Remembering Maggie Smith

    

    Jim Dale certainly is the voice that I hear when I think of Professor McGonagall, but the face of her will always be Dame Maggie Smith. I loved her portrayal of the head of Griffyndor house and appreciated how she brought to life this beloved character from the world of Harry Potter. I think it is fitting that she passed away exactly one year after Michael Gambon, who played Dumbledore in films 3-8. The Lord has a way of connecting things in His own kind of way, and this was one that stood out to me.

Tributes to actors and actresses can be difficult as I only know the person they portray on the screen, but Maggie, for her part, had an illustrious career, continuing to be in movies well into her 80’s. Before she was Professor McGonagall, she was, among other roles, Mother Superior in "Sister Act 1 and 2", supporting and giving help the Whoopi Goldberg’s character as she put together beautiful musical numbers with the nuns of the convent (“Nothing you can do can take me away from my God” and “Joyful, Joyful” are 2 of my favorites, not to mention, “His eye is on the sparrow” a new addition to the updated Hymnbook of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints).

She played in several on screen renditions of books and plays, "Downton Abbey", as well as World War II era timepieces. I loved the movie “Hook” as a child and only recently came to recognize Maggie Smith as Grandma Wendy. She was very intense in her attempts to help Peter understand who he really was,  Peter Pan.

Ultimately, I will always remember her for her role as the beloved Minerva McGonagall. She was great in demonstrating the ability to transfigure from witch to cat and back. She ushered her students around with the sternness and love that was described in the books. She developed her relationship with Harry in a manner that did not give him unnecessary passes and kept in line in appropriate ways. She danced with Ron in preparation for the yule ball. She comforted Professor Trelawney when she was sacked. She stood up to Snape when we still thought he was a bad guy. She was true in support of Dumbledore even after his death. Maggie Smith brought life to the character of Minerva McGonagall and will be greatly missed. 

Friday Creature Feature - Patamon

Twenty-five years of Digimon has brought us to this. Despite no indication of future Digimon movies or series, I have no desire to slow down–still perpetually watching the series; currently watching Digimon Tamers and Digimon Adventure 2020. I recently got to the point of Adventure 2020 in which TK teams up with Patamon–possibly one of the redeeming story arcs of the series. So like I’ve done many times before, I want to highlight the different iterations of Patamon. Despite being a relatively minor character among Digi-Destined partners, he’s a fan favorite between the Adventure saga, Frontier, and Adventure 2020.

Digimon Adventure

Meeting TK in the form of Tokomon, he was the late-bloomer among the Digi-Destined partners. It was through Patamon’s story arc that we learned how Digimon are reborn, after Angemon sacrificed himself to defeat Devimon. He was the last to reach the champion (Angemon) and ultimate (MagnaAngemon) levels. That being said, when Angemon and MagnaAngemon finally entered the scene, he was able to hold his own (and sometimes right out defeat) Digimon a full digivolution above him, like Myotismon, Phantomon, and Piedmon. 

A few years later, Patamon and TK joined the new Digi-Destined team to fight the Digimon Emperor, Arukenimon, and Mummymon. While digivolution to champion was prohibited, he was able to become Pegsusmon to join the fight. Later, when MagnaAngemon would have been wonderful to fight BlackWarGreymon and others, Angemon was able to DNA digivolve with Ankylomon to create Shakkoumon. He may not have been MagnaAngemon, but Shakkoumon was still able to hold his own against BlackWarGreymon. The lack of utilizing his natural champion and ultimate forms is one of my grievances about Adventure 02. However, the second season did give Angemon his mega form in The Digimon Movie… even if Seraphimon only lasted a few seconds.

When Digimon Adventure Tri came across, Patamon was still very clingy to TK, which didn’t get any better when he was the first of the Digimon partners to get infected by Meicoomon. The scene in which TK holds him as he writhes from the infection broke my heart. I want to do another post at some point to delve into the trauma that TK and Patamon go through in direct contrast with his crest of hope; suffice it to say that when the Digi-Destined get reunited with their partners post-reboot, TK putting that faith and positivity back into Patamon was amazing, enabling him to reach Seraphimon once again.

