Fangs for the Fantasy Podcast: 2014, Episode 11

It's Monday! Time for another episode of Fangs for the Fantasy, the podcast where we examine many of the shows we've been following this week, along with our book of the week and dissect them all from a social justice lens (though those with odd fish fixations will continue to be disappointed).

You can join us here and you can listen live on our youtube channel, here, or in our sidebar. All will also carry a recording after the show is finished. As ever all our previous podcasts can be found in the archive

The podcast begins at 7:00pm EST (technology willing)

This week we discuss: The Walking Dead and this season's excellent character development. Teen Wolf and the death of Allison. The 100 and our many questions. Bitten and their too great a deviation from the books. The return of Da Vinci's Demons and the poor female depictions. The Originals and Klaus again policing female sexuality.


We also discuss whether marginalised representation sells.

24th March - 31st March: Interview with a Vampire by Anne Rice

31st March - 7th April: The Last Werewolf by Glen Duncan

7th April - 14th April:  Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs

14th April - 21st April: The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice

21st April - 28th April: The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

28th April - 5th May: Night Season by Eileen Wilks

The Walking Dead, The Fall of the Governor: Part 2 by Robert Kirkman and Jay Bonansinga

Woodbury stands on the brink of disaster. The Governor – the cruel, ruthless, organised, skilled leader of their community has been horrendously injured by strangers to the town – strangers who have escaped and may come back. As the town fears their return, they also wait desperately for the Governor to wake up, even as the town’s functions begin to fray without his command.

It’s up to Lilly to step into the void. And, when the time comes, do whatever she must – whatever the Governor tells her – to keep them all safe from any threat.

We have had mixed experiences with this series – the problem is they are taking a story that has already been told in The Walking Dead comics and then telling them from a different angle. In the last book, that didn’t work out – we ended up with the same story regurgitated and it felt like rather a waste of time and money.

Thankfully this book is a little different. This book did bring something new to the storyline – it helped explained why. On some level we always know why people follow the brutal dictators like the Governor in dystopias – because he represents safety, because he represents stability, because it’s amazing what you can turn a blind eye to when your life depends upon it, because he’s charismatic and good at twisting the facts and selling lies, because in a dystopian world sometimes you need a monster on your side. We know all this from the many dystopians we’ve read, beyond The Walking Dead, but having a story told from Lily’s point of view, from the point of view of one of those who did follow the dictator, who believed the lies, who ignored the brutality, adds texture and a viewpoint we rarely see in the genre. Sure, we know these things – or can extrapolate them – but how often do we see them step in as protagonist? How often do we see the decisions they have to make, the thought processes – how often do we expect to be in their shoes?

And that’s what we get with Lilly; we get the fight of a pregnant woman in a dystopian world who knows she needs a safe, secure place if she’s going to have any chance to keep her baby safe. We have a woman who doesn’t just like the secure town of Woodbury and the cruel, sadistic Governor who leads it, but beyond a doubt needs both of them. She can’t afford not to trust the Governor. She cannot afford a moral high ground until she has no choice but to face the extremes of the man and his whole edifice of lies.

We also see that in Woodbury itself, the number of people who the Governor – in his twisted way – truly does care for and protect. A protection that actually starts to fall apart when the Governor and his overwhelming personality are not focused on the town – which shows they’re not wrong. They do need him.

This odd choice of protagonist also added a new tension to the action. The Walking Dead is famous for being a series where anyone can die – but let’s be honest, Rick and Carl at least are highly unlikely to ever die. But Lilly? She may be the protagonist of this book, but she’s also set against the series heroes and if it came down to Lilly or Michonne, we know which one’s going to be going down. When you actually step into the shoes of an antagonist, you know anyone can die.

Bitten, Season One, Episode Eleven: Settling

Elena lies in bed alone crying.  Clay is telling Jeremy that Elena is on edge and that it won't be easy to convince her. Clay hangs up when Elena enters accusing him of getting what he wanted because she cannot reach Philip.  Clay of course says that he would never want to see her hurting. Elena asks Clay what he wants and Clay says that he doesn't know and only cares that they are under attack.  Clay tells Elena that Joey has been found and that they need to return to Stonehaven as a pack.  Clay tells Elena that she cannot leave and that if Philip isn't back by the time they're ready, then they have to go.  Elena informs Clay that she doesn't need his advice on how to break someone's heart.

