Jenny and Ted

Inchworm

A Books and Arts podcast Explicit

About the show

a chapter by chapter spoiler-free podcast covering Worm by Wildbow every Tuesday (& sometimes Friday) wherever you can find podcasts (Apple Podcasts, Podcast Addict, Overcast, Podcast Republic, Spotify, YouTube, etc.) get in touch at inchwormpodcast@gmail.com Read Worm | Support Wildbow Inchworm Bluesky | Inchworm Tumblr | Inchworm Discord

Newest episodes

15.8 - "Poorly Executed"

Nov 10, 2026 56 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Colony 15.8. Episode Notes: We're enjoying this thing where Taylor's gotten herself into another impossible scenarioWhat was Trickster's plan, here?A second Dinah! Whee!!Jenny wants Coil to come sailing through the doorWe have to assume the mayor WANTS to save the cityThe wrinkles of an inherently Protectorate-aligned mayorCapes really are hiding everywhereDid Coil set them up...Coil master plan theory craftingTaylor's poorly conceived succession planCoil's power always makes you wonderTaylor's just a terrible manipulatorTaylor's sense of cape feudalism has overwhelmed her understanding of villainyAlso she might be undervaluing her own lifeTaylor's living inside a trolley problemRationalizations to not back downA player who hates to loseTurns out the Travelers look way better against the background of the Slaughterhouse NineThe future of Taylor's swarm clonesTaylor's better at multitasking with her bugs than with herselfWe're already picturing these scenes in the Worm comicClassic Skitter understatement Links: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2012/11/10/colony-15-8/https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

15.z - "Our Parents Are Imperfect"

Nov 3, 2026 2 hr 7 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Colony 15.z. Episode Notes: Coil is the Doctor’s very special boyCauldron appears to be… benevolently unethical?They’re really trying to solve the world’s problems, but they’re also making a few of their ownCampaign staffer Rebecca sighs with relief that her beeper is on silent when President-elect Griffin sees Behemoth and pages AlexandriaCan we label Alexandria and co. heroes or villains or monsters?How many Siberians can you countenance to save the world?Doctor who?Victoria chose deathIs Doormaker Cauldron’s “pet”?Can we really believe the Doctor is being truthful with Alexandria?Ooh, a real psychic?Ugh, packing to move between Earths would be so annoyingThe role Rebecca constructed for herself, by herselfThe existential horror of a slow, nearly inevitable deathDoes Alexandria stop being a hero when she stops seeing herself as truly invulnerable? Or does she just become more human?The Lightness Of Being AlexandriaAre all of the powers actually finite, and it’s the strongest capes who are being affected first?How old is Alexandria and for how long?Every parent is Alexandria to their kids (except Rebecca’s mom, here)Alexandria is genuine about putting life above all things and comfortable with the idea that it makes her a heroHey if your plan is so good then why does Brockton Bay suck so bad?The doctor was the mother after all!It’s fitting that we have a skeptical teen to save us from the Deep State DaddiesThis isn’t Kim Stanley Robinson’s ParahumansCome on, Ted, do you really trust normal people with this kind of thing?We take a brief detour into Wordpress metadataOn the other hand, what could justify being so careless with the people they dose?Maybe access to powers commands a high price merely for leverageWhy doesn’t Alexandria simply prevent all trauma that could lead to villainy?Scrat’s Endbringer powersetWhy did Behemoth first show up in Iran?Can Alexandria and Jenny optimize Scion?Parallels to TaylorRebecca never got to play againShe s...

Comics Announcement Minisode

Oct 28, 2026 12 min

Jenny and Ted discuss the Worm comics announcement. Links https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2026/10/27/worm-is-getting-a-2027-comic-adaptation-with-idw-publishing/https://gizmodo.com/groundbreaking-web-serial-worm-is-becoming-a-comic-book-exclusive-2000830772

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All episodes

15.8 - "Poorly Executed"

Nov 10, 2026 56 min

15.z - "Our Parents Are Imperfect"

Nov 3, 2026 2 hr 7 min

Comics Announcement Minisode

Oct 28, 2026 12 min

15.7 - "Not One Of Your Serious Stabbings"

Oct 27, 2026 58 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Colony 15.7. Episode Notes: Such good procedural stuff in this oneBug perception: the secret to pain toleranceWe want the parahuman medical proceduralMore bug innovationsThe limits of multitaskingMore Skitter philosophy wheeeeParian's maturity might be lending some much-needed perspective hereA questionable hatredDoes crime pay, Skitter?We've found the violence inherent in the systemIf Taylor's gonna be a benevolent dictator, she should be a better oneProtectorate pipe dreamsTaylor's still creating rationalizations for why she should get to live the life she wantsCape paternalismShould the leader also be the army?Taylor is a scary person inside a non-scary person inside of a scary personThis whole novel could just be a Freaks and Geeks remakeThe danger of becoming one of the kidsIt's tough to be a benevolent dictatorBryce is not one of his generation's more promising mindsReally sucks to be a person without powers in a world of capesAt least Taylor's sense of superiority is based on something??Great power, great responsibility... Links: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2012/11/06/colony-15-7/https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

15.6 - "Yes I'm Trying To Steal Your Girlfriend"

Oct 23, 2026 1 hr 0 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Colony 15.6. Episode Notes: They’re being unfair to Taylor!!!!Taylor was Taylor’s own worst enemy in this conversationWould it have been better if Sophia had come up?Flechette hearing about what Armsmaster did: huge, if trueWhy can’t Taylor have ALL the allies?What do y’all think of Jenny’s new ship?Who’s afraid of Lisa Wilbourn?Parian stands on her morals (dramatically!!!)(How old is Taylor now?)How To Make Friends And Influence People (By Spending Two Hundred Thousand Dollars)Can Taylor deal a better hand to Sabah than the one she was dealt herself?Taylor and Lily both want hero to mean somethingThe fantasy of evidence that can change mindsWas Lily upset by Taylor’s accusation or Sabah’s shout?Lily’s gonna find that armbandDefining the relationshipThe minions won’t stealThis offer is way more Skitter than UndersidersTaylor doesn’t know Victoria’s fateThe Fanary ArcOdds and ends and predictions Links: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2012/11/03/colony-15-6/https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

15.5 - "A Hero In Villain's Clothing"

Oct 20, 2026 58 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Colony 15.5. Episode Notes: A very upsetting cliffhangerWhat's a little attempted seduction to the dark side between capes?We do see Flechette's point (get it?)Just a little cape chauvinism at playBallistic's murderous intentionsA real down chapter for our girlWhat's Taylor even offering Parian, here?It's tough being a hero in villain's clothingPeople Taylor loves!!Some very low persuasion rolls on Taylor's partTaylor wants to be feared and trusted at the same timeWe're disappointed in BallisticIt's a low point when you're coming off worse than RegentIt's tough to be a gunLoyalty, or conflict avoidance?Wither our Traveler friendships??Mysteries and crises...Taylor quotes of all timeTaylor is actually good at being unpredictableMurder timingChekhov's many gunsLisa wants to be the power behind the throneGet some better advice, LisaSecond trigger event speculationVictor is a bad guy to have around, actuallyBe more like Taylor, everyone Links: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2012/10/30/colony-15-5/https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

15.4 - "Taylor Management"

Oct 16, 2026 1 hr 4 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Colony 15.4. Episode Notes: Bad news in Skitter vs. Coil is good news for the narrativeIn which Brian channels JennyTaylor can’t shake the desire for her excellence to win outWho’s the rat?Why has Lisa been pumping the brakes? Is any of this even authentic?Did Coil send Imp on this mission and then she used her power to get out of it?Why kill Taylor today? This week? And what does Coil expect will happen next?Come on, Lisa, tell us the Travelers’ secrets already!!Do the Travelers have any better options than their current situation?Can everyone with chain of custody of Victoria’s body successfully pass the blame to Amy?We yell at Dragon and Colin for their ongoing absenceCape chauvinism and what the unpowered have to offerWhether or not it’s a good idea to keep kissing Brian, we want Taylor to be happySmelly BrianTaylor is Allie Brosh’s helper dogTaylor respects AishaSkitizen ParianOne thing we can thank Jack Slash forWhat’s the Oliver twist?State of the CoilitionLook, taking compliments is really hardPredictions Links: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2012/10/27/colony-15-4/https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