Despite being a more minor character in the original series, TK was one of the characters front-and-center in Last Evolution Kizuna, joining in all the major fights alongside Tai, Matt, and Izzy. It was sad to see him and Patamon lost in Menoa’s Never World, but with his scars of losing Patamon, who can blame him. In a similar way, it makes sense that he was scared when he was faced with the possibility of losing Patamon in the fight against Ukkomon in The Beginning. Both times, despite his fears, Patamon came to the fight as Angemon (and later as Shakkoumon in The Beginning). Last we see of them, Patamon is still alive and kicking with TK. I can only hope they find a way to keep their bond from breaking as TK grows up, unlike Tai and Agumon.

When he’s at in-training or rookie levels, Patamon ends up acting very childish, in good ways and bad ways. Throughout the Adventure saga, he’s clingy to TK. In the first season, he mirrored TK’s immaturity, but as TK matured he kind of turned into his child or pet at times. But when in one of his angel forms, Patamon matured instantly, becoming brave and fierce–though I’d never accuse Patamon of being cowardly either, as demonstrated when he would get protective of TK (see “Forget About It!”). 

Digimon Frontier

When Seraphimon entered the scene as one of the Celestial Digimon, he was powerful and epic… and comatose. That persisted until the five children visited his castle in the Forest Terminal. He was only awake for a few moments before he had to sacrifice himself to save the kids–his data taken by Mercurymon and his egg saved by Zoe and Bokomon. As an egg, he gave a portion of his power to Koji and Takuya to enable them to fusion-spirit evolve. It wasn't until Takuya recovered his data as Aldamon that the egg hatched into Patamon. He spent the rest of the season assisting the kids as they fought Cherubimon, the Royal Knights, and Lucemon.

The personality of this Patamon was similar to TK’s partner, pretty immature at times, like when referring to Bokomon as his “papa-mom”. Granted, this Patamon had barely been reborn from a digi-egg, so he had an excuse. That being said, he showed wisdom and insight at times, leftover from when was Seraphimon. You couldn’t ever really tell what Patamon was going to do in this season.

Digimon Adventure 2020

This version of Patamon was introduced as the captive Celestial Digimon, Angemon, held by his dark counterpart Devimon (the two having split from Seraphimon after the war). Like the Frontier version, after he got saved he reverted to an egg and lost much of his memory regarding his past in the Digimon war and his life as the angel Digimon. It took him a long time to regain the ability to digivolve into Angemon, but was able to turn into Pegasusmon in the meantime. As the children journey, he learns to digivolve into MagnaAngemon, Seraphimon, and (once) into Goldramon.

Between his involvement in the ancient war and being split into Angemon and Devimon, this version of Patamon has one complex backstory. I just wish he didn’t come into play so late, but other than the angel feathers that TK finds, Patamon doesn’t properly appear in any form until a third of the way into the story. I love that his backstory is more complex though, which you don’t tend to see with Digimon partners in any series; usually the complexity comes from the humans. As I continue to watch Digimon Adventure 2020, I’ll have to keep an eye on this storyline more closely.

Think Manga Invented Isekai? Think Again!

 

In the past decade, the isekai genre has risen to prominence in anime and manga, capturing the imaginations of millions with stories that transport ordinary individuals into fantastical worlds. From Sword Art Online to Re:Zero, these narratives are often characterized by their blend of adventure, otherworldly settings, and personal growth as protagonists navigate their new environments. The first Isekai in manga was Warrior From Another World written in 1979. However, long before anime embraced the idea of otherworldly travel, Western literature laid the foundation for what we now recognize as the core elements of isekai. Classic works such as Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, The Chronicles of Narnia, and The Wizard of Oz are quintessential examples of this concept, predating the modern genre by decades, if not centuries.

Isekai is a Japanese term that literally means different world. In the context of storytelling, it refers to a genre where the protagonist is transported from their ordinary life into a fantastical realm. In most cases, this world is vastly different from our own, often involving magical creatures, advanced technology, or new societal rules that challenge the protagonist's perception of reality. 

But, when we think about the core aspects of isekai—transportation to another world, the contrast between the real and the fantastical, and the protagonist’s journey through personal or moral development—we realize that this idea isn’t unique to Japan. Western literature has long explored this very concept, often in stories that are now considered classics.

Alice in Wonderland: The Pioneer of World-Hopping

Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (1865) is one of the earliest and most enduring examples of isekai in Western literature. Alice, an ordinary girl, tumbles down a rabbit hole and into the bizarre world of Wonderland. From the talking animals to the illogical laws of nature, Alice must navigate this curious world while trying to understand the strange creatures she encounters.

