The North-South Connection

X-Position: An X-Men Podcast #13: Whatever It Takes & Red Dawn

"I do not yearn for an easy life, Magneto. Only a just one."
These third and fourth installments of X-MEN: THE ANIMATED SERIES' second season are representative of a revised story structure, adopted at the behest of the Fox Kids executives. Gone is the single, unbroken heavily serialized narrative approach of the first season, wherein episodes that weren't explicitly identified as multi-partners still ended in cliffhangers and flowed directly into the next adventure. This was especially pronounced in the midseason, when animation errors forced delays and the airing of episodes out of script order. Fox understandably wanted to avoid such problems by having the freedom to air episodes as they became available, rather than in a strict sequence. Their edict called for more one-and-one episodes and fewer multi-part stories in general. Knowing that the show's loyal fanbase had certain expectations of an elevated presentation for a Saturday morning cartoon, showrunner Eric LeWald and the production staff came up with an ingenious workaround. Professor Xavier and Magneto's diversion in the Savage Land was conceived as a single episode, to be animated all at once, but written in such a way that it could be easily edited and inserted as segments in other episodes, and therefore serialized across the entire season. These interstitial cutaway scenes did not have to adhere to a rigid order, as long as they generally conveyed the pair being continuously imperiled in some way while narrowly escaping with their lives. Thus, the network's demands were fulfilled while still allowing for a season-long "wraparound" storyline. Without meaning to, this would be one of the ways the series was brought into closer alignment with the subplot-heavy nature of the contemporary comics. In particular, "Whatever It Takes" serves as the first episode to feature distinct A, B, and C-plots for the series. Storm and Rogue's tussle with the Shadow King takes center stage, but Wolverine's solo outing provides a follow-up to the loose end of Morph's return, while drawing a line under his status (for now). Finally, as something akin to a back-up strip in comics, Professor X and Magneto send the episode out by finding themselves in a new, exotic setting and establishing their pattern for the season. Even if nothing critically important is happening, the rapid-fire pace and juggling of plots makes for an easy, immersive watch. With more episodic, single installment A-plots doing the heavy lifting in season two, X-MEN's creative team uses this as an opportunity to explore the cast in greater depth. The result is a round of rotating character spotlights, once again drawing heavily upon the lore of then-recent comics.
Whereas the season opening explored Scott and Jean's background with the revelation of Mr. Sinister as a presence menacing them from behind the scenes since childhood, Storm and returning guest star Colossus would receive similar treatment in "Whatever It Takes" and "Red Dawn," respectively. Flashbacks are employed generously to show, if not outright origin tales, pivotal moments from these characters' pasts. Wolverine, Gambit, Rogue, and Beast will each get their turn at such character-centered episodes over the course of the season. This exemplifies an evolution of the show's mission, from successfully selling the X-Men collectively as a fighting team to endearing the young broadcast audience ever more to its individual members. When talking to X-Men loyalists of a certain age to this day, there's a reason why they point to the animated series -- and, whether or not they recall the exact details, this run of episodes -- as the common denominator that made them fans of the characters for life.
X-TRA: In more comics-related synergy, issues on sale in the month of these episode airings feature Scott and Jean getting engaged. Their nuptials would go a bit smoother in print than the version seen on screen. Conversely, Colossus receives much kinder treatment in animated form. His second appearance in "Red Dawn" comes just a few months after the longtime X-Man joined Magneto's Acolytes, itself the culmination of a series of personal blows in which Colossus lost his brother, parents, and sister in short order. One such tragedy also involved a confrontation with Omega Red in only his second comics story.

