What to Know From Disney Plus’s Countdown to Doomsday

An epic trailer for Avengers Doomsday was released at D23. Shortly after, the "Countdown to Avengers Doomsday" collection appeared on Disney Plus. I did a few prep lists of my own (including twenty-five movies and five television series). Disney's list is a bit more concise and is very doable between now and Doomsday, but in case you don't have time to binge fifteen movies/series, I've broken down the basics of what I think you need to know from each:

X-Men

This movie established Fox's X-Men series with a number of core characters set to appear in Doomsday: Professor X, Magneto, Mystique, and Cyclops. It began the "mutant threat" facing humanity. While the politicians debated the issue, Magneto set out to turn them into mutants (not knowing that the process would kill them). Other than establishing our X-Men, I'm curious how this movie will play into Doomsday. Is it just to introduce us to the mutants or is the "mutant threat" going to create a rift between the X-Men and the Avengers?

X2

It was in my "extra credit" section for the introduction of Nightcrawler, but the plot continued the saga of the X-Men and the mutant threat, as Strucker used mind control serum (harvested from his son) to frame Nightcrawler for an assassination attempt and to attempt to destroy the mutants. It also gave us glimpses into Wolverine's lost memories (later explored in X-Men Origins). However, I'm not sure how this continued mutant threat will contribute to Doomsday, except to introduce Nightcrawler.

Captain America: The First Avenger

Okay so we're prepping for an Avengers movie. Captain America is the first Avenger. Pretty straight forward "why" for this movie. Steve Rogers went from being a scrawny young man to having a body and powers that men would envy for generations. After losing his best friend (for now) and thwarting Red Skull, Cap sacrificed himself to save countless people, leaving him frozen in ice until the 21st Century. 

Avengers

We had the "first Avenger" and now we have the first Avengers movie. Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, Black Widow, Hawkeye, and Hulk teamed up to fight Loki and his army. They became the core team of the Avengers. Though they'd only team up every few years, this was the jumping off point for all Marvel superhero crossovers.

Avengers: Infinity War 

After all their phase two and phase three shenanigans, Infinity War brought our heroes together again. By this point, the roster included names such as Vision, Falcon, War Machine, Black Panther, and Spider-Man, and more. All our heroes fought Thanos to keep him from using the six Infinity Stones and lost. Thanos decimated half the population of the universe and sent many of our remaining heroes spiraling.

Avengers: Endgame

Five years after the events of Infinity War, the remaining Avengers teamed up to jump across time streams to retrieve the six Infinity Stones and revive the missing half of the universe's population. It took the sacrifice of Black Widow to complete the set of stones, but they succeeded in the end. The epic movie culminated in a massive head-on fight against Thanos's forces. Despite the Avengers best efforts, it took Tony Stark sacrificing himself to use the Infinity Stones to win the battle. And in the aftermath of the fight, Captain America returned the six Infinity Stones to their time streams, taking his sweet time in a parallel Earth, until he came back as an old man. With the Avengers left with three members missing, we headed into Phase Four and beyond.

Loki

Because of the time travel antics of Endgame, a variant of Loki escaped captivity... for a moment before the Time Variance Authority apprehended him. Through his manipulation of the TVA, Loki eventually ended up at the end of time with a female Loki variant (Sylvie). She killed a Kang variant, releasing the shackles on the multiverse. But as reality started crumbling, it took our Loki variant from Endgame to hold all the strands of the multiverse together. Perhaps it's something to do with this Loki's new role in the multiverse that causes the rumored incursions of Doomsday.

Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

The biggest thing this movie brings for Doomsday (as far as we know) is the reluctant hero Shang Chi. After defeating his father and a soul-devouring demon, our new hero was recruited by the Avengers. The mystical Ten Rings that he won off his father gave off some sort of energy that the Avengers noted. Perhaps this unknown energy is interwoven with the multiverse and that's why Disney included Shang Chi in their Doomsday countdown.

Spider-Man: No Way Home

Our first multiversal movie! Spidey hasn't been confirmed for Doomsday, but even if he doesn't appear we still learned a lot about the multiverse in this movie. After the events of Far From Home, Peter didn't want people to remember his secret identity anymore. Using Doctor Strange's powers, he tried to make them forget, but instead a number of villains came from other universes after Peter botched the spell. By teaming up with two others Spideys, the villains were defeated and/or redeemed. To save the multiverse from caving in on them, Doctor Strange made everyone forget Peter Parker (which led into Brand New Day).