Wonderland is, in many ways, the quintessential other world of an isekai story. It is bizarre, disorienting, and operates under rules that are completely alien to Alice. Yet, like many isekai protagonists, Alice grows through her experiences in this new realm. While she begins her journey bewildered by Wonderland’s oddities, she gradually learns to assert herself, starting off not knowing which direction to go to ultimately standing up to the Queen of Hearts before waking up in the real world. Her journey of self-discovery through the lens of a fantastical world makes Alice in Wonderland a clear precursor to the modern isekai genre.

Peter Pan: The Fantasy World of Neverland

J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan (1904) takes the concept of travel to another world in a different direction. Wendy, John, and Michael Darling are whisked away from their home in London by Peter Pan and flown to Neverland—a magical island inhabited by fairies, pirates, mermaids, and Lost Boys. Like an isekai, the real world and Neverland are starkly contrasted. In Neverland, time behaves differently, magical creatures exist, and the children are free from the restrictions of the adult world.

Neverland embodies the wish-fulfillment aspect that is so often central to isekai stories. In Neverland, children can fly, fight pirates, and live out heroic adventures. Yet, Barrie’s tale also explores the dangers of escapism, a theme that many modern isekai series touch upon. Wendy and her brothers eventually choose to return to the real world, having learned that while Neverland offers excitement and freedom, it is not where they truly belong. This idea of experiencing growth through an adventure in another world is a defining characteristic of isekai storytelling.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Doorway to Another World

C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia series (1950-1956), particularly The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, is perhaps the most overt example of an isekai in classic Western literature. Four siblings—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy—stumble through the wardrobe into the magical land of Narnia, where they are destined to play key roles in the battle between good and evil. 

Narnia exemplifies many of the tropes seen in contemporary isekai: an ordinary group of people transported to a new world, where they discover latent powers or roles of great importance. The Pevensie children arrive as outsiders, but they soon find that they are integral to the world they’ve entered. They grow into leaders, learn valuable moral lessons, and by the end of their journey, they are different people from when they first entered the wardrobe.

Like many modern isekai stories, Narnia plays on the tension between the fantastical world and the real one. The Pevensies eventually return to their own world, but they are forever changed by their experiences in Narnia, just as protagonists in modern isekai are transformed by their adventures.

The Wizard of Oz: The Classic American Isekai

L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900) is another cornerstone of Western isekai literature. Dorothy Gale, swept away by a tornado from her home in Kansas, finds herself in the colorful, magical land of Oz. Much like Alice in Wonderland, Dorothy must navigate this new world and its eccentric inhabitants—including a scarecrow in need of a brain, a tin man seeking a heart, and a lion in search of courage—on her way to return home.

Oz is as strange and wondrous as Wonderland, but Baum’s story has a more defined hero’s journey. Dorothy undergoes growth and self-realization through her travels in Oz, learning that the power to achieve her goals lies within her all along. The theme of personal discovery through an adventure in a new world is a hallmark of both The Wizard of Oz and the isekai genre.

 Gulliver's Travels: Another Classic Example

 

Jonathan Swift's Gulliver’s Travels (1726) is another early example of isekai before isekai was a genre. The protagonist, Lemuel Gulliver, is repeatedly transported to various strange lands, including Lilliput, where the inhabitants are tiny, and Brobdingnag, where the inhabitants are giants. Each land has its own unique rules and customs, often reflecting satirical commentary on the political and social conditions of Swift's time.

While Gulliver's Travels is more of a satirical work than an adventure tale, it nonetheless shares key isekai elements. Gulliver’s experiences in these fantastical realms force him to reflect on human nature, societal norms, and his own place in the world, much like modern isekai protagonists are changed by their journeys through other worlds.

The Legacy of Classic Isekai

The isekai genre, as we know it today, may be synonymous with anime and manga, but its roots run deep in Western literature. Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Wizard of Oz, and Gulliver’s Travels all explore the fundamental theme of journeying to another world and growing through that experience. These stories set the stage for the modern isekai genre by blending escapism, adventure, and personal transformation in ways that continue to resonate with readers today.

In many ways, these classic works prove that the allure of otherworldly adventures transcends cultures and time periods. While isekai has evolved into a distinctly modern genre, its core themes remain as timeless as they were in the days of Alice, Dorothy, and the Pevensie children.

