Bite Me: A Buffy podcast-The Harvest

Join Joe Ford and Martyn Havell in this thrilling first episode of Bite Me, as they delve into ‘The Harvest’.

Get ready for a rollercoaster of supernatural adventures, witty banter, a dash of nostalgia and some therapy.

If you’d like to support the show, please check out our ⁠⁠Ko-Fi page⁠⁠

The podcast is available on ⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Google Podcasts⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Amazon Music⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠

Bite Me podcast art by ⁠Penny Smallshire⁠.

Check out Joe’s other podcasts: ⁠⁠Hamster with a blunt penkife⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Finish Big⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Untitled Star Trek Project⁠⁠.

Check out Martyn’s other podcasts: ⁠⁠Bad Wilf⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Running Down Corridors⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Martyn &⁠⁠.

SOCIALS:

Martyn-⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

Joe-⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠.

Bite Me-⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠.

Announcing ‘Bite Me: A Buffy Podcast’

Introducing “Bite Me” – Your New Favourite Podcast About Buffy the Vampire Slayer!

Grab your stakes and get ready to dive deep into the supernatural world of Buffy the Vampire Slayer with an exciting new podcast, “Bite Me”! Hosted by the dynamic duo, Martyn Havell and Joe Ford, this podcast is bound to become your Saturday ritual!

In “Bite Me,” Martyn and Joe take you on a thrilling journey through the beloved cult classic, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. With their infectious passion for all things Buffy, they’ll dissect each episode, share behind-the-scenes secrets, and explore the show’s impact on pop culture. It’s like a Watcher’s Guide for fans old and new!

Martyn and Joe bring their unique blend of humour, wit, and genuine love for the show to every episode, making “Bite Me” a podcast that feels like hanging out with your Buffy-loving friends.

Whether you’re Team Angel or Team Spike, a die-hard Scooby Gang member, or just dusting off your old DVD box sets, “Bite Me” has something for everyone. Expect lively discussions, hilarious anecdotes, and even some surprise guest appearances.

Join us every Saturday for a dose of nostalgia, witty banter, and the Scooby Gang’s adventures in Sunnydale. “Bite Me” is your one-stop shop for all things Buffy, and it’s coming to your favourite podcast platform on Saturday 9th of September, 2023. Subscribe now, and be part of the Scoobies!

Remember, when the vampires rise, just say, “Bite Me!”

The podcast is available on ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠, ⁠Spotify⁠, ⁠Google Podcasts⁠, ⁠Amazon Music⁠ and ⁠YouTube⁠

Joe Pasquale Interview

Introduction

In this interview with Joe Pasquale, the renowned comedian and performer, we delved into the fascinating details of his career spanning over 40 years. From his new tour to his experiences on reality TV and performing at prestigious events like the Royal Variety Performance, Joe shares his insights and reflections on the entertainment industry. In this article, we will explore the key themes discussed in the interview, providing an in-depth analysis of each topic and its potential impact. Let’s dive in!

The Impact of the Pandemic on the Entertainment Industry

Joe discussed the profound impact of the pandemic on the entertainment industry, highlighting the challenges faced by performers and the entire ecosystem of the business. He emphasised the symbiotic relationship between performers, crew members, and various professionals involved in the industry. Joe explained that the shutdown of theaters and venues not only affected performers but also backstage staff, musicians, crew members, and many others. The process of rebuilding the industry after such a long hiatus takes time and effort.

“The business was on its backside for so long. It wasn’t just performers, it was people in theater. It was just backstage people. It was musicians, it was crew, it was front of house people, it was box office people, it was wardrobe people, wig people, makeup people, all of that stuff.” – Joe Pasquale

Questioning Established Theories and Beliefs

During the interview, Joe shared his thoughts on Darwin’s theory of evolution and the importance of questioning established theories and beliefs. He expressed his fascination with learning and his recent studies in geoscience. Joe challenged the notion that Darwin’s theory of evolution is an absolute truth, highlighting the word “theory” in the concept. He proposed his own theory, suggesting that aliens may have played a role in the development of different species on Earth.