15.y - "Procedural Cuddling"

Oct 13, 2026 1 hr 13 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Colony 15.y. Episode Notes: The demise of Jenny's secretly evil theoryHugs are more comforting than superpowersBrian's power knew he needed to start getting support from other peopleMaybe he should try getting some from AishaTaylor's a good person to show your worst self toAlas for older sibling fixed mindsetsPower synergiesWe've probably got some PTSD here, folksThe common ground of hypervigilance Let's talk about the kiss!Somebug reaches new heights of canonBut maybe it's still a little bit complicatedThe limitations of being the protectorThe evolution of the little sister slotWho's Brian gonna be if he doesn't have to protect Aisha?Second trigger event revelationsScion stops wars, it turns out!Spoilers for WatchmenPowers as something to be containedWe missed a Skitterland barbecue!A belated happy working songGrue wasn't enoughNotes for the inevitable Worm animated seriesThe eventual internalization of Taylor's confidenceSometimes you need a little sensory deprivation to open up to someoneJust some good old bug philosophySupervillainy is just another day in the officeRelatable mental states Links: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2012/10/25/interlude-15-bonus-2/https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

15.3 - "Bickering"

Oct 6, 2026 1 hr 1 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Colony 15.3. Episode Notes: As far as we can tell, Imp’s power can’t affect readers the same way it affects TaylorSorry, Taylor, it’s favor timeLisa is reasonable but not fully believableShe can fake a grin but not a frownLisa had Taylor’s number though: she just wanted to be included in the atrocityHonestly maybe “defeat and kidnap Victor” was plan B to “Chosen ceasefire and Coil recruits Victor” until 15.2 made clear to Lisa that it wouldn’t go over well with Aisha and TaylorLisa is a horrifying and villainous opponentA mortifying ordeal of being known for an eyeWhat happens when somebody calls Taylor’s bluff?A brief remembrance of the Victoria-that-wasWell, doesn’t Regent have to use his power, Taylor?Do we trust the Regent Taylor sees? Even after his interlude?Moral accommodations for Regent and “conscience accommodations” for TaylorThis is a classic Animorphs argumentLisa is the best at debate and Regent is the worstThe Undersiders’ rep is definitely going to be a narrative problemVictor couldn’t have acquired empathy and compassion with his power by now?Victor sucks, but also Othala sucksWho would even be making up rumors that Taylor is Jewish anyway????Ted concedesLisa’s Potemkin justificationsThe humor in this arc is greatIt’s fun to see someone mostly unaffected by Lisa’s bullshit… and for Lisa to win anywaySmall observations and predictions Links: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2012/10/23/colony-15-3/https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

15.2 - "Rational Bullying"

Oct 2, 2026 1 hr 1 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Colony 15.2. Episode Notes: Who's chosen and who's pure, here?Trio traumaThe fault in our UndersidersA slightly less easy case for body controlA questionable hierarchy of acceptable targetsHelp us with our portmanteaus, listenersThe harem continues, perhapsRegent and Imp have some real personalities to contend withAn impreg by any other name...A potential Brian-Genesis collabParametaphysical speculationImp is borrowing bits of lots of people's roles right nowRaggedy Aisha Undersiders > OthersidersAre the Chosen really more dangerous than Coil right now?Also they may not have been defeated yetA multidimensional NightPlayacting at civicsWe're squeamish like TaylorDo we root for Shatterbird?Jenny doesn't know about the GrinkThe Undersiders have a lot of leadersThe perils of a time crunchTaylor has some real manager energyTaylor the secret tinkerSome Taylor quirks Links: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2012/10/20/colony-15-2/https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

15.x (bonus) - "Reading Between The Lines"

Sep 29, 2026 1 hr 56 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Colony 15.x (bonus). Episode Notes: Jenny’s feeling frustratedLet’s all get mad about… Sarah!Did Carol ever want to be a mom?Amy raped VictoriaThe vagueness and strangeness somewhat eclipses the awfulness and horrorDon’t believe Amy’s liesA mistake so big there have to be consequencesThe lack of cover-up is strikingAmy wanted love but built a sex dollAt some point, Amy chose thisThe way this is written makes it hard to talk about the rapeTed finally starts yelling about CarolCarol abandons Victoria without a second glance“We need to get Grue in here to make sure she can still have hamburgers”Carol was the original black and white thinkerMarquis’ auraCarol’s final questionOk we don’t talk about this in the episode but Carol was so internally petty to Sarah in their brief conversation and it’s been what, a month since her son and husband died? How bad is this relationship?Carol looks at Marquis with mastermind-tinted glassesWhat made Carol connect with Amy and spare her?Does Carol have a thing for a bad boy with a code or is it something less psychosexual?The need for rulesNot All Depressed DadsThis trigger vision reflected the granted powersThis isn’t what the lecture meant by a group trigger event, right?They got what they neededCarol keeps her feelings locked up to avoid feeling weak againAlan’s not a cape and may not be particularly attached to the cityA lot will happen in two weeksWill Brockton Bay actually be condemned?What’s Lisa really getting out of this truce?Worm: The Taylor and Amy Musical closes after zero performancesWas it easier for Amy to get caught than try to get away with it?Is there anything noble about her decision to go to the Birdcage? Really good small writing detailsIt’s easier and more interesting to talk about questions that don’t have obvious answersIf they’re not willing to kill you, volunteering to get locked up removes everyone’s leverageWe don’t even know if Victoria can speak or eatCarol gives up easilyContrasti...

15.1 - "It's Only Up From Here"

Sep 25, 2026 1 hr 9 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Colony 15.1. Episode Notes: The gang's back together!But what about the Unravelers?The problem of Shatterbird and the complication of AlecOptimism might be inaccurate, but pessimism sucksAlec is an oddly good friendThe Undersiders have been remade in Taylor's imageActually, Taylor should be even more optimistic than she isA second trigger event for Aisha?The communication difficulty with Bitch goes both waysWe're glad Taylor is taking her role in Bitch's life seriouslyCoil: torturing Bitch deliberately or accidentally?We examine the bitchlingsMaybe we should start a Worm-adjacent bookclubTaylor's management skillsRachel's got the bark here, Taylor's got the biteWhy all this focus on the Bitch minions?Some people just like dogs, BarkerEchoes of agreement Links: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2012/10/16/colony-15-1/https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

15.mailbag - "Leading Her Deeper In"

Sep 22, 2026 2 hr 7 min

Jenny and Ted discuss listener questions! Episode Notes: Thanks to everyone who wrote in with questions, and sorry we couldn’t get to all of them!We are gonna try to make this more of a Ted TalkTed immediately regrets letting Jenny ask him some questionsCasting ourselves in Worm: The MusicalJenny reflects on her expectations and Ted sets some new onesA meditation on tropesDoes Skitter seem like a supervillain?Willingness to killingnessPutting the die in DinahIn this essay, will Jenny see monsters in the hearts of humanity? Only time will tell!Who Goes Nine? By Dorothy ThompsonAmy dies at the end of Worm: The MusicalWhen do we get the Oliver arc???Contrasting the first two “books” of WormJenny has to answer her own question, ha!Mapping out book 3 and beyondNoelle’s power speculationIf you aren’t in the Discord, you’re missing out on excellent speculation and analysis from our first time reader listeners!On Worm’s writingOn Jenny’s writing — pre-order Teammates To Lovers and subscribe to her newsletter! We pitch our infinite budget short film adaptationsNominative determinism: Undersider editionIt’s bracket time! Who’s the best person who got eliminated too soon? Who’s the worst person who got eliminated early? Write in and tell us!We don’t actually spend another half hour on the worst person, but we do talk lowlightsA new five man bandAnimorphs Corner (spoilers for book 22 again!)Jenny fills out the ranks of the NineHmm, did we forget someone obvious in our discussion of the worst parent in Worm? Listener, WE DIDWe wind down with a chat about other stuff we might want to chat aboutBonus: Ted’s capsule review of Everworld 11 and 12 Links: https://jennylinskyauthor.com/ https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