LDS Geeks Podcast #26: Second Doctor Review

And finally TJ have made it to the end of our discussions on the Second Doctor... just as I finished the Third Doctor. Enjoy our ramblings and ravings about this cosmic hobo, as he's been called.

--Spencer

5 Unsolved Mysteries from LOST You Might've Forgotten

This week is the 20th anniversary of the crash of Oceanic Flight 815 and the series premiere of LOST. Since the show was known for mysteries and theories, I wanted to delve into some mysteries that were never fully addressed. I thought about picking mysteries regarding the Island and its history (what was with the Hurley bird anyway?), but since the show was primarily about people, their histories, and their relationships, I wanted to focus on mysteries regarding some beloved characters. And for the fun of it I’ve included theories/head-canons to explain each mystery.

Walt’s Powers

Right from the first Michael/Walt-centric episode (“Special”) and maybe even before, we knew there was something mysterious about Walt. He seemed to have some premonitions and the mini-sode “Room 23” reiterates the effect he had on wildlife, but they never fully delved into it. Even after the series finale, they did the epilogue mini-sode “The New Man in Charge” in which Walt was retrieved by Hurley and Ben, but there was no clear indication what his purpose was, except to help his father.

My head-canon/theory: After the end of the series I wrote a "season seven" story that involved Walt returning to the Island to save his father (and the other whispers) and allow them to move on to the afterlife. I also explained how he appeared to Locke looking older.

Libby’s History

I started watching the series during the third season, after Libby was shot. So by the time I joined the bandwagon, there was already a demand for Libby’s backstory to be told. Psychologist? Psych patient? Boat benefactor? She had a lot going on and we were far from having the dots connected for us. We never even learned why she was on the plane. By the fourth season, the writers promised more of her backstory and that she was going to return. However, with the writer strike that interrupted that season, storylines and episodes were cut short and rearranged. So we saw Libby in Michael’s hallucinations… and then nothing until the flash-sideways of the final season. I still need answers!

My head-canon/theory: She’s the half-sister of Penny Widmore (sharing a mother and raised separately of course). After the death of her husband David, she gives her husband’s boat to Desmond (per Penny’s request) to help him in Widmore’s race. Later, the loss of her husband led her to a breakdown that was bad enough to put her in the hospital. And by the time Flight 815’s departure approached, Penny knew that Desmond was on the Island and sent Libby on the plane to find him. A bit convoluted of a story, but they didn’t give us much to go on. 

Desmond’s Abilities

Speaking of Desmond, there were a number of occasions when he seemed to miraculously survive fatal electromagnetic events. How did he survive those? It was said he had a resistance to electromagnetic energy, but where did he get that resistance? Also, the fail-safe left him with his premonitions/flashes–Why? How? And for that matter, how did Eloise know as much as she did in “Flashes Before Your Eyes”? Seriously, I just want to know!

My head-canon/theory: Though he wasn’t seen amidst Jacob’s scribblings of candidates at the lighthouse or at the cave, I figure Jacob touched Desmond at some point before coming to the Island (like the flashbacks in “The Incident”). So much like Richard Alpert, he was kept alive to fulfill his purpose when he shouldn’t have survived. 

Hurley’s Powers

At some point after leaving the Island, Hurley started seeing dead friends in his path. Unlike Miles, who could only hear their last thoughts (though there are some continuity errors/discrepancies regarding his powers), Hurley was able to physically interact with Charlie, Eko, Ana Lucia, Michael, etc. Why did these friends start appearing to him? Unless his imaginary friend Dave was really a deceased friend (seems unlikely) the ability didn’t manifest until after leaving the Island. It couldn’t have been the touch from Jacob, right before Ajira Flight 316, since he’d been visited by deceased friends for a couple years before.

My theory/head-canon: The best I’ve got is that the experience with the sky lighting up in “Live Together, Die Alone”, moving across the Island’s external boundary, or maybe his proximity to the Orchid Station triggered something when he left the Island. All those seem unlikely since others had more intimate experiences with those than Hurley, but that’s the best I have.

