349 - The Evolution of the 'Final Girl'

In this episode, Ryan and Isaías Rapan go through the history of the "final girl." Ryan and Isaías discuss Carol J. Clover's writing about the term, describe the different interpretations of the concept, and investigate the qualities that make a character a "final girl." They catalog specific examples that show the evolution of this character mold from the 1970s to 2026. Ryan and Isaías each name an underrated final girl, as well as thoroughly examining the final girl through the characters of SCREAM. Then, Ashely joins Ryan to discuss the Taylor Swift song of the week, "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me" from the Tortured Poets Department.  Who Counts as a Final Girl? Characteristics of a Final Girl The Evolution of Final Girls from 1970s through 2026 Underrated Final Girls & The Future "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" Follow us at @ScreamWithRCS at Instagram, Facebook, and X. Sign up at Patreon.com/screamwithrcs to get your own interview on the podcast in honor of the 30th anniversary of SCREAM (1996).