14.y - "Cauldron's Pocket"

Sep 11, 2026 1 hr 26 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Prey 14.y. Episode Notes: The chapter was dark, but Legend weirdly wasn'tLegend had way more illusions about Cauldron than we didWhy do the Case 53s get released in the first place?Reasons for stirring the CauldronCreating a LegendAh, rationalizations The tragedy of a wasted chargeLegend vs. PiggotTaylor was so right about the heroesGay headcanonsThere's no es-caping traumaWe demand Dragonmaster vs. CauldronA big thumbs down to Alexandria and EidolonWe see why Legend is legendaryWho is motivated to hamper Endbringer preparedness?We ponder condemnationWe 3 Kid WinOcean resonanceOh right, other realitiesEndbringers as Nine... or vice versa...Cape authority as a metaphor for nationalismRedemption for Battery? Links: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2012/10/13/interlude-14-5-bonus-interlude/https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

14.x - "The Humanity They Lost"

Sep 8, 2026 1 hr 19 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Prey 14.x. Episode Notes: Taylor picks Skitter’s next targetSkitter takes her minion’s loyalty for grantedCan Taylor work around the Noelle problem?Would Coil even be threatened if he knew they were turning on him?Taylor has her friends back and Skitter has notorietyThe last two arcs have basically been a season of 24It’s like Skitter’s back from the deadSkitter thinks she’s scary enough that she can bluff… and she’s probably right?Ted wishes for slightly less acceptable targetsBryce sucks but Sierra might be tough to have as an older sisterThree girls that differ in powers and traumaO’dalys? More like O’daycares!“It’s (not) okay”Anarchy in SkitterlandIs it how Sierra sees herself or how she sees her role?Sierra’s only recently not a kid herselfShe couldn’t handle knowing Skitter isn’t coming backTaylor takes team loyalty for grantedSkitter’s moral concern ends at the city limitsBrockton Bay’s literal sunk costThere hasn’t been any time for Skitter to grieve SkitterlandWhy didn’t Charlotte leave the city again?Skitter can dish out violence better these days because she can control the difference between “hurt” and “kill”Is Taylor breaking bad? Links: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2012/10/11/interlude-14/https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

14.11 - "The Shipping Industry Is Dead"

Sep 4, 2026 1 hr 15 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Prey 14.11. Episode Notes: Mailbag episode incoming, get your questions in!The most sapphic chapter so farJenny isn't locked in on a particular Taylor ship yet but we discuss the potential optionsTaylor-Siberian parallelsTaylor and Lisa as bookendsIs Lisa a good friend if you aren't Taylor?Brian got kiss-blockedThe particular trauma of this miasma for BrianWhy kissing, though? Is it because of Taylor's [REDACTED]?Is it queerbaiting? (no)We try to count the remaining NineFates worse than deathThe Nine arguably lost but Jack definitely wonHookwolf, we love to see you goDid Amy follow through?Lisa scored the only real victory against JackTaylor's gonna kind of have to save the worldCauses and symptomsTaylor's learning to trust herself...even when Jack tests herLisa's really capturing the themes hereAmy causes girls to kiss, but not to kiss herThe motifs for Bonesaw's Brockton Bay art projectThe Nine just want to make people over in their own imageSpoilers for Animorphs 22Taylor's glorious future as a leaderBut she's gotta stop being so hard on herselfAnd also take StatisticsYum, bugs Links: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2012/10/09/prey-14-11/https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

14.10 - "Someone To Feel My Pain"

Sep 1, 2026 1 hr 21 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Prey 14.10. Episode Notes: An unlikely Undersider tier listXenia HighIf this is basically the status quo by the end of the arc… where do things go from here?How fast acting is the cure?What if Alec is the only other one who remembers things?Who exactly escapes with Jack and Bonesaw?Ted raises a mystery that didn’t come up in Jenny’s summary of the chapterMiasma HighWe don’t really know Marquis well enough yet to know if Jack is right about himDoes Jack do any better against Panacea than he did against Skitter?Jack’s talent for exploiting daddy issuesJenny is still a Cronesaw trutherWhat’s Jack actually good at? Manipulation? Leadership? Fighting?Thinker JackIs it time for a montage?Themes of human, animal, and monster in Book 2The troubling nature of Gory GirlAmy faces a Skitter who doesn’t remember herSkitter faces a familiar choiceAll these amazing manipulators out here just telling people to do what they want to do anywayJack’s pitch to Amy and her possible fateOdds and ends Links: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2012/10/06/prey-14-10/https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

14.9 - "The Temptation Of Skitter"

Aug 28, 2026 1 hr 7 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Prey 14.9. Episode Notes: We're really confronting the themes of the work in this arcJack aaaaalmost manages to stop underestimating SkitterA big L for JackTwangin’ that bowstringHer key? Stoned.Women and children first for Taylor?Cherish isn't good ~~at manipulation~~, actuallyConsensus-based decision making among the UndersidersThe Skitter-supervillain seesawTaylor's actually the worst person to try to isolate and defeat like thisRegret vs. griefThe perils of a narrative that could do anythingCoil, buddy. Be more paranoid, and also figure out what gangrene looks likeLatin, Cherish? Vere?Self-fulfilling prophecy territoryJenny's death listBonesaw, the repeated knife blockMiasma gothic (she was great in Pearlescent!)(A) Battery (of) questionsGood job on the intuition, TaylorBrockton Bay: the newest member of the 9?Hot- vs. cold-blooded killingWill the real Tattletale please show up? Links: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2012/10/02/prey-14-9/https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

14.8 - "Fog With Bad Vibes"

Aug 25, 2026 1 hr 1 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Prey 14.8. Episode Notes: A delicious cliffhangerThe (tattle-)tell-tale signs of deception that Jenny (bone-)sawWhy do they want Cherish?The art of being subtly out of characterWhat are Bonesaw’s favorite tropes?Arc 1 Taylor wasn’t easy prey, eitherJack forces the issueMajor theme alertWhen you can’t beat ‘em, plague ‘emWas the water warning a bluff?It’s not like the city has the infrastructure in place to distribute a cure efficiently, even if it’s just GloraceaDo the Unravelers have enough plot armor to get through this?Lonely is as much a Sundancer thing as a Travelers thingMe, myself, and miasmaIs going after Skitter personal for Jack and Bonesaw?Is the miasma revealing anything about parahuman nature?Maybe Legend doesn’t suck as much as we thoughtIt’s bad but our girl is copingDo final girls get better, or just keep going?WE’VE GOT TITLEThe joys and sorrows of agnosiaSkitter gets a taste of her own medicineA very specific prediction about when Taylor figures out who she’s withTTTrickster’s paternalismThe eagles can save us!Ends, odds, and predictions Links: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2012/09/29/prey-14-8/https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

14.7 - "A Snuff Film About Brockton Bay"