Claire’s Missing Time

After so many close calls with her baby, why would Claire (or any decent mother) leave her child in the middle of the jungle to follow an apparition of her absentee father? And when Locke found her in the cabin, she seemed so relaxed. What was going on? Also, why didn’t Claire jump through time with the other survivors? What did the Others do to her in her time of solitude? According to Dogen, Claire was infected like Sayid, but that only brings up more questions. When did she get infected? What did that exactly entail? And I can’t leave off this mystery without asking this unrelated Clair question: Why did Desmond say he had a vision of Claire getting on a helicopter if she was never on the helicopter?

My theory/head-canon: My belief is that when Claire’s house exploded, she died (like Sayid did after returning to the present day). After that, “the sickness” brought her back to life, bonding her to the Man in Black (again, like Sayid). So when the Man in Black (taking the form of her father) took her away from her baby, it was like her free will was taken away–not completely, as demonstrated by both Claire and Sayid, but enough. And regarding the helicopter vision, that’s part of a more intricate “season seven” I wrote involving Claire and the rest returning to the Island.

I’m sure I could think of several more mysteries regarding our LOST cast (How did Faraday lose his memories? How did Boone, Rose, and Bernard “wake up” in the flash-sideways?) but these seem sufficient for now. While I hope LOST never gets rebooted or restarted, I think fans would always welcome more snippets from the Island and the lives of the characters we love. What’s the harm in a few more mini-sodes? Show us more snippets of backstories, Island time, and after the finale. Nothing crazy or complex. Just more. But just to quote Hector in the epilogue, “We deserve answers!”

At least about Libby.

Please?

The Traitor in the Mushroom Kingdom

In the Super Mario Bros. movie, fans were captivated by the colorful and vibrant world of the Mushroom Kingdom, the humor, and the epic battles between Mario, Princess Peach, and the villainous Bowser. But one lingering question remains: how did Bowser know so much about Mario and Peach's plans? Could it be that there was a spy feeding him information all along?

Here’s a wild theory: Toad, the lovable, loyal companion of Princess Peach and friend to Mario, was secretly working as an undercover spy for Bowser – until he wasn’t. Let’s dive into this conspiracy and break down the evidence.

Bowser’s Information Network: A Hole in the Plot?

Throughout the movie, Bowser seems remarkably well-informed. He always seems one step ahead, whether it’s about Mario’s arrival in the Mushroom Kingdom, Peach’s plans to recruit the Kongs, or the impending final battle. But how exactly is Bowser getting his intel?

Sure, Bowser has his army of Goombas and Koopa Troopas, but none of them seemed close enough to the action to gather this level of detail. This raises the question: Who could have had access to Princess Peach’s plans?

Enter Toad.

Toad’s Suspicious Loyalty

At first glance, Toad appears to be the ultimate good guy—fiercely protective of Princess Peach and Mario. He sticks by their side even when the other Toads let them go. Throughout the journey to seek help from the Kongs, Toad is constantly assisting Mario and guiding them through obstacles. But what if this seemingly unwavering loyalty wasn’t as genuine as it seemed?

What if Toad’s insistence on staying close to Princess Peach was because he was secretly reporting her every move to Bowser?

It’s possible that Bowser, ever the mastermind, placed Toad as an undercover agent long ago. Toad’s innocence, cheerful demeanor, and close relationship with Peach would make him the perfect informant. No one would suspect him, and he would always have access to the Princess’s most confidential plans.

Interestingly, there are key moments when Toad is noticeably absent, coinciding with Bowser receiving crucial information. For example, after the fight with Donkey Kong, Mario, Peach, DK, and Cranky Kong gather for a meeting, yet Toad is nowhere to be found. Why? Because he could have been relaying information to Bowser. In the very next scene, we see Bowser receiving intelligence about Mario and the gang traveling to Rainbow Road. Coincidence? Maybe not.

Why Toad Turned on Bowser

Here’s where things get even more interesting. Toad may have started out working for Bowser, but like many spies, his loyalty could have wavered. Initially, Toad stayed behind not to protect Princess Peach, but to serve Bowser. However, things changed when Bowser captured both Princess Peach and Toad, following the evacuation of the other Toads. Bowser, in his usual tyrannical fashion, threatened Princess Peach, demanding she marry him or Toad (his undercover spy) would face dire consequences.

This threat was the turning point. Princess Peach, forced to accept Bowser’s ultimatum, made Toad reconsider his loyalties. Witnessing Bowser’s cruelty firsthand, Toad had a change of heart, realizing that Bowser saw him as just another disposable pawn.