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever 

After the death of her brother T'Challa, Shuri and her mother were left leading Wakanda without a king. As they encountered Namor, things got more complicated. Especially after the death of Shuri's mother. The Wakandan princess ended up leading the nation of Wakanda against the Namor's forces. By the miracle of science, she was able to synthesize the herb that turned her into the Black Panther. She was able to broker peace with Namor's people. And since Shuri and Namor are both supposed to appear in Doomsday, it's obvious why this is on the list.

Captain America: Brave New World

The passing of the torch (shield) from Steve to Sam happened in Endgame and was further explored in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. This solo adventure (which could have been a Hulk movie) was his first cinematic adventure as the new Cap. Sam chased a mystery across the globe to thwart the mind games of Samuel Sterns and to clear the name of Isaiah Bradley. The new Cap also had to face off against Red Hulk. Any sane person would have been scared out of their mind to face any Hulk, but Sam managed it somehow.

Deadpool & Wolverine 

This movie finally bridged the gap of the MCU and the Fox's Marvel movies (not just X-Men). Even if you don't watch R-rated movies, the movie taught us many things about the multiverse. Deadpool got dragged into the TVA where we learned about anchor beings. Instead of sitting quietly, Wade ended up multiverse hopping through X-Men universes to find a new Wolverine for his world. The two fought and defeated Cassandra Nova and Paradox to save the multiverse. With Fox's X-Men coming into Doomsday, at the very least this movie establishes those Fox movies as part of the MCU multiverse. Also, we have Channing Tatum's Gambit returning (or maybe a variant).

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness 

It's right there in the title: Multiverse of Madness. Universe hopping Doctor Strange was working to save America Chavez and save Wanda Maximoff from herself. Like with Deadpool 3, we learned a lot about the multiverse here. We learned more about variants, incursions, and dreamwalking. Stephen Strange had to dreamwalk into his variant's corpse to save America from the Scarlet Witch. In the end, Wanda sacrificed herself to redeem herself, but not before Doctor Strange read from the Darkhold. During the credit scene, a woman named Clea came to Doctor Strange to address incursions he caused. Supposedly incursions will play a big part in Doomsday, though Doctor Strange hasn't been confirmed for the movie yet.

Thunderbolts*

Our New Avengers will be major players in the movie. We can tell that much from the trailer. This movie put together a Suicide Squad of Marvel pseudo-heroes. After Valentina sent the group to kill each other and clean up her mess, the band of misfits ended up on the run. When Bob became Sentry, his alterego Void was unleashed. The new team had to enter into Bob's nightmares to talk him down and bring him back to reality. It's a beautiful scene relevant to anyone's mental health and I love it. I just hope Bob is okay during Doomsday.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps

An essential part of Doomsday is Fantastic Four. Though Doctor Doom doesn't appear until the credit scene, he's always be tied to these heroes. The movie began with the Fantastic Four already established as Earth's heroes (on a parallel Earth with retro 60's vibes). With Galactus on the way and Sue pregnant, the Fantastic Four headed into space to intercept the Devourer of Worlds before he could reach Earth. In exchange for Earth, Galactus wanted the newborn baby. The Fantastic Four worked tirelessly prevent the Earth's destruction. When Galactus finally arrived, the heroes were able to send him to the far reaches of the universe. The baby was safe. However, the credits rolled, Doctor Doom appeared with obvious interest in the child.

If you don't have time to rewatch all fifteen (or to watch the ones you've missed) hopefully these breakdowns give you a decent understanding of where we're at in the MCU going into Doomsday. Or maybe it has wet your pallet and made you want to watch them (not sure I'm that good of a writer, but I can dream). As of this post, you could watch one item per week and finish in time for Avengers.

Avengers assemble!

LDS Geeks Podcast #72: Friends Throwback

Listen to Episode 72 on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

Check out TJ's recent content: click here

Show notes:
00:30 - Introductions
01:30 - The Legacy of Friends
04:43 - Who would you want to hang out with?
18:29 - Memorable episodes, characters, and moments
41:53 - Why Friends is still relevant
48:25 - Recreating Friends
52:40 - Alternate couples

Who is Chiron?

