Deep Dive
Why did Joanna and Mallory choose the scene from Interview with a Vampire for their top 10 moments of 2024?
Joanna chose the scene where Armand torments and prepares to kill the journalist Daniel in a 1970s San Francisco apartment, praising the exquisite writing and the Daniel Hart score. Mallory, while not on her list, was intrigued by the scene's seductive and lulling nature, which builds toward a powerful emotional and philosophical moment.
What was Mallory's favorite moment from Three-Body and why did she choose it?
Mallory chose the scene where Salt convinces Will to reconsider his fate in the final episode of season one. She was captivated by the way Salt lulls Will into a state of vulnerability, the visual and sound design, and the deep philosophical questions it raises about human nature and suffering. This moment felt like a tight and powerful encapsulation of the show's themes.
Why does Joanna believe the Neil character from Skeleton Crew is an instant icon?
Joanna believes Neil is an instant icon because of his unique and memorable presence, despite the show's limited run so far. The supercut of Neil's moments, particularly his interactions and emotional depth, stands out as a highlight of the series. Joanna and Mallory both appreciate the character's subtle humor and impact, making him a standout in the genre storytelling world.
Why did Mallory include the scene from House of the Dragon where Rhaenyra encounters Vermithor?
Mallory included this scene because it captures the raw emotional and visual power of the show. The moment where Rhaenyra faces the giant dragon Vermithor and feels a surge of dragon power is a defining moment that confirms her destiny. The visual effects and sound design, particularly the work of Paul Fairfield, create a stunning and iconic sequence that aligns with the show's best genre storytelling.
Why was the death of Lillia in Agatha All Along chosen as one of the top moments of 2024?
The death of Lillia in Agatha All Along was chosen because it symbolizes the show's commitment to meaningful and permanent consequences. The scene is pivotal in establishing the gravity of the story and the emotional depth of the characters, especially Agatha. Patti LuPone's performance as Lillia is also praised, adding to the moment's poignancy and resonance.
Why did Joanna and Mallory both pick moments from the Rings of Power?
Both Joanna and Mallory picked moments from the Rings of Power because of the show's emotional and visual impact. Joanna chose the death of Celebrimbor, highlighting the performances of Charles Edwards and Charlie Vickers and the profound narrative twist. Mallory picked King Durin's sacrifice, emphasizing the emotional and visual wallop, the theme of redemption, and the bond between father and son. Both moments are seen as defining visuals and emotional highlights of the year in fantasy storytelling.
Why did Mallory choose the sandworm riding scene from Dune Part 2 as her number one moment?
Mallory chose the sandworm riding scene from Dune Part 2 because of its visceral and emotional power. The scene was overwhelming in its visuals, sound, and score, and it captured the essence of the film's adaptation. Watching it in the theater with friends, feeling the collective excitement and the depth of the Fremen's reaction, made it a profoundly moving and memorable experience.
Why was the scene where Rhaenys and Maelys fall to their deaths in House of the Dragon so impactful for Joanna?
The scene where Rhaenys and Maelys fall to their deaths is impactful because it beautifully captures the bond between dragon and rider and the devastating consequences of the Dragon War. Despite the predictability of the event for book readers, the emotional delivery and the specific look they share before their demise make it a powerful and poignant moment. It resonated deeply with Joanna and other fantasy fans, serving as a salve to past disappointments in the genre.
- The podcast is the last one of the year.
- They will celebrate the top 10 moments of the year in genre stories.
- Listeners can find Ringiverse Recommends for December on December 30th, a Mint Edition episode on things they missed on December 31st, and a double dive on Skeleton Crew episodes five and six on January 2nd.