X-Position: An X-Men Podcast #7 - The Unstoppable Juggernaut

"Comrades, let us all work together!"
Jenny and Tim welcome Keith Langston back to the show as we cover the 8th episode (or 10th, depending on when you first saw it -- more on that below) of X-Men: The Animated Series! And it's no respite for our world-weary heroes, as they are flung from one crisis to the next. While the wrecked X-Mansion sets off television's most obvious whodunit, we can excuse this for likewise providing a handy excuse to introduce dual guest stars Colossus and the titular Juggernaut. Given the participants, this one doesn't exactly have high ambitions at being anything other than a massive throwdown. Consequently, it makes for the most boilerplate episode of TAS to date, in the sense that the show can't be said to be doing anything much different than a standard Saturday morning action vehicle. At a push, one could say that this does continue to keep some focus on human-mutant relations, by way of Colossus' quick payday and angry reprisals from the workers whose job he unwittingly swiped. It serves as a minor counterargument to Genosha's extreme answer to the question of mutation's economic utility. Why impose outright slavery when mutants are willing to be exploited and happy to be compensated for a fraction of what it would cost to employ a larger, human workforce? An all-too American solution, but not without its consequences, as the idealistic immigrant Colossus soon learns. There's also Juggernaut's single line clarifying that isn't a mutant, despite assumptions to the contrary. Still, this doesn't especially change his perception or treatment at the hands of the X-Men or the authorities. Nor does Juggernaut seem to hold any particular animus towards mutants, in a somewhat interesting change of course -- this one's personal for him. Beyond these minor signposts -- and a rather generic theme emphasizing the power of teamwork -- there's not a lot here to elevate "The Unstoppable Juggernaut" much above the surface.
That doesn't mean it isn't thoroughly entertaining, delivering on the expected action, turning in some genuinely clever one-liners, and putting in work with a memorably imposing score. Plus, we get a delightful surprise check-in with the imprisoned Beast, keeping his subplot alive. So after coming in hot, this installment ultimately pumps the brakes at least somewhat on the show's otherwise rapid-fire pace. While the matter of Professor Xavier's absence remains to be addressed, we at least know it is of his own volition, drawing a line under the nonstop conflict and dramatic cliffhangers for now. A welcome breather, then, in as much as any massive slugfest with the Juggernaut can be. X-TRA: "The Unstoppable Juggernaut" was delayed by animation issues and was originally shown slightly out of order, as discussed by the crew. That necessitated some hasty edits to episode 7's conclusion as it was first broadcast, in an effort to smooth over the continuity. The result was an even more confusing viewing experience by the time this episode did debut, following “The Cure” and “Come the Apocalypse.” For the alternate ending of "Slave Island," aired once and never again, check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IS8RHoTAh14. FINALLY, Stick around for our quick-hit impressions, predictions, and BIG FEELINGS on episodes 1-5 of the sensational X-Men '97!

GCDub: A Game Changing Podcast #14- The Collective

Jennifer Smith and Matt Souza are back with a brand-new edition of GCDub: A Game Changing Podcast! On this episode, they discuss the happenings from recent GCW shows and The Collective including Jenny and Matt’s live report from Joey Janela’s Spring Break 8! They then pick their match of the month and preview some upcoming shows! So, pull a door off its hinges, bundle up the light tubes, and remember… It’s MDK… ALL FUCKING DAY!

The Jenny Position Episode 155- Talk'n Docs: Aileen Wuornos

Welcome to Talk'n Docs, the monthly podcast where we dive into the world of documentaries and review them for your listening pleasure. Hosted by Jennifer Smith, Logan Crosland and Cowboy Roger, the crew continues Season Three with a review of 2021's Aileen: Life and Death of a Serial Killer. They also discuss the film adaption of Aileen's life, Monster. Topics include: Aileen's murders, her motives and background, and ultimate death. 

