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We Interrupt This Program

We Interrupt This Program

Written by: We Interrupt This Program
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What do you get when you mix a family science scholar and a media researcher? Deep dives into the human and technical elements of film and television, silly! Join Ebony and Vern as they (lovingly) beat your favorite media to death with a microscope and interrupt the programming we all receive from the mythology of our modern era. But like, relatably!

As academics we know that knowledge can be gatekept by its makers, and we want to take higher learning to more accessible places. We believe media literacy is not only a right but a responsibility and that people who are knowledgeable about family and relationship dynamics can be better friends, partners, neighbors, members of a society. We chose to use the most accessible texts in our culture (movies/tv) and empower people to become better versions of themselves.

We Interrupt This Program
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Episodes
  • Tucker & Dale vs Evil Review: Part 1
    Jun 5 2025

    Summary

    Ebony and Vern explore the film 'Tucker and Dale vs. Evil,' discussing its unique blend of comedy and horror, character dynamics, and the themes of miscommunication, identity, and perception. They delve into how the film plays with horror tropes, the significance of costuming, and the impact of prejudice and stereotypes. The discussion highlights the film's commentary on class and regionality, as well as the role of female characters and the consequences of miscommunication in the narrative.

    Takeaways

    Tucker and Dale vs. Evil is a unique blend of comedy and horror.

    Horror films have evolved to include more cultural commentary.

    The film challenges stereotypes about hillbillies and rednecks.

    Miscommunication is a central theme that drives the plot.

    The characters' perceptions of each other are crucial to the story.

    Costuming plays a significant role in character development.

    The cabin symbolizes the characters' optimistic outlook on life.

    Female characters are given depth and agency in the narrative.

    Physical comedy enhances the film's storytelling.

    The film critiques societal prejudices and stereotypes.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Tucker and Dale vs. Evil

    05:04 Comedy Horror: A Unique Genre

    09:24 Character Dynamics and Perceptions

    13:57 The Role of Humor in Horror

    17:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    20:29 Miscommunication and Misunderstanding

    25:14 The Complexity of Humor and Horror

    26:40 Tropes and Stereotypes in Horror

    30:19 The Death of Common Ground

    tags

    Tucker and Dale vs. Evil, horror films, comedy horror, character dynamics, miscommunication, identity, perception, class, regionality, stereotypes

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    32 mins
  • Decoding "Sinners", pt 2.
    Jun 4 2025

    Vern Cooper and Ebony Williams delve into the film 'Sinners,' exploring its themes of colonialism, spirituality, and the cultural significance of music. They discuss the characters' coping mechanisms, the film's moral complexities, and the impact of historical context on contemporary narratives. The dialogue highlights the importance of cultural appropriation, allyship, and the dangers faced by Black individuals, while also drawing parallels with other films and literature. The conversation emphasizes the film's potential to resonate within the African American community and its broader implications for understanding identity and culture.

    Takeaways

    The film 'Sinners' explores the intersection of colonialism and spirituality.

    Hoodoo is presented as a blend of African traditions and Christianity.

    Coping mechanisms in the film contrast faith with action.

    Music serves as a powerful narrative device connecting past and present.

    The film's portrayal of danger reflects real societal issues for Black people.

    Cultural appropriation is a significant theme in the discussion of music.

    The characters' experiences highlight the complexity of allyship.

    The film has the potential to become iconic within the African American community.

    Historical context enriches the understanding of the film's themes.

    The conversation underscores the importance of unpacking cultural narratives.

    Chapters

    00:00 Religion, Spirituality, and Coping Mechanisms

    03:16 Cultural Appropriation and Historical Context

    06:32 The Impact of Personal Backgrounds

    07:16 Cultural Interactions and Naivety

    08:55 Finding Joy in Unconventional Spaces

    10:42 The Complexity of Morality

    11:51 The Role of Monsters in Society

    12:39 Grounding Stories in Reality

    14:19 Exploring Historical Contexts

    15:03 Music as a Connective Tissue

    17:15 Cultural Blending in Music

    18:40 Colonialism's Impact on Cultures

    19:34 Allegiances and Self-Interest

    20:22 The Power of Community

    22:15 Reflections on the Conversation

    23:03 WItP Pod.mp4

    tags:

    Sinners, colonialism, spirituality, music, cultural appropriation, coming of age, allyship, film analysis, African American culture, narrative device

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    30 mins
  • The Last of Us s2 Finale: Wherever you go, there you are
    May 29 2025

    Vern and Ebony delve into the season finale of The Last of Us, exploring character dynamics, moral dilemmas, and the consequences of Ellie's actions. They discuss themes of parenthood, community, and the cyclical nature of violence, while reflecting on the emotional weight of the narrative and its implications for future seasons.

    Takeaways

    The finale explores deep character dynamics and development.

    Ellie's journey is marked by significant consequences.

    Themes of parenthood and responsibility are prevalent.

    The conflict raises moral dilemmas for the characters.

    Cycles of violence are a central theme in the narrative.

    Ellie's obsession impacts her relationships and decisions.

    Community and belonging play crucial roles in the story.

    The nature of war and its effects on individuals are examined.

    The climax presents critical choices and their consequences.

    The aftermath sets the stage for future implications.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to The Last of Us Season Finale

    03:41 Ellie's Journey and Consequences

    06:27 The Complexity of Relationships

    09:29 Moral Dilemmas in a Chaotic World

    11:55 Ellie's Obsession and Its Impact

    15:24 Social Commentary and Moral Reflections

    17:46 Understanding Character Motivations

    20:11 The Weight of Impossible Decisions

    22:43 The Messiness of Choices

    25:28 The No-Win Scenario

    26:03 Lessons from the Journey

    26:32 Breaking the Cycle of Violence

    27:18 The Role of Family and Support

    27:56 The Importance of Connection

    28:46 The Future of Leadership

    29:44 The Next Generation

    30:26 The Ideological Divide

    31:24 The Nature of Power

    32:14 Understanding the Conflict

    32:42 The Struggle for Resources

    33:38 The Role of Ideology

    34:24 The Weight of Control

    34:39 The Weight of Reality

    36:06 The Impact of Violence

    38:02 Identity and Purpose

    39:00 Consequences of Choices

    40:49 Setting the Stage for Season 3

    42:24 Emotional Labor in Storytelling

    49:13 Looking Ahead: Future Discussions

    51:30 WItP Pod.mp4

    tags: Keywords

    The Last of Us, Season Finale, Character Development, Parenthood, Violence, Redemption, Community, War, Choices, Consequences

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    52 mins
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