The season has been fine, if a bit familiar. After five years, the character-based humor brings diminishing returns (except for Jared) and the various successes and failures of Pied Piper follow the same basic pattern that was established by season two.

“Answer the Call” is on the front of the DVD as if it’s a subtitle, but the spine of the case still simply reads “Ghostbusters.” And whenever the movie is on the Movie Network, it’s listed simply as “Ghostbusters” in my cable guide.

What the show really nailed is that 90% of the record ends up being informal-sounding conversation as they try to resolve things as painlessly as possible.

Sex workers, as well, were generally portrayed quite positively.

On one hand, I think it’s cute when non-artistic businesses and professions have their own award shows. It doesn’t matter if you’re hotel employees, criminal lawyers, or marketing executives.

I think the fault lies with ABC’s scheduling in season 3. Happy Endings was never going to be a tentpole; it was always destined to be an oddball hit with a small but rabid audience.

That period from 1988-1991 was the only time I felt like my tastes were in sync with the times.

This is easily my favorite feature on the site these days. Looking back at these earlier years is especially great; there’s not a lot of guidance for obscure gems that came out before the heyday of garage rock.

It’s a staple bar snack in Nova Scotia. (But these days, you only find it at the kind of bars that have pool tables and only serve mass-market beer. You know, the kind that look like they haven’t changed in decades?)

It’s a shame that the seagulls didn’t get to enjoy the Nova Scotian pepperoni as it’s supposed to be prepared: deep fried, with honey mustard dipping sauce.

Wrestling culture tends to exploit all its performers in one way or another. Steroid abuse was the norm in the 80s. Performers have suffered serious injury or death due to dangerous stunts, or the cumulative effect of the hits they take in the ring. Many wrestlers abuse alcohol or drugs to cope with those serious…

No, no one in the band could find her to invite her.

I went to see Hawkwind’s big reunion show at Brixton Academy in 2000. It was scheduled to be an all-night celebration. Hawkwind themselves were on until about 2 am, then a couple of the band members did their solo acts until the tube line opened. Most of the crowd left after Hawkwind had finished, and those of us who…

Even Spider-Man was a reserve Avenger in the early 90s.

Anthony Carrigan has been killing it on HBO’s Barry. Maybe that’s why Zsasz hasn’t been around much lately.

D&D Update

I suspect that a mysterious third party may have purchased the “Gameological” name. Perhaps a race-car driver named “Dorp”.

Dirty Work has a lot in common with Hot Rod, not the least of which is the fact that the central conflict focuses on the main character earning money for the operation of a demented father figure. Both movies are also unapologetic in their use of their star’s often-polarizing comedic style, and they are both willing…

“Are those naked pictures of Bea Arthur? Nice!” or something to that effect. It’s been a while since I saw the movie.

“Separate we are finally free”