Panel Author: executrix

MY FAVORITE CITY,
(WHERE THE WOMEN ARE STRONG
AND THE MEN ARE PRETTY)
Firefly Masculinities
--Executrix

( Masculinities in 'Firefly' )

Moderated by sageness

SGA CODES OF CONDUCT, OR WHO THE ATLANTIS STAFF ARE AND ARE NOT ALLOWED TO HAVE SEX WITH

( (Spoiler warning: contains spoilers through the end of SGA season 3.) )

MJ Panel Mods: china shop and helleboredoll

Download, delight, discuss

MJ Panel Mod: Kageygirl

Discussion space - the floor is yours.

The Mystery of Rodney McKay: Why Do We Love a Character Who's Entirely Obnoxious?
By muskratjamboree panel moderators: bluebrocade, reginagiraffe, kanzenhanzai, and visionshadows.

Rodney Mckay is definitely not a traditional hero. He can be quite obnoxious, not to mention impatient, rude, arrogant, and condescending. So, why is the character so popular? Let's explore the mystery of Rodney McKay...

( Read more... )

MJ Panel Mod: izzybeth

The reimagined Battlestar Galactica is more than simply an accomplished example of science fiction's post-apocalyptic subgenre; as well as creating nuanced human drama, the writers use the setting and society, which is both utterly distant from ours and entirely recognisable, as a lens through which to view real-world issues. Issues raised include the balance between individual freedoms and the needs of society: season one deals with freedom in the press in a society under unimaginable stress, and labour rights are the focus in season three's Dirty Hands. New Caprica has clear parallels to Iraq, and Season Two's themes of religion in government and separation of church and state also resonate with contemporary society.

NB: We're here to talk about the show, so let's keep discussion centred on the show, and leave personal politics for another time. That is, talking about the stance the show takes on a particular issue is fine; talking about whether you think the stance is right or wrong is off-topic.

( This way for more specific episode notes )
Possible discussion points:

Why is science fiction such a popular medium for holding the mirror up to reality? Is the different perspective that can be offered by a different context more or less effective than a straight-out real-world treatment of similar issues?

On the other hand, can it be taken too far or too literally? For instance, do you find the parallels between New Caprica and Iraq too literal? Are there any other real-world conflics you think the arc draws on?

Do you think the creators/writers/producers/etc. are deliberately trying to make a statement on any current issue with the show?
What differences do you see between the role of religion in the Colonies and religion on Earth?

MJ Panel Mod: Kylie Lee

"Whos On First: An Old-School Doctor Who Primer for Fans of Nine, Ten, and Torchwood," modded by Kylie Lee (LJ: kylielee1000)

Please note that Season 3 of the new Doctor Who airs today!

Doctor Who 2005 shares many elements with classic Doctor Who (1963-1989; 1996 TV movie), but the new show has updated the old for an audience that is perhaps not familiar with the old show. The
producers thus walk a fine line between pleasing both audiences. A sprawling canon needs to be honored, as does the show's famously low-budget production values.

After a brief sketch of some of the major differences, some of which (such as destroying the Doctor's past) are ways of hitting the reset button to permit new narrative directions, we'll talk--perhaps in historical terms, perhaps not--about the following things, which resonante from the old show into the new:

1. The alien nature of the Doctor.

2. The role of the companions.

3. The relationship of the Doctor to his companions.

4. Romance (snogging in the TARDIS??).

5. Villains that cross over from the old series to the new, particularly the Daleks and the Cybermen.

6. The coherence of the new universe, which includes Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures.

MJ Panel Mod: Astolat

Discussion space - the floor is yours.

MJ Panel Mod: strangecobwebs

Discussion space - the floor is yours

Panel Author: bluealbertaskys

( Captain Jack Harkness: Shallow Con Man with Hidden Depths )