sara Palin telemarketer. Also, you recently asked (on Facebook?) about other podcasts – if aren’t a regular listener already, I can’t recommend Radiolab enough.
Also, I have to disagree with the characterization of Northern Exposure as some kind of follow-up/response to Twin Peaks. Northern Exposure debuted in July, 1990, only a few months after Twin Peaks was first aired, so it’s highly unlikely that its conception and initial production was in any way influenced by the latter.
Brad Bird did a great Fantastic Four movie; he called it The Incredibles. The problem is that Hollywood thinks that it can write better than any comic book writer and only look at the properties based on how easily they can market it. It’s been pretty rare where someone came onboard because they were a true fan and were faithful to the subject. the best examples are Guillermo del Toro on Hellboy, and Sam Raimi on Spider-Man. I think Hollywood just doesn’t know how to do a great adventure movie anymore, and that’s what the best FF stories have always been. It seems like Hollywood screenwriters are too focused on comic properties as metaphors, rather than letting them be adventure stories, ala Raiders of the Lost Ark. The tv guys seem to be getting it, since they have the time to present the “fun” adventure, and build the characters across episodes.
Meanwhile, the studios aren’t willing to take a chance on a lesser known, but more cinematic comic book property, like Killraven, or Enemy Ace. There are so many great comic book series that would make for great movies; but, won’t likely be considered because they aren’t plastered all over merchandise.
Just a thought: the only “Life Giving Moment” I can think of is an orgasm.
The robots called me back earlier today.
This time it was “Sam” — who had a male voice and sounded like a cross between Foghorn Leghorn, and Tom Bodett from the Motel Six ads.
It immediately felt weird and he quickly repeated the same bit of audio to me, and I spent the rest of the call — which was short — trying to get him to repeat the phrase, “I am not a robot.” He had a bizarre clip of him laughing that he repeated twice. But he seemed unable to repeat simple phrases. I think these are soundboards in a call center.
It’s getting weird. If they call back, I’m going to see if I can record it. Also, it’s time to break out the Voight-Kampff questions.