The North-South Connection

X-Position: An X-Men Podcast #12: 'Til Death Do Us Part, Parts 1 & 2

"Whatever happened, you're still part of the team! You're still one of the X-Men!"
Much like the comics from which X-Men: The Animated Series drew so much of its inspiration, season 2 would immediately see the show begin to double down on its history and build out an ever-expanding mythology. No longer obligated to present stories at an entry level, the show took full advantage of its serialized format to springboard plots off the backs of its own previous plots. To that end, season 2 opens with a bombshell: the return of Morph, long thought dead since the events of the series' opening two-parter. This came as a shocking and satisfying twist, rewarding loyal viewers for their continued interest. And if it came at the cost of invalidating the show's edgiest, most ground-breaking moment? So what! This was comics, after all, or at least comics-on-Saturday-morning. Further to that, Morph had proven to be an unexpected fan favorite based on initial impressions, so a reversal of fortune was arguably worth it not merely for a big reveal, but to offer a path back to semi-regular appearances for the character. The revolving door of death would be one of the many ways the show was brought more into alignment with the tropes of the comics. More direct echoes could be traced in the form of Scott and Jean's wedding, which would occur in the comics a mere four months later. Likewise, new anti-mutant antagonist Graydon Creed and his homegrown militia, the Friends of Humanity, had made their print debuts a little over six months prior to the airing of "Till Death," part 1. Henchmen the Nasty Boys are utilized prominently beginning in part 2 and throughout the season, despite having appeared in exactly one comics storyline from 1992 (and in lieu of an older and more infamous group that preceded them in the Marauders). All this, with little in the way of reintroductions to our principal cast. From a critical standpoint, this approach for a season premiere might politely be described as "inaccessible" to say the least. Owing to many of these changes was no doubt the arrival of X-Men line editor Bob Harras in an official capacity as Story Consultant. To Harras, inaccessibility was a feature far more than a bug. During his tenure overseeing the X-office at the height of the speculator era, the more tangled, sprawling, and convoluted the storytelling, the better. For the industry's many eager young collectors, the complex nature of the X-Men's history, combined with the present-day storylines whose conclusions typically offered more questions than answers, there was a desperate need to Make It All Make Sense.
Helping Jenny and Tim to Make It All Make Sense on this installment of X-Position is Keithie, not unlike Beast, joining the episode in progress. All told, this two-parter delivers a satisfying, intricately-plotted opening salvo that will be representative of the season as a whole. Thematically, the story makes excellent use of deception as a recurring motif. From Wolverine's brawl with a robotic duplicate of Cyclops, to the mutant-impersonating crisis actor disrupting President Kelly's inauguration, Graydon Creed's subsequent manipulation of the media, and right down to Morph's duplicitous divide-and-conquer scheme to use the X-Men to undo the X-Men, truly nothing is as it seems. And that's to say nothing of Morph's return from a seemingly certain death. It's fitting, then, that standing atop all of this subterfuge is the riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma known as Mr. Sinister. His presence will loom large throughout the series following this maleficent animated debut. To its credit, the script makes effective and logical use of Sinister as Morph's corrupting benefactor, and even manages to flesh out his ultimate motives more decisively over the course of 22 minutes than 6-plus years worth of comics appearances had managed. Though taking its cues ever more from the comics, this stands as an example of the finite nature of the animated series imposing a storytelling discipline that occasionally outshined its source material.

Row 1, Seat 1 #83: Rob Killjoy

Ben interviews 20-year veteran Rob Killjoy this week! @IAmRobKilljoy reflects on his career, his life as an Ugly Duckling, and the wisdom he passes down to younger wrestlers. A fun show so check it out!

