All Episodes - The Circle Opens: A Podcast Devoted to Stephen King and His Works
A podcast devoted to a chapter by chapter review of Stephen King's The Stand.
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Night Shift - Gray Matter
Gray Matter: Alcohol consumption turns a man into something inhuman. For more on Night Shift and Stephen King, check out http://thecircleopens.com
Night Shift- The Boogeyman
The Boogeyman: A man calmly describes to his psychiatrist how the Boogeyman killed his three children. For more on Night Shift and Stephen King, check out http://thecircleopens.com
Night Shift - The Mangler Review
The Mangler: An industrial speed ironer and folder becomes possessed by a demonic entity. For more on Night Shift and Stephen King, check out http://thecircleopens.com
Night Shift - I Am The Doorway Review
I Am The Doorway: After a space mission to Venus, a paraplegic astronaut becomes host to an alien lifeform. For more on Night Shift and Stephen King, check out http://thecircleopens.com
The Stand - The House of the Dead (1x04) and Fear and Loathing in New Vegas (1x05) Reviews
*Be warned that this episode is full of spoilers for both episodes, as well as spoilers for the novel. Sean from the What Does It Matter? podcast joins me on today's episode to discuss episodes 1x04 and 1x05 of CBS All Access's adaptation of The Stand. There may also be a *little* bit of discussion about The X-Files. Visit thecircleopens.com for more about the podcast and The Stand!
Night Shift - Night Surf Review
Night Surf: A young man questions his survival in a post-apocalyptic world. For more on Night Shift and Stephen King, check out http://thecircleopens.com/
Night Shift - Graveyard Shift Review
Graveyard Shift: A drifter begins work at a textile mill in Gates Falls, Maine when he's recruited by the cruel foreman to clean the rat-infested basement. For more on Night Shift and Stephen King, check out http://thecircleopens.com/
The Stand - 1x03 Blank Page Review
My review of Blank Page, the third episode from the CBS All Access adaptation of The Stand! For more on The Stand and Stephen King, check out http://thecircleopens.com
Night Shift - Jerusalem's Lot & The Stand's Pocket Savior
The journey through Stephen King's short stories begins with the 1978 collection, Night Shift, and its first story, Jerusalem's Lot. I also give my thoughts on Pocket Savior, the second episode of CBS All Access's The Stand (airdate 12/24/20). Beware of spoilers! For more on The Stand and Stephen King, check out http://thecircleopens.com/ Review of Pocket Savior: 6:00 Summary/Review of Jerusalem's Lot: 19:25 Sources: Hubpages: Jerusalem’s Lot and Salem’s Lot – Lovecraft and King Stephen King Wiki
The Stand - 1x01 The End Review
*Be warned that this episode is full of spoilers for the episode, as well as some spoilers for the novel. * Sean from the What Does It Matter? podcast joins me on today's episode to discuss the premiere of CBS All Access's adaptation of The Stand. Visit thecircleopens.com for more about the podcast and The Stand!
The Stand - Chapters 077, 078 & The Circle Closes
M-O-O-N, that spells goodbye. I discuss the last few chapters of The Stand and if the ending of King's novel is a satisfying one. I also discuss the future of the podcast now that my review of The Stand is complete.
The Stand - Chapters 075 & 076
A review of Chapters 75 and 76 as we near the end of the novel. Will Tom and Stu make it home alive?
The Stand - Chapter 074
In Chapter 74, Stu fights for survival with the help of a familiar face. I also have a few brief thoughts on the new full-length trailer from CBS All Access! Check out thecircleopens.com for more about The Stand and the podcast!
The Stand - Chapter 073
Glen, Larry, and Ralph arrive in Las Vegas and make their final stand against Randall Flagg.
The Stand - Chapter 072
I will fear no evil. In Chapter 72, Glen, Stu, Ralph, Larry, and Kojak continue west and Mother Abagail's premonition comes to pass.
