Three English teachers take you back to school, but in a fun way! All those things you learned about in English class come back with some of your (and our!) favorite movies and TV shows of all time. Strap in and get ready to understand why we love teaching our subject so much!
Before our new direction, we watched the hit German time-traveling, mind-bending, heart-rending Netflix show and provide heavy-hitting analysis of each episode, meant to be listened as a spoiler-free companion as you watch the series.
Tommy, Josh, and Jenn dig into the interesting Benny & Joon! In this spoiler-filled episode, we try to figure out why Josh and Jenn love this movie so much while Tommy can barely stand it. We talk about this fun and silly movie quite a bit! Enjoy!
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/litafterdarkpod - Join for some (small) extras, including a bit of bonus content and early access to episodes!
Patron Shout out to Linda! Thanks Linda! You rule!
Tommy, Josh, and Jenn dig into the intriguing Untamed Heart! In this spoiler-filled episode, we talk about Christian Slater’s movie career, discuss connections (however tenuous) to Netflix’s DARK, and try and figure out why Jenn likes this movie so much. Josh unpacks his ideas about how this type of story has been told time and again throughout the ages, Jenn waxes poetic about nostalgia, and Tommy shares his past as a “nice guy”.
As of 11/16/20, it's available on HBO NOW and HBO MAX!
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/litafterdarkpod - Join for some (small) extras, including a bit of bonus content and early access to episodes!
Tom’s Diner - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLP6QluMlrg
Nature Boy by Roger Williams - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8CVigVuiTc
Nature Boy (with lyrics) by Nat King Cole - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpF1J9FnD4E
Tommy, Josh, and Jenn dig into the amazing movie Jurassic Park! In this spoiler-filled episode, we talk about how great 90s movies are, break down the way the show deals with some major themes of technology vs. nature, proper approach to science, and hubris. Josh unpacks his ideas about how the movie uses the mundane to ground the world-building so it feels real, while Jenn figures out just why she hated this movie so much when she was 9.
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/litafterdarkpod - Join for some (small) extras, including a bit of bonus content and early access to episodes!
Links to items discussed in the episode:
Tommy, Josh, and Jenn dig into the epic season finale, season 3, episode 8 of the incredible German language Netflix series Dark! In our discussion of the conclusion of this series, we discuss our thoughts about the episode, as well as our overarching thoughts about the thematic points the show makes over the whole series. This is a show that definitely benefits from re-watching, and you will benefit from a second viewing, especially if you (like us) were less than impressed with where season 3 had been going before this. Listen to figure out how everything is connected, the end is the beginning, and the beginning is the end, and how to untie the knot that has been tangled up for us for the past 3 seasons.
https://rb.gy/wufrtm
Thanks for listening! We will probably be going somewhere else fun with this podcast, and hope that all of you come with!
Tommy, Josh, and Jenn dig into season 3, episode 7 of the incredible German language Netflix series Dark! In our spoiler-free (up to this episode) discussion, blast through 300 years of time shenanigans and try to make sense of it. Everyone seems to be stuck in hiatus before they can make their next move, and we watch the blossoming friendship of characters who are often enemies, relationships with characters who shouldn’t exist in the same time, and get closer to seeing whether Adam or Eva will ultimately control time.
Thanks for your patience in this episode coming out! It'll probably be a little bit longer of a wait until the final episode as well, but hopefully if you've come with us this far, you don't mind a bit extra of a wait! Thanks for being on the ride with us. To one more episode!
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Tommy, Josh, and Jenn dig into season 3, episode 6 of the incredible German language Netflix series Dark! In our spoiler-free (up to this episode) discussion, we try and unravel the Gordian Knot that is alt-Martha’s story in this episode, parsing out character motivations for the slightly different versions of her that we see here; we unpack Claudia’s conversations with herself, and follow alt-Ulrich as he catches on to the existence of time travel.
Sorry for the issue this morning, everyone! A bit late, but we have the right episode up now!