For any teachers, students, or parents read this, happy back-to-school season. I grew up with a teacher father so I always respected teachers, but my respect has infinitely increased since marrying a teacher. Y’all, teaching is insane. So every year I feel the need to write about the great teachers (see also Mr. Feeny) and the not-so-great (see also Snape). This year, as Russell and I begin our Riordanverse podcast series I thought I’d spotlight the original teacher and mentor of the Percy Jackson series: Chiron (aka Mr. Brunner).

Long before teaching Latin to Percy at Yancy Academy, the centaur Chiron trained heroes like Hercules and Achilles. Granted immortality to train heroes, the son of Kronos set his home base at Mount Pelion. This would become the precursor to Camp Half-Blood. Even among mortals, You love to teach. During this time at Yancy, he was Percy’s favorite teacher (By the way, what did  those kids think the sword was through the mist?).

As portrayed by Glynn Turman in the Lightning Thief movie

By the time Percy Jackson came onto the scene, Chiron had long since established Camp Half-Blood as his base of operations. The camp had been established in America generations before (at least to the time of George Washington, son of Athena). Luke and Annabeth were among Chiron’s veteran pupils when Percy arrived with Grover. 

Other than the time that Olympus removed him from Camp, for suspicion of poisoning Thalia’s tree, Chiron mentored our heroes as they navigated the Great Prophecy (even during that time he helped a bit via Iris Message). And during the adventures of the Argo II, Chiron helped to prepare the camp for the oncoming attack of Camp Jupiter. 

Chiron (as Mr. Brunner) as portrayed on Disney Plus

After the reconciling of the two camps, he was seen substitute teaching (as Mr. Brunner) in New York City. Just for the love of teaching. Though I'm sure he was still subbing periodically, Chiron was present during that school year when Lester (aka Apollo) arrived at Camp Half-Blood with Meg. However, when they returned to Camp months later, Chiron was off meeting with representatives of the Egyptian and Norse pantheons. But he made it back for the Battle of Nero's Tower and was present to mentor Nico in the months during the expedition into Tartarus and the mission to Camp Jupiter.

I look forward to seeing Chiron's involvement in the upcoming Camp Half-Blood series and maybe the final Senior Year Adventures book. And maybe we'll get another Nico book? Bottom line, Chiron is the golden teacher. Regardless of whether he's teaching mortal pupils or demigod heroes, he does it for the love of teaching. Those are the best teachers (again, I'm biased because I married one of those). Even after millennia of tragic heroes and disappointments, Chiron wasn't jaded by his past. Though the events of the Riordanverse take place over fifteen years ago, I'm sure Chiron is still training future heroes. Only question is how many of Rick Riordan's heroes are alive and how many of them met tragic endings, like the heroes of legend.

As shown in the graphic novel

11 Narnia Tracks for Your Workout

Ever since I was a freshman at BYU, I've been a bit obsessed with The Chronicles of Narnia (see also all my previous Narnia posts). The score was one of my favorites to do homework to and now I'll often use it while I'm documenting my treatments at work. In addition, some of the tracks also work well for exercise. Some don't (like "A Narnia Lullaby") but others have great energy for keeping your workout going. So here's my ongoing playlist of Narnia (and Narnia-inspired) tracks for getting pumped up!

PS: I can only hope there's decent score for the supposed Netflix adaptation (if that ever happens).

The Battle (The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe)
Any Narnia workout mix would be lacking without the epic battle music from the first film.

Return of the Lion (Prince Caspian)
The tracks introducing Aslan into battle are always powerful. Same kind of idea when Aslan is resurrected in the first movie.

Voyage (Scott Krippayne)
It was never on the Dawn Treader soundtrack, but it was inspired by the book/movie. It does a great job pumping me up and not just at the gym.

Market Forces (Voyage of the Dawn Treader)
Rescuing the captives on the Lone Islands was the first battle of the movie. And I love the clever track name.

To Aslan's Camp (The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe)
Not exactly a warm up song, but it would be a perfect track for right after your warm up. Like arriving at the feet of the Lion.

Open Up Your Eyes (Jeremy Camp)
It wasn't on the soundtrack exactly, but it was part of "Music Inspired by The Chronicles of Narnia". I've thought for years that almost any Jeremy Camp track is a good exercise song.