Wrestling War Zone: The Monday Night Wars #134 - 5/26/97

In this episode of Wrestling War Zone: The Monday Night Wars, JT Rozzero & Chad Campbell dive into the Monday Night Wars from 5/26/97!
They catch up on their personal lives for a few minutes and then discuss Paul Bearer's secret and Undertaker's decision, the odd booking of Goldust, Lawler's edgy promo, a classic Raw tag title match, a big night for the Wolfpac, Sting attacking Hogan & Bischoff, the march to Great American Bash and much more.
So sit back, settle in and join JT and Chad as they work their way through the one and only Monday Night Wrestling War era!

NoSo Post - WWE Crown Jewel 2024

WWE Crown Jewel 2024 from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is over. It's time for NoSo Post Show to give their thought on the event. From Live to Tape on YouTube, Ryan Gray & Richie Mars give you their thoughts on the PLE. 
 Check out the YouTube channel for the video version. 

NoSo Takeover #2: NXT Takeover

Welcome to NoSo Takeover, a journey through the history of WWE NXT's biggest events!
In this episode, JT, Aaron & Jenny run through NXT Takeover from May 2014! They discuss the rise and fall of Adam Rose, the presentation of Ascension, Rusev's dominance, Charlotte Flair's arrival, a weak NXT Title contender and so much more!
Join us as we take over the podcast world with NXT!

The Jenny Position Episode 164- Freak Out Drive-In: Event Horizon

Freak Out Drive-In month concludes for the 2024 season! 
Pull into the Freak Out Drive-In, a live watch horror podcast with host Jennifer Smith. In the thirty-first episode in the reboot era, Jenny welcomes Tim Capel to watch Event Horizon!
This chilling and creepy sci-fi cult classic is a wonderful addition to the Drive-In line up. Jenny and Tim discuss the unique designs of the ships, side parts, the absurd Captain's gaming chair, baby oil globules, noses, the lack of a "monster" and so much more! So, HAPPY HALLOWEEN at the Freak Out Drive-In!

This Week in the NFL 2024: Week Nine

After an unexpected bye week, This Week in the NFL has triumphantly returned! Your Three Man Booth is here to break down all the exciting NFL action. The guys deep dive into the multiple exciting finishes in Week Eight and preview all the Week Nine contests. Enjoy!

WWE Crown Jewel 2024 Preview!

It’s WWE Crown Jewel season and Ryan Gray is joined by a rotation of fellow wrestling fans to preview every match on the card!
Ryan and Matt Ferrell will discuss Kevin Owens vs Randy Orton at WWE Crown Jewel.
Ryan and Richie Mars will discuss The Bloodline vs Roman Reigns & The Usos at Crown Jewel.
Ryan and Mike Rossi will discuss Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill vs Piper Niven & Chelsea Green vs Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson vs Iyo Sky & Kairi Sane for the WWE Women's Tag Team Title at WWE Crown Jewel.
Ryan and Ryder will discuss LA Knight vs Andrade vs Carmelo Hayes for the United States Title at WWE Crown Jewel.
Ryan and Sensational Seth will discuss Bronson Reed vs Seth Rollins at WWE Crown Jewel.
Ryan, Mike Rossi, and Richie Mars discuss the Crown Jewel Title Matches at WWE Crown Jewel.

NoSo Draft #8 - Wrestlers Halloween Costumes

NoSo DRAFT - Wrestlers Halloween Costumes
In this episode of NoSo Draft, host JT Rozzero & Ryan Gray welcome Jennifer Smith & Katie Chandler to compete to draft the best Wrestlers Halloween Costumes.
Tune in, play along, and then VOTE for the best roster below in the comments!
LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the video!
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A La Carte With Keithie - Episode #33 - LA Chris at the Movies - Super-Reeve

Join us today on A La Carte as Keithie for part 1 of LA Chris' journey to the movies as we talk all things Christopher Reeve and Superman, Superman 2 & Superman 2: The Donner Cut
LA Chris & Keithie give you some facts about these movies, talk the cast and their previous and future contributions to the arts and other nonsense along the way.
You will believe a man can fly!