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Tommy, Josh, and Jenn dig into season 3, episode 5 of the incredible German language Netflix series Dark! In our spoiler-free (up to this episode) discussion, we discuss the immense mountain of sadness, darkness and depression that is this episode. We unpack the implications of the scavenger that ruins the lives of several of our favorite characters, discuss the confusing reality of Claudia’s meeting with a familiar face, and try to wrap our heads around Jonas’ latest harrowing adventure.
Content Warning for this episode: We discuss rape quite a bit because of the events of the episode. Please don’t listen if that’s going to be a trigger for you.
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Tommy, Josh, and Jenn dig into season 3, episode 4 of the incredible German language Netflix series Dark! In our spoiler-free (up to this episode) discussion, we discuss Tronte’s probable true parentage, some of the fallout between Hannah, Egon, and Doris because of Hannah’s decision to stay in the 50s, and Jonas & Alt-Martha bond as they both grapple with the reality of the apocalypse.
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Tommy, Josh, and Jenn dig into season 3, episode 3 of the incredible German language Netflix series Dark! In our spoiler-free (up to this episode) discussion, we discuss the how the alternate versions of the characters we know and love deal with the disappearance and reappearance of Mads, break down Jonas’ seeming inability not to believe anyone who mentions Martha’s name, and try to understand alt-Martha’s motivations as they are revealed to us.
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Tommy, Josh, and Jenn dig into season 3, episode 2 of the incredible German language Netflix series Dark! In our spoiler-free (up to this episode) discussion, we break down Katharina’s growth as she goes to the 80s to find her son, but ends up finding someone else, discuss Peter’s post-apocalyptic fathering, and fawn over the Gilded-Age aesthetic of the stranger and crew as they see a familiar face again.
NOTE: We discuss the stone family tree on the marble floor AT LENGTH. If you want to skip this discussion, then you will want to skip from 1:04 - 1:24 during Lit 101. That’s at the end of the episode, just about an hour before the end! There is also a warning before we get there in the audio.
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Tommy, Josh, and Jenn dig into premier of the final season of the incredible German language Netflix series Dark! In our spoiler-free (up to this episode) discussion, we explore an eerie alternate version of Winden, where the characters we know and love are … off from what we have come to expect, we dig into the specific changes and the implications of those changes, and follow Jonas as he desperately searches for his purpose in his new situation.
Family Tree S3E1 - https://rb.gy/ekgglz
Time Map S3E1 - https://rb.gy/kg8bph
Speculative Alternative Family Tree S3E1 - https://rb.gy/krlkqz
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Tommy, Josh, and Jenn dig into season 2, episode 8 of the incredible German language Netflix series Dark! In our spoiler-free (up to this episode) discussion, we talk about Jonas and Claudia working together in the 80s, the stranger choosing to save Bartosz, Martha, and Magnus rather than stop Adam, and the apocalypse occurring in Winden.
Family Tree S2E8 - https://rb.gy/syad1u
Time Map S2E8 - https://rb.gy/g8dahe
Time Machine Life Cycle S2E8 - https://rb.gy/q4xwfo
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Tommy, Josh, and Jenn dig into the penultimate episode of season 2 of the incredible German language Netflix series Dark! In our spoiler-free (up to this episode) discussion, we re-evaluate the way we think about Hannah after a choice she makes, try to understand whether changes can be made and free choices are available to many characters, especially Claudia as she interacts with Egon in this episode, and discuss Clausen’s transformation from quirky character we love, to sinister and terrifying character we love. We also get excited because the show brought up Back to the Future, which we can’t seem to stop referencing.
Family Tree S2E7 - https://rb.gy/1relna
Time Map S2E7 - https://rb.gy/nxormw
Time Machine Life Cycle S2E7 - https://rb.gy/amzgpx
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Tommy, Josh, and Jenn dig into season 2, episode 6 of the incredible German language Netflix series Dark! In our spoiler-free (up to this episode) discussion, we break down Jonas’ relationship with Martha before the start of the show in 2019, talk about the revealing nature of Katharina and Ulrich’s anniversary party, and examine whether or not one is able to actually make a change to affect their fate.