The Stand - Chapters 070 & 071
Trashcan Man finds what he is looking for in Chapter 70, while Flagg finds *who* he is looking for in Chapter 71.
The Stand - Chapter 069
In Chapter 69, Lloyd expresses his disillusionment with Flagg and learns his friends plan to cut loose from Vegas, and The Dark Man.
The Stand - Chapter 068
Trashcan Man seeks atonement in Chapter 68. I also discuss the new teaser trailer for The Stand from CBS All Access! Check out thecircleopens.com for more about The Stand and the podcast!
The Stand - Chapter 067
In Chapter 67 things are unraveling quickly for Randall Flagg, while a familiar face appears to guide Tom east. Check out thecircleopens.com for more about The Stand and the podcast!
The Stand - Chapter 066
In Chapter 66, Lloyd deals with two major problems: Trashcan Man and Julie Lawry. Tom spots the full moon and you know what means? M-O-O-N, that spells time to GTFO.
The Stand - Chapter 065
How we love to love Nadine... Nadine and Flagg finally come face to face. I give my thoughts on Nadine's character development, and why I think she's one of the most complex characters King has ever written. Please be warned that, while not graphic, this episode discusses sexual assault.
The Stand - Chapters 063 & 064
"I was misled." A familiar face emerges in Las Vegas in Chapter 63 while another attempts to make amends in Chapter 64.
The Stand - Chapter 062
In Chapter 62 we shower Dayna Jurgens with appreciation as she infiltrates Flagg's inner circle and earns the status of Total Bad*ss. Check out thecircleopens.com for more about The Stand and the podcast!
The Stand - Chapter 061
We start the third and final book in The Stand! In Chapter 61, Judge Farris heads west and has an unnerving run-in with a crow, while Flagg follower Bobby Terry makes a very big mistake. Check out thecircleopens.com for more about The Stand and the podcast!
On the Border - Chapters 059 & 060
As On the Border comes to an end, we learn the fallout from Harold and Nadine's deadly betrayal and discover why Mother Abagail has returned to the Free Zone. Check out thecircleopens.com for more about The Stand and the podcast!
On the Border - Chapter 058
Everything changes for the Free Zone Committee in this explosive chapter. Check out thecircleopens.com for more about The Stand and the podcast!
On the Border - Chapter 057
Harold's dangerous ledger is finally discovered just as Harold and Nadine's plans fall into place. Chapter 57 teases a potentially explosive end to Harold and Nadine's time in the Boulder Free Zone. Check out thecircleopens.com for more about The Stand and the podcast!
On the Border - Chapter 056
The Free Zone Committee says goodbye to two more scouts, Fran hears some not-so-optimistic news that could affect her unborn baby, and Harold plans a rather explosive exit from the Free Zone for him and Nadine. Check out thecircleopens.com for more about The Stand and the podcast!
On the Border - Chapter 055
In Chapter 55, Judge Farris and Tom Cullen are both asked to head west to spy on Flagg while Harold and Nadine sink deeper into darkness. Check out thecircleopens.com for more about The Stand and the podcast!
On the Border - Chapter 054
The Free Zone Committee continues to discuss what is needed to safely rebuild the country within Boulder, while Harold is faced with a choice that could have deadly consequences for everyone.
On the Border - Chapter 053
In Chapter 53, The Free Zone holds its first community wide meeting, Larry makes a choice, and Nadine's fate is sealed. I also give my thoughts on the May 20th Vanity Fair article about the CBS All Access miniseries and what we can expect from Josh Boone's take on The Stand. VF: https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2020/05/stephen-kings-the-stand-exclusive-first-look
On the Border - Chapter 052
Mother Abagail receives a message from God, Harold connives to get Stu alone, and Glen finds an unexpected visitor on his front porch. TCO debuted one year ago today. Thank you to everyone who has joined me on this journey!
On the Border - Chapter 051
Larry meets Harold and he is not quite what Larry expected. The ad hoc committee finally meets to make some important decisions, and Fran finds something disturbing in her journal. I also give my spoiler-free review of If It Bleeds.