Duel (Voyage of the Dawn Treader)
It's literally a training song for while Caspian spars with Edmund. Weight training. Sword training. Same idea, right?

The Blitz, 1940 (The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe)
You might not be sheltering in place during your workouts, but it's technically battle music. A great tempo for exercise if nothing else.

This is Home (Switchfoot)
The credits version from Prince Caspian is a lot more calming. But the track released by Switchfoot has a great pacing for a cooldown.

Prince Caspian Flees (Prince Caspian)
The opening scenes of the first sequel are intense, with Caspian fleeing his uncle by horse. Perfect for cardio.

The Painting (Voyage of the Dawn Treader)
This one could be another post-warmup track, entering your workout, as the kids entered Narnia.

A Case of Mistaken Identity: Avatar Aang

I’ve mentioned before that because I didn’t grow up watching Avatar (Michael and I did a whole podcast episode about it), the franchise misses the special nostalgia that many geeks my age have. But when a guy in my ward invited some of us over to watch the new movie, I figured I could use a guys night. Why not?

The deeper themes of the movie were probably lost on me, compared to someone who has binged the series multiple times over the course of life. However, since my spiritual pondering always seems to lead me to insights about divine identity, I latched onto Aang’s internal struggle as the “last airbender”. Naturally this is your spoiler warning for Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender.

Bridging the gap between Avatar and Korra, this movie shows the formation of Republic City, as a symbol of unity. However, at the same time Aang grieves the loss of his people and the inevitable loss of the Airbender culture; the only element not thriving in Republic City is Air Nomads. So when Team Avatar finds Tagah, an airbender frozen just like the Avatar, Aang gets excited. He's not the last airbender anymore!

All the while, his true love Katara tries to get him to understand that he isn't alone, because he has his family, Team Avatar. Tagah tries to get Aang to believe the Fire Nation could never be redeemed, just as he cannot forgive the Earth Kingdom to destroying his people. He wants Aang to accept his air nomad culture as his primary identity. In his quest for revenge, Tagah uses Team Avatar to retrieve the staff of Sonam, the Avatar of his time, to create a new breed off airbender from the Denied, a disgruntled group of non-benders. 

Talk about conflicted! Aang wants to preserve his culture, but he cannot agree with Tagah's methods. If franchises like Divergent have taught us anything, it's better to be a diverse portfolio of a person. By the end of the war, Aang was more than the Avatar or an airbender. It's not healthy to identity with a single label, especially one that is limiting. President Nelson said, "Labels can be fun and indicate your support for any number of positive things. But if any label replaces your most important identifiers, the results can be spiritually suffocating."

Airbender is a notable label, especially for the Avatar. I'm not sure what the comparable labels would be in the Avatar world, but President Nelson stated that our most important identifiers are child of God, child of the covenant, and disciple of Christ. Even within these three labels, you're limiting yourself if you only pick one of them. All of them matter. Any good identifier is insufficient if it's the only one (even "child of God" or "disciple").

Avatar. Airbender. Mentor. Team Avatar. Husband. Father (eventually). All of them are part of Aang.

And there's more to you than what you think.

“Make no mistake about it: Your potential is divine. With your diligent seeking, God will give you glimpses of who you may become.”

LDS Geeks Podcast #71: Animorphs Re-Read (14)

If we weren't in the endgame before, we are now! No slowing us down as we approach the end of the Animorphs series.

--Spencer

Listen to Episode 71 on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

Check out Spencer's recent content: click here

Check out Russell's recent content: click here

Show notes:

00:12 - Introductions
02:03 - Spencer's Recommendation: Hidden Figures
        Available for streaming on HBO Max
05:50 - Russell's Recommendation: The Other Side of Heaven
        Available for streaming on BYUtv
09:25 - #49 - The Diversion
23:20 - #50 - The Ultimate
33:16 - #51 - The Absolute
41:48 - #52 - The Sacrifice

46 Things I Want from the Harry Potter TV Series

Happy Harry Potter Day! Today Harry turns 46-years-old so I asked Russell to help me brainstorm something appropriate for this birthday. He suggested a lot of random and humorous ideas, but we landed on things we want from the upcoming series (coming to HBO Max this Christmas). Kenton and I podcasted this concept a while back, but today I just want to go rapid-fire through some plot points. Particularly ones that were glossed over or missed in the movies.

