Episode 51: Kamen Rider & Super Sentai(Power Rangers) Tutorial

Topic: Kamen Rider & Super Sentai(Power Rangers) 

This week, we move on from Drama to entirely different type of drama.  Granted this one is far more interesting to me because of Explosions, Cool Poses, and Brightly Colored Uniforms.  We welcome back my little brother to discuss Toei’s most popular Tokusatsu series: Kamen Rider and Super Sentai, better known in the west as Power Rangers.

History:

Shotaro Ishinomori

Father of Super Sentai, Kamen Rider, and Cyborg 009

1. Started as an Assistant to Osamu Tezuka (Astroboy, grandfather of Manga/anime)
2. Developed his own popular manga, Cyborg 009 in 1963 – 1984.
3. Late developed Skullman in 1970, a one off manga volume that told story of a vigilantly hero of Skullman trying to find the murder of his parents, and stop an evil organization.
4. Developed Kamen Rider initially as a live action version of Skullman, but later adapted look of a Grasshopper to make new series
5. Fathered the Henshin style super hero in Tokusatsu series
6. Created  Himitsu Sentai Gorenger, first Super Sentai Series
7. Went on to make many Tokusatsu series
8. Died of heart failure at age 60

Tokusatsu
Japanese Live Action Film/TV series with heavy use of Special Effects.

Kamen Rider

• Started as adaptation of Skullman, but due to the violent tones of Skullman, the series was reworked to have a Grasshopper motif for the lead hero.
• Original Series
  Takeshi Hongo is kidnapped and experimented on by the villainous terrorist group Shocker, turning their soldiers into mutant cyborgs and brainwashing them.  Hongo escapes before the brainwashing and fights Shocker as the grasshopper, masked man: Kamen Rider.
  Due to a filming accident in episode 10, the actor playing Kamen Rider had his legs broken, and is replaced by a second Kamen Rider, Hayato Ichimonji, who also escaped Shocker.  To differentiate the two, Hongo is Kamen Rider 1 and Ichimonji is Kamen Rider 2
  After the actor playing Hongo is healed, both Kamen Riders continued the series until it’s conclusion at 98 episodes.
  This would start the Showa Era of Kamen Rider.  

Showa Era (1971 – 1989)

• Showa Era due to Emperor Hirohito, who died in 1989.  Upon their death, Japanese Emperors are posthumously renamed as the Era they presided over.  Thus, Emperor Hirohito became Emperor Showa.  Showa roughly meaning ‘Enlightened Peace’ or some interpret as ‘Radiant Japan’.
• Several other shows were produced until 1976, with other individuals as Kamen Riders, but dubbed Riders.  There was V3, X, Amazon, and Stronger. 
• The show took a hiatus for a few years to develop Himitsu Sentai Gorenger, first Canonical Super Sentai Series. 
• Returned in 1979 with Kamen Rider Skyrider, Super 1 and ZX.  The series would go back in to Hiatus, until 1987, with Kamen Rider Black, the first series to not be tied in to the early series.
• Also a direct Sequel in Kamen Rider Black RX, which was the based for Saban’s Masked Rider, ala Power Ranger style.
• The series would not have any major TV series for the next decade, but kept alive through live action performance, movies, and CD Dramas.  
  

Heisei Era, Phase 1 (1999 – 2009)

• Heisei meaning “Peace Everywhere” which started after previous Emperor’s Death and lasted until 2019 when then Emperor Akihito abdicated the throne to his Son.  When the former Emperor dies, he will be then known as ‘Emperor Heisei’. 
• 1997 began production on Kamen Rider Kuuga, a rebirth of the series after a decade of television hiatus.  Series father Shotaro Ishinomori, began production with the intent of having a 30th anniversary of the series, but died before Kuuga could air.  On January 30th, 2000, Kuuga ushered in the rebirth of Kamen Rider.
• Heisei Era would feature a new Kamen Rider series every year, with and established various motifs and ideas over the decade. 
• During this time, movie series called Kamen Rider: The First, re-imagined the original Showa Era Kamen Rider tv show and manga, and created  series of movies with a darker tone to the original.
• With popularity of Kamen Rider Den-O, a tradition of having a Movie come out toward, or directly after, the end of the series.  Movies often add new element to show or expand upon the ending, but usually always have a cameo from the next Kamen Rider in the movie.
• Phase 1 ended with Kamen Rider Decade, a series that followed a Kamen Rider going to alternate version of the last nine Kamen Rider series and gaining their abilities and powers.
• Decade finished early, marking the first time in 10 years where instead of starting in January or February, Kamen Rider shows would start in late August, early September.

Heisei Era, Phase 2 (2009 – 2019)

• Phase 2 continued the trend of Kamen rider shows, with some notable motifs.
• Double was first rider to be two people
• Wizard was first entirely magical, not based on technology, Rider.  Wizard was also first gay Rider
• Phrase 2 concluded with Kamen Rider Zi-o, a similar series to Kamen Rider Decade where the hero revisited other Kamen Riders to gain their powers.
  