Aug 21, 2026 51 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Prey 14.7. Episode Notes: Why isn't Legend letting the Unravelers play anymore?They say they've killed Crawler...Emily might be good at something after all(But not everything)Legend: honest to a faultTaylor coming full-circle with LegendMercy killingsLegend and the inscrutable planSwan thoughtsDid Jack and Bonesaw know about Siberian before today?The challenges of having a real bodyUndersider chain of command difficultiesLove a good failed planLisa would not be a great therapistHero feelings and actions vs. identityTaylor's hearing is improving!Psychosomatic darknessThe true pronunciation of LegendWe miss BakudaManagement can really reduce your impact as an individual contributor Links: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2012/09/25/prey-14-7/https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

14.6 - "The Challenge Of Deciding You've Done Enough And You Can Stop"

Aug 18, 2026 1 hr 16 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Prey 14.6. Episode Notes: Jenny kicks things off with a bold and hopefully wrong predictionThe Nine are convergingJenny ranks the Nine by who’s most likely to survive Arc 14What’s going to happen to Shatterbird?Regent’s power is a political obstacle for the Undersiders and a moral tangle for TaylorBook 2 scatters and reunites the UndersidersWhen will the crisis be over “enough” to de-escalate? Could Cherish walk away?Does Lisa object to Amy because of deontology or consequentialism?We try to parse out whether there’s anything reasonable about Amy’s claimsWhy does Lisa back off?Jenny maps out the range of outcomes for Victoria and Amy, from “too easy” to Gloracea“She’s not thinking straight”What’s it been like in Victoria’s head?Amy’s power isn’t an undo button, but if it was, would she actually press it?There’s no excuse for taking Victoria to a second locationMy sister, my callWas Amy hoping for a more forgiving Victoria?Her sister is no longer invulnerable in her eyesAmy, we all know you aren’t going back to healing people 24/7Does Taylor regret her insinuation plot?Taylor can’t handle someone so obviously wrong and dumb trying to take the moral high groundWE LOVE ATLASSome thoughts about people who aren’t AmyPiggot’s secret motiveWeld / Skitter 2028Ted reminds us that he’s oldThe one thing that Amy says that is almost certainly true is that physically healing Victoria would take a long timeKnowing the quickest answer doesn’t mean Lisa can get everyone on boardboy hook hand hook throw girlMaking a bad call during a life or death situation is one thing…Speaking up for Victoria and what she wantedAlec and Aisha see exactly what Amy is doingTry Fugly Bob’s latest beef substituteA tangent about Alec and some things we should have mentioned in 14.1Grue’s love language (Taylor’s is self-sacrifice) Links: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2012/09/22/prey-14-6/https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

14.5 - "Scrambled Eggs"

Aug 14, 2026 53 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Prey 14.5. Episode Notes: We were due for a down chapterThe narrative challenges of deploying Crawler in a fightSo much Victoria speculationDo two wrongs make a right?Amy was so annoying in this chapterWhy can't people understand Skitter's intentions even though they have no reason to know or trust her??The narrative is kind to Taylor's hero instincts in this chapterMaybe Amy should care about someone besides her sisterTaylor's making hash of Amy's beautiful binariesTed has product design opinions about SteedWeld is beautiful inside and out (but not perfect) (may not even have genitalia)If only Weld and also everyone else were Taylor's bugsWow, what a bad plan this bombing run wasSkitter saved Piggot from a really bad after-action reportMaybe Piggot just doesn't really like superpowersMannequin's playing Overcooked with carsThe most implausible thing in the worldThe metaphor of Taylor's silent bug senseLisa using Taylor's brainThe narrative cycle of Taylor vs. fireJenny wants Taylor to save everyoneTaylor's so good at cape fight analysisPondering what it would be like to have someone examine your work in this level of detailWorm is good, actuallyThe nine have neglected NoelleMaybe Mannequin can finally die Links: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2012/09/18/prey-14-5/https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

14.4 - "Akira Motorcycle Slide"

Aug 11, 2026 1 hr 3 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Prey 14.4. Episode Notes: A steed! A steed! A steed! A steed!Everyone has bomb-resistant plot armorIt’s harder to pull off a surprise attack when your team needs time to duck and coverHave you tried a sacrifice play?Emily and the love of the gameAs bad as this plan was, Piggot almost killed SkitterPiggot better hope this is the last time she’s facing down the Undersiders…On the other hand, the Undersiders aren’t exactly keeping a low profileAmy’s debut as a biotinkerHyperscaling SkitterThis is your power without traumaAmy’s cowardice is relatableAmy is part of Taylor’s area of concern whether or not either of them actually want thatAmy lost her security blanket(s)Losing yourself in the swarmWhere are Colin and Dragon?Debriefing Sophia’s debriefingBattery is also hereTaylor’s new hog is a bugTaylor’s second flightGrue gets overruledTheorycrafting Ballistic on JackassWhat do Crawler, Bane, and the whale from Elephant & Piggie have in common?Now Crawler is Ted’s best villainThis half of the Unravelers also didn’t have a very good planTed pitches his canon-compliant crossover ficWe love evolution vs. monstersThe Bitch barometerSeems like the front line capes are pretty happy to collab actuallyTattletale stuntsWho did Siberian lose?How Cherish and Regent’s powers rhymePredictions Links: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2012/09/15/prey-14-4/https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

14.3 - "Romantic Jealousy Scenario"

Aug 7, 2026 1 hr 17 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Prey 14.3. Episode Notes: Oops everyone is preyPiggot's gonna try to have it allHeroes are just heroingSundancer is useful, actually!The mystery of Siberian in the pitCan we just knock this guy out?Amy's power is pretty cool, turns outSkitter thinks we're stronger togetherAmy 3s binariesLisa's meeting Amy where she isCAN we judge Amy by what she did to Victoria?Accountability and scapegoatingJack has cutting words in addition to cutting bladesThe many potential subtleties of Lisa, and maybe some bluntnessA scaredy cat turning a cornerPillbug stocks are risingBlack-and-white thinking runs in the familyTo close to what, Amy??Secretly evil versions of all our favorite supervillainsLisa's been reading ahead in the bookTaylor's being hard on herself againKiller courageAmy really makes the rest of our villain-heroes look good by contrastAmy and Victoria's relationship just looks worse and worseWe're not sure if we should like Amy, but we doTaylor's come so far. Maybe Amy can follow in her footstepsChekhov's corona potentialWe know what Siberian's hauling Links: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2012/09/11/prey-14-3/https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

14.2 - "Arrogant In Her Salvation"

Aug 4, 2026 1 hr 1 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Prey 14.2. Episode Notes: Jenny, I don’t think the Siberian is trying to suck toxins out of Amy’s fingertipsThe “isn’t there someone you forgot to ask” meme about Taylor saving AmyTattletale checks on Skitter’s prioritiesHow Amy’s gonna feelWhat if Emily accidentally firebombed Panacea?Siberian’s missing real bodyRefreshing oopsie momentsAn aside about Battery’s narrative metaphorWhy the Unravelers split the party this waySqueamish SundancerMirror TaylorCompetent Skitter and Hapless AmyWhy Skitter’s power is perfect for a protagonistAmy’s movie makeoverJenny pitches how Amy and Alec could beat LeviathanSiberian’s frightening inevitabilityClockblocker’s plan won’t workSiberian the sexy pervertWhat kind of vehicle is Siberian riding?We do some unpacking of our “sexy pervert” commentsThe allure of disembodied fantasyConsensual perverts only, pleaseIs the Siberian projection about identity or something else?The Siberian of Bitch’s interlude must contain a nugget of authenticityLisa’s back in the thick of itWe hook Trickster up with a couple of mannequin suppliersTaylor won’t let Brian out of the fridgeTed tries to get on his soapbox about bug bites but come onSiberian vs. CherishWhy doesn’t something like this give Amy a second trigger event? Links: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2012/09/08/prey-14-2/https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

14.1 - "Radical Friendship"