1. Wizards Celebrating
   The books' first chapter includes Vernon encountering wizards everywhere, celebrating Voldemort's downfall. I want to see it.
2. Harry's Childhood
   The trailer looks like the show will portray some of the Dursley's abusive nature, but still. There are things I want to see on screen.
3. Peeves the Poltergeist
   I don't know why they neglected to include Peeves in the movies, but we need the mischief maker to make some sporadic appearances. Like the Cabbage Man in Avatar.
4. Quidditch
   They skipped over so many Quidditch games in the movies. I get it. They take a lot of time. But that doesn't mean I like it.
5. Snape's Logic Trial
   This task was completely skipped over in the movie (although it appeared in the DVD bonus features). It didn't take anything away from the story, but I'd love to see it portrayed.
   
   
6. Nick's Deathday Party
   Great world building and better introduction to Myrtle than the movie provided.
7. Percy's Girlfriend
   Penelope got petrified in the book but completely forgotten in the movies. She deserves more respect. She became head girl after all.
   
   
8. Inter-House Quidditch Cup
   Quidditch in general would be great, but Gryffindor's triumph in the Inter-House Cup was impactful, especially as the books started to get darker.
9. The Marauders' Backstory
   In the movie, we only got bits and pieces of Lupin's story with his friends. In the book, we got explanation of the animagi, the Shrieking Shack, and Snape's near-death experience. I don't think we even learned the connection between the Marauder's Map and the four boys in the film.
   
   
10. Pig the Owl
    After Ron lost Scabbers, it was touching for Ron to get a new pet. Especially one as cute and spastic as Pigwidgeon.
11. Ludo Bagman
    The subplot of the twins vs. Bagman was fun and it set the stage for Harry to fund the joke shop. Bring back Bagman!
12. Charlie Weasley
    He was the only Weasley family member to be excluded from the movies (except for one photo). Not fair. Not fair.
13. Quidditch World Cup
    I want to see at least a chunk of the match. Not just glossing over the beginning.
14. Winky
    House-elves in general would be great, but especially the clues along the way from Barty Crouch's personal assistant.
15. Weasley Wizard Wheezes
    Specifically I want to see the twins testing and development of the products from the fourth and fifth books. Both on themselves and others.
16. Sirius's Return
    The movie only had him appear in the fireplace. But I want to see him back at his hiding place and at the Triwizard aftermath.
17. Rita Skeeter
    Let's see the whole Rita Skeeter story arc. Not just Hermione getting frustrated by her in the movie (and it never going anywhere from that).
18. Dobby's Return
    His sacrifice in the last book was more impactful because he returned in Goblet of Fire and Order of the Phoenix. Let's not have him replaced by Neville again.
19. SPEW
    In addition to the house-elves, I want to see Hermione fired up at the injustices faced.
20. Madame Maxine's Shame
    We got Hagrid telling Maxine about his mother, but never got the heartbreak when Madame Maxine refused to reciprocate.
21. Triwizard Maze
    Yes, the maze appeared in the movie. But all the monsters and trials were taken out of it. All we got was the maze changing and adapting to trick the champions.
22. Barty Crouch Jr's Backstory
    I love David Tennant and he did a great job playing a menacing Crouch Jr. However, we missed out on a lot of his backstory, verbally at the end and in the Pensieve. 
23. Rallying the Troops
    In the aftermath of the Third Task, Dumbledore went straight to work, giving jobs to Sirirus, Snape, and Hagrid. It added more to seeing the Order in the next book.
24. Beetle Rita
    If we're going to include the Rita Skeeter story arc, it has to conclude (for this book) with the reveal of her as an animagus.
    