Reiwa Era (2019 – Current)

Reiwa meaning “Beautiful Harmony”.  With Abdication by Emperor Akihito, his son, Naruhito, became Emperor on May 1st, 2019.  When Emperor Naruhito dies, he will be renamed as Emperor Reiwa. 

• First series to be fully produced in Reiwa era is Kamen Rider Zero-One.  It reuses a similar Grasshopper motif.
• Staples of Kamen Rider:
  Rider Belt (Henshin Device)
  Announcing “Henshin” to change
  Alternate and/or Super Forms
  Motor Cycles
  Every episode takes place over two episodes, IE, two episodes make up one whole story
  Pervious series have no bearing/repercussions on future series.  IE, each series is self-contained.  Exceptions are Decade, Zi-o, and Majority of Showa Era series.

Rider Motifs/Themes
Each Rider has a motif or theme their rider is based on.  These are often over arching themes or motifs for both Riders and bad guys. 
Some include:

Showa Era

• Kamen Rider - Grasshopper
• Kamen Rider V3 - Grasshopper
• Kamen Rider X - Grasshopper
• Kamen Rider Amazon - Incan/Mayan Origin
• Kamen Rider Stronger - Kabuto (Rhino Horn beetle)
• Kamen Rider Skyrider - Remake of First Kamen rider
• Kamen Rider Super-1 - Gloves give special Powers
• Kamen Rider Black - Darker Tone, Seperation from original series
• Kamen Rider Black RX - Direct Sequel to Black, Form Change

Heisei Era Phase 1

• Kamen Rider Kuuga - 30th Anniversary
• Kamen Rider Agito - First series with multiple Riders
• Kamen Rider Ryuki - Battle Royal
• Kamen Rider 555 - Greek letters
• Kamen Rider Blade - Playing Cards, Zodiac
• Kamen Rider Hibiki - Japanese Oni(Demons)
• Kamen Rider Kabuto - Various Insects
• Kamen Rider Den-O - Time Travel, Japanese Poems
• Kamen Rider Kiva - Hollywood Monsters, Stained glass, Vampires
• Kamen Rider Decade - 10 Anniversary of Heisei Era, Photography

Heisei Era Phase 2

• Kamen Rider W - Two riders as one, mix/match Forms 2x, USB Sticks
• Kamen Rider OOO - Animals, Coins(Metals), Vending Machines, mix/match 3x
• Kamen Rider Fourze - 40th Kamen Rider Anniversary, Space, Mix/Match 4x
• Kamen Rider Wizard - Fantasy magic, Rings
• Kamen Rider Gaim - Japanese Feudal Warfare, Fruit, Dance gangs
• Kamen Rider Drive - Cars, Detective/police
• Kamen Rider Ghost - Historical Figures as Power Ups, Ghosts
• Kamen Rider Ex-Aid - Video Games & Mechanics, Hospital/Doctors
• Kamen Rider Build - Mix/Match x2, Bottles/mixology, science
• Kamen Rider Zi-O - Time Travel, Clocks/Watches

Reiwa Era

• Kamen Rider Zero-One - Grasshopper/Animals, Androids

Super Sentai

Early Super Sentai started as mixing Kamen Rider and Cyborg 009, to create a Team of Kamen Rider.  It was also then only known as Sentai.
First canonical series: Himitsu Sentai Gorenger

• Original based off Masks, but later to color.
• Debuting in 1975, longest running Sentai Series.
  Weapons came from Mask
  Very popular, and filled time slot of Kamen Rider.

Japanese Spiderman

• Debuting in 1978, Toei licensed Marvel properties for a few years, their first was Spiderman
• Radically different origin/take on Spiderman
• Similar powers, but via a bracelet.
• Introduced Leopardo, a spaceship that transformed in to a Giant Robot (Giant Robo, popular type of Anime/manga in the 70s and early 80s)
• Due to the License agreement with Marvel, next Super Sentai series was partially based Captain America, Battle Fever J
• Marvel initially considered bring over various Super Sentai Series and have American Actors take part of the Japanese actors, something that would be done a decade later.  They didn’t due to being unable to secure TV rights. 
• Due to introduction of giant robots, series was redubbed Super Sentai.  Earlier series Goranger and J.A.K.Q. Dengekitai were later added to the Super Sentai series in 1995.
• First Super Sentai Series to air in America was Kagaku Sentai Dynaman in 1988, simply as Dynaman.  The series however, as broadcast on Nickelodeon and USA cable networks, was a parody, with voice over.