Jul 31, 2026 1 hr 15 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Prey 14.1. Episode Notes: Jenny loved this chapterBrian probably doesn't sleep anymoreJenny's less worried about him being evil, thoughUndersiders vs. Travelers vibesWho has the deadliest secrets??Cherish doesn't say anything about Lisa...Cherish isn't very good at thisLies Cherish might have toldJenny was almost right!What's the Siberian's deal??If you could project any body you wanted...Taylor's role in the upcoming operationSiberians' living the murder hobo fantasyThe Unravelers vs. BatterySiberian vs. the BirdcageSiberian has three chapters to liveAisha's only seen unhealthy romantic relationshipsSo has Alec, but he's taken different lessons from itWho was Alec sleeping with?Regent and rape cultureWho's writing the Regent CNC fanfiction?What if Aisha and Alec were best friendsPossibly Bitch and Taylor have made some progress hereLisa vs. Taylor on ways to connect to BitchWhat if Brian used Amy's power...on Amy?Taylor meets Hyperbole and a HalfWhat do we owe to each other, Taylor?Taylor and radical friendshipFinally, some acknowledgments of reality Links: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2012/09/04/prey-14-1/https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

13.x - "They Could Work Together"

Jul 21, 2026 1 hr 22 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Snare 13.x. Episode Notes: Even before the summary we are discussing whether Emily War Crimes is a villain, in several senses of the wordEvil ends vs. evil meansGiven what else we’ve read, it’s tough to say she’s just being paranoidCan she control you?The kind of “hero” Taylor has come to expectEmily’s career so far must cast a shadow on her present feelingsThe (we hope) PR hit from obvious war crimesParapolitical theoryWhy can’t we all just get along?Self-justifying endsDo they need to beat the Nine or just survive them?Emily’s plan is so bad and self-aggrandizing we compare her to ColinEmily prefers inhuman technology to all-too-human capesMetaphor blindnessThe plan is doomed if only because it was fully explainedMid-episode predictionsLGBT = Legend Gay Blue TriumvirateAt least Legend feels guilty when he’s badAlexandria, Siberian, Clockblocker, and who or what gets to be most invulnerableA world without HeroEverything’s coming up SiberianWe’re gonna see Ol’ Jackie Slash wriggle his way out of this jamBattery will be depleted, er, defeatedNo plague (Bonesaw had her chance in Arc 12 anyway)Training montage!A grab bag of smaller topicsEmily sings “Little Capes”The Wards need a youth pastorEmily doesn’t mind other normalsOh so the system that gives someone apparently unaccountable power is leading to this sort of thing, huh?Emily bears witnessIs having people that matter to you fertile ground for cultivating ethics?What’s her backstory??Emily sees the live possibility of a sudden heroic sacrificeThe purpose of governmentThe irony of Emily not being a cape Links: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2012/09/01/interlude-13/https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

13.10 - "Feeling The Worm"

Jul 17, 2026 1 hr 12 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Snare 13.10. Episode Notes: Jenny's hottest (and hopefully coldest) take yetTaylor's giving him way more benefit of the doubtIf Brian's trying to manipulate her it's only sort of workingHe might be right about her self-destructive tendenciesGesturing at butterfly, “Is this a confession of feelings?”A wild vulnerability appearsDoes Brian still need to sleep?Jenny likes Brian's movesBrian might just be really uncomfortable not being the one making the sacrificeWhat is love, anyway?"Even Alec”, sobPlot armor as toxic character traitsConflating heroism and self-destructionPutting Taylor in the sister boxOops protectiveness traumaA new weakness for Crawler and Siberian?The found family vibes are impeccableWait, what happened to Alec...We're reaching a breaking point with DinahSome very relatable social anxietyJenny doesn't understand what half-blind meansShaming the ProtectorateJenny wants the Bonesaw interludeTaylor's philosophy vs. Brian'sThree Brian arc endings in a rowWhat if Brian joins the nine?The struggle to sit with your own wrongdoingOh right, traumaAnd also competitionBig-man feelingsBrian wants to be in a different story Links: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2012/08/28/snare-13-10/https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

13.9 - "Gruecatastrophe"

Jul 14, 2026 1 hr 37 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Snare 13.9. Episode Notes: Jenny, once again, was rightWhat makes a second trigger possible and who gets one?The purpose of Bonesaw’s experimentWhat exactly was Brian withholding from Bonesaw?Possibilities in time and spaceThe limits of the entitiesFaultline is gonna be SO JEALOUSWho (and when) is this familiar guy?The (new) worst day of Brian’s lifeGet that saw away from my sister(s)!Aisha plays a kinder roleIf I had read Dungeon Crawler Carl already I’d be making a more specific reference to how Brian was optimizing his level upSeriously, who can heal this good?ObscurivoyanceJenny almost makes wolf trap the next fire axeBitter Sweet EucatastropheUtilitarians vs. miraclesWe rehash the mercy kill issueThe Undersiders try to recruit a Tinker who can build a second trigger button and Bonesaw keeps trying to join wearing various disguisesSchrödinger’s penisThe Assassination Of Mimi Burnscar By The Coward Monochrome Brian written and directed by TedCompelling Brian on Brian actionHow the metaphor of his power has evolvedDoes Brian’s new powerset have any weaknesses?I can just hear the awful takes: “If she didn’t want to get fridged she should have just second triggered”Excuse me Wildbow could Taylor also have some extra powers pretty pleaseGosh what will tomorrow be like?Stubborn TaylorParaneuroscienceIs Taylor’s power operated by a Mechanical Turk?Consciousness and free willTed loves a villain with a hobbyJack and Bonesaw hijinksPredicting Arc 14Parian thoughtsBonesaw’s weaknessesDisembodied Taylor Links: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2012/08/25/snare-13-09/https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

13.8 - "Installation Piece"

Jul 10, 2026 1 hr 15 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Snare 13.8. Episode Notes: Boy are they ever ensnared!Jenny is cautiously optimistic. But maybe not about GrueAlert! We have body horror!Jenny's list of options for who's about to show upOops no one knows they're thereThe Nine are just too adaptableFaultline vs. sheathsMaybe she can kill Mannequin alreadyOne Leviathan event per story, please!A meditation on fridgingWho would be the one to kill Grue?Taylor killing Brian might make Bitch feel more at home in the groupWho would be the one to save Grue?Jenny's controversial opinions on Bonesaw's moral fiberBonesaw is too good and it's a problemWhy hasn't Scion dealt with the Nine already?This is the scenario Coil chose to keepWhat would it do to Taylor if Brian dies?Was Taylor's heroism in this chapter disastrous or not?Taylor's utilitarianism and her sense of controlDistrust of the TravelersSundancer's moral lines vs. Taylor'sIs the decision about Grue the worst thing Taylor has done in the story so far? Jenny doesn't think soGrue is a statement from MannequinThe nerves as a metaphorThe power of first namesChekhov's pocket sandTaylor has trouble sitting with the negative consequences of her choices and accepting loss, for solid character-based reasonsThe most controversial twist in all of Worm!Taylor vs. Trickster's brand of chaosTaylor's pathological need to save peopleRIP ParianOh no the decoysTed loves Bonesaw and wants her to dieWildbow doesn't censor his art, eitherPrecedents for mercy killings Links: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2012/08/21/snare-13-8/https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

13.7 - "You're Kidding Yourself"

Jul 7, 2026 1 hr 13 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Snare 13.7. Episode Notes: Trickster the optimistCherish: “We have Tattletale at home!” Tattletale at home: Cherish.Who was Sarah?Maybe Cherish is just bad at thisNobody is surprised at the accusations against CoilSkitter gets violentTaylor can’t see how to win over the heroesLegend is Bionic BunnyMiss Militia is like “Yeah, as you now know, when you fight the Nine, you lose people. That’s what I don’t want!”Legend’s presence lets Hannah stay in a comfortable roleWe got one sentence about Colin so we talked about Dragon for five minutesWould Skitter have benefitted from throwing herself on the mercy of the heroes? NahWould Skitter have benefitted from flexing her tactical genius? Hell yeahSince Taylor doesn’t know how to feel about herself, where is she getting her take on villainy?Jenny and Ted both try to end the episode early Links: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2012/08/18/snare-13-7/https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