On the Border - Chapter 050
Our characters settle in Boulder and realize they need to start reforming a society before things get out of control. Mother Abagail and Nadine finally come face to face and Harold has plans of his own.
On the Border - Chapter 049
50 miles from Boulder, Lucy and Larry discuss an unraveling Nadine, who continues to feel drawn to her dark bridegroom, Randall Flagg.
On the Border - Chapter 048
Trashcan Man completes his journey to the promised city, aka Las Vegas, but has quite the adventure on his way, including a run-in with The Kid. Do you believe that happy crappy?
On the Border - Chapter 047
A gun battle breaks out, leaving behind casualties and new survivors to join Stu and Fran's party. The group decides to head for Colorado, and Harold makes some choices that will have long-term consequences for them all.
On the Border - Chapter 046
Stu and company deal with a deadly case of appendicitis and King gives us some interesting insight into Harold from the point of view of Fran's personal diary.
On the Border - Chapter 045
In Chapter 45 we finally meet Abagail Freemantle, aka Mother Abagail, and the first of the survivors arrive in Hemingford Home, Nebraska.
On the Border - Chapter 044
"No one can tell what goes on in between the person you were and the person you become. No one can chart that blue and lonely section of hell. There are no maps of the change. You just come out the other side. Or you don't." Larry Underwood meets three new survivors on his journey, gets some help from Harold Lauder, and discovers that he's not the only one dreaming of an old woman in Nebraska... or the dark man. Recap of Ch.43: 01:35 Summary: 02:35 Review: 50:40 Wrap Up: 1:05:50
On the Border - Chapter 043
On his way to Nebraska, Nick Andros meets three very different survivors of the superflu. Welcome to On the Border, Book 2 of The Stand.
Captain Trips - Chapter 042
"For a moment they all seemed helpless to proceed further-a group of three dots which, when connected, would form a triangle whose exact shape could not yet be foreseen." In the last chapter of Captain Trips, Stu meets Fran and Harold.
Captain Trips - Chapter 041
"The worst is being alone. Being lonely." Larry and Rita's stop in Bennington, Vermont takes an unexpected turn in Chapter 41.
Captain Trips - Chapter 040
In Chapter 40, Nick Andros is tempted by Flagg... and finds comfort with Mother Abagail.
Captain Trips - Chapter 039
In Chapter 39, Randall Flagg hands Lloyd the key to his freedom... in exchange for a promise.
Captain Trips - Chapter 038
Survivors of the superflu experience something known as the second epidemic. No great loss. I also chat a bit about when to expect The Stand miniseries in 2020, and Fiona Dourif's casting as Rat Man!
Captain Trips - Chapter 037
In Chapter 37 Stu gets to meet Kojak (yay!) and Glen Bateman, a former professor of sociology who has some thoughts on the future of mankind.