Power Rangers

• Haim Saban major work including making opening themes for various animation series, most notably DIC shows and 80s Tv shows.  He would do it for free, but retain the rights to the music.
• In 1984, while in Japan, he discovered Super Sentai series and fell in love with it. 
• Attempted to bring series Choudenshi Bioman to the state, but couldn’t get it picked up on Television
• Saban eventually found success in bring over Kyōryū Sentai Zyuranger (16th Series) to America as Power Rangers.
• Zyuranger Set a lot of milestones for Super Sentai
• 1st 7 mecha combiner
• 6th ranger that was evil before turning good
• More light hearted than other series
• Purely fantastical premise, no military or organization
• First series To be based on Dinosaurs
• Saban got Power Rangers approved by Fox Kids, finally getting the series added.
• Mighty Morphin Power Rangers debuted in 1993.
• Gosei Sentai Dairanger & Ninja Sentai Kakuranger were used for the 2nd and 3rd Season, with part of Kakuranger used for Mighty Morphin Alien Ranger.
• Only the mechs and badguy suits were kept, despite being a new series with new good guy suits, they kept the previous season’s suits.  Saban bought the suits and mecha from Toei. 
• For Kakuranger, the mecha used is in reverse, with the Ninja MegaZord coming in the second half of Kakuranger, as in Power Rangers it came before the Shogun MegaZord.
• Saban Entertainment asked Toei to shoot new Footage of Kyuranger fighting Dairanger badguys.  They later bought the suits outright and had their cast do all the fight scenes in costume
• With Shouriki Sentai Ohranger, the team from previous season would get new outfits and robots, signaling the change with every new subsequent series.  Later seasons would be redubbed based on that years season’s Sentai Series, IE, Power Ranger Zeo
• With Power Rangers Turbo, adapted from Gekisou Sentai Carranger, it started with previous seasons cast, but mid-way through, it got a brand new cast to replace older cast.
• With Power Rangers in Space, adapted from Denji Sentai Megaranger, it brought back the old cast, gave new colors, and put an end to the Zordon Era of Power Rangers.
• Subsequent Seasons of Power Rangers would more closely follow the style of Super Sentai, with a new team every season to correspond with the Super Sentai Season.  IE, no more reusing Rangers.  They also rarely brought up other series or events in other Power Ranger seasons.
• Exception for Power Rangers Dino Thunder, adapted from Bakuryu Sentai Abaranger, where long stay character Tommy comes back.
• Tommy is actor with most Suits: Green Ranger, White Ranger, 2 Red Rangers, and a Black Ranger.
• Originally airing on Fox from 1993 to 2002, Walt Disney purchased the Fox Kids brand and Power Rangers from Saban Entertainment in 2001.  The show then aired on Disney affiliated channels until 2009.
• Power Rangers RPM was to be the last canonical Power Ranger series, adapted from Engine Sentai Go-onger.  RPM is considered very dark for a Power Ranger series, but is also adapted from Go-onger, which was a very silly and light hearted show, striking a tonal difference.
• In 2010, Saban bought back Power Rangers License and produced Power Rangers Samurai in 2011, ending a two year Hiatus for the series.
• Power Rangers Samurai, adapted from Samurai Sentai Shinkenger, is a more literal adaptation, carry a majority of themes, story, and character names from the Japanese version.  Also first series on Nickelodeon; due to format of Nickelodeon, the series was produced as two seasons, as was Nickelodeon’s format at the time.
• Per Nickelodeon’s style of formatting seasons, rather than typical 32-35 episode season, spanning a year’s worth of episodes, each Sentai Series takes place over two 22 episodes seasons, causing each Super Sentai Series to be told over the course of two years time.
• They are thus bypassing Ressha Sentai ToQger, Doubutsu Sentai Zyuohger, Uchu Sentai Kyuranger, and Kaitou Sentai Lupinranger VS Keisatsu Sentai Patranger.

Staples of Super Sentai:

• Mix of 5 man/woman Ranger Teams
• Occasionally Teams of 3 men/women
• Usually will add a 6th member, usually more powerful than rest
• Sometimes a 6th Man is added who isn’t a Ranger
• Teams are made up of bright colors, rarely reusing colors
• Always a Red and Blue Ranger on a team, Yellow is second most common to be on a team, followed by Pink, then Green, then Black. 
• Most common 6th Ranger is Silver, followed by White, Green, Black, Marron/violet.
• 36% of all shows have a Red, Blue, Yellow, Pink, and Green Combination of main team
• 20.5% of all shows have a Red, blue, Yellow, Pink, and Black Combination of main team
• Info Graph
• When outside of their Ranger Suits, actors tend to wear similar colors to their Ranger Suits, IE: Red Ranger is typically wearing red clothing
• Always have a Robot that combines
• In Power Rangers, they’re called Zords, with the combined form being MegaZord, and the ultimate version being Ultra MegaZord
• In Sentai, each robot has their own unique term, with no consistency in the naming scheme
• Monster of the week format
• A new bad guy to beat each episode, with some development in story or character development, with the bad guy working for the main nemesis.
• Bad guy turns into a giant form upon defeat
• In some seasons, they end up piloting a new robot of their own.
• Always some kind of disposable henchmen type character that aids the main character
• Suit actors, people in the suits, typically play the same type of character for years at a time.
• IE: Red Ranger is typical the same suit actor, trading with other male rangers
• Super Sentai typically have a movie midway through.
• Power Rangers has had two movies thus far
•  Power Rangers, the Movie (1995)
•  Power Rangers (2017)

