Episode Notes:

- The episode opens with Eden reading a Tumblr post that hilariously and bleakly explains modern burnout as a result of living in a crumbling world. Peter and Eden relate strongly, setting the tone for a cathartic conversation.

- Eden checks in with the ongoing Adachi and Shimamura manga journey. Volume 8 features a flash-forward to adulthood and two momentous forehead kisses.

- Gaming fatigue takes center stage as Eden recounts failed attempts to get into Sunhaven, Paradise Killer, and even the stylish-but-demanding Shenmue. Nothing sticks.

- Eden shares a new afternoon ritual: practicing Gong Fu tea ceremonies. A color-changing fox teapet becomes a symbol of small joys amid burnout.

- Music talk includes Pelican's new album, which fell flat in comparison to a recent live show from Russian Circles, with Pelican being described as "bargain-basement Russian Circles."

- Peter introduces Bleed's debut album, which feels like a time capsule from the early 2000s alt-rock scene. It's not groundbreaking, but the nostalgia hits just right.

- Avowed patch 1.4 discussion highlights fun new features: spiders replaced with spheres, better loot drops, and the return of everyone's favorite character, the raunchy and hilarious Yatzli.

- Main topic: What Remains of Edith Finch. Peter and Eden break down their impressions of the game:

- It's emotionally heavy, occasionally to a fault.

- Some vignettes (like Lewis's cannery sequence and Barbara's horror comic) are standout.

- Others, like Molly's transformation or Gregory's bathtub scene, fall flat or feel manipulative.

- Both hosts agree it's visually and structurally ambitious, but uneven.

- Eden calls it the "death knell" of the walking simulator genre.

- Final thoughts reflect on the evolution of indie storytelling and how walking sims have largely given way to more interactive, mechanic-rich narratives.

- The episode wraps with a discussion of the flawed 7-to-9 scoring scale used in video game reviews and how many games get overhyped despite major issues.

Show Notes:

- Spiritbox concert recap: Peter attended a standout show in Salt Lake City, noting the energy, mixed-gender crowd, and explosive live performance that solidifies Spiritbox's rising status in metal.

- Graduation celebrations: Aubrey graduated from the University of Utah; Peter recounts the efficient ceremony and celebratory Rodizio Grill outing.

- TTRPG return: Peter is back to GMing, running Keys from the Golden Vault for his old group, reflecting on the prep and joy of returning to the table.

Reading updates:

- Peter: The Artist's Way to rekindle creative energy.

- Eden: Finished volume 6 of Adachi and Shimamura, started reading Late Bloomer (romantic, flower-farm drama with "sexy conflict").

Other updates:

- Free Comic Book Day: Eden helped run the busiest, most successful FCBD at the comic shop yet, featuring coffee, custom buttons, and signings by Phil Hester and Eric Gapster.

- Infinity Nikki patch 1.5 chaos: Eden breaks down the game's disastrous update—retcons, glitches, co-op flops, disappearing currency, and a literal girlcott.

- Girls Frontline 2: Exilium: Eden praises the writing in this tactical gacha game while lamenting its horny robot girl aesthetic.

Marvel's Thunderbolts* (spoiler-free and spoiler-filled discussion):

- Florence Pugh carries the film with emotional depth.

- Emphasis on connection and community over brute force.

- The ending subverts typical MCU punch-fests.

- Surprises and smart character arcs elevate it above recent Marvel fare.

2003's Hulk retrospective:

- Hulk as a metaphor for trauma and abuse—possibly the most emotionally resonant portrayal of the character.

- Praise for Jennifer Connelly and Sam Elliott.

- Visual style mixing comic book panels and split screens—ambitious if inconsistent.

- Talbot's goofy subplot and memorable death scene.

- Mixed feelings on the CGI Hulk's look but appreciation for its bold emotional scope.

Pop Culture Quick Hits:

- Jeremy Renner's lowball pay offer and the uncertain future of Hawkeye Season 2.

- Reactions to the Murderbot trailer and miscasting concerns.

- Hype (and tempered expectations) for Fantastic Four and the future of the MCU.

Join us in another two weeks for more great pop-culture discussion and exploration. Reach out at feedback@themiddleofculture.com and we'll see you then!

What We've Been Up To

Peter's Update:

- Recovering from a cold

- Saw his wife Elissa perform as Mary Poppins in local theater

- Unable to watch planned content like Andor and Daredevil Born Again

- Finished playing Avowed, started Eternal Strands but finding limited character progression

- Considering returning to Dragon Age: The Veilguard and excited about Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered

Eden's Update:

- Preparing for Free Comic Book Day at their comic shop

- Working with local artists Phil Hester and Eric Gapster who will be signing

- Special coffee brew called "Daydreams" and beer samples planned for the event

- Recently visited House on the Rock in Wisconsin, describing it as a fascinating collection of oddities created by an eccentric collector

Gaming Corner

- Peter discusses his frustrations with Eternal Strands' limited character progression despite enjoying the gameplay

- Eden is playing Claire Obscure Expedition 33, describing it as "Super Mario RPG's combat with very slick French production value"

- Both agree Oblivion is worth revisiting, with Eden calling it "the best Elder Scrolls game"

- Discussion of Oblivion's unique development quirks, including voice actors recording lines alphabetically rather than by scene

Music Highlights

- Peter recommends several new metal releases:

- Dormant Ordeal - Tooth and Nail

- Kardashev - Alunea

- Tribunal - In Penitence and Ruin

- Conan - Violence Dimension

- Structure - Heritage

Bracket Tournament: Disney vs. Marvel vs. Star Wars vs. Muppets

- We conduct a bracket tournament comparing properties from these four franchises

- Notable matchups include The Incredibles vs. Muppet Christmas Carol and Iron Man vs. The Great Muppet Caper

- The Muppet Christmas Carol ultimately emerges as the champion

- Discussion of what makes the Muppet movies so special, particularly Michael Caine's serious performance alongside Muppets

Coming Up Next

- In two weeks: Special episode reviewing Ang Lee's Hulk (2003) starring Eric Bana

- Peter has never seen it, while Eden maintains it's "still the best version of the Hulk"