Throughout the movie, Bowser is portrayed as a ruthless tyrant who mistreats even his closest subjects. It’s easy to imagine him dismissing Toad’s efforts, showing no appreciation for the valuable information he provided. This mistreatment, combined with Princess Peach’s kindness, sparked Toad’s change of heart. He realized his true place was with Princess Peach and Mario, who treated him as a friend and equal, not as a tool.

The Bouquet with the Freeze Power-Up: Toad’s Redemption

One of the movie’s most pivotal moments involves a bouquet of flowers. Near the film’s climax, during Peach’s forced wedding to Bowser, Toad hands her a bouquet that secretly contains a Freeze Flower. Peach uses this power-up to freeze Bowser and take control of the situation.

This seemingly small act is where the theory truly clicks into place. Toad’s decision to give Peach the freeze power-up isn’t just a clever plot twist—it’s a sign of his final betrayal of Bowser. It’s his moment of redemption. After all the spying and working in the shadows, Toad fully switches sides and helps Princess Peach defeat the villain he once served.

 A Spy Turned Hero

In the end, Toad’s journey could be viewed as a classic tale of redemption. He may have started as a spy, working under Bowser’s command to gather information on Princess Peach and Mario. But over time, he realized where his true loyalties lay—with the heroes, not the villain.

Toad’s transformation from secret informant to brave ally is a testament to the idea that even those who make mistakes can choose the right path when given the chance. By the time the movie ends, Toad is no longer a spy. He’s a hero who stands with Peach and Mario, ready to protect the Mushroom Kingdom.

So, the next time you watch the Super Mario Bros. movie, keep an eye on Toad. His cheerful, innocent persona may hide a deeper, more complex story of deception, betrayal, and ultimately, redemption.

What do you think? Was Toad really Bowser’s spy? Let me know your thoughts on this theory!

Who is Agatha Harkness?

Who is Agatha Harkness?

Good question. 

Agatha Harkness in the comics is one of those background characters that essentially shows up whenever magic is involved in the current shenanigans and usually explains what's going on to whoever is in charge of dealing with it. First appearing as the Fantastic Four's nanny, she's best known for training Scarlet Witch... And not much else... 

Till, of course, now...

Marvel Comics

Agatha Harkness originally appeared in the Fantastic Four comics when she was hired to watch after Franklin Richards, the kid of Mr. Fantastic and Invisible Woman. Turns out she wanted the baby for some witchcraft crap and they ended up firing her. 

Next we saw her appear in Scarlet Witch's origin story, where she trained her powers since, despite being mutant powers, they closely resembled magic. This was repeated in the show X-Men: Evolution where Agatha also helped Nightcrawler and Rogue try to cure their petrified mother Mystique (Which ended in Rogue committing murder and Agatha peacing out). 

Throughout Agatha's multiple appearances in the comics and various video games, she had the attitude of Professor McGonagall with slightly more ambiguous morals. She showed up, explained the magic plot, then took off.*

*Note: There is some sort of recent development where she regained her youth to resemble the actress from Wandavision, but honestly I haven't been following the latest comics so whatever that was it was a thing. 

Wandavision

Most people know Agatha from the incredible series Wandavision, where she served as the dangerous antagonist, played by Kathryn Hahn. In the series, Agatha tests Wanda to see the true extent of her powers, revealing that Wanda's powers are magic, which was unlocked by the tesseract (See Avengers: Age of Ultron). Agatha is the only person inside Wanda's brainwashed TV town who knows what's really going on. Agatha wants to steal Wanda's chaos magic and mix it with the Darkhold, the magical MacGuffin which showed back up in Dr. Strange and the Multiverse of Madness.  Wanda ends up thrashing the witch in a magic duel and leaves her in a mind-wiped state, which is apparently reversed in the new series. 

That and the fact that she was apparently involved in the Salem Witch trials is far more backstory and characterization than we ever got in the comics. 

Marvel's Midnight Suns

In the sadly slept-on video game Marvel's Midnight Suns Agatha shows up as an NPC with more than her usual explain-the-plot role. She is a surrogate mother to the protagonist, the Hunter, and sadly was killed before the Hunter was able to be resurrected by Nico Minoru. Here Agatha helps the player character by appearing as a ghost and guides them through the home base on various quests to unlock secrets and collectables. We eventually find out that she was killed by Scarlet Witch in an accidental experiment with dark magic, so the main character has to deal with that when they finally get Wanda to join the party. 

