Just did a re-listen of Moonbase Theta, Out to ring in the new year and I need to tell y'all again how amazing this podcast is. It's hard to believe the first time I listened to it was in January of last year! Season 3 and all the wonderful specials that came out in 2021 have brought us so far, and I can't wait to see where we go in 2022.
I will never not be impressed with the writing, the acting and the sound design. Everytime I re-listen to it, I hear something more, pick up on a nuance I hadn't noticed before. Every person involved with this podcast brings their A-game, and it really shows.
The biggest thing that really stood out to me this time around was the emotion behind everything. Everything combines to reel you in, make you really care for these characters, even if they're dicks - sometimes especially because they're dicks! Just about every character is yearning - to make the world a better place, to be with a loved one, to find their own place in the world, to do some real science, to get some more Dairy Milk chocolate - and you end up yearning right along with them. Their motivations and the ways they try to go about accomplishing their goals are often flawed, but that's what makes this show so very human - even (especially!) with our non-human character. The number of feelings in my chest at the end of Season 3 was honestly a little overwhelming, but felt so, so good.
I've already mentioned how impressive the team is that has been putting this together, but I specifically wanted to shoutout a few people:
D.J. Sylvis, the creator and writer, who puts so much of themself into the show and somehow keeps finding the words. I'm so glad you decided to continue telling the story after Season 1!
Cass McPhee, co-producer and voice of Michell, who leaves it all on the table and is 100% the reason that any of us like Michell. He brings the humanity to a troubled and pretty awful character. Honestly slaps us in the face with it in Season 3.
Leeman Kessler, voice of Roger, the voice that started it all. Time and time again I'm sucked back in by the emotion and yearning that layers Leeman's performance. I'm right there with Roger, holding my breath and hoping beyond hope for more.
Jen Ponton, voice of Tumnus, who's portrayal of the artificial consciousness's progression and self-discovery has been incredible, particularly the post-season 3 bonus.
Tina Daniels, voice of Wilder, who adds much fun and levity with all of Wilder's memes and references, but who also brings serious acting chops to carry some heavy moments.
I could keep going on and on, as the rest of the cast is amazing and keeps growing. I'll just give a final shoutout to the MTO community in general for being such a wonderful, welcoming one! It's been absolutely lovely to yell at the writer, actors and fellow fans in the Discord as the new episodes come out, and to get peeks behind the scenes at the creative process that goes into the show.
The show is currently on hiatus as planning progresses for Season 4, but I encourage everyone to listen to this amazing story. There's something in it for everyone, from the love story to the sci-fi to the issues it doesn't shy away from to the poetry to the diversity and back. And if you ever need someone to yell at about it, you know where to find me!