Shipwrecked Comedy Club

[Lizica]

Welcome, friend, to NTWF's Shipwrecked Comedy Club Casual Thread Party / Gala for Friends Potluck.

Our resident forum ghosts will take your coat and your flaily-armed enthusiasm, and we shall retire for the evening to discuss and theorize and laugh at and get hyped about Shipwrecked's current projects. We shall do our utmost to prevent any of our esteemed guests from being walled into the cellar tonight, and I dearly hope you'll leave any ill will behind outside in the curséd bog just next door.

--
Basically, hello! If you haven't heard of Shipwrecked Comedy before, it's a small production company that creates amazing online content. =D They're so much more than simply "YouTubers," because they're essentially out here making whole movies and short films and series, just, for free viewing!

They're awesome, you all. =D You may or may not have heard me talk about them before, but I've been watching their stuff for, like, six years, and they never disappoint. Their writing and humor are top notch, and nobody can do their blend of absurd, clever comedy AND gutpunching, suspenseful drama quite like them. Their tagline is "Vaguely historical. Loosely literary. Stupidly smart." and that sums them up well. If you haven't already, please check them out!! Especially since it's October now, and they're just oozing that great fun spooky vibe! (Not literally oozing. We don't have time to make all that slime.)

To name just a few of their gems, there's:
A murder mystery series featuring classic English literature authors as the suspects, Edgar Allan Poe's Murder Mystery Dinner Party!
A film noir set in 1939 Hollywood, The Case of the Gilded Lily!
And a series currently running right now, a modern, magical adaptation of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Headless!

So, whether you’re already a fan, or you just learned about them now, come on, let's talk about their stories together! =D If you’ve seen them before, how did you first find them? What’s your favorite thing they’ve done? What did you bring as your potluck dish for the thread?

[Lizica]

I'll be honest, I partially started this thread specifically so I could signal boost and scream about Headless: A Sleepy Hollow Story. XD

It’s just. SO GOOD so far, you all, it’s hard to know where to begin.

I guess, first off, it’s visually gorgeous. The colors, the costumes, the location? Aaahh.

Also, the writing and the setup are so much fun. I mean, modern day Sleepy Hollow, full of bizarre and hilarious and endearing characters? Heck yeah.

And then, we have the overarching plot. So far, mooostly really fun times, character development, and gradual buildup, but last week’s ep ended with another heck of a cliffhanger, and oh man, you all. Am ANXIOUS to see what’s going to happen next.

Also, such perfect casting. XD Sinéad Persaud is out here living her best life as a goth witch. Jon Cozart gets to be a fabulously annoying bard as he narrates the story though song. And for you DND folks, did you know that BOTH Matt Mercer AND Ginny Di are in this, as a pirate and a horror movie trope parody respectively? And that’s just a tiny, tiny handful!

And the music! The art in the opening! All the things!!! *muppet flail*

...In short, it’s great. If this sounds like something you might be interested in, PLEASE check it out and spread the word and support Shipwrecked Comedy if you can! The creators are such awesome, nice, talented people, and they deserve for their hard work to take off like crazy. <3

Basically, if you want a really fun, really clever, spoopy thing to watch this October, Headless is definitely my recommendation to you! It’s a 10-part webseries, with eps each Monday, and the finale airing this Halloween!

Thanks for enduring my textwall. <3 I hope you’re having an awesome October so far!! =D Has anyone else been following this series? Please add on or discuss!

[Gelquie]

Hello fellow Shipwrecked follower! I brought a variety of greens from my backyard. *Holds up grass.* I find you can eat anything... if you're hungry enough. =)

Actually, Lizica was the one who introduced it to me, back when it was a series of short skits featuring Edgar Allen Poe and the ghost haunting him, Lenore. These skits eventually took form in the short series Edgar Allen Poe's Murder Mystery Dinner Party. The trailers and teaser leading up to it are hilarious. And the series itself follows a cast of other famous writers like Ernest Hemingway, HG Wells, Emily Dickinson, and more! And all these writers are together in the socially awkward Poe's mansion, where shenanigans ensue that often have fun with literary allusions and writer notoriety.