Family Tree S2E6 - https://rb.gy/sthfhj
Time Map S2E6 - https://rb.gy/9iuxsa
Time Machine Life Cycle S2E6 - https://rb.gy/sxcboi
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Tommy, Josh, and Jenn dig into season 2, episode 5 of the incredible German language Netflix series Dark! In our spoiler-free (up to this episode) discussion, we try to break down Adam’s motivations as he talks to Jonas, walk through the revelations Bartosz provides for the other kids, as well as a revelation about Charlotte and Noah, and discuss the characterizing power of Ulrich’s reunion. More Easter Eggs at the end of the podcast!
Family Tree S2E5 - https://rb.gy/dtb9fr
Time Map S2E5 - https://rb.gy/t212jf
Time Machine Life Cycle S2E5 - https://rb.gy/ujdwmj
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Tommy, Josh, and Jenn dig into Season 2, Episode 4 of the incredible German language Netflix series Dark! In our spoiler-free (up to this episode) discussion, we talk about Jonas’ meeting with significant figures in 1921, the parents seemingly working together the find the truth in 2020, and the kids all working together to find the truth themselves by going full Goonies!
Family Tree S2E4 - https://rb.gy/kyekqz
Time Map S2E4 - https://rb.gy/yt3hpt
Time Machine Life Cycle S2E4 - https://rb.gy/ein3zw
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Tommy, Josh, and Jenn dig into season 2, episode 3 of the incredible German language Netflix series Dark! In our spoiler-free (up to this episode) discussion, we unpack Claudia’s experiences as she works with the existence of time travel, follow Egon and try to understand his transformation into a sympathetic character as he keeps trying to unravel the mysteries of Winden, and explore Noah’s possible break with his previous loyalties. We are also trying out adding little bloopers at the end of each episode. Check it out!
Family Tree S2E3 - https://rb.gy/xmlfdg
Time Map S2E3 - https://rb.gy/6hzdco
Time Machine Life Cycle S2E3 - https://rb.gy/k6kugp
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Tommy, Josh, and Jenn dive into the second episode of season 2 of the incredible German language Netflix series Dark! In our spoiler-free (up to this episode) discussion, we talk about even more crazy time-travel antics with Claudia, Egon continues to investigate Mads’ disappearance by talking to Helge after his accident, and also to the man he arrested in 1953, and Jonas gets into trouble while he continues to work towards returning to his time and trying to make it all right again. Quick note - Jenn’s audio is a little off this time because of some mic issues, but hopefully it isn’t too noticeable! The problem is fixed by the next episode.
Family Tree S2E2 - https://rb.gy/zb4z1b
Time Map S2E2 - https://rb.gy/yi4sq1
Time Machine Life Cycle S2E2 - https://rb.gy/4cnkqj
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Tommy, Josh, and Jenn dig into the season 2 opener of the incredible German language Netflix series Dark! In our spoiler-free (up to this episode) discussion, we discuss young Jonas’ struggles in his new situation, examine our evolving feelings towards Hannah as she grapples with harmful thoughts, and break down the introduction of a new investigator for the missing persons cases in Winden.
Family Tree S2E1 -https://rb.gy/l14bxa
Time Map S2E1 - https://rb.gy/jibev3
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Tommy, Josh, and Jenn dig into the season 1 finale of the incredible German language Netflix series Dark! In our spoiler-free (up to this episode) discussion, we talk about how Helge tries to right a wrong in his past, discover the true relationship between Peter and Tronte, and get a shocking revelation about Jonas. Additionally, we catalogue the mysteries and questions as they have stacked up throughout the season, and figure out what has been answered and what hasn’t been.
Family Tree S1E10 - https://rb.gy/ojxdos
Time Map S1E10 - https://rb.gy/d254up
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Tommy, Josh, and Jenn dig into the ninth episode of the incredible German language Netflix series Dark! In our spoiler-free (up to this episode) discussion, we talk about how the show explores the purpose and origin of mankind, as well as the nature of the universe; dig into parent/child relationships throughout the show, especially in the Doppler and Nielsen families; and try to unpack all of the new information we get about Noah, his goals, and his beliefs.
