Dames Macabre

Ep 8 - Martyrs & Mayhem in 'Prophecy Girl'

To close the first season of Dames Macabre, Meaghan and Alex explore Buffy's journey as a modern-day Gothic Heroine and Final Girl by drawing parallels with medieval Virgin Martyrs in Buffy's Season 1 finale , "Prophecy Girl" (S1.E12). The episode dissects the cinematic elements and cultural references that make "Prophecy Girl" a standout, while also touching on the thematic depth of Buffy's character as she faces her prophesied death. . . Dr Alex Carabine: @decadence.and.dark.ages ; literatureunlocked.org Dr Meaghan Allen: @morbid.mae Website: damesmacabre.com Email: dames.macabre@gmail.com . SOURCES MENTIONED: - Carol J. Clover, Men, Women, and Chainsaws: Gender in the Modern Horror Film (Princeton University Press, 1992). . For more on Buffy studies and scholarship, check out: http://www.buffystudies.org/ Check out our Bookshop Affiliate Page: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/damesmacabre

Ep 7 - Hellmouth Metaphysics in 'Nightmares' and 'Out of Sight, Out of Mind'

In this episode of Dames Macabre, hosts Alex and Meaghan delve into two episodes of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer": "Nightmares" (S1.E10) and "Out of Mind, Out of Sight" (S1.E11). They explore the themes of fear and invisibility, discussing how these episodes tackle real-world issues like abuse and neglect through the lens of supernatural storytelling. The conversation is rich with references to medieval literature, vampire lore, and the cultural context of the 90s, offering listeners a blend of humor, insight, and thoughtful analysis. The episode also includes personal anecdotes and reflections on the show's impact, making it a compelling listen for fans of Buffy and those interested in the intersection of pop culture and academia. . ** TRIGGER WARNING: This episode mentions and discusses child abuse, domestic abuse and neglect, and other forms of violence. ** Domestic abuse or violence is a crime and should be reported to the police - there are also other organisations who can offer you help and support. In the UK: - Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge 0808 200 0247 www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk [http://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/] - Galop (for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people) 0800 999 5428 www.galop.org.uk [http://www.galop.org.uk/] In the USA: - Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233). Text “START” to 88788. - For more see: https://www.usa.gov/report-crime . . Dr Alex Carabine: @decadence.and.dark.ages ; literatureunlocked.org Dr Meaghan Allen: @morbid.mae Website: damesmacabre.com Email: dames.macabre@gmail.com . SOURCES MENTIONED: - Danièle Cybulskie, 'How to Become Invisible', https://www.medievalists.net/2018/06/how-to-become-invisible/ - European Magic and Witchcraft: A Reader (Readings in Medieval Civilizations and Cultures), ed. by Martha Rampton (University of Toronto Press, 2018) . For more on Buffy studies and scholarship, check out: http://www.buffystudies.org/ Check out our Bookshop Affiliate Page: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/damesmacabre

Ep 6 - 'The Technopagan, The Watcher, His Slayer, & The Horny Puppet'

In this episode of Dames Macabre, hosts Alex and Meaghan delve into the Buffy the Vampire Slayer episodes "I Robot, You Jane" and "Puppet Show." They explore how "I Robot, You Jane" taps into 90s anxieties about technology, portraying the internet as a new realm for demonic influence, while "Puppet Show" brings the eerie charm of ventriloquism to life. The discussion highlights the episodes' medieval and gothic roots, examining themes of possession, the interplay between technology and magic, and the cultural fears surrounding the digital age. With their signature blend of sharp wit and thoughtful analysis, Alex and Meaghan unravel the symbolic layers of these episodes, showcasing how Buffy weaves together historical, literary, and pop culture elements to create a rich and subversive teen horror landscape. *** Trigger Warning *** This episode mentions and/or discusses self harm, suicide, and murder/death. . Dr Alex Carabine: @decadence.and.dark.ages ; literatureunlocked.orgDr Meaghan Allen: @morbid.maeWebsite: damesmacabre.comEmail: dames.macabre@gmail.com. .For more on Buffy studies and scholarship, check out: http://www.buffystudies.org/Check out our Bookshop Affiliate Page: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/damesmacabre

Ep 5 - What's in a Soul?: Dames Macabre Discuss 'Angel'

In this episode, we delve into Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s “Angel” (S1.E7), exploring the intricate dance between medieval lore and modern storytelling. We unravel the layers of Angel's character, a vampire cursed with a soul, and how his past intertwines with Buffy's present. The episode highlights the tension between ancient evil and contemporary life, as Buffy navigates her feelings for Angel amidst the backdrop of gothic horror and medieval symbolism. Join us as we dissect the show's use of historical references and its portrayal of complex relationships, all while Buffy remains the steadfast hero in a world teetering between light and dark. . Dr Alex Carabine: @decadence.and.dark.ages ; literatureunlocked.org Dr Meaghan Allen: @morbid.mae . . For more on Buffy studies and scholarship, check out: http://www.buffystudies.org/ Check out our Bookshop Affiliate Page: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/damesmacabre

Ep 4 - 'Never Kill a Boy on the First Date' & 'The Pack'

In this episode, we sink our teeth into Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s “Never Kill a Boy on the First Date” (S1.E5) and “The Pack" (S1.E6), examining how masculinity plays out in early Sunnydale. In “Never Kill…,” Owen represents the allure of brooding, bookish masculinity—Buffy’s desire for normalcy colliding with a guy who romanticises danger but can’t handle the Slayer life. Meanwhile, The Master is once again up to no good in his quest for finding 'The Anointed One'. “The Pack” takes a darker turn, exploring toxic masculinity as Xander and his possessed crew channel predatory behaviours—harassment, dominance, and cruelty—under the guise of supernatural influence. But is the hyena really to blame, or just an unmasking of impulses already there? Join us as we unpack the show’s problematic use(s) of 'magpie' cultural references to signify the 'supernatural' and its early messages about what makes a man—especially in a world where Buffy’s the one saving the day. **Trigger Warning: This episode mentions sexual assault.** . Dr Alex Carabine: @decadence.and.dark.ages ; literatureunlocked.org Dr Meaghan Allen: @morbid.mae Website: damesmacabre.com . SOURCES For more on the Maasai people see: http://maasaiwilderness.org/maasai/ . For hyenas & their cultural history: https://talkinghumanities.blogs.sas.ac.uk/2021/03/16/hyenas-and-humans-millennia-of-myths-misrepresentations-and-persecution/ . For more about Emily Dickinson: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/emily-dickinson#tab-poems https://www.emilydickinsonmuseum.org/emily-dickinson/biography/ . For more on Buffy studies and scholarship, check out: http://www.buffystudies.org/ Check out our Bookshop Affiliate Page for books mentioned in our episodes: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/damesmacabre