13.6 - "The Sacrifice"

Jul 3, 2026 1 hr 7 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Snare 13.6. Episode Notes: Who got snared?Cherish is a liar but sadly sometimes she tells the truthThere's nothing off the table with BonesawOur villain heroes are catching up to our knowledge of the NineSiberian is Aegis without the damageThe capture of Shatterbird puts us at odds with BatteryThe many pitfalls of rescuing GrueOops we've misplaced ImpBut she had such a big impact in her absenceBallistic redeemedWe've arrived at the Vonnegut novelTaylor's good at this, actuallyTrickster and Genesis are both game-changersFinally, a work of fiction that makes proper use of sniper riflesTaylor's read the evil overlord listAre the Undersiders more affected by Coil's power because they're more morally flexible?Taylor overcoming her pedantry in the name of decisive leadershipShe's still growing into this roleThe tactical freedom of being a villainHow much were Taylor's moral emotions activated during this plan?For once, Taylor feels good about her performanceNo holds barred with S9 prisonersIt changes the calculus on what it's okay to do to a person, when people can be capesWe speculate on Coil's timeline choicesLisa's doing great in this chapterDid Grue really have to be sacrificed?We want Imp to rescue GrueCan't Ballistic and Dolltown just get along?The ambiguity of Jack's smilesWhere are the other capes in this situation?Deep roots on the TravelersFun times ahead for Grue as a person with a bodyPossible Wildbow easter eggs Links: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2012/08/14/snare-13-6/https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

13.5 - "Shoe Factory"

Jun 30, 2026 1 hr 6 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Snare 13.5. Episode Notes: Somewhat hypocritically we can’t believe they’ve forgotten ImpClever SkitterA partial metamorphosisNew Skitter takes a blunter approach with the TravelersThe edge that fear gives youChoosing villainyThe unwritten rules are also unspokenCharacter economy and creating room for New SkitterHow going after the Nine is like punching RachelIs this going to be practice for taking down Coil?Taylor’s comb-over of painTaylor and Rachel do about as well as they ever will coming to an understanding“Kindred spirits”Trust and forgivenessThe people who make it safe for you to be messierGenesis the dreamerMore speculation about the Travelers’ originsTed’s theory about a path Bitch might have wanted to take if the story had let her Links: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2012/08/11/snare-13-5/https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

13.4 - "Keeping Herself Off-Balance"

Jun 26, 2026 1 hr 4 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Snare 13.4. Episode Notes: Things don't look great for SkitterlandMore cheating!!We suspect Taylor doesn't have a planNarratively, we could really take a curveballDo the Nine even have keystones anymore?Jack doesn't care about fairBurnscar's a bird of prey, basicallyTaylor's making some big leaps about a lack of affectThe dark triadWe want Burnscar to stay complicatedA Jack-style testBurnscar essentially told Bitch why she shouldn't kill her teammatesCanonical confirmation of found familyAre Bitch's relationships on the road to healing?A debate over Grue and physical forceTaylor has six basic senses nowWhy didn't she get a range boost from this chapter?Powers and addictive behaviorsThe push and pull of big resolute momentsSomebug and the relationship seesawTaylor, Aisha, and the willingness to throw themselves awaySkitterland as a symbol of Taylor's confidenceGenesis' power and disabilityLeave no Unraveler behindCharlotte loves ordersWhy does Mannequin hate parents?Taylor has kids now...but no costume Links: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2012/08/07/snare-13-4/https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

13.3 - "Someone Who Likes Trying Stuff"

Jun 23, 2026 53 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Snare 13.3. Episode Notes: Monster dog biologyThe narrative pendulumJenny’s expecting rescuers Share your favorite visual references for Mannequin’s “laughter”Mannequin’s priority targetsTaylor is making all the right moves to earn Bitch’s trust againWhere Bitch finds her extra dog juiceBastard the Most Valuable PupperTo kill or not to kill?Burnscar was probably watching some of thisWhat can Taylor hear in Mimi and Sophia?How Taylor thinks differently because of her powerMannequin is just doing what seems the most cruel/funSo how badly are we feeling Taylor?Does an attack on Skitterland actually reflect poorly on Skitter?Ted doesn’t remember Legally BlondeCleverness? We love to see it Links: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2012/08/04/snare-13-3/https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

13.x.5 (bonus) - "Girl Detective"

Jun 19, 2026 1 hr 1 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Snare 13.x.5 (bonus). Episode Notes: We make peace with interlude labelingCherish's potential demandsThe sticking point: the SiberianImp's regard for her own life vs. her own reputationSheath knowledge is our new secret weaponSo many missed shots at JackImp_______Brian needs to get it together and listen to AishaMaybe we need to start taking Aisha seriously as an UndersiderAisha has to work for every moment of attention she getsWe like Aisha a LOT more when she's not with BrianA lot of maturity, a lot of damageWait. Is this Harriet the Spy?Give Imp a chance!!Okay but also thank goodness for BrianJust how many memories can Imp eraseIronically, Imp can't make herself forgetInherited powers and generational traumaThis is Aisha's million-dollar gambleSome twisted domesticityTed loves Crawler nowDoes Bonesaw make her body childlike on purpose?Shatterbird vs. Hookwolf looks different with sheathsWhy doesn't Aisha's power work on Cherish's memories?Cherish would be a great friend for Aisha, if she didn't suckImpregThe return of psychic shieldingKiller instincts: checkChekhov's slit throatCivilian perspectives on Brockton Bay Links: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2012/08/02/interlude-13%c2%bd-bonus/https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

13.2 - "There Has To Be Loss"

Jun 16, 2026 1 hr 5 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Snare 13.2. Episode Notes: Mannequin is formidable but Taylor just might have the narrative advantage againIt’s not fair that tinkers can use their sideboard between rounds!!Of course, Grue and Imp have sibling powersMannequin’s misprinted knives and a double Wormiversary!On the other hand, a win in round one suggests Taylor would be due for future defeats…Bitch isn’t just angry, she’s in crisisJenny identifies more Undersider death flagsTaylor’s feeling like herself againTaylor is evolving…. into Ghostwriter!Was Amy gettable if they hadn’t been interrupted?Amy needs to believe all villains are violatorsExcuses vs. forgivenessAre we villain or are we monster?Does Taylor’s authenticity shine through?Combat Amy (she’s wearing the hat for it!)We like stories where people solve impossible problemsAmy is like if Battery stood up for her ideals in the most annoying wayEww, Amy can feel Taylor’s brain through her bugsLet’s Tinker AmyGood Cop, Bad Cop, Dad CopA TattletangentNoelle? More like Nocape!Now there are three murderers on the UndersidersInterlude predictions Links: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2012/07/31/snare-13-2/https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

13.1 - "Intensive Grueling Death Games"

Jun 12, 2026 1 hr 0 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Snare 13.1. Episode Notes: It's possible this is the bad-joke arcWe've been successfully reminded of the tensionHow much narrative space are we gonna spend on these rounds of testing?Skitterland! We love what she's done with the place!Taylor, Lisa, and the mortifying ordeal of being perceivedTaylor, Brian, and the cautious approach to villainyTaylor, Colin, and the vulnerability of having connectionsBeating the Slaughterhouse Nine might make beating Coil seem more realisticCaution vs. lack of hopeHow can we fail here? Let us count the waysWhat game is Coil playing here?Imp-ulsivityAlas for our combat LisaWe're excited for Lisa to grow into this scarWhat would happen if we knew Noelle's power...So many traveler mysteries to... unravelWe continue to be balked of an Undersiders reunionBitch(es) need(s) stitchesMannequin is scarier for being smartAs game rules go, these are not good onesCan the city catch a break? Please??Somebug vibes Links: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2012/07/28/snare-13-1/https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