    
25. Ministry's Visitor Entrance
    Seeing Arthur Weasley travel like a muggle was endearing and the appearance of the visitor entrance gave Harry and friends a way in at the climax of the book.
26. Cleaning the House of Black
    I mention this for one reason: the appearance of Slytherin's Locket. It would appear two years later, so it was cool to see things come full circle.
27. "Have a Biscuit"
    How many of us absolutely loved this scene in the book? The abrupt change from Harry being scolded to Harry being fed was funny and perfectly written.
28. Weasley is Our King
    Ron's Quidditch story arc was a fun (and sad) part of their fifth year. Dude deserved more of a story arc.
29. Harry's Quidditch Ban
    It was just another way to show how heartless and prejudice Umbridge was, as she banned Harry and the Weasley twins from playing Quidditch. Not cool, Dolores.
30. Lockhart at St. Mungo's
    Just a comedic cameo from the ex-professor. That's all I want.
31. Longbottoms at St. Mungo's
    This added many layers to Neville's story and insecurities. The movies kind of glossed over it.
32. Harry and Cho's Date
    A minor plot for sure in the grand scheme of things, but a little teen drama couldn't hurt.
33. Rita's Quibbler Interview
    This was a game-changer in the fifth book. And it was a better conclusion to Rita's story than in the Deathly Hallows.
34. Umbridge's Interrogation
    After Dumbledore fled from Hogwarts, Dolores tried to forcefully get information from Harry. Thankfully the boy remembered counsel from Mad-Eye and narrowly avoided the Veritaserum.
35. Career Counseling 
    Seeing McGonagall stand up for Harry against Umbridge was crazy. And I would've loved to see Maggie Smith deliver these lines. I can only hope the new McGonagall will get a chance.
36. Marietta's Betrayal
    Cho's best friend turned in the DA. It adds another layer to the Harry/Cho drama, but it also showcased Hermione's talent, hexing the sign up sheet.
37. OWLs
    The exams were a major part of their fifth year, but they're barely portrayed in the movies. 
38. The Attack on Hagrid and McGonagall
    During the Astronomy OWL, the students witnessed Hagrid and McGonagall being attacked at the hands of Umbridge's men. Nothing ever made Hagrid so angry and nothing made us worry more for McGonagall.
39. Breaking into Umbridge's Office
    Both times. Neither one was featured. Even if we skip the first one, when Harry wanted to talk about Snape's memory, I'd be content.
40. Harry's Ghost Question
    It was part of the grieving process for Harry to ask Nick about Sirius becoming a ghost. Heartbreaking, but necessary.
    
    
41. Sirius's Will
    I loved this chapter of Half-Blood Prince, so I want to see it played out. Even if it's mostly to establish Kreacher as Harry's house-elf.
42. Voldemort's Full Backstory
    I want to see his grandfather and uncle. I want to see the significance of the ring. I want to see him apply to teach at Hogwarts. All of it.
43. The First Battle of Hogwarts
    I want the DA rallying together with the Order. I want to see Bill (his fight with Greyback and his fiancee calling out his mother). I want to see the chase. All of it.
    
    
44. Ravenclaw Common Room
    Not featuring the common room was bad enough when the movie came out. But now I'm married to a Ravenclaw, so I take this more personally.
45. Harry vs. Carrows
    In conjunction with the Ravenclaw Common Room, I want to see Harry go head-to-head with the Death Eaters, especially after one spits on McGonagall. 
46. Snape's Full Backstory
    Let's not have a simple montage of memories. I want to see why Snape was in love obsessed with Lily Evans. I want to see why Petunia had such jealousy and animosity towards her sister.

Riordanverse Reading Schedule

As we got near the end of reading Animorphs together, it didn't take long for Russell and I to decide on another franchise to read and discuss. If you're a fan of the books by Rick Riordan, that's where we're headed next. We didn’t get any followers chiming in for Animorphs, but if the world of Percy Jackson intrigues you, we’d love to have you reading along with us. 

I wasn’t going to post this list until September, but Russell and I are well under way with our reading (I finished “Sea of Monsters” this week). Send any comments to our email, social media accounts, or Discord. Check back here for any changes to the reading schedule, especially since the new Camp Half-Blood books will released in the middle of this series  

Part 1 - Release in October 2026

The Diary of Luke Castellan (The Demigod Diaries)

The Lightning Thief

The Sea of Monsters

The Stolen Chariot (The Demigod Files)

Part 2 - Release in November 2026

The Titan's Curse

The Battle of the Labyrinth 

The Sword of Hades (The Demigod Files)

Part 3 - Release in December 2026

The Red Pyramid

The Throne of Fire

Part 4 - Release in January 2027

The Bronze Dragon (The Demigod Files)

The Last Olympian

Percy Jackson's Greek Gods

Part 5 - Release in February 2027

The Staff of Hermes (The Demigod Diaries)

The Singer of Apollo (Short Story)

The Lost Hero

The Quest for Buford (The Demigod Diaries)