Logan has returned home looking for Rachel.  Not finding her, he calls Rachel and asks where she is. Rachel tells Logan that she is at the gallery and relates what happened the night before at the show. Marsten walks in and compliments the collection of photos.  Logan starts to yell for her attention, as Rachel hands over information on how to contact Elena.   Marsten leaves and Rachel explains that it was a potential buyer. Logan begs Rachel to come home and hides his concern by saying that he has a surprise for her.

Nick reports to Jeremy at Stonehaven that Joey is being sent to Vancouver to get his head right. Jeremy tells Nick that they are going to Toronto to protect Elena and bring her back because they don't want her traveling or out in the open by herself. They are interrupted by a knock at the door and it's the Sheriff to inform him that t agents will be doing search his property because they have a lead on Michael Braxton's murder.  It seems that its been linked to a lot of other homicides.  Since when do police share this kind of information with the public.  How is it that the sheriff isn't at all concerned that Jeremy is mixed up in this, especially because the body was dumped on his property?

In the house, Jeremy delivers coffee to the sheriff and asks about the lead the police have discovered. Morgan reveals that fingerprints found on the body led to a hit in the national data base.  They have a seat and Jeremy asks about a suspect. Morgan shows Jeremy a picture of Thomas LeBlanc and adds that he was linked to rapes and murders in the midwest.  Morgan wonders why the body was left at Stonehaven and says that serial killers normally don't change patterns. See, she thinks it's suspicious but still giving Jeremy answers to all of the questions he asks. Jeremy questions why his property needs to be searched and Morgan reveals that the body was dragged from the original site and LeBlanc may not be long gone. Morgan says that she will be back later with a consent to search form and adds that everything which has happened is terrible for their town. Wait, so because he is from the town, he cannot be complicit?

A frantic Elena says that she is not going to sit there waiting for Jeremy. Clay reminds Elena that Jeremy said that it would only be a short delay.  Elena is adamant that she needs to find Philip  and asks what happens if Santos or Olsen decide to go after him.  Clay argues that it would mean exposure and Philip is not important enough to do that.  Elena says that she is being asked to gamble with Philip's life and Clay argues back that they shouldn't give the mutts what they want.

Rachel returns home and Logan reveals that he has brought a vacation package to Jamaica leaving tonight. Rachel says that she cannot leave tonight and reminds Logan of his patients. It's only when Logan reveals that he has cancelled all of his appointments that Rachel realizes that he is serious.  Rachel says that the gesture is sweet and asks him to book it for next month when she can get the time off.

Philip shows up at Diane's and reveals that he slept in a hotel last night because he isn't sure what is real about Elena. Diane tells him to relax and that he had good reason to go after the guy who went after his girlfriend.  Philip reveals that he got into a fight with Elena over Clay and that Clay isn't her cousin.

Back at Philip's, Elena is flipping out after learning that the mutts have pictures of her Diane, Philip and her life in Toronto.  Clay asks how long Philip has been working for Williams and Elena says that she was back in the valley when it started. Clay suggests that all of this has been in the works for at least a year.  Elena asks what the mutts want and Clay replies that they want the pack destroyed and they want her.

New Releases 24th March - 30th March

The following constitute either a single one off book, or the start of a new series in our genre. Please read them over and let us know if something catches your eye in the comments

Nearly Gone by Elle Cosimano

Nearly Boswell knows how to keep secrets. Living in a DC trailer park, she knows better than to share anything that would make her a target with her classmates. Like her mother's job as an exotic dancer, her obsession with the personal ads, and especially the emotions she can taste when she brushes against someone's skin. But when a serial killer goes on a killing spree and starts attacking students, leaving cryptic ads in the newspaper that only Nearly can decipher, she confides in the one person she shouldn't trust: the new guy at school--a reformed bad boy working undercover for the police, doing surveillance. . . on her.

Nearly might be the one person who can put all the clues together, and if she doesn't figure it all out soon--she'll be next.

Noma Girl: A Tor.Com Original by Elizabeth Fama

Because of a quirk of history during the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918, present-day America is rigidly divided between people who live and work during the hours of darkness—Smudges—and those known as Rays, who populate the day. A group of Smudges called the Noma live on the fringes of society in loose tribes, preying on Smudges and Rays alike. Gigi is a ruthless Noma, but in this prequel companion story to Plus One, she is ordered to abduct a cell phone hacker named Ciel Le Coeur and reveals a surprisingly tender heart.

Last God Standing by Michael Boatman

When God decides to quit and join the human race to see what all the fuss is about, all Hell breaks loose.

Sensing his abdication, the other defunct gods of Earth’s vanquished pantheons want a piece of the action He abandoned.