Notable Themes

Much like Kamen Rider, each season has its own theme, with some themes repeating themselves.  These are some of the unique themes and first time seen:

• Kyōryū Sentai Zyuranger - Dinosaur Theme
• Ninja Sentai Kakuranger - Ninja Theme
• Gekisou Sentai Carranger - Car Themed
• Denji Sentai Megaranger - Space themed
• Mirai Sentai Timeranger - Time Travel
• Mahou Sentai Magiranger - Wizards/magic
• Engine Sentai Go-onger - Talking Cars/animal vehicles
• Samurai Sentai Shinkenger - Samurai
• Tensou Sentai Goseiger - Angel Themed
• Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger - 35 Anniversary, Pirate Themed
• Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters - American FBI
• Ressha Sentai ToQger - Train themed
• Doubutsu Sentai Zyuohger - Cube Animals
• Uchu Sentai Kyuranger - Zodiac, 12 rangers
• Kaitou Sentai Lupinranger VS Keisatsu Sentai Patranger - First series to follow two Ranger Teams
  

Other companies attempted to follow suit with popularity of Tokusatsu series.

• DIC brought in Denkou Choujin Gridman as Superhuman Samurai Syber Squad
• Saban also brought in Space Sheriff Shaider, Jikuu Senshi Spielban, and Choujinki Metalder as VR Troopers
• Saban also brought Juukou B-fighter and B-Fighter Kabuto as Big Bad Beetleborgs
  

Homework

Episodes 1-4 of Kamen Rider Ex Aid

Episodes 1-4 Kyōryū Sentai Zyuranger

Episode 50: Bachelor Review

Topic: Bachelor Review

While I typically write up about 4-5 pages on a topic, that's not the case this time.  Mom had a lot of great information, and our discussion, felt like we were just having a typical conversation about the Bachelor.  It was great that she chimed in on stuff, but this week is light on background information.  I will share some of the things, but you'll have to listen to the Podcast this week to truly understand our Love/Hate for Bachelor this season.

This also Marks our 1 years Anniversary!  With many More to come!

OMG, Peter's Mom!  Best Villain!

Episode 49: Bachelor Tutorial

Topic: Bachelor Series Tutorial 

This week, the roles are reversed, and rather than our typical host being in the driver's seat, Mom is instead.  That's right, Mom is leading this week's Tutorial, along with next weeks Review of the Bachelor series.  A show that frankly I was watching but didn't have a huge amount of knowledge or background on.  I'm watching it for the Train Wreck that it is, Mom's watching it though... for the Train Wreck that it is, but she knows so much more about than me for once.  Come watch as I learn something this time around.

Inception:

Debuted March 25, 2002

Seasons:

Bachelor  24
Bachelorette  16
First 4 years Bachelor filmed two seasons per year

Bachelor films mid-September to mid-November

Bachelorette films mid-March to mid-May
Each airs approximately 10 episodes + After the Final Rose, sometimes 11
25-30 Contestants; takes 6 episodes to get down the “Final 4”
Homes Town Dates
Fantasy Suites
Men/Women Tell All
Meet the Parents/Last Chance Date/Rose Ceremony
After The Final Rose

First Night begins around 7pm with arrivals; goes into the following morning so that the Bachelor can have at least 5 minutes with each girls.  A Group Photos is taken around 5-6am, then the first eliminations, usually 5 – 7 contestants, takes place.

First two weeks are filmed in “The Mansion”, Villa de la Vina, a 7,590sf, six bedroom, nine bath home in Agoura Hills, Ca

The next three episodes feature 2 “group dates” and one One-on-One, filmed on consecutive days; not all contestants get dates each week.  What the show refers to as a week is actually 4 days filming.

After the “3^rd week” (usually 10 days into filming), the cast will travel domestically for four days (2 groups dates, a 1-on-1 and Rose Ceremony), then the next episode (down to 8-10) will travel internationally for the next two episodes to get to Home Towns. 

Home Town dates take place in the contestant’s hometown and take 9-10 days to film: travel – date – travel – date – travel – date – travel – date – travel – Rose Ceremony. Each features a day time activity and then diner at the parent’s “Home”.  Homes are frequently Air BNBs or borrowed homes of friends.  The Bachelor can usually identify at least three of the four he thinks will be getting home towns a week or two in advance so that a Logistics Team can scope out possible filming locations or create ideas for dates, arrange performers, ect.

