In this week’s Middle of Culture, we dive deep into our usual blend of media obsession and existential humor — from the strange delights of villainess light novels and the chaos of gacha games to Tron Ares, which Eden declares “not a good movie… but maybe the best Tron movie.” Peter shares his thoughts on new music from Conjurer and Author & Punisher, reviews Wind and Truth with mixed feelings, and outlines a possible new nonfiction project exploring the moral dehumanization of healthcare. We close by revisiting the bizarre early UK Transformers comics — where Optimus is kind of a jerk, Starscream becomes the original “catty traitor,” and Brawn looks like he escaped a Dollar Tree toy aisle.
Episode Notes:
Opening Banter:
- Eden introduces themselves as “so eeppy,” prompting Peter to admit defeat against internet slang.
- The two reflect on “functional depression,” aging, and surviving the current “hellscape.
Eden’s Media Fixation:
- Revisits I’m in Love with the Villainess and praises it as one of the best isekai series ever.
- Explains Prison Life is Easy for a Villainess, a meta comedy about a villainess treating dungeon time as a spa retreat.
- Attends a PowerPoint Party and presents “Villainess as Protagonist: A Meta-Analysis of Current Media Trends.”
Gacha Game Roundup:
- Stella Sora: “What if Hades was slower and shittier?” Deleted after 45 minutes.
- Chaos Zero Nightmare: Required two launchers — instant nope.
- Duet Night Abyss: Promising Warframe-style action without predatory gacha.
Tron Ares Review:
- Eden: “Not a good movie… but maybe the best Tron movie.”
- Praises its Nine Inch Nails soundtrack and stunning action; mocks Jared Leto’s acting.
- Peter admits he’d watch all three Tron films once they’re streaming.
Peter’s Media Corner:
- Music: Revisits Testament’s Parabellum, discovers Author & Punisher, and praises Conjurer’s Unself.
- Reading: Finishes Wind and Truth, critiques Sanderson’s editing, starts Murder Your Employer by Rupert Holmes, and begins Work Won’t Love You Back by Sarah Jaffe.
- Discusses a new nonfiction concept: “Connecting to Purpose: The Moral Dehumanization of Healthcare in America.”
Ideological Detour:
- Eden: “If you’re not the owner, you’re being exploited.”
- Peter admits he’s “becoming radicalized.”
Transformers (UK Comics):
- Recap of the lost “Man of Iron” episode and this week’s The Enemy Within.
- Discovery: This is possibly where “catty, traitorous Starscream” was born.
- Braun’s design roasted as “the Dollar Tree Transformer.”
- Optimus Prime called “a dick” for sending Brawn and Starscream into gladiator combat.
- Praise for Ravage and nostalgia for our childhood toys.
Closing:
- Eden confesses to spending $100 on the new Missing Link R.C. figure — “worth every penny.”
- Episode ends with a reminder to subscribe, share, and leave a review.
