Westerns

Westerns Westerns feature as the topic of discussion in this episode of The Dark Corner podcast. Mainly, Dave speaks about westerns he has seen while ticking off common tropes. For example, he touches upon the lone gunslinger and his trusted steed. Furthermore, Dave shares a bit of news and offers a dark track of the episode. News First, Brandi goes to Nashville for a training excursion. As such, she enjoys a meal while listening to a live blues band. Also, she walks many steps. Additionally, a neighbor’s cat pastors Nobi kitty. Meanwhile, your hosts catch up on several TV shows and play a lot of Fallout 76. The Dark Track Walter Sickert and the Army of Broken Toys perform Dead Cowboys from the Soft Time Traveler album. The band hails Boston and create a bluesy sort of steampunk. Tropes in Westerns Dave lists various westerns while ticking off common tropes of the genre. For instance, he talks about the lone cowboy. Mostly, this manifests as the wandering gunslinger such as the man with no name. However, there examples include the sole surviving soldier. Meanwhile, the Native American holds position as another common trope. Dave addresses the struggles for representation of the various tribes. For instance, he illustrates how early depictions told a false narrative of the wild savage. Additionally, a cowboy’s horse presents another trope. Typically, a cowboy’s horse arrives with but a single whistle. Meanwhile, the horse may offer the cowboy his only companionship in the untamed wilderness. Clearly, revenge presents yet another trope. Often, retribution forms the cowboy’s mission statement. However, a gun for hire may seek revenge on another’s behalf. Furthermore, a western may involve a beautiful woman with a tragic past. For instance, Westworld centers around such a character. Herein, Dave talks about the struggles of women in the Wild West and frequent pitfalls in the depictions of women. Moreover, a story may center around the sheriff. Often, the sheriff represents law in a lawless land. However, in the case of Unforgiven, the sheriff fills the role of the villain. Finally, shootouts present the action set piece in your standard western. Rarely does such a film not include a duel or full on gunfight. Therefore, Dave lists a few examples of each.