Fantasy Suite Dates:  The Final Three are given “Fantasy Suite” dates.  A full day activity and then a Night Time very private date in a romantic setting at a hotel.  At some point during the “Dinner” the couple “finds” a card from Chris Harrison that reads “ X and X, here is a key.  If you decide to forego your separate rooms, please enjoy a night in this fantasy suite.”

There have been Bachelor/Bachelorettes who have told their “Date” that they wanted just to spend the time talking and not use the suite, or have broken off the date during the day time portion (Desiree and Andi).

There have been contestants who have declined going into the Suite.  Helena (Aaron), Becca (Chris S.) Luke P., Madison. Constantine declined Ashley.

Dates are filmed: travel – overnight – day off – overnight – day off – overnight – Rose Ceremony.  Contestants (with the exception of the current season) are kept separated so that they can’t talk between themselves.  They are together during Rose Ceremonies but not allowed to converse.

Meet the Parents/Last Chance Date/Rose Ceremony

One or two night event.  Takes a week to film:  Travel – #1 meets the parents - #2 meets the parents - #1 Last Chance Date - #2 Last Chance Date – Ring Selection – Rose Ceremony

After The Final Rose

Filming ends 10 weeks (Bachelor), 6 weeks (Bachelorette) before airing.  During this time, there are “Safe House” visits for the couples, often in Palm Springs.  At AFTR, the “runner-up” talks with Chris Harrison and then the Lead to get closure.  The Lead and the Winner reunite and talks about their plans.  Some seasons the next Lead is introduced and meets 4-6 of their Contestants.

Recurring themes:

• The “Interupt”
• The “Comeback”
• The “Unexpected New Contestant”
• The “Departure”/Self Elimination

Spinoffs:

• Bachelor Pad
• Bachelor in Paradise
• Bachelor Winter Games
• Bachelor Presents: Listen to Your Heart
• This summer, Bachelor Summer Games

International: 

• Canada
• Australia
• United Kingdom
• New Zealand
• Romania
• Brazil
• Japan

Live Shows:

Bachelor Live

Leads:

• Twice a Lead wasn’t chosen until mid-way through the first episode:
• Byron Velivk and Jay Overbye
• Kaitlyn Bristow and Britt Nilsson

Unusual Endings:

• 10 – Brad Womack didn’t propose to either woman and left single (only time ever happened)
• 13 - Jason Mesnick was pressured to choose Melissa because Molly Malaney told producers that she wouldn’t accept a proposal.  He broke up on ATFR and later married Molly
• 18 – Juan Pablo famously wouldn’t propose to Nikki, or tell her he loved her, only that he liked her very much.
• 22 - ArieLuyendyk Jr choose Becca but later had a change of heart and broke-off in a filmed “Safe House” visit to pursue Lauren who he proposed to on ATFR.  They married 1 year later.
• 23 – Colton Underwood “jumped the fence” during Fantasy Suite Week and tried to leave the show when he realized that producers had brought in Cassie’s father to talk her out of going further.  He later cut loose both of the other remaining contestants to pursue Cassie.  They did not get engaged.

Marriages:

Bachelor

• 13 – Jason Mesnick& Molly Malaney
• 17 – Sean Lowe and Catherine Giudici
• 22 – ArieLuyendyk and Lauren Burnham

Bachelorette

• 1 – Trista Rehn & Ryan Sutter
• 7 – Ashley Hebert & JP Rosenbaum
• 9 – Desiree Hartsock& Chris Sigfried
• 13 – Rachel Lindsay & Bryan Abasolo

Controversies:

• Environment – Contestants are not allowed TV, books, movies, but encouraged to drink and forced to have “Chats”
• ITM – In the Moments.  ITMs are supposed filmed during events, but contestants are frequently called back during editing, weeks later, to refilm segments.  Fans point to differing earrings, length of beards or hair as proof.
• Frankenbiting – Frankenbiting refers to the editing of dialog out of context, out of order within a conversation, or altogether parsing words by showing the side or back of someone speaking and inserting parts of dialog from other days of filming.
• Manipulation by Producers.  Villains are created by encouraging contestants to disrupt other’s time w/Leads, encourage contestants to be aggressive, make private visits, encourage tattle telling.
• Good Edits/Bad Edits.  Contestants can get a bad edit simply be refusing to play along.  Kelley this season is an example.

For the Wrong Reasons:

• Personal Trainers and Body Builders.  There are not very many male contestants with “real Jobs”.  Many women are in Pharmaceutics Sales.  The amount of time the show takes to film (anyway from 1 week to 8 weeks) prohibits many gainfully employed from participating.
• Advent of Influencers – many contestants entering the show over the last 5-7 years have been Instagram or twitter “Influencers” who already were advertising products.
• Beauty Queens – the last three season have seen Miss America Contestants – at least three per season, all hoping to push their careers.
• Introduction of Musicians and Models – many thought Luke Pell didn’t get the bachelor gig because he was too openly pushing his music.  Jed (winner of Hannah B’s season) openly admitted to Hannah that he went on the show to help his music career.