X-Position: An X-Men Podcast #6- Cold Vengeance & Slave Island

Our focus returns to X-Men: The Animated Series with a pair of episodes centered on the theme of escape - in ways both figurative and literal - for our homo superior heroes. In "Cold Vengeance," matters of the heart compel Wolverine's flight to the very ends of the earth (or as he puts it, "somewhere cold"). As opposed to any sort of mutation-specific angst, Logan's unrequited love for Jean Grey serves as a universal and painfully relatable motive. In a positive exploration of human-mutant relations, however, Wolverine's enhanced physique and superhuman metabolism prove extremely advantageous to the indigenous people who have no experience or concept of mutant bigotry and take him in as one of their own. Despite seeking solitude, the loner has at last found companionship, even belonging, that arguably rivals his found family amongst the X-Men. Sadly, not everyone is so accepting of Wolverine's contributions. And when that resentment collides with a returning Sabretooth, looking to settle the score after his defeat two episodes prior, Wolverine realizes that no amount of distance is enough to separate him from his harsh, cold reality.
Meanwhile, a trio of X-Men are offered an escape from their thankless responsibilities protecting a world that fears and hates them by kicking back on the island nation of Genosha. As a purported safe haven for mutants, Genosha is all-too alluring for Storm, Gamit, and Jubilee, who relish the opportunity to investigate the authenticity of this sales pitch under the guise of vacationing tourists. Of course, in an episode entitled "Slave Island," Genosha's peaceful and inviting veneer conceals a nightmare beyond imagination. To their horror, the trio learn that the nation is only interested in mutants for their "economic contributions" as instruments of human capital. Backed by Gyrich and Trask's revived Sentinel operation, the Genoshans waste no time pressing Gambit and Jubilee into hard labor, while a rebellious Storm is locked away in solitary confinement. As originally conceived in 1988, Genosha's comics origin positioned the locale as a fairly transparent apartheid allegory. Though less contemporary by 1993 and obfuscated by adaptation and filtration through Broadcast Standards & Practices, this Genosha still packs a punch and contains notes of relevance that ring true today. As a classist society where the rich get richer and everything feels like a scam to the workforce exploited to prop up the monied elite, Genosha can just as easily be viewed as a commentary on late stage capitalism, driven to its most brutal extremes. And in that world, where there also exists a minority population endowed with fantastic special abilities? Of course they would be regarded as commodities enlisted in service of the state, voluntarily or otherwise. It's heavy subject matter for any Saturday morning cartoon, and a mere seven episodes in at that.

GCDub: A Game Changing Podcast #13- Unhinged

Jennifer Smith and Matt Souza are back with a brand-new edition of GCDub: A Game Changing Podcast! On this episode, they discuss the happenings from recent GCW shows including Mance Warner’s reign of terror continuing, Nick Gage vs Ryuji Ito, Blake Christian’s title defenses and more! They then pick their match of the month and preview upcoming shows including everything happening at The Collective! So, pull a door off its hinges, bundle up the light tubes, and remember… It’s MDK… ALL FUCKING DAY!

The Jenny Position Episode 153: Flash n' Back- You Heard About Pluto?- Walker Texas Ranger

Originally published on The Jenny Position on 7/13/22, this episode of You Heard About Pluto is part of the Flash'n Back series right here on NoSo! I will be sharing these intermittently throughout the year to relive some of my favorite shows. Enjoy!
In this edition of You Heard About Pluto, Jenny welcomes returning guest Tim Slomka to watch an episode of Walker, Texas Ranger! Few men are as iconic as Chuck Norris for some undefinable reason. Jenny and Tim talk about that plus watching the show at Grandma’s house, dogs, various cleaning products, Fire Walker Texas Ranger, the perfect margarita mix, lame eBay purchases, the Chuck Norris jokes origin, inexplicable cell phone technology and so much more! Chuck Norris does not sleep, he waits… on Pluto TV!

The Jenny Position Episode 152- Talk'n Pop: Keith Langston

Jennifer Smith and Tim Capel are back with a brand NEW episode of Talk'n Pop where we proudly welcome the loquacious Keith "Keithie" Langston! Keith's quick assimilation into the extended North-South community and fast friendships within our social circle DEMANDED his turn in the hotseat. And how very fitting, given his own upbringing as something of a north-south connection itself. This goes a long way in furthering our continuing mission to know "why are you like this?" which includes Keithie's musing on:
-Accepting the role of "caretaker" within his family-The... rather pointed generationally and geographically-influenced relationship he has with his mother and other immediate family members-Planning his own wedding-Eating the whole "shit sandwich" that is divorce-And hey, speaking of shit (because such stories are contractually obligated)...-The asshole kid who steals your WWF Hasbro Mr. Perfect who you're friends with anyway-Found family via wrestling, comics, travel, and Legos
Keith can be heard on the Greetings From Allentown Podcast, hosting his own interview show A La Carte with Keithie, and is part of the regular rotation on Video Jukebox Song of the Day for the Place To Be Nation POP Experience. And if you want more of the Jenny-Tim-Keithie trio, check out X-Position: An X-Men Podcast. Despite his status as special guest, he hasn't missed an episode yet! Follow Keithie on Twitter @flounder824 for even more merriment.