Murder Mystery Dinner Party is a complete series, so if you'd like a spooky literary mystery time filled with comedy, check it out!
(I really do recommend watching some of the videos leading up to it. There may be a playlist that has them! Or I can put some links together if you're having trouble. ^^ If nothing else, the teaser episodes can give a taste of their comedic style without yet diving into the whole series.)

I'm also following Headless right now! The latest episode (Episode 6) just came out today, and I had a lot of fun with it! The plot thickens~.

Headless Episode 6 thoughts with spoilers

SPOILER: Click to show

Dear gosh, the facades and masquerade gags between Anne and then Matilda and Brom had me laughing. xDD (As soon as Anna came into the house in disguise, I recognized her as Lauren Lopez and knew to prepare myself for the ensuing shenanigans!)
Also, I loved the sequence where Matilda and Brom's already hilarious lie got completely out of control. Congratulations to them. <3

But hmm, the Mayor. He's definitely suspicious, but I keep wondering if there's a red herring going on. The murder method he supposedly used could've been mistaken. But it could also not be, and the production is making sure we definitely see him as suspicious. Plus, the Van Tassels have so much power in the town. And Kat's mom dying the day after she got so close to an answer is very suspicious indeed. I guess there are multiple interpretations for that, though.
Either way, Ichabod will have a hard time balancing that with Kat. I understand her feelings, but Kaaat, he was just investigating. =<

I still wonder about the Lady in White. Not sure what her role is, but I feel she has a hand in the Headless Horseman shenanigans in some way. And my suspicions in that direction are still toward the Van Tassels. I was suspecting Kat for a while, but I still don't know. Maybe it's an ancestor. Or maybe she is unknowingly connected to it all besides being a Van Tassel.

Anyway, looking forward to the Babesteries for this one. Because dear gosh. xD

Anyway, spoilers aside, looking forward to the next one! \ o / The plot continues to thicken, and probably all the more now that we're 6 out of 10 episodes in. ^^

[Lizica]

*high fives* =D
For our thread potluck, I've brought a half-eaten box of Thin Mints. Merely this and nothing more.

Thinking about how I found Shipwrecked... Back in college, my roommate introduced me to the Lizzie Bennett Diaries, and after that, I started following Mary Kate Wiles on Tumblr. (Or, I checked her blog periodically, since I didn't have Tumblr for awhile.) She'd occasionally post about new projects she was acting in, and that's how I first watched Kissing in the Rain and such. I think it was the Edgar Allan Poe videos, though, that really made me start to latch onto Shipwrecked Comedy as itself (rather than just "thing that MKW is in"). So I've probably been watching them longer than six years, but still. XD

Replies to GLQ, with additional flailing about ep 7

SPOILER: Click to show

The shenanigans in ep 6 had me dying laughing, too. X'DDD The whole "Mahk." "Maaack?" "MAAAHHHHKK!" thing, and Matilda and Brom, just. Oh gosh. XDDD I love it.
And the fact that they just kept rolling with the accidental wedding in the next ep was just ADORABLE. This is the 'ship I never knew I needed. I love them. Their dynamic together is so fun, and we already know that Matilda is someone who's able to call Brom out when he needs it, and meanwhile now Brom's just embracing the situation, buying flowers and groceries, and getting their plot-relevant marriage certificate framed?? (Also, the Babes calling Matilda "Mrs. Boss" and helping out. *chef's kiss*) (Someone also pointed out that they're even wearing wedding rings now! Can you even imagine the two of them going ring shopping together? Oh man.) (There were a lot of marriage and divorce related things in this ep overall. Really emphasized Matilda/Brom even more.)

The Van Tassels are very suspicious, yeah. XD Both Baltus and Kat, I feel. But whatever the mystery has in store, I think there are going to be a lot of moving pieces, and maybe no single character is behind everything. Can't wait to see how all these disparate clues tie together. =D But yeah, I'm keeping an eye on you, Baltus. >>

I'm really curious about the Lady in White, too! I'm sure there's some connection. If it turns out it's not related to the main quest, I hope they at least explore that story thread more in the Babesteries with poor Spike.