The Son of Magic (The Demigod Diaries)

Part 6 - Release in March 2027

The Serpent's Shadow

The Son of Neptune

Part 7 - Release in April 2027

The Mark of Athena

The House of Hades

Part 8 - Release in May 2027

The Blood of Olympus 

Percy Jackson's Greek Heroes

Part 9 - Release in June 2027

Demigods and Magicians

The Chalice of the Gods

Wrath of the Triple Goddess
Brooklyn House Magician's Manual

Part 10 - Release in July 2027

The Sword of Summer

The Hidden Oracle

Part 11 - Release August 2027

Camp Jupiter Classified

Camp Half-Blood Confidential

Hotel Valhalla: Guide to the Norse Worlds

The Hammer of Thor 

The Dark Prophecy             

Part 12 - Release September 2027

The Burning Maze

The Tyrant's Tomb

Part 13 - Release October 2027

The Ship of the Dead

9 From the Nine Worlds

The Tower of Nero

Part 14 - Release November 2027

The Sun and the Star

The Court of the Dead

LDS Geeks Podcast #70: Fourth Doctor Adventures (2)

We were fresh out of jelly babies for this recording, but it had to be done. We're working our way to the Fifth Doctor but we still have a couple pit stops to make along the way. So buckle up (I don't think the TARDIS has seat belts) for another round of Tom Baker's Fourth Doctor stories.

--Spencer

A Case of Mistaken Identity: Moana

The live-action Moana is currently in theaters. I'll reserve judgment until I see it myself--We all know that live-action adaptations are hit and miss. In this stage of life (two little kids and a pregnant wife) there's virtually no chance of me seeing this movie until it's on Disney Plus. So instead of writing about the new Moana, I have some thoughts about her journey in the animated feature film.

As I began re-watching Moana in preparation for this blog post, I commented to Russell that this movie could easily be a case study about mistaken identity: Moana, Maui, Te Ka. The theme of identity is strong throughout Moana’s journey (and to a lesser extent in its sequel). While I could write about Maui or Te Ka (which I may yet do) I wanted to start with Moana. 

This daughter of the chief spends the whole movie trying to figure out who she is and what her purpose is. She feels compelled to venture into the ocean, but also loves her island and wants to be a good chief someday.

At first, these two things are contradictory in her mind. Her heart calls her to the ocean but her father wants her to focus on Motonui. There’s nothing wrong with her father’s counsel to find her purpose “where you are”. In fact, it’s not unlike President Uchtdorf’s counsel to “lift where you stand”. There’s something powerful in being able to “find happiness right where you are.” Moana felt the call to do more, but also served where she was until a formal call came. (PS: I think it’s notable that the call came after she learned about her ancestors—perhaps a tie in to family history there)

In the meantime, she struggled to wait for the call (which eventually came from her Gramma Tala). She knew she felt the call to see “how far [she’d] go” but also recognized her weakness. Her weakness was further pointed out and ridiculed when Maui joined her. 

When Maui left, Moana felt the weight of her call and her inadequacies even stronger. She couldn’t fathom why the ocean would choose her to pursue this mission. For a moment she gave it because it was too heavy for her to bear. As Gramma Tala’s spirit came to her, Moana strength through her grandmother’s validation and her influence helped Moana to integrate all she had learned about herself from the journey. The Holy Spirit can do the same for us and not just in our low moments. 

“Who am I?

“I’m a fur who loves my island.

“I’m a girl who loves the sea; it calls me.

“I am the daughter of the village chief.

“We are descended from voyagers who found their way across the world; they call me!

“I’ve delivered us to where we are.

“I have journeyed farther.

“I am everything I’ve learned and more, still it calls me.

“And the call isn’t out there at all; it’s inside me.

“It’s like the tide, always falling and rising.

“I will carry you here in my heart.

“You’ll remind me, that come what may I know the way.

“I am Moana!”

I love this scene because Moana learned how her experiences and everything she’s discovered has shaped who she is. She doesn’t have to simply be the chief’s daughter. She’s that but she’s also a wayfinder. She’s brave, loyal, insightful, and adventurous. All of these things shape who she has become. And, like her grandmother said in the sequel, “we never stop choose who we are.”

We are our heritage, as children of God. 

We are our experiences in mortality (for better or worse). 

We are the things we’ve learned. 

And we choose who we want to be.