Serenity Parts 1 & 2

We're back! Firefly starts off with a bang in this 2-parter introducing us to the universe after Earth-that-was. Mal, Zoe, Jayne, and Kaylee live and work on a ship called Serenity, running less-than-legal jobs. When they're flagged by the tyrranical government The Alliance, their deal goes sour and they're forced to take on passengers. But at least two of the newcomers have secrets that could bring the crew's way of life to an end. Kristen and Mike discuss their histories with this series, the strange order in which these episodes were aired, and Mike's mysterious connection to Kaylee/Jewel Staite. 

In Part 2, the crew starts off in a bad spot. There's a lawman on board, Kaylee's been shot, the Alliance is coming, and Simon has smuggled his sister onto the ship. Mal chooses to follow through with his deal, however, and sell his smuggled goods to Patience. But when Patience predictably and metaphorically stabs Mal in the back, Serenity needs to hightail it out of there and... oh, look - Reavers are coming. We talk about Mal's specific brand of morality, and our evolving opinions about the super stuffy Simon Tam. 

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Buffy Series Wrap-up

Kristen and Mike share a look back at all seven seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. In this post-mortem, we discuss our favorite (and least favorite) episodes, seasons, villains, slays, and characters. And we share our listeners' stories of what Buffy means to them.

PLUS! We announce what comes next for The Sunnydale Stacks. 

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End of Days / Chosen

In "End of Days", after Buffy removes the Scythe, she rescues Faith and the potentials from the blast site and an Ubervamp attack. While Buffy and Faith bond over the lonely position of the Slayer, Andrew and Anya loot medical supplies from the abandoned hospital. Willow's research into the Scythe's origins leads Buffy to meet the last Guardian, and to her final showdown with Caleb. We discuss emotional scenes without the need for speeches, and Caleb's big-bad takedown.

In "Chosen", Angel gives Buffy a mysterious amulet, a backup plan for the upcoming battle, and hope for the future. Back at home, Buffy names Spike as her champion. When The First attempts to shake her confidence, Buffy forms a winning plan. The gang prepares for the final showdown at the high school, and the moment when Buffy's no longer the only Chosen One. We remember watching the finale for the first time, and delve into Anya's send-off. 

PLUS! Chris from Hey, Do You Remember...? joins us as we celebrate seven seasons in the Stacks! 

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Empty Places / Touched

In "Empty Places", as the town's citizens flee, Sunnydale's police force gets antsy for some Justice. When Faith takes the potentials for a night out, the group is forced to fight some overzealous law enforcement. Meanwhile, Spike and Andrew leave town to investigate a lead, leaving Buffy without backup when the rest of the group mutinies. Kristen and Mike discuss the townspeople's awareness of the apocolypse, and the culmination of events that lead to Buffy's explusion from the group. 

In "Touched", with Buffy ejected from the Summers home, the rest of the group doesn't find the easy peace they expected. Spike's fury at Buffy's banishment leads him to find her languishing in an empty house. The gang forces a Bringer to speak via Andrew, pointing them to an underground arsenal. While everyone prepares for the next day's battle, the Scoobies get frisky. We break down the different "coupling" milestones in this ep, and analyze the concurrent final assaults. 

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Lies My Parents Told Me / Dirty Girls

In "Lies My Parents Told Me", Giles is determined to deactivate Spike's trigger once and for all. But when Spike doesn't like the emotional baggage that unleashes, Giles is forced to team up with Principal Wood to take Spike out. When Robin locks himself in a room with a triggering Spike, he doesn't anticipate the psychological treatment he'd be giving the vampire. Kristen and Mike discuss the evolution of Spike's Mom and her relationship to her son.

In "Dirty Girls", Sunnydale has two new visitors - Faith and Caleb! While Faith re-acclimates herself with the Scooby Army, Caleb has a cryptic message for Buffy. When the totally obvious trap turns out to be a trap, the gang suffers heavy losses. Kristen and Mike talk about the crowded cast list, the rejuvenation that Faith brings, and Caleb's proselytizing.

PLUS! The Stackers reveal their fantasy BtVS relationships! 

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