Episodes

  • CR Episode 307: The Hobbit, Part IV

    CR Episode 307: The Hobbit, Part IV
    Jan 26 2026
    The panel discusses the party's arrival in and departure from Lake-Town, and their arrival at and infiltration of the Lonely Mountain, with special attention to the contrast between rationalism and romanticism, particularly in the Master of Lake-Town.Continue reading
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    1 hr and 35 mins
  • CR Episode 306: The Hobbit, Part III

    CR Episode 306: The Hobbit, Part III
    Jan 19 2026
    The panel reads chapters 8 and 9, with special attention to the episodic structure of the narrative, the maturation of Bilbo and his rising stature amongst the dwarves, the role of hunger and darkness in creating tension, and the timeframe of events.Continue reading
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    1 hr and 17 mins
  • CR Episode 305: The Hobbit, Part II

    CR Episode 305: The Hobbit, Part II
    Jan 12 2026
    The panel discusses chapters 5–7, with examination of Tolkien's sources and the chronology of its composition, discussion about the different phases of the story's development, and a conversation about the chapter structure and roles of different races.Continue reading
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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • CR Episode 304: The Hobbit, Part I

    CR Episode 304: The Hobbit, Part I
    Jan 5 2026
    The panel discusses the first four chapters of The Hobbit with special attention to the development of the story as a text, its features connecting it to the genres of fairy tales and bedtime stories, and its careful use of narrative foreshadowing.Continue reading
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    1 hr and 26 mins
  • CR Episode 303: Romeo and Juliet, Part V

    CR Episode 303: Romeo and Juliet, Part V
    Dec 29 2025
    The panel closes out Romeo and Juliet, and the year 2025, with a discussion of Friar Laurence's cowardly culpability, Romeo's impassioned importunity, Juliet's happy dagger, Paris' finest hour, and Shakespeare's interest in people of all walks of life.Continue reading
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    1 hr and 20 mins
  • CR Episode 302: Romeo and Juliet, Part IV

    CR Episode 302: Romeo and Juliet, Part IV
    Dec 22 2025
    The panel discusses the fourth act, with attention to the self-serving plan of Friar Laurence, who imperils the two lovers by avoiding more rational courses of action in favour of one which helps him avoid scrutiny for his role in their relationship.Continue reading
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • CR Episode 301: Romeo and Juliet, Part III

    CR Episode 301: Romeo and Juliet, Part III
    Dec 15 2025
    The panel discusses the third act—the 'beginning of woe'—when the drama shifts decidedly from comedy to tragedy with the departure of Mercutio and Juliet's nurse from the action, and with both Romeo and Juliet considering death rather than separation.Continue reading
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • CR Episode 300: Romeo and Juliet, Part II

    CR Episode 300: Romeo and Juliet, Part II
    Dec 8 2025
    The panel discusses the second act, including the secret marriage plans facilitated by Friar Laurence, with attention given to the impetuous behaviour of Romeo and Juliet, and the dangerously enabling conduct of those around them, Mercutio excepted.Continue reading
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    1 hr and 20 mins