Here Agatha feels more like comic book Aunt May with magic than the cold witch she usually is. She's kind and sympathetic to The Hunter, and misses her former partner the Caretaker (She doesn't get a name but think magic witchy Nick Fury). Her backstory is the same as the comics but she's far more relatable and interesting here, except maybe her version in Wandavision. 

The Beauty of the MCU

Fun fact: In the 90's comics weren't doing well and Marvel was hemorrhaging money so they started selling off their properties for movie adaptations, including X-Men and Spider-Man. They tried to sell the Avengers too but nobody wanted to buy it as the characters were "just not profitable". Today Iron Man and Thor are as well known as Superman and Batman because of what Marvel did with them in the MCU. Agatha Harkness got an even harder glow-up, as it can be argued how important the Avengers were in the previous comics, Agatha was usually just there in the background. They're were few if any Agatha Harkness fans clamoring for her to show up in anything before Wandavision, and now thanks to excellent writing, an amazing actress, and a couple slight adjustments to the character, she's now a vibrant piece of superhero media. 

-JOE

Third Doctor Revisited: "The Three Doctors"

I knew I had to write something about the tenth anniversary special of Doctor Who when TJ and I got to that point. Despite the “First Law of Time” (as it’s called by the Time Lords) precluding the crossing of one’s own timeline, this story set the precedent for anniversary stories; “The Five Doctors” (twentieth anniversary) and “The Day of the Doctor” (fiftieth anniversary) continued this trend, in addition to other multi-Doctor stories (like “The Two Doctors” and “Twice Upon a Time”).

This story saw the return of the First Doctor, though due to William Hartnell’s health he was limited to filming his character trapped in a “time eddy”. According to the pseudo-canon material, he was pulled from time at the period when Vicki and Steven were his companions. Hartnell was unable to film with the other Doctors, but was able to film his scenes elsewhere to still help the other Doctors defeat Omega. It was the last appearance of the First Doctor, as portrayed by William Hartnell, as he passed away about two years later. All Whovians ought to be grateful to that first First Doctor actor, who started this 60+ year journey.

P

atrick Troughton as the Second Doctor also returned of course, recalling his encounters with Benton and Lethbridge-Stewart in “The Web of Fear” and “The Invasion”. I found his rivalry with his future self amusing. We kind of saw that dynamic between the Tenth and Eleventh Doctors, but this rivalry was much more pronounced. Unlike future multi-Doctor stories where the memories were blurred and mostly forgotten, the Second Doctor seemed to remember this adventure when encountering the Third Doctor again in “The Five Doctors”. His stories weren’t my favorite, but I enjoyed him as the Doctor, so I’m glad he returned and would return two more times. As he was on the orders of the Time Lords, my theory places this appearance after “The War Games” and before his regeneration (see my Fugitive Doctor post for more on that), but the pseudo-canon places this moment while Jamie and Zoe were still in the TARDIS.

Finally, the third of the three Doctors was naturally the current Jon Pertwee incarnation. Unlike other multi-Doctor stories, the Third Doctor was the only incarnation with a clear companion (even in “The Day of the Doctor” you could sort of say that Queen Elizabeth was the Tenth Doctor’s companion). Jo had wonderful chemistry with all three of the Doctors and I felt like she kept the story moving. And finally, after years of being stuck on Earth with UNIT, the Third Doctor’s exile on Earth finally ended, allowing him and Jo to willingly head into time and space (instead of the Time Lords directing his travels). 

This story also marks the first time the Brigadier and Benton entered the TARDIS. Insert “bigger on the inside” commentaries and the Brig’s repeatedly skeptical comments. You’d think that after three years of working closely with the Doctor, he’d be more willing to believe. But I guess like Ben and Ian, we needed that skeptic in the TARDIS.

The Time Lords in crisis: Something you don’t see too often. It shows just how big of a threat Omega was, though honestly I’m not sure I understand what effect Omega had on Gallifrey during this story. All the same, Omega was a big enough deal that he would be referenced throughout the series (example: The Hand of Omega in “Remembrance of the Daleks”) and he would reappear against the Fifth Doctor. Only a couple other Time Lords have that much recurring prominence in Doctor Who, besides the Master. But we’ll get to more Time Lords as we get into the Fourth Doctor era shortly I’m sure.