Meanwhile, the newly-humanised deity must discover the whereabouts and intentions of the similarly reincarnated Lucifer, and block the ascension of a murderous new God.

How is he ever going to make it as a stand-up comedian with all of this going on…?

Note: here is our review of this book.

Book of the Week

It's another Monday which means it's time for our next podcast - episode 10 of 2014 where we will talk about all of the shows we've been following this week (or as many as we can get to), our book of the week and whether Renee manages to carve through the permafrost to her home or not - all through our social justice lens. Feel free to join us, listen, ask questions or make suggestions

Like all  the Fangs for the Fantasy podcasts (archives here) we read a book and discuss it on the show. 

To give people a chance to read along with us we include a list of our planned books of the week for the next few shows, so people can get the books, read them and join in the conversation.

17th March - 24th March: Fall of the Governor: Part Two by Jay Bonansinga

24th March - 31st March: Interview with a Vampire by Anne Rice

31st March - 7th April:  The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

7th April - 14th April:  Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs

14th April - 21st April: The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice

21st April - 28th April: The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

28th April - 5th May: Night Season by Eileen Wilks

The Walking Dead, Season Four: Episode Fifteen: Us

Eugene is walking and shooting his mouth off about what killed off the dinosaurs.  He moves on to video games and it's clear that Tara just wants him to shut up.  Later, Abraham sits next to Tara who tells him to go to sleep.  Abraham says that he is not leaving Eugene's defense in her hands. Abraham says that he hasn't seen Tara sleep yet and wonders if it is because she was in love Glenn and talks about the irony of the situation. Abraham then mentions that he saw the way she was looking down Rosita's shirt and adds that she is this in common with Eugene.  Tara then brings up Abraham being in the army and that she gets his whole gung ho mission is his life thing and asks what he will do when the mission is over.

The next day, Eugene is still shooting his mouth off and they are talking about finding a battery and sharing supplies. They pause when Glenn sees a message from Maggie, telling him to get to Terminus.  Glenn takes off running desperately down the tracks.

Harley and his crew are sleeping on the ground when they are awoken by a walker.  When they awaken they kill the walker and notice that Darryl is missing.

Rick is still walking and turns to find Michonne and Carl balancing on the tracks.  Rick says that they should speed up and Michonne falls off the track and gives Carl a chocolate bar in payment.  Carl then opens the bar and offers Michonne half saying that they always share.

Darryl is hunting and shoots an arrow but Len shoots his arrow right after. Darryl is informed that the rabbit has been claimed and that the rules of the hunt don't mean anything.  Darryl declares the rabbit his.  Len taunts Darryl about being caught up for losing a piece of tail.  Darryl grabs his knife but Harley stops him before he can strike.  Harley declares that the critter belongs to Len.  Harley claims that going  alone is not an option and so he has laid out rules and that means all someone has to do is to claim something and that is how you mark your territory.  When Darryl says that he isn't claiming something, Len advocates that Darryl has to be punished.  Harley cuts the rabbit in half and gives half to Len and the other Darryl, reminding Darryl that claimed is all he has to say.

Glen continues to rush ahead when Abraham says that they are stopping for a rest. Glenn argues but Abraham points out that none of them have slept more than a couple hours and points out that he and Rosita have a mission to keep Eugene alive and saving the whole damn world.  A zombie appears and Tara gets hurt getting out of the way.  Tara says that she is good to keep going and Rosita calls Glenn an ass because Tara would do anything for Glenn.  Glenn agrees to give Eugene his riot gear if they walk until sundown.

Harley asks Darryl what his plan is and Darryl says that he is just looking for the right place.  Harley wonders if they are good enough for him and adds that everyone needs a group out there.  Harley says that people don't have to be friendly or be brothers in arms, just follow the rules.  Darryl learns that if you break a rule, you catch a beating.  Harley says that when men like them follow the rules then the world becomes theirs. Darryl says that he isn't a part of them and Harley questions if he is leaving right now.  When Darryl doesn't answer, Harley says then there's an us.  Harley then brings up cats and says that there is nothing sadder than an outdoor cat that thinks it's an indoor cat.

Helix, Season 1, Episode 12: The Reaping

It’s the penultimate episode! We’re building towards the final where the goo-zombies eat Alan from the feet upwards!

Hey, I can dream!

Day 12

Beware the Scythe (I can never take such over dramatic names seriously). Who is a stroppy teenager and reporting in to his bosses (stroppily of course). His orders are to recover the virus and its new cure, bring in Hiroshi alive and kill everyone else.