Ichabod made me a little sad in this latest ep. He's had a really rough time, no denying it, but he didn't have to list Headless's haunting as such a negative. The heads for sure have caused him a ton of trouble and anxiety, but Headless himself has been nothing but a sweetie towards Ichabod. (If I have one complaint with this series, it's that we don't see Headless as himself often enough. He's so good.) Anyway, hopefully we get some good Ichabod/Headless resolution in the coming eps. =D

Also, the camerawork near #7's ending when they were talking about Paulie Tahoe was SO COOL that the first time I watched, I was too distracted and admiring that I didn't hear anything they were saying. XD Thankfully there's a replay button and subtitles. (Aside: MKW writes the subtitles, and they're super fun and wonderfully descriptive.)

Anyway-- *bangs table* HEIST HEIST HEIST HEIST HEIST

I feel like somebody's already made this joke already, or they will soon. But someone's gotta do it-- The thickening plot seems to be starting.......to come to a head. *is pelted by tomatoes*

[Ginz ❤]

I haven't checked out Headless yet, so I really need to get on it!

I found Shipwrecked in a similar way as you did, Lizica, except I guess with an extra step. Vlogbrothers > Lizzie Bennet Diaries > Mary Kate Wiles' tumblr > Shipwrecked Comedy. I'm a huge fan of Edgar Allan Poe's Murder Mystery Dinner Party especially. <3 That series is SO fun. I followed it while they were posting it, and I still enjoy going back and rewatching it from time to time.

Anyway, this is my official RSVP to the club, but I will come back when I'm ready to ramble and gush about Headless with you! I brought cupcakes with heart-shaped sprinkles for the potluck, because I got the holiday wrong, oops. XD

[Gelquie]

Heart-shaped sprinkles on cupcakes is just the right theme for this kind of party. Welcome! =D

This post is in response to more Headless stuff! (We're up to episode 8 on both Headless and the Babesteries! Two episodes each remain~

But before I get there, I just want to comment on an overall theme that I've seen and really like. (I tried to keep it spoiler free and more of a general interest thing, but if you want to go into the show completely 100% unknowing, you may want to skip this next paragraph.)

So a common trope I see in media are the moments where someone does a bad things. And they're either cast in a villainous light for it and can Never Do Good Again Ever, or it's handwaved with "well they apologized lightly over it so all over, goodbye, no reparations!". Or there's an attempt at a redemption arc, but it's my opinion that few of them are done well, and often the villain is forgiven too easily.
The difference I see in Headless is that sometimes (not in every case), ordinary characters will have their moments of doing bad or unreasonable things (although in those cases, seldom anything truly heinous), and it initially shows them cast in a villainous or tragic light for it... But one thing I like about this show is the realistic social interactions that maintain respect. The situation is addressed, real apologies with reparations are made, and it never feels too over the top one way or another and thus never shifts from the intent of the apology. They may be casual moments, but the respect and empathy in them is deep, and it shows that sometimes those bad things are just people slipping up and then taking accountability for it without minimizing their effect on others. They seem like redemption arcs in a way that can be taken as a lesson for the real world on conflict management, from a group of characters who are really only semi-functional together. I personally love it and find it really validating and refreshing to see.

Okay, so more commentary!

Episode 8 may be one of my new favorites! It was a lot of fun with a lot of laughs, I love the parody it showed, and then it gets meaty with the plot and it's just. =D =D Also, my theory (that I didn't mention here) was right! \ o /

Okay, more general spoilery Headless commentary, up to Episode 8 of the show and the Babesteries.

SPOILER: Click to show

Speaking of apologies, I really like how the Babes took time in their show to make meaningful apologies and corrections, and my heart is moved by their empathy, and it was just so wonderful to see and I feel so safe watching their channel for their commentary on the events of Sleepy Hollow and and ;;;_;;; <334

(Speaking of that episode, RIP Ryan Garcia. The moment I saw the change in his face when he walked "on-stage" was just. xDD
Also. Method acting is very important, and I can see he takes it very seriously. I could learn from his approaches. I shouldn't, but I could.)

Okay, episode itself. First, responses to Lizica.

I really love how they keep rolling with the wedding and how even though it was an oops-wedding, they're just so proud and supportive of each other. I almost hope they stay married. xDD
But dang, I didn't even notice the rings, but the mental image of them going ring shopping is amazing.

Stiiiill suspicious of the Van Tassels, at least with how they keep involving themselves in the town's secrets. But with the reveal about the Horseman and Anika, some of my prior theories are quashed. Now I'm not quite sure how they relate to the Horseman. Which just makes me all the more eager for Episode 9 and what Baltus says/does. (Also, I suspect Kat will intervene one way or another; I feel we're about to learn more about her.)