Family Tree S1E9 - https://rb.gy/nkhaf1
Time Map S1E9 - https://rb.gy/rbah3n
Opening Quote: Man has always puzzled over his origin. His genesis. Created by God? Or a product of evolution? If we could see yesterday and tomorrow at the same time, the origin and the end, the entire universe in a single moment, we might finally find answers to the biggest questions of all. What is man? Where does he come from? What drives him? What is his purpose?
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Tommy, Josh, and Jenn dig into the eighth episode of the incredible German language Netflix series Dark! In our spoiler-free (up to this episode) discussion, we go over the new family members we meet as we look at Winden in 1953, try to wrap our heads around the mysteries of time travel, wormholes, and causality with the stranger and Tannhaus (while revealing our deep affection for Back to the Future), and try to place ourselves in Ulrich's feet as he grapples with his new reality.
Family Tree S1E8 - https://rb.gy/mudzbw
Time Map - https://rb.gy/3dz5zu
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Tommy, Josh, and Jenn dig into the seventh episode of the incredible German language Netflix series Dark! In our spoiler-free (up to this episode) discussion, we discuss Jonas' choice as he finds Mikkel in 1986 after a conversation with the mysterious stranger, follow Charlotte as she follows clues like breadcrumbs all over Winden, and we feel shock with Ulrich as we discover he discovers Helge's secret.
Family Tree S1E7 - https://rb.gy/y5vxb2
Time Map - https://rb.gy/vdge8j
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Tommy, Josh, and Jenn dig into the sixth episode of the incredible German language Netflix series Dark! In our spoiler-free (up to this episode) discussion, we discuss Ulrich's further descent into madness as he investigates the disappearances in Winden, follow Jonas through the Sic Mundus Creatus Est door into 1986, and discuss how all of these characters deal with the pain and loss of their lives.
Family Tree S1E6 - https://rb.gy/vgvfj3
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Tommy, Josh, and Jenn explore the fifth episode of the incredible German language Netflix series Dark! In our spoiler-free (up to this episode) discussion, we freak out over some big revelations, continue to unpack the Katharina/Ulrich/Hannah triangle, and and discuss German parenting tactics after watching Charlotte talking to Elisabeth.
Family Tree S1E5 - https://rb.gy/ywow0g
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Tommy, Josh, and Jenn explore the fourth episode of the incredible German language Netflix series Dark! In our spoiler-free (up to this episode) discussion, we revel in the purposeful construction of the show, debate the proper pronunciation of German names as English speakers, and decry the classroom management of the Winden teachers. We talk about Fransizka’s deep family issues, Jonas’ exploration of the Winden caves, and Ulrich’s incredibly rough treatment at the hands of Aleksander’s Power Plant security.
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Tommy, Josh, and Jenn explore the third episode of the incredible German language Netflix series Dark! In our spoiler-free discussion, we talk about the previous generation of the denizens of Winden, and note the different ways in which history is already repeating itself. We talk about poor Mikkel's fruitless quest and the dramatic irony of his interactions with his young parents, the trials and tribulations of being a powerful woman in the 80s like Claudia, and explore the beginnings of Hannah's relationship with Ulrich.
Our analysis digs into the symbolic significance of Raider Bars (Raider is now Twix!), possible important connections that relate to the number 33, and Tears for Fears' "Shout" as a protest song.
Family Tree for Season 1 Episode 3: https://rb.gy/hbezvb
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Tommy, Josh, and Jenn dive into episode 2 of Netflix's German language Dark! In our spoiler-free discussion, we talk about the excitement of a small-town coroner upon her opportunity to conduct an autopsy on the mysterious new dead body, talk about Mikkel's arrival in 1986, and the glistening abs of the scarred stranger and his crazy-person wall of clippings. Our analysis digs into the symbolism of birds, hoodies, and candlelight, as well as the companion texts of German pop songs and Jean-Paul Sarte's No Exit.
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Tommy, Josh, and Jenn analyze the first episode of Netflix's Dark! In our spoiler-free discussion, we clarify the family trees, discuss Nietzche, existentialism, symbolism, and etymology here. We also talk about the merits of watching the show in German with English subtitles or watching the English dub. What on earth is going on in Winden with the missing child problem?
Spoiler-Free Family Tree Information for Season 1 Episode 1: https://rb.gy/8mykv2
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