“What they seem to forget is there’s one word in the middle of that that everybody seems to bypass. And the word that they just seem to bypass is the word theory. It’s just a theory, and they sell it as if it’s a fact.” – Joe Pasquale

The Power of Comedy and Distraction

Joe discussed the role of comedy in providing a temporary escape from life’s concerns. He emphasised the importance of understanding what the audience wants from a show – a momentary freedom from their worries. Joe believes that comedy has the power to create a symbiotic relationship between the performer and the audience, allowing both parties to be free of concern. He shared his approach to stand-up comedy, highlighting the need to be free of concern himself in order to provide that freedom to the audience.

“If you can let people be free of concern for that amount of time, then you’ve done your job. The only way to do that is for me to be free of concern as well.” – Joe Pasquale

The Impact of Art and Satire

The conversation touched upon the impact of art and satire in addressing sensitive topics. Joe shared his experience performing in “The Producers,” a musical that satirises Hitler and the Nazi regime. He acknowledged the potential controversy surrounding such a production in today’s climate but highlighted the power of comedy and satire to open up conversations and challenge established beliefs. Joe recounted a touching story of how the show enabled a man to open up about his experiences in a concentration camp, providing a cathartic release.

“The show itself enabled him to break that barrier and talk about it again, which I think is an extraordinary thing.” – Joe Pasquale

The Thrill of Skydiving and Performing

Joe’s passion for skydiving was evident throughout the interview. He described the exhilaration and sense of freedom that comes with jumping out of a plane. Drawing a parallel to his experience in stand-up comedy, Joe highlighted the similarities in the adrenaline rush and the feeling of being fully alive. He emphasised the importance of embracing new experiences and taking risks, both in skydiving and in performing on stage.

“When you’re on that plane and before you fall out, you go, ‘Oh my God, what am I doing?’ And then when you’re out, you go, ‘I’m out!’ And it is, isn’t it? And then you feel that it’s so exhilarating.” – Joe Pasquale

Conclusion and Future Outlook

In conclusion, our interview with Joe Pasquale provided a glimpse into the extraordinary life and career of a seasoned comedian. From the impact of the pandemic on the entertainment industry to the power of comedy and the thrill of skydiving, Joe shared his unique perspectives and experiences. As the industry continues to recover and adapt, performers like Joe will play a crucial role in bringing joy and laughter back into people’s lives. With his unwavering passion and willingness to embrace new challenges, Joe Pasquale is sure to continue entertaining audiences for years to come.

The interview is linked below, as part of our new podcast ‘Mart Meet’s where I sit down with interesting people. It’s also available on on ⁠Google Podcasts⁠, ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠, ⁠Amazon music⁠, ⁠Spotify⁠. We also have a ⁠smart link⁠.

Joe is currently on tour, visit his ⁠website⁠ for information.

Send us an e-mail info@badwilf.com

SOCIALS:

Joe-⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠.

Martyn-⁠Twitter, Instagram

RIP Murray Melvin

Murray Melvin, the accomplished British actor, passed away on April 14, 2023, at the age of 90. Melvin was a versatile performer whose talent shone across various mediums, including film, television, and stage. He was known for his memorable roles in productions such as Torchwood, The Phantom of the Opera, and Jonathan Creek.

Melvin was born on August 10, 1932, in London, England. He started his acting career in the 1950s, performing in local theater productions before landing his first major role in the film “A Taste of Honey” in 1961. Melvin’s portrayal of Geoffrey Ingham in the film earned him critical acclaim and a Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actor.

Melvin continued to work in films throughout the 1960s and would work with people such as Michael Caine and Stanley Kurbrick. However, it was his role as Bilis Manger in the hit sci-fi series “Torchwood” that brought Melvin to a new generation of fans in the 2000s.

John Barrowman, who played the show’s lead, wrote: “Murray Melvin, he always brought a cheeky warm smile to the Torchwood set and had the power to make us all laugh.”

Melvin would later reprise this role, in several Big Finish audio dramas.

Torchwood creator Russell T Davies said: “He lived through a century that saw the understanding of his identity change so profoundly, and he did so with dignity, class and wit. His last email to me ended, ‘Take care, we still cannot afford to take chances.’ Oh he was wise. Night, Murray.”

Melvin will be remembered as a gifted actor who brought depth and nuance to every role he played. His contributions to the entertainment industry will be greatly missed.

Rest in peace, Murray Melvin.

Jodie Whittaker and Bella Ramsey to star in series 2 of prison drama Time

The BBC drama series focuses on the criminal justice system and the lives of people affected by it. The first season, which aired in 2021, starred Sean Bean and Stephen Graham and portrayed life in a male prison. The show was critically acclaimed and won two BAFTA awards for Best Mini-Series and Best Actor for Sean Bean’s performance.

For the second season, the story will be set in a women’s prison, and the cast will include Jodie Whittaker, Bella Ramsey, Tamara Lawrance, and Siobhan Finneran. Whittaker, best known for her role as the Thirteenth Doctor in Doctor Who will play one of the convicted women who arrives at the prison. Ramsey, who played the character Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones and starred in The Last of Us, will also appear as an inmate. Lawrance, known for her work in The Silent Twins, will join the cast, and Finneran will reprise her role as a prison chaplain.

The second season of Time will be co-written by Jimmy McGovern, who created the show, and Helen Black, whose BBC Three drama Life and Death in the Warehouse has been nominated for a BAFTA award. McGovern has praised the cast as the “best” he has ever seen assembled for any of his dramas.

Filming for the second season of Time is set to take place in and around Liverpool soon, and the show is expected to air on the BBC later in 2023. The new season promises to be another gripping and emotionally charged drama that sheds light on the experiences of people in the criminal justice system.

Beyond Paradise to return for second series and Christmas Special

The hugely successful BBC drama Beyond Paradise is set to return for a second series and a Christmas special.

With an audience of 8.7 million viewers for episode one, the heart-warming relationships and puzzling criminal capers of DI Humphrey Goodman, Martha Lloyd, DS Esther Williams, PC Kelby Hartford, Margo Martins and Anne Lloyd will continue to captivate audiences.

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, expressed her excitement for the return, while Executive Producer Tim Key of Red Planet Pictures thanked fans for their support. CEO of BritBox International, Reemah Sakaan, praised the series for its charm, humour and gripping mysteries, and promised more best in British programming for subscribers.

Created by Robert Thorogood and Tony Jordan, Beyond Paradise is produced by Red Planet Pictures, with Tony Jordan acting as a showrunner for the new series and Christmas special. Series one is currently airing on BBC One and iPlayer in the UK, and is available on BritBox International in North America, the Nordics and South Africa.

Listen to our interview with Tahj Miles.

Harry Potter TV series in development?

HBO Max is reportedly in talks to create a TV series based on the beloved Harry Potter franchise. While the popularity of The Wizarding World makes this unsurprising, what’s interesting is that it would be another adaptation of the books rather than an original work.

J.K. Rowling’s novels chronicle the adventures of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley as they progress through Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The books were adapted into a highly successful film franchise starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, so the need for a TV series begs the question.

However, the first film turns 22 years old this year, and a reboot could be timely. The movies omitted significant portions of the source material and amalgamated characters due to time constraints, making a TV series the perfect opportunity to include previously unseen content. Each book would be the basis for one series of the TV show.

Warner Bros. Discovery, the company behind the film series, is undoubtedly looking at ways to capitalize on the Harry Potter franchise, following the success of other formats such as the stage play ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’, the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ film series, theme parks, and the popular video game ‘Hogwarts Legacy.’

J.K. Rowling, who has creative control over any adaptations of her work, is likely to have “story approval” on each episode and receive an executive producer credit.

While reboots are not uncommon, it is worth considering whether another adaptation is what’s needed here. Like Star Wars, Harry Potter has stood the test of time, and a series about the next generation – Harry’s kids at Hogwarts, for example – could be a more refreshing and captivating approach.

Ghosts to end with series 5

The fifth series of Ghosts has wrapped up filming and the show’s creators have announced that it will be the final season. In a statement on social media, the team expressed their gratitude to the cast, crew, and fans of the show, while also hinting at exciting new projects in the future. 

The BBC’s Director of Comedy, Jon Petrie, expressed his sadness at the show’s end, while Alison Carpenter, Creative Director at Monumental, praised the show’s success and impact on audiences. 

Ghosts stars Mathew Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Martha Howe-Douglas, Jim Howick, Laurence Rickard, and Ben Willbond, with Charlotte Ritchie, Kiell Smith-Bynoe, and Lolly Adefope. The upcoming fifth series will see Alison and Mike exploring new opportunities, potentially altering the afterlives of the Ghosts. The fourth series, which premiered in Autumn 2022, was a hit with audiences, drawing in 5.7 million viewers for its first episode. It was also nominated for a BAFTA award for Best Scripted Comedy. 

The cast said in a joint statement: 

“After five incredible years haunting the halls of Button House, we have decided that the time is right to let our beloved sitcom Ghosts rest in peace. We have just wrapped filming on our fifth and final series and we can’t wait to share it with you all later this year”.

NETFLIX ORDERS ‘SCOTT PILGRIM THE ANIME’

Netflix has exciting news for fans of the ‘Scott Pilgrim’ franchise. A brand-new anime series titled ‘Scott Pilgrim The Anime’ has been ordered by the streaming giant, based on the popular comics by Bryan Lee O’Malley. The series will feature the original cast from Edgar Wright’s 2010 cult movie ‘Scott Pilgrim vs. the World’ voicing the characters, with Wright serving as an executive producer. The new series is being produced by anime house Science SARU and promises to expand the ‘Scott Pilgrim’ universe in exciting ways.

O’Malley and BenDavid Grabinski are serving as executive producers, writers, and showrunners, and are sure to bring their unique creative vision to the project. Wright expressed his excitement at the opportunity to reunite the entire original cast for the project, saying, “Original creator Bryan Lee O’Malley, along with writer BenDavid Grabinski, have conjured up an anime series of Scott Pilgrim that doesn’t just expand the universe, but also… well, just watch it. I’m more than happy to announce that I have helped coax the entire original cast back to voice their characters on this epic new adventure. You are in for a treat.”

No premiere date for ‘Scott Pilgrim The Anime’ has been announced yet, but it will be available to stream worldwide on Netflix.

Liv Tyler to reprise her role as Betty Ross

In exciting news for Marvel fans, it’s been confirmed that Liv Tyler will reprise her role as Betty Ross in the upcoming film Captain America: New World Order. The actress previously played the character in the 2008 film The Incredible Hulk, and it seems that Marvel has decided to bring her back into the fold after 15 years.

In the film, Betty Ross is the daughter of General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, a military official who was previously played by the late William Hurt. This time around, Harrison Ford will be taking on the role of Ross, who will be the President of the United States in the movie.

Tyler will be joining a star-studded cast that includes Anthony Mackie as Captain America, Danny Ramirez as Joaquin Torres, Carl Lumbly as Isaiah Bradley, and Tim Blake Nelson as The Leader. While plot details are still scarce, it has been revealed that the film will see Captain America facing off against Thunderbolt Ross.

Speaking about the project, producer Nate Moore teased that the dynamic between Sam Wilson and Thunderbolt Ross will be an exciting one to watch. “There’s going to be some natural sparks there, which I think are going to be really fun,” he said.

Directed by Julius Onah (The Cloverfield Paradox) and written by Dalan Musson and Malcolm Spellman (who both wrote for The Falcon and the Winter Soldier), Captain America: New World Order is one of the highly anticipated Phase Five films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Spellman will also serve as a producer alongside Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige.

Captain America: New World Order is set to arrive in cinemas. on May 3, 2024. The return of Liv Tyler to the MCU is sure to have fans buzzing with excitement, and we can’t wait to see what this film has in store.