I'm glad Ichabod eventually returned to working with the Headless Horseman, but I felt bad too that Ichabod was so reluctant. Though it's not like I can entirely blame him; he does keep getting drawn into shenanigans thanks to the Horseman, and they don't all end well for him.
But yes, more Headless Horseman as themself! I have a feeling we'll see that, at least in Episode 10.

Yeah, I got distracted by the camerawork of Episode 7 too and also had to go back and rewatch because "oops wait what's happening". xDD

Now episode 8.
Paulie Tahoe was so fun. Also the Oceans heist parody. It's everything I want from a heist movie, because I'm not super big on straightforward heist movies. xP Love the image of them all being captured, and then the characters bluffing each other out anyway. xDD
(I did feel a little awkward at the romance with a thought of "sh-should I be here?", but I can see I was just reflecting the other characters who were probably thinking the exact same thing, and I also laughed at how it turned out. xD Listen to the professional, after all!)

To be honest, I wasn't a huge fan of Douffe as a character. (Her actress plays her spot on, though.) But I still couldn't help but like her a lot more when she found her new purpose as a treasure hunter; it's far more honest to her character and it's really fun to see her in this mode! (Also, how she was able to forgive being stabbed as long as she could get that treasure! Maybe it was one of those "you really hurt me, so you're hired" moments. xD

But yes, the plot thickens! And I'm eager to see what's next. =D
(I-I hope Paulie Tahoe doesn't drive too far. xD )

[Lizica]

I will try to be more coherent and do some proper replies later on--but right now, I just need to YELL ABOUT EP 9'S CLIFFHANGER, ASDFKDHFJKAGHKFKASJKAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA *FLAIL*


((...Also, my computer seems really determined to prevent me from watching the Shipwrecked premiers. x'D The first time I tried a couple weeks ago, my computer froze on the startup screen and I had to restart. And today, I finally made it in time, but then the internet randomly went down after two minutes of the stream, and came back literally like 5 seconds before the end credits. X'D Oh well, thank goodness for replay buttons.))

[Gelquie]

This Halloween marked the finale of Headless! And wow, how everything tied up and the atmosphere of that final episode. The series has mostly been mystery/comedy, but that last episode got intense and I was basically doing the edge-of-my-seat routine.

Also, it occurs to me in the last episode that the music really shines in this work, both the compositions and the singers (that include Jon Cozart, who really brings his all here). It really adds to the atmosphere and it helps me really get into it!

It was just. Such a satisfying way for it all to come together to bring the mystery comedy, yet also that final episode vibe fit of a Halloween special. Halloween may be over now, but I still really recommend this.

And now that I see how all the pieces fit together, I'm definitely going to re-watch the series when I've got some time. Maybe in chunks, especially if I include the Babesteries episodes that are in-between.
Even just thinking back to prior episodes, I can see hints and other things that I either missed, forgot, or handwaved. I look forward to the review to confirm or find those hints.

[Lizica]

Whoops, I was so busy around Halloween with my ToT house that I never actually wrote up my thoughts here about the Headless finale. X'D What is time. Suffice to say, though, it was definitely f a n t a s t i c, and I've since watched the entire series again more than once. And yeah, there are so many details to notice on rewatch!! It's amazing, aaaaa. 8DD
Doesn't need to be spooky season to watch awesome spooky things! Headless is highly, highly recommended. 8D


Anyway, also wanted to skid in here and yell about how Shipwrecked's latest project released its first episode today!! Private Eyes Fig and Ford from The Case of the Gilded Lily are back--now in an audio drama podcast called The Case of the Greater Gatsby. =O They're investigating the murder of F. Scott Fitzgerald. (Yes, that F. Scott Fitzgerald. As we know from Poe Party, Shipwrecked is no stranger to killing off famous literary greats. x'D)

The first ep was real fun! I love the amount of lampshading and fourth wall leaning they're doing, and I adore listening to all the sound effects. <3 The story is setting the scene and tone nicely, and I'm really curious to see how this all unfolds, and can't wait to meet all our unsuspecting suspects. >D

According to the Kickstarter email I got from them today, they say they estimate there'll be about 25 episodes in total. Oh boy. 8D *rubs hands together*