UNREAL – TV Spoof and SNL Satires

Blogs and Podcasts!!!

The number one way to monetize your Bachelor experience is to Blog or Podcast!

Contestant Blogs/Podcasts:

• Sharleen Joynt (Juan Pablo) – Flare Magazine: Insightful and honest.  Not “Bachelor Nation” fed.
• Olivia Caridi (Chris Soules) – Mouthing Off – Honest, a little snark but well done
• Ben Higgins (Kaitlyn Bristow, Lead) and Ashley I (Chris Soules) – Almost Famous - Bachelor Nation driven, darlings of production, aren’t going to bite the hand that feeds
• Nick Viall (Andi, Kaitlyn, Lead) – The Viall Files – Another Bachelor Nation driven podcast
• Rachel Lindsay (Nick Viall, Lead) and Becca Kufrin (Arie, lead) – Bachleor Happy Hour – the “Official” Bachelor Nation podcast – no spoiler and nothing that would upset Production.
• Kaitlyn Bristow – Off the Vine – Lots of wine and messy conversation but fun.

Non-Contestant Blogs/Podcasts:

• Reality Steve – most quoted Spoiler, disliked by Bachelor Nation, has been sued by production 3 times
• Here to Make Friends (Huffington Post) – Gets lots of “big name” contestants
• AfterBuzzTv – rotating cast of hosts.
• Bachelor Party w/Juliet Litman (Ringer) – one of the first, good connections and some members of production

“Bro-Shows”

• Rosecast  w/ Tim Kennedy – unique Sports like style
• The E & G Podcast w/Geoff Kieth and Ian Gulbransen.  One is a comedian and the other is a tech nerd.

Homework

Reality Steve Podcast – Interview with Luke Parker 

Bachelor Happy Hour - Fantasy Suite Week with Chris Harrison

Flare – Peter is Giving Victoria F Way Too Much Credit

Episode 48: Batman Review

Topic: Batman Media Review

We’re back to discuss the films that I got mom to watch for homework.  What struck me more about the conversation wasn’t the story, but the psychology of Bruce Wayne and the ego mom found fascinating in the character.  Certain one of the most interesting conversations I think we have ever had, so you should definitely check it out.

Dark Knight
2008, Sequel to Batman Begins
Christian Bale – Batman
Heath Ledger – Joker
Michael Caine – Alfred
Aaron Eckhart – Harvey Dent / Two Face
Gary Oldman – Detective Gordon

• Many of the Joker’s actions were unscripted and improvised by Health Ledger, including when Hospital Explodes, Clapping in Jail, and licking his lips.
• First comic book movie to break a Million
• Health Ledger won Oscar posthumously, second person to do so, First comic book movie to win award
• Character of Reese was an allusion to the Riddler

Batman Under Red Hood
Tells story of mysterious Red Hood arriving in Gotham to clean up crime through violence and murder. 
Bruce Greenwood – Batman
Jensen Ackles – Redhood
John Dimaggio – Joker
Neil Patrick Harris – Dick Grayson (Nightwing)
Wade Williams – Black Mask

• Always minor difference in batsuit during flashbacks, like yellow chest symbol, or utility belt
• Animated film was original meant to be R rated, but was changed after low sales of other animated movies
• First time Jason Todd had been featured on TV/movie form, though illusions to him had been made in the past.
• Based off Batman – Death in the Family

Batman Year One
Tells story of Batman and Jim Gordon’s first year in Gotham and them beginning their crusade to clean up the city.
Bryan Cranston – Jim Gordon
Ben McKenzie – Bruce Wayne
Jon Polito – Commissioner Loeb

• Adapted from Batman Year One graphic novel
• Ben McKenzie plays Jim Gordon on Gotham, and is only man to play role of both Gordon and Batman
• Batman Year One was almost a movie, with Darren Aronofsky set to direct.  It was beat out by Batman Begins instead

Batman Bad Blood
Batman has gone missing and Nightwing takes up the Mantle of Batman in order to show Gotham that there is still hope.
Jason O’mara – Batman
Yvonne Strahovski – Batwoman
Staurt Allan – Damian Wayne (Robin)
Sean Maher – Dick Grayson (Nightwing)
Morena baccarin – Talia al Ghul
Gaius Charles – Batwing

• First Appearance of Batwing outside of Comic books
• When Dick Grayson is on the phone, he’s talking to a Kori, AKA Starfire from Teen Titans
• Includes elements of Batman Battle for the Cowl and Batman Incorporated
• Batgirl makes appearance, sporting outfit from New 52 series of comics.

