This week on Chain Link Theater, we follow the chain away from the triple-dog-dares of Indiana and into the absurdist, dodgeball-fueled halls of 1995’s Billy Madison. We’re tracking the "Old Man" himself, Darren McGavin, as he trades his flickering leg lamp and "fra-gee-lay" crates for finding an heir to his corporate empire of Madison Hotels.
We dive into how McGavin brings his signature "grumpy but gold-hearted" patriarch energy to the mid-90s, acting as the perfect foil to Adam Sandler’s chaotic, shampoo-obsessed man-child. We talk about the sheer whiplash of moving from 1940s nostalgia to a world of giant imaginary penguins, O’Doyle family dominance, and the most high-stakes academic decathlon in cinematic history.
Pack your Lunchables, watch out for the flaming bags of poop, and hold on to your butts—it’s time to go back to school with Chain Link Theater!