Captain Trips - Chapter 036
Being the last two living people in Ogunquit, Fran and Harold decide to leave Maine and head for the Stovington CDC in Vermont, because surely there are people there who will be able to help them, right? Intro/Outro: Project Blue by WG Snuffy Walden
Captain Trips - Chapter 035
In order to escape Manhattan, Larry and Rita must navigate the Lincoln Tunnel, which is now a tomb of the dead... I also give my non-spoilery thoughts on The Institute! Intro/Outro: Project Blue by WG Snuffy Walden
Captain Trips - Chapter 034
Take a journey through the life of Donald Merwin Elbert, better known as Trashcan Man, as he prepares to set the world on fire... literally. Happy Holidays! Intro/Outro: The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole
Captain Trips - Chapter 033
The power is failing, and Ray Booth returns to finish off Nick Andros before the superflu does the same to him. Intro/Outro: Project Blue by WG Snuffy Walden
Captain Trips - Chapter 032
"Even the company of the mad was better than the company of the dead." Lloyd Henreid is in quite the predicament. Intro/Outro: Project Blue by WG Snuffy Walden
Captain Trips - Chapter 031
Chris Bradenton gets a visit from The Dark Man. Intro/Outro: The End by Marilyn Manson
Captain Trips - Chapters 029 and 030
Stu fights for his life and freedom, and King takes us back to Arnette, Texas to close the circle of where the superflu began... Intro/Outro: Project Blue by WG Snuffy Walden
Captain Trips - Chapter 028
Fran buries her father, and we get to meet 16 year old Harold Lauder, who seems ready to ditch Ogunquit and wants Fran to go with him. Intro/Outro: Project Blue by WG Snuffy Walden
Captain Trips - Chapter 027
Alone in Central Park, Larry Underwood dodges the Monster Shouter, reminisces, and meets Rita Blakemoor. I also give my non-spoilery thoughts on Castle Rock season 2 (thus far!) Intro/Outro: Project Blue by WG Snuffy Walden
Captain Trips - Chapter 026
Despite the government's best efforts, the truth about Captain Trips can no longer be contained. In the blink of an eye, the country descends into chaos and bloodshed. Intro/Outro: Project Blue by WG Snuffy Walden
Captain Trips - Chapter 025
Nick's a pure soul who does his best to keep his promise to Sheriff Baker while the world begins to collapse around him. I also discuss new casting announcements for The Stand Miniseries! Intro/Outro: Project Blue by WG Snuffy Walden
Captain Trips - Chapter 024
Lloyd Henreid discovers that the fame that comes with being a "mad dog killer" isn't going to save him from the electric chair. Intro/Outro: Project Blue by WG Snuffy Walden
Captain Trips - Chapter 023
Come meet Randall Flagg, the dark man, as he readies himself for his rebirth in the midst of civilization's destruction. Intro/Outro: Project Blue by WG Snuffy Walden
Captain Trips - Chapter 022
General William Starkey is relieved of his duties... but not before giving one last order. Intro/Outro: Project Blue by WG Snuffy Walden
Captain Trips - Chapters 020 & 021
In Chapters 20 and 21, Fran receives three... four?... important phone calls. And Stu plans his escape. Intro/Outro: Project Blue by WG Snuffy Walden
Captain Trips - Chapter 019
Larry gets some good news, but Captain Trips doesn't hesitate to rain on his parade. I also talk about the most recent casting news for The Stand adaptation for CBS All Access. Intro/Outro: Project Blue by WG Snuffy Walden
Captain Trips - Chapter 018
Captain Trips arrives to wipe out Shoyo, Arkansas. Will Nick survive the deadly superflu? I also give my review on IT Chapter Two! Intro/Outro: Project Blue by WG Snuffy Walden
Captain Trips - Chapter 017
The press is catching onto Captain Trips and General Starkey makes a command decision in this disturbing chapter. Intro/Outro: Project Blue by WG Snuffy Walden
Captain Trips - Chapter 016
Andrew "Poke" Freeman and Lloyd Henreid take us on a dizzying crime spree through Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico and... back to Arizona? Criminal masterminds these two ain't. Also, I've got what is probably a summer cold... probably. Let's talk Chapter 16! Intro/Outro: Project Blue by WG Snuffy Walden
Captain Trips - Chapters 014 & 015
We're privy to some "classified" information through Colonel Deitz's report in Chapter 14, and I break my one chapter a week rule for this episode due to the very, very short (but effective) nature of Chapter 15. Intro/Outro: Project Blue by WG Walden Snuffy
Captain Trips - Chapter 013
Stu Redman gets a few of his questions answered, and we get our first glimpse of the Man With No Face. I also say the F word a couple of times, so brace yourself! Intro/Outro: Project Blue by WG Snuffy Walden
Captain Trips - Chapter 012
There is some exciting news surrounding the last episode of Josh Boone's adaptation of The Stand, and then we travel back to Maine to witness a brutal confrontation between Fran Goldsmith and her mother, Carla in Chapter 12. Intro/Outro