Unfortunately for him, everyone’s alive and in great health – except Hiroshi who was badly injured.

Sarah hides her newly silver eyes and she and Alan discuss the world ending and why they can’t just run and hide. Miksa returns to give them news of the scientists the Scythe killed. Time for Miksa, the newly-cured Peter and Alan to go investigate and Peter to get all judgey about Miksa working for Ilaria (just like you Peter! And get up to date, Miksa’s not Team!Ilaria any more).

Sarah and Julia discuss their future as immortal beings who never get sick – and we learn Hiroshi is over 500 years old. Which leads well to looking at CCTV footage of the Scythe (real name Spencer) and reminding everyone that just because he looks 15 doesn’t mean he isn’t centuries old and very experienced at slicing and dicing.

Cut to the Scythe and his minions (who have a box with something living in it) who find the footage of Hiroshi killing Constance. The Scythe’s mother. He’s not pleased. Don’t worry, Minion #2 has distracting footage of Alan and Hiroshi discussing their plans in-a-totally-not-a-trap-fashion.

Just in case you missed the obvious-trap, Miksa and Julia discuss the fact it’s a trap. Next they will paint big signs “IT’S A TRAP!” everywhere in case it still managed to get past us. Miksa’s a little bitter about the fact he spent his whole life doting on Hiroshi but everything Hiroshi was doing was actually for Julia. He wants to leave, finish off the goo-zombies, escape and then be gone – though Julia is apparently trying to build a sibling relationship which is slightly creepy but appreciated; but he holds that he has a sister – Anana.

Hiroshi and Alan argue, yet again. Hiroshi obliquely referencing his 5 centuries of experience telling Alan he thinks he’s impetuous and incapable of thinking long term. Lotsa bickering before the plan starts with a fire hazard diversion. They go out into the snow and collect a canister from the frozen storage – and are confronted by the Scythe and his minions. After obligatory word bandying, Hiroshi throws the canister over thin ice and one of the minions grabs it – and falls.

Hiroshi and Alan draw guns, but Scythe and Minion #2 have disappeared. Back to the base to go into hiding

Grimm, Season 3, Episode 16: The Show Must Go On

“Under such conditions,

Whatever is evil in man’s natures

Comes to the front.”

I’m assuming the quote references either a) being drunk or b) queues in our local newsagents.

Or maybe a travelling fair – where part of the act appears to be a “wolfman” who, when tormented, turns into a wolfman in front of the audience before being shot by the ring master. Or only apparently – since we see him later in human form clearing up, having removed his bloodstained shirt?

A Wesen wogeing for entertainment?

The man is Max and a woman tries to talk him out of doing it any more – and drinking. Though he thinks they need the money and he can’t stop. He walks away, drinking heavily – so heavily it’s more a stagger and he starts to lose control of his claws. Which is just the worst time for 2 over-eager fans to rush up and take him for a drink.

They take him home and try to get the very drunk Max to show them how he turns into a wolfman. They keep pushing and one woman who seems to have an agenda slaps him – and he woges into a Blutbad.

Remember how I complained a few episodes ago that Nick needs to spend more social time with Monroe? Well here they are with Rosalie and Juliette having dinner and discussing Rosalie and Monroe’s upcoming wedding –and Monroe asks Nick to be his best man and Juliette to be the Maid of Honour. Awwwwww…. Nick needs to look more happy in this scene.

That night Nick has a dream about Monroe’s wedding cake, blood and screaming. He explains to Juliette he had a huge nightmare of slaughtering all of the wedding guests when they attacked him when they realised he was a Grimm. He’s worried this could be a premonition and everyone will die if he’s best man.

Time for the crime – first Wu is back so either some time has passed or he got a clean bill of health awfully quickly – and it turns out that those 2 women slapping the Blutbad have been horribly murdered. Natural selection at work! On the bodies they find tickets to the circus.

To the circus to find the boss, Hedig, but they arrive just in time for a show – and Hedig has a whole stable of Wesen to woge for his show culminating in Max the Blutbad who dramatically bends bars and has to be “killed”.

After the show Max argues for a change in the show and Hedig makes it clear he’s the boss, so there. Hank and Nick arrive to ask questions and get very little (obviously Hedig passes off the woge as masks). But as they leave Genevieve, one of the performers, asks Max about the girls – but he only remembers drinking with them. She wants them to leave, he’s working too hard and it’s hurting him. She tries to stop him drinking and he woges and hits her, knocking her into the broken glass on the floor.