GCDub: A Game Changing Podcast #12- One Year

Jennifer Smith and Matt Souza are back with a brand-new edition of GCDub: A Game Changing Podcast!
On this anniversary episode, they discuss the happenings from recent GCW shows including the ongoing Mance Warner vs Effy saga, Nic Nemeth vs Matt Cardona, The Jersey J-Cup, and more! They then pick their match of the month and preview upcoming shows in March!
So, pull a door off its hinges, bundle up the light tubes, and remember… It’s MDK… ALL FUCKING DAY!

X-Position: An X-Men Podcast #5- X-Men (2000)

We interrupt our regular programming for the first of several periodic check-ins with the X-Men's exploits on the silver screen! This "show within a show" begins with 2000's X-MEN - the movie that put comic book adaptations back on the map.
Apropos of the concept itself, X-MEN's path to a theatrical debut was long and hard-fought. Plans to translate the series to film can be traced back to the early '80s, with comics creators Gerry Conway and Roy Thomas collaborating on a prospective screenplay for Orion Pictures. After Orion folded, subsequent efforts would invite interest from the likes of Kathryn Bigelow and James Cameron for Carolco Pictures. Carolco's bankruptcy saw the rights revert to Marvel, and development stalled for years with the company unable to make the case for their successful comics franchise.
However, impressed with the X-Men's unexpected Saturday morning dominance for Fox's children's television division, producer Lauren Shuler Donner thought it only made sense to option the property for 20th Century Fox's live action slate in 1994. The next two years brought drafts and treatments by 'SEVEN' screenwriter Andrew Kevin Walker, author Michael Chabon, and filmmaker Ed Solomon. The studio considered Brett Ratner, Robert Rodriguez, and Paul W.S. Anderson, but it was Bryan Singer in whom Fox believed they had found their perfect fit for director. Following Singer's hiring, a finalized script was eventually hammered out, with David Hayter receiving sole screenwriter credit (despite contributions from Solomon, Christopher McQuarrie, and Joss Whedon ending up in the onscreen product). Still, Fox was hedging their bets due to a string of critical and commercial failures by superhero adaptations in recent years, capping X-MEN's budget at $75 million (a paltry sum by today's standards).
Despite some shake-ups along the way (Exit Original Wolverine and Cyclops actors Dougray Scott and Jim Caviezel, respectively), what materialized was a lean and efficient picture, brought to life by an incredibly talented - if not entirely star-studded - ensemble cast. X-MEN would overperform to the tune of $300 million worldwide, establishing itself right out of the gate as a blockbuster franchise that would carry Fox to huge box office receipts for years to come. It would likewise serve as a career-defining film series for many of its performers, themselves household names today. With the Marvel Cinematic Universe poised to make a go at recreating the magic, X-Position takes a look back at where it all began!
Join Jenny, Tim, and unofficial third co-host Keithie as we break it all down. From the creative choices, the good, the bad, and the ugly one-liners, to the cast that could have been (Glenn Danzig's Wolverine? Bob Hoskins??), and even Magneto's Mutant Cave Rave, no thought shall remain unread (or unsaid).

The Jenny Position Episode 151: Flash'n Back - Talk'n Pop: Interview With A Vampire

Originally published on The Jenny Position on 6/8/22, this episode of Talk'n Pop is part of the Flash'n Back series right here on NoSo! I will be sharing these intermittently throughout the year to relive some of my favorite shows. Enjoy!
After a few months away, Talk'n Pop returns -- now at our new home on the North-South Connection! And while the packaging may be different, it's the same great taste as Jenny and Tim bring you another revealing tell-all. Our friend and fellow podcaster MATT SOUZA takes the call this time, as we explore his Catholic school upbringing, college experience, grisly occupational injuries, and passions for music, action movies, and professional wrestling. By the conclusion of this intimate and occasionally diverting interview, you will become acquainted with the following, and be all the better for it:
- Losing just the tip- The frustration of DSL internet service- Music on physical media- The clown car party convoy- Accidental pantsing- Jean-Claude Van Damme's immortal filmography- Movies that SHOULD BE on physical media- WrestleMania Backlash with Mom It's a wild ride into the macabre mind of this working class Massachusettsian! We'd like to thank Matt for being such a great sport, and you can hear him regularly on his podcasts ECW EXTREME THREE WAY DANCE, WRESTLING CHICKEN SALAD, POPCORN CHICKEN SALAD, and PIECE OF THE ACTION! Follow him on Twitter AT msouza1991.