When Power Fantasy Animes Becomes Weak

Artist: Samantha Brooks

Isekai, the genre of anime and manga where characters are transported to, reborn, or trapped in a different world, has exploded in popularity over the past decade. Popular animes like Digimon, Moonlit Fantasy, and Failure Frame. While the concept offers vast creative potential—allowing for diverse world-building, unique magic systems, and character development—the genre has also become synonymous with a particular narrative crutch: the overpowered (OP) protagonist.

At first glance, the allure of an overpowered hero in an isekai setting is easy to understand. Who wouldn’t want to escape the mundanity of the real world for a life where you’re instantly stronger, smarter, and more capable than everyone around you? The thrill of seeing an ordinary character suddenly wield god-like abilities and effortlessly overcome challenges can be immensely satisfying. However, as this trope becomes increasingly prevalent, it’s starting to wear thin, turning what was once a compelling fantasy into a repetitive and uninspired narrative device.

The Appeal of the OP Protagonist

To understand why the overpowered isekai trope became so popular, we need to consider its roots in wish fulfillment. Many isekai stories begin with a protagonist who, in their original world, is either unremarkable, downtrodden, or struggling with some personal issue. Upon being transported to a new world, they’re often granted immense power, typically in the form of magic, combat prowess, or a unique skill set that makes them virtually unbeatable.

This transformation taps into a deep-seated desire for empowerment. It’s a fantasy that resonates with many viewers, especially those who may feel powerless or overlooked in their own lives. The OP protagonist doesn’t just survive in the new world—they thrive, conquering all obstacles with ease. For a while, this formula worked brilliantly. Shows like Sword Art Online and No Game No Life captivated audiences with their larger-than-life heroes who could bend the rules of their respective worlds to their will.

The Narrative Dangers of Overpowered Protagonists

However, as the trope has become more widespread, it’s led to a glut of isekai series that rely on the same basic premise: an invincible protagonist who faces no real threats or challenges. While the power fantasy remains intact, the narrative depth often suffers as a result.

One of the biggest issues with overpowered protagonists is that they can make the story predictable and boring. If the hero can solve every problem with a flick of their wrist or a single well-placed punch, where’s the tension? Where’s the drama? Conflict is the engine that drives a story forward, but when the protagonist is too powerful, conflict becomes meaningless. The stakes are non-existent, and the plot becomes a series of increasingly outlandish scenarios designed solely to showcase the hero’s abilities, rather than explore the world or develop the characters.

Moreover, OP protagonists can stifle character development. In many of these series, the hero’s journey is less about growth and more about spectacle. There’s little room for the protagonist to learn, adapt, or struggle in a meaningful way. They start off powerful and remain powerful, with few, if any, moments of vulnerability. This lack of development can make the character feel flat and one-dimensional, reducing them to little more than a vessel for the audience’s power fantasies.

The Diminishing Returns of Power Fantasy

As more and more isekai series adopt the overpowered protagonist trope, the novelty has started to wear off. What was once a fresh and exciting concept has become overused, leading to a sense of fatigue among viewers. Audiences are beginning to crave more nuanced stories—ones where the protagonist isn’t an all-powerful deity, but rather a flawed, relatable character who grows and changes over time.

In response to this growing fatigue, some isekai series have begun to subvert or challenge the OP trope. Shows like Re:Zero and That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime introduce protagonists who, while powerful, also face significant challenges and consequences. These series remind us that strength alone doesn’t make a character interesting; it’s how they use that strength, and how they confront the world around them, that truly matters.

The Future of Isekai

The overpowered isekai trope is becoming inherently bad. its overuse has led to a saturation of the genre with stories that lack depth and originality. To keep isekai fresh and engaging, creators need to move beyond the simple power fantasy and explore the full potential of the genre—by crafting complex characters, building intricate worlds, and, most importantly, by allowing their protagonists to struggle, grow, and occasionally fail, like Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash.

As the isekai genre continues to evolve, there’s hope that we’ll see a shift away from the overpowered protagonist trope and towards more balanced, character-driven narratives. After all, the best stories aren’t just about watching a hero win—they’re about watching them learn, adapt, and ultimately, become someone greater than they were before.