Episode 47: Batman Tutorial

Topic: Batman Tutorial

We’re moving on from Gundam, and in to… The Batman!  This is the first of what will be coming in the next year of Focused Topics, as where previously, we had been broad in discussion about Anime, Manga, Star Trek, and such, we’ll be diving in to more focused parts of geek culture, namely the heroes, villains, and key elements of certain media.  Batman being one of the most ubiquitous comic book heroes in almost all media from Comics, to TV, to movies, and even anime and music, I figured this was a good place to start.


Tutorial

DC vs Marvel Continuity

Marvel’s continuity is never explicitly mentioned or referenced, since Marvel deliberately doesn’t mention when events occur.  In most cases, Events in Marvel happened a few years ago usually.

DC continuity is often the Story.  Namely that it has changed, reshaped, and modified the continuity endlessly over time.  There’s been numerous major events that reshape the world and universe of DC to the point that it’s hard to talk about some characters, events, or even stories properly without rationalizing if they happened before certain events or not.  This doesn’t make DC hard to follow, but rather makes it more difficult to be invested in long running stories, as the universe could up-end everything a few years later in a big event. 






Batman
More about characters than individual plot/stories.
First appeared in Detective Comics #27, 1939.

Bruce Wayne (Batman)

• Classic well known character.
• Caped Crusader
• Dark Knight
• World’s Greatest Detective
• Watched his parents get killed after coming out of a theatre(Sometimes movie theatre). Devoted his life to stopping crime after the event.
• Decided on Bat-theme as he discovered the now Batcave as a child and was afraid of the bats in the cave(Depending on Story)
• Doesn’t kill.
• Rich.
• No Super-Human Powers
• Intelligent.  Depending on story, studied or well educated in:
• Criminology
• Software Engineering and/or Computer Engineering
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Physics
• Psychology
• Master of Various martial arts
• Acrobat

• Considered the world’s greatest detective
• Consider to be in Peak physical form for man in his age. 
• Some stories he’s in his mid to late 20s, or as old as his early 40s.
• Fights for what’s right for the city, outside of the law.
• Will not take a life
• Equipment:
• Batsuit
• Built using Kevlar and various cloth based armors
• Symbol on chest is often hardest part of the suit, (Intentional)
• Mask includes radio for ease of communication
• Bracers/gloves have unique Fins/Blade catching spikes
• Utility belt (Numerous gadgets)
• Grapple Hook
• Cape can be used for stealth and gliding in the air.
• Batmobile
• Various incarnations of cars
• Later version have gadgets and tools
• Some don’t look like cars
• Various Planes, Boats, Submarines, or motorcycles have been used in the past.
• Doesn’t use Guns

• Thought to be a Psychopath by some people.
• Alfred is his trusted butler, right hand man when it comes to managing and assisting batman.
• Lucius Fox: trusted advisor, inventor, business manager, and associate to Bruce Wayne/Batman
• Previously Played by Adam West, Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney, Christian Bale, Ben Affleck, Kevin Conroy

Alternative Versions

Terry McGinnis : Batman Beyond(Batman of the Future)

• Gotham 40 years after Batman, Bruce Wayne has retired
• Terry (17 Years Old) takes up Bruce Wayne old, but very high tech, Batsuit
• Cloak
• Integrated wings
• Integrated bat tool
• Enhance Strength & Durability
• Some returning villains, some new ones.

Robins:
All incarnations of Robin are often depicted being an element of Batman character.
All Robins have worn a Red, Yellow, Green, and Black costume, symbolized by the letter “R” on left breast.

Dick Grayson

• First Robin
• Former acrobat, parents died during high-wire event in a circus. Bruce offers for Dick to become his ward, and eventually Robin
• In most cases, people talking about Robin are talking about this incarnation
• Considered the next to inherit the Batman Role
• He did on the one occasion Batman died
• Became new hero called “Nightwing” when he became disillusioned with Batman’s Ideals
• Represents the peak physical conditions of Batman
• Is equally smart and morally just.

Jason Todd

• Second Robin
• Discovered by Batman as Jason was stealing the Batmobile’s tires.
• Initially a ‘Rebel’ Robin, not wanting to conform to society and often going against orders.
• Batman makes him a Robin, despite lack of physical conditioning, as he feared Jason would turn to a life of crime afterwards.
• Character actually died in Comics due to a fan vote.  First death of a robin/side kick.
• Character was later revived through various means, but comes back resenting Bruce Wayne
• Becomes the anti-hero/villain “Red Hood”
• Represents the psychopathic tendencies of Batman

Tim Drake

• Third Robin
• Tim deduced that Batman and Robin was Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson due to Dick’s acrobatic skills.
• He offers/convinces Batman to allow him to become Robin because Batman has gotten more violent and reckless without a Robin
• Later becomes the Red Robin after Dick Grayson becomes Batman
• During Batman’s Death, he tried to prove that Batman was still alive.
• Only man behind Batman to have Ra’s al Ghul to be addressed as “Detective”.
• Represents the intelligence and detective skills of Batman

Stephanie Brown

• Fourth Robin
• First Female Robin, former Girl Friend of Tim Drake, former vigilante.  Took over the role when Time resigned for a period of time.
• She was fired by Batman for not following orders.
• She was apparently killed when she attempted to orchestrate one of Batman’s plans for a gang war
• Her death was faked by a doctor, trying to protect her, but also trying to prove a point to Batman and other kids so that they wouldn’t become Robin ever again.
• She’s often not thought of as a true Robin as she only had the role for a short time.