12.x.5 (bonus) - "Her Words Have No Meaning Or Power"

Jun 9, 2026 1 hr 48 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Plague 12.x.5 (bonus). Episode Notes: It’s 10 minutes in before we tell you whose interlude this isWe deliver our verdict on this instance of enemies-to-lovers(?)Jenny thinks that if Cauldron needs to call on reinforcements that fate has a loss in store for the Nine (and an ironic mission in store for Battery)Battery’s cop brain and total lack of commitment to her stated valuesA cautionary Tayl-or, if only she could read itWas either leap of faith taken here worthwhile? As annoying as it is, maybeSeems like the integrity problem extends all the way up to the top of the Protectorate, LegendHeroes without HR are just eoesLetting the sitcom trope play out does such a good job of riling up the readerDid Battery gift of the magi herself here? Get the power to beat Madcap at the cost of letting him get away?Ted really tried to give the ship the benefit of the doubt but then he remembered the likely age differenceWouldn’t it be nice to fly? Too bad we can’t afford it!We haven’t met any idle rich capes or business tycoon capesWhere are all the business tinkers?Cauldron’s reach and aestheticsWhat’s Cauldron for?You can't be morally gray when you're creating Case 53sWe want the Case 53 backstoriesThe slippery slope of anonymityWho is this Doctor, really?We go on a vision quest with Battery… but was it a trigger event?Cauldron powers vs. "real" powersSamples and siblingsCauldron capes have a mindfulness advantageDoes every voluntary Cauldron client make it out?Battery's battery of reasons for being a batteryA long, slow self-kidnappingBatteries and magnetsWorm getting global at lastWhere are all the nemeses we're hearing about?We contemplate our own enrollment as Cauldron clientsCoil's Cauldron favor could be a tidy opportunityOops, seems like Battery might end the world Links: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2012/07/26/interlude-12%C2%BD/https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

12.x - "Teatime"

Jun 5, 2026 1 hr 9 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Plague 12.x. Episode Notes: Jack missed his calling as a normal non-murderous manager, or maybe as a middle school teacherThe best we can say about Jack is that maybe he's indifferent to murderWhat if Jack's deepest desire is just to play a lot of MafiaOr...to be a novelist?This interlude was really the Nine's, not Jack'sDid Jack make the deal harder for himself before telling the NIne?The nuances of the testsJack's fallen into the narrative trap of being too dangerous to our villain-heroesThe narrative expendability of our various candidatesThe surreality of watching overwhelming violence against people you don't care aboutImagine the Nine without Jack's control...The discomfort of having Mannequin up firstCherish could become their person on the insideJenny's looking forward to Noelle being turned loose on these peopleWho wins in a battle of Jack vs. Tattletale?We digest some carrotsCherish might have enough emotional intelligence to threaten JackLabyrinth = one blorbo sparedUh-oh...Regent lifts out...Scrub is Jenny's blorbo nowI guess we can admit that Bonesaw is pretty coolWe identify the classic Wildbow combat move of sudden violenceRIP TrainwreckJack might be a tiiiiny bit pretentiousWould Jack be willing to ship of Theseus the Nine? Links: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2012/07/24/interlude-12/https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

12.8 - "Creepy, Nice, and Strong"

Jun 2, 2026 1 hr 7 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Plague 12.8. Episode Notes: Now that Jenny knows that Taylor knows that Plan A is bad, she’s a lot more forgivingTaylor needs to be stronger, or maybe just have a stronger stomachLisa appears to be all in, tooSadly we won’t get to immediately her Brian complaining about Plan B… or will we?Will Alec and Rachel come along?Taylor just wants to be honest with BrianPeople skillsShe’s trapped by Coil the same way she was trapped by the TrioIt can be frustrating when your protagonist is in realistic denial or your close friend hasn’t processed their obvious baggage yetThe skitizens believe in her now!She can’t begin to see herself as intimidatingWhy are people starting to follow Skitter?Sierra hides from Battery in the background of a The Pitt episodeLisa’s scar and Brian’s confusionIs Brian playing a structural role in Book 2 that Lisa played in Book 1?The Little Bug Girl That Couldn’tTaylor’s mental state is poorHow Taylor spins the difference between heroes and villains to SierraLook, we’d all be a Brian if our colleague/sister/best friend/crush was doing risky stuff like thisPredictions Links: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2012/07/21/plague-12-8/https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

12.7 - "Think Like A Bug"

May 29, 2026 58 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Plague 12.7. Episode Notes: Taylor totally would've won that fightIn the world of Worm, all Alans are terribleHurrah for the skitizensThe vindication of art suppliesAh, the joys of being underestimatedMannequin and emotional buttons, including his ownTaylor's delegation is only improvingTaylor's good at theater, actuallySpider silk is a metaphor. Surprise!Hipster Guy is our heroYou know you're getting to a tinker when they start using someone else's stuffSkitter is the person Taylor wanted to have show up for her a year and a half agoHas Skitter finally started to win the devotion of her people?The isolation of not having cellphones Taylor's costume is the real superpowerPerfectionism is tough on everybodyWe just want her to find the other Undersiders and get a hug and also some backupThe Slaughterhouse Nine probably don't like this chapter as much as we doDid Skitter beat Dinah's odds here?The Skitizens are the strands of spider silkIronically, it's not that hard to get under Mannequin's skinTaylor can live with an unsolved mysteryWhat's up with Mannequin's human manne-risms?Mannequin's aesthetic is his weakness Links: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2012/07/17/plague-12-7/https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

12.6 - "Entropy Is Hard To Fight"

May 26, 2026 54 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Plague 12.6. Episode Notes: Skitter is never cooler than when she’s irrationally determinedMannequin put Skitter in a corner and will reap the consequences…… if she can even do anything on her own??Was Skitter targeted just for what she’s doing now, or did Mannequin come here to teach her a lesson?Couldn’t the government be doing better against the Nine? The status is not quo!The Nine as a plagueCoil was right!Taylor doesn’t have to show us what lines she was willing to crossShe’s just a little intimidatingThe potential for a Skitter fandomThe wonderful women of SkitterlandTaylor judges those that can’t keep up with her but resents those who demand more from herIf you liked Jenny’s Scholomance recommendation, why not try her astolat Cyclonus fic recommendation?Ultimately she does navigate this situation really well and invent some sweet new bug moves at the same timeShe didn’t act on it, but she was definitely feeling insecure like a bullyWe rule out one person who will NOT be saving Taylor Links: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2012/07/14/plague-12-6/https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

12.5 - "Anything That I Don't Stop Is My Fault"

May 15, 2026 58 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Plague 12.5. Episode Notes: Skitter does her best yetLoved ones can provide collateral aidThe chapter avoids a simple moral lesson about Danny’s fateWhat Taylor’s missing about what makes her effectiveTo slash Jack, or not to slash?WWCD?Wait Colin and Coil are one letter away from each other omgHave we ever seen them in the same room at the same timeWait yup we did and Colin ate pavement lolMore importantly, how dumb do you have to be to try it?Is Taylor insecure about whether she has a killer instinct? Will she have regrets?Can Taylor multitask the story?Well, she’s made great use of her first two minions alreadyAs Colin becomes more cyborg, Taylor becomes more arthrorg. Anthrarth? Ok we can workshop itTaylor thinks back to all the times she saw “Rachel will remember that” cross her screenCoil reminds Taylor to be usefulStay with an injured loved one? Our protagonist would never!The parent child role reversalTaylor’s finally forced to look at Danny, but he can’t see her until she’s leavingShould she stay or should she go now? Lisa and Danny weigh inHow Taylor feels (or doesn’t) when she reaches DannyPredictions Links: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2012/07/10/plague-12-5/https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

12.4 - "Cut!"

