The Tampa Bay Lightning, Auteur Theory, Imperator Furiosa

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Love: The Tampa Bay Lightning

Andy starts off this episode with a combination public and personal history for his favorite hockey team, the Tampa Bay Lightning. He delves into their founding, a story complete with mediocre performances and Japanese mob connections (really), their eventual ascent into top-tier status through a combination of gimmicks and historically good playing, and Andy’s own personal connection to them dating back to his Colorado childhood. Alex learns a whole bunch about hockey and makes fun of various funny-sounding names, so it’s a wonderful experience for all.

NOTE: This episode was recorded some weeks ago at a point in the NHL season when the Lightning were riding high on an incredible season. They have since experienced what Andy has referred to as the greatest upset in the history of hockey and he believes this discussion jinxed them and caused their defeat. Alex find this very funny and thinks you should know that.

Hate: Auteur Theory

Alex takes his turn at the Hate wheel to yell at Auteur Theory, and everything wrong with attributing works of art, especially movies and music, to singular artists. He and Andy discuss its history, the often abusive, ego-maniacal men typically given the label and use it to justify terrible behavior, and how its use downplays the contributions of other essential collaborators who don’t get their proper due.

A shout out that is regrettably missing from the discussion should go to Lindsay Ellis and her excellent video essay about Auteur Theory through the lens of Michael Bay. Her entire channel is worth a look if you’re into fantastic, funny, and accessible film criticism, and we’re sorry we forgot to mention it audibly.

Relationship: Imperator Furiosa

This episode’s question comes from yet another of our dear listeners dealing with a problematic coworker, this one so prone to fits of rage and disruption, it’s making her consider leaving a terrific gig she loves. Andy tells his own story of dealing with a rage monster of a colleague once, both offer reassurances, and Alex encourages doing the personal self-work to forgive oneself for making a change like this (and offers a Hail Mary idea for the hell of it).