Damian Wayne

• Fifth Robin, Current
• Damian is the son of Bruce Wayne and Talia al Ghul via.  Talia gives Damian to Bruce when she must go in to hiding. 
• Upon Batman’s Death, Dick Grayson becomes Batman and promotes Damian to Robin
• Typically Batman is brooding and Robin is more innocent/fun, the roles were reversed somewhat during Dick’s run as Batman, with Damian being more hard edge
• After Bruce Wayne returned, Damian continued as Robin
• Much more bleeding edge and hardcore than even Batman
• Represents the violent and morally blurring aspects of Batman

Other Allies:

Commissioner James Gordon

• Head of Police in Gotham
• Ally of Batman, often giving direction and insight to Batman
• Often seen as Trusting Batman fully, though in later incarnations, questioning the vigilante nature of Batman.
• Shares same belief/feelings about protecting Gotham and ridding it of Crime element.

Barbara Gordon (Batgirl)

• Initially Created for the Batman TV show with Adam West, but migrated to the comics upon her popularity.
• Daughter of Police Commissioner James Gordon, she initially worked as the Head Librarian for Gotham Library system, thought to be one of the largest Libraries in the world.
• Became Batgirl by accident after foiling plan, but eventually became an ally of Batman
• In the graphic novel, Killing Joke, Joke shoot Barbara Gordon in the spine, causing her to become paralyzed from the waist down
• This is carried over in to the mainline comics, where she is no longer Batgirl, but instead becomes a mysterious information broker known as ‘Oracle’.
• As Oracle, she helps Batman deal with information and computer warfare.  She also starts her own organization called “Birds of Prey” as an all female super hero troop to fight off other crimes.
• Due to reality bending incidents, she eventually regains her mobility and becomes Batgirl once again.

Villains

Joker

• #1 Batman Villain
• Clown Prince of Crime
• He is presented as a criminal mastermind with a twisted sense of humor
• No real Origin Story ever established
• Multiple interpretations on the character:
• Mafia/Criminal Organization Boss
• Psychopath
• Chaotic Lunatic
• Jokester
• Previously played by Jack Nicholson, Heath Ledger, and Mark Hammil

Harley Quinn

• Another character that started in the Animated TV show, translated to Comic
• Former Psychologist at Arkham Asylum, fell in love with Joker
• Often portrayed as just as lunatic as Joker

Penguin

• Oswald Cobbelpott
• Former Criminal and super villain, used themed umbrella
• Now operated semi-legitimate organizations for his criminal enterprise
• One of few villains Batman allows, seeing him as useful information

Riddler

• Edward Nigma
• Super level genius
• Hell bent on proving that he smarter than everyone else, including Batman

Catwoman

• Selina Kyle
• Master theme with cat theme
• One of Batman’s many lovers
• Another person Batman allows as a former love interest and occasional ally.

Two-Face

• Harvey Dent
• Former Gotham District Attorney, he had acid splashed in his face and went crazy because of it.
• Crime center around the flip of a coin and two opposing sides/choices

Mr. Freeze

• Dr Victor Fries
• Former Scientist who was researching Cryogenics for his wife who was suffering from a terminal illness
• An Accident forced him to have to wear a cold suit.
• His powers/crimes revolve around Ice

Bane

• The man that Broke Batman
• A genius level criminal mind who is addicted to a drug known as venom, turns his body in to something similar to the Hulk
• Known previously for breaking Batman’s back and putting him out of commission for a period of time

Poison Ivy

• Pamela Isley
• Former Biochemist and Botanist who is an eco-terrorist.
• Her powers revolve around poisons and manipulating plants
• Occasionally teams up with villains Catwoman and Harley Quinn

Ra’s al Ghul

• Name translates to “Head of the Ghoul”
• Eco-Terrorist bent on returning the world to a natural balance
• Over 700 years old
• His life is extended via the Lazarus Pits, wells of restoring water/liquid that can even restore life in to people and turn them young.

Talia al Ghul

• Daughter to Ra’s al Ghul and mother to Damian Wayne
• Frequent love partner to Batman
• Almost always around her father or his activities, rarely acts outside of his interests

Scarecrow

• Jonathan Crane
• Former Arkham Asylum Psychologist
• He is known for his scarecrow like look
• Master of Fear through gasses and toxin he releases to cause hysteria

Homework

• Dark Knight
• Batman: Under the Red Hood
• Batman: Year One
• Batman: Bad Blood