Wrestling War Zone: The Monday Night Wars #136 - WWF King of the Ring 1997

In this episode of Wrestling War Zone: The Monday Night Wars, JT Rozzero & Chad Campbell dive into WWF King of the Ring 1997
They catch up on their personal lives for a few minutes and then discuss the hectic build to the show, Mankind's big night, Helmsley finally grabbing the crown, Pillman getting a swirly, the Nation crumbling, Ahmed Johnson stepping to Undertaker 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 Show - Saturday Night's Main Event

WWE Saturday Night's Main Event from Long Island New York, is over. It's time for the NoSo Post Show to give their thoughts on the event. From Live to Tape on YouTube, Ryan Gray, Chad Campbell, and JT Rozzero give you their thoughts on the NBC Special. 
Check out the YouTube channel for the video version. 

This Week in the NFL 2024: Week 15

Welcome to another edition of This Week in the NFL!  The playoff race is heating up and your favorite Three Man Booth is here to break down all the action for you. The guys take a look back at Week 14, including the Rams amazing win over Buffalo, and preview all the Week 15 action. This week has a couple of great games in Buffalo vs Detroit and Pittsburgh vs Philly. Sit back, relax and join us on This Week in the NFL!

NoSo Takeover #5: NXT Takeover: Rival

Welcome to NoSo Takeover, a journey through the history of WWE NXT's biggest events!
In this episode, JT, Aaron & Jenny run through NXT Rival from February 2015! They discuss the flailing Hideo Itami, Finn Balor's ascent up the card, Sasha Banks winning the Women's Title, Kevin Owens destroying Sami Zayn, an all time closing segment and so much more!
Join us as we take over the podcast world with NXT!

WWE Saturday Night's Main Event Preview

It’s WWE Saturday Night's Main Event season and Ryan Gray is joined by a rotation of fellow wrestling fans to preview every match on the card!
Ryan and Mike Eller will discuss Cody Rhodes vs Kevin Owens for the WWE Championship
Ryan and Richie Mars will discuss the Women's United States Finals
Ryan and Matt Ferrell will discuss GUNTHER vs Damian Priest vs Finn Balor for the World Heavyweight Championship
Ryan and Ebbi @216.beaniebabii will discuss Liv Morgan vs Iyo Sky for the Women's World Championship
Ryan and Mike Rossi will discuss Sami Zayn vs Drew McIntyre

ChroNoSo #37 - February 1990 MSG, WWF Superstars & More

It’s… ChroNoSo! The North-South Connection Podcast Network takes you down memory lane each month by exploring one match from WWE history.
This month on ChroNoSo, the crew dives into WWF from February 1990. They also cover other matches, segments & events from WWF Superstars, Big Matches from Madison Square Garden, Primetime & A lot of SuperStars

Extreme Three Way Dance #128: ECW TV 10/16/99 - 10/23/99

From the eagle’s nest, high above the ECW arena, this is the Extreme Three Way Dance! In this episode, JT, Jenny and Matt review the next three episodes of ECW television from the October 1999!
The troublesome trio talk about the ongoing saga between Tommy Dreamer and Raven, Rob Van Dam and Sabu going to war, Taz still hanging around, Dawn Marie spanking Tammy Sytch, Mike Awesome destroying New Jack and so much more!
So jump on board, grab a chair and get ready to join this threesome for an extreme journey through time!

This Week in the NFL 2024: Week 14

Welcome to another edition of This Week in the NFL!  The Three Man Booth returns to recap all the Week 13 action and preview the most important game coming up in Week 14.  The guys take a look back at all the Thanksgiving games and discuss the two biggest shootouts of the week: Pittsburgh vs. Cincinnati and Denver vs. Cleveland.  Week 14 topics include: Can the Chiefs keep wielding the winning horseshoe? Will this finally be the week the Lions take an L? Can Jameis take out the Steelers again? Enjoy!

NoSo Draft #11 - NWA/WCW Starrcade Matches

NoSo Draft #11 - NWA/WCW Starrcade Matches
In this episode of NoSo Draft, host JT Rozzero & Ryan Gray welcome Chad Campbell & Charles from Wrestling Playlists to compete in a draft to build the best Starrcade Match Card List! Tune in, play along, and then VOTE for the best roster in the comments below!
LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the video!
GET CONNECTED:
TikTok | nosopodcastnetwork
Instagram | nosoconnection