May 12, 2026 1 hr 20 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Plague 12.4. Episode Notes: Jenny hates the Nine and Ted loves the chapterWe stop trying to make “Undlers” happenShout-out to biomechanimagical for the new team name!How deep into the bench of Worm characters do you have to go to find a certified Tumblr Sexyman?The “deal” gambit will unite our herovillains if not all of Brockton BayTaylor and Jenny are sus-Bitch-ousLisa will live to sass another dayTed does a close reading on how quickly Taylor can rationalize her emotionsTaylor gives up controlLisa and Taylor push each other around in the best wayMaybe Taylor’s bugs will be enough to avoid the thing where there’s no way she runs six miles in thirty minutesThe title drops and we talk a lot about worms and the controlling thereofOk for this segment just imagine if our logo didn’t have eyesWe don’t exactly feel bad for Cherish but wow, what an ordealDo Cherish and Taylor’s villain gang initiations only vary by extremeness?These tests effectively show us how the Nine, and especially Jack, operateWe consider how Cherish’s situation might be different from the average recruit’sThe Nine are incredibly acceptable targetsJack isn’t optimizing for power, but he did have Bonesaw cook up an artificial brain to punk CherishDon’t bring up that study about how spoilers don’t ruin stories in front of Jack if you value your facePowers work as a metaphor for narrative, tooJenny bonesees right through BonesawDon’t bet on AmyFaced with the Nine, some people would just choose deathAlec’s knack for chatting up villainsSiberian-based tinker-techOdds and ends and predictions Links: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2012/07/07/plague-12-4/https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

12.3 - "Now, Unionize"

May 8, 2026 56 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Plague 12.3. Episode Notes: We loved hanging out with the TravelersJenny's off-by-two errorWe're pessimistic about BitchThe Slaughterhouse Nine are winning at shogiTaylor and her hold-out secret identityWe're so invested in Noelle now (unfortunately...)Ted would've been friends with Trickster in high schoolOops the Travelers are the AnimorphsThe Undlers are so good at planning. Sucks that it doesn't matter!Who's going to take part in the evil hunger games?Imagining a Regent vs. Bitch fightKind of fun to know ahead of time this is a fight they'd loseTed apologizes to BrianPotential fallout from the Dinah revelationRegent the lancerTheories about Taylor's listening earsPowers are short-sighted in how they protect you from themselvesThe Travelers' noodle incident Links: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2012/07/03/plague-12-3/https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

12.2 - "Off The Island"

May 5, 2026 56 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Plague 12.2. Episode Notes: There’s a special frustration when someone gets in our protagonist’s wayA bright clear red line for Taylor: no bugs on naked people, ewHookwolf knows his audience (dumdums)What’s changed since Somer’s Rock? A lot of turnover and little institutional memoryIs Coil’s alternate timeline on the island with us right now?Taylor’s big no-mentSave the girl; don’t save the worldTaylor could get used to thisWell, actually, she’s just saying no to a bully!They’re all hypocritesOk while I’m editing this episode I just keep thinking more about the game of mafia analogy. It really works for the social dynamics in this scene.The heroes aren’t super invested in villain dramaIs Coil right about Jack being the top priority?Other capes and teen momentsDanny and Annette, huge nerds, unlike this teenage girlWould the Slaughterhouse Nine have tried to recruit Arc 1 Taylor?Predictions Links: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2012/06/30/plague-12-2/https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

12.1 - "The Mayor of Skitterland"

May 1, 2026 1 hr 5 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Plague 12.1. Episode Notes: The Slaughterhouse Nine are just waiting for everyone to mass against themTaylor needs to catch up with our level of information alreadyThe possibility of heroes crashing the villain meetingLet's do arc 5 again against the Slaughterhouse NineTaylor the Tailor: we love to see itTaylor's a good person to give your resources toGrue's thinking too small. And feeling too small, maybeTaylor and the challenge of middle managementIs loyalty to Skitter transferable to Coil?The dual problems of sustainability and presentationTaylor's continued failure to realize how terrifying she isMaybe a less Skitter Skitter would be more effectiveUrgency is not Taylor's friendWe want fly necklace merchTaylor's sense of triage and sense of heroism are in conflictBugs are basically AIThreats don't hurt anyone if you don't mean them, right?Where's the Taylor-Sundancer-Dragon team-up of our dreamsSuperhuman multitaskingBrian, your gender essentialism is showingThe minions are settling inTaylor vs. the antivaxxersTaylor's strengths and weaknesses as a leader: unfortunately, she has bothThe challenges of being a civil servantThe tectonic shifts of Taylor's morality Links: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/category/stories-arcs-11/arc-12-plague/12-01/https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

11.h - "Refusing The Call"

Apr 28, 2026 2 hr 7 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Infestation 11.h. Episode Notes: Jenny didn’t see it coming but Ted brought receiptsLook, I know you weren’t asking, but the incest math checks outAmy got her “resenting an unwanted burden” from her mom I guessIntrusive romantic feelings are deeply tragicJenny and Ted do what Assault and Battery simply refuse to doAmy’s fantasies and fatalismThe category of “healing” never really coheredBonesaw kicks Amy across a series of red lines and Amy’s like “guess it’s purge rules for me now YOLO”Reading between the lines, Amy’s just making excusesTed makes a pretty bad analogy to Canary but give him a second he explains it betterAmy’s power is so dangerous to herself and others that the Protectorate really f****d up by not getting to her before BonesawVictoria, sowing: Just use your f*****g power on brains already! Victoria, reaping: Well this f*****g sucks, I love you, what the fuckSo… would you really handle it any better than Victoria, listeners?Ted speculates that this was really triggering for VictoriaCalling back to the “bus kiss”At least we met a more functional lesbian first“Evil” feelings don’t make you evil, and isn’t everybody kind of f****d up anyway?Amy craves novelty and lacks empathy… but for pretty okay reasons!!!What Amy can learn from Bonesaw: the power of a growth mindsetIs Amy’s power a threat to her sense of self in an existential way?Bonesaw pushes Amy down the slippery slope and it all feels so easyIs Amy gettable? Nah, but partly because she doesn’t believe in herselfMorality and fellowship seem completely alien to BonesawWait, how old exactly was Bonesaw when she triggered?You can be a good scientist without being a good personBonesaw would not approve of this podcast’s explicit ratingAre the powers parasites? Tools? Agents?If the who and what of powers are accidents, is there a why?Bonesaw scoops Faultline’s thesis projectYeah, of course all of the bio-manipulators will have major issues!Ted reveals his pro-Bonesaw bias and Je...

11.g - "Fate-Worse-Than-Death Warrant"

Apr 24, 2026 53 min

Jenny and Ted discuss Infestation 11.g. Episode Notes: Jenny ALMOST got this one rightContent warming for murder set up as suicide??Cherish is in a tangleSome very strong symbolismThrill-seeking is a family traitWe're not happy about these thralls, RegentWe're happy about his friends, thoughCherish is powerful, but it's a Wildbow power, so she has to work for itPlaying with point of viewCherish's damage is that no one will like her without her powerS9 social dynamicsWe decode some epithetsJenny's hoping the S9 get taken down a few pegsRIP soldier from the start of the chapterWhen the interludes are good, they're good like this one isParallels to Glory Girl and to SkitterThere's a reason Cherish and Regent both go for fearOur book two theme of a traumatized cityWhat kind of consent did Regent's thralls give?Heartbreaker failed on opticsA potential Regent tell?Amy's secret Links: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/category/stories-arcs-11/arc-11-infestation-stories-arcs-11/11-g/https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow

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15.8 - "Poorly Executed"

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Podcast details

Created by: Jenny and Ted
Status: Active
Latest episode: Nov 10, 2026
Episodes: 168
Release period: Several times a week
Avg. episode length: 59 min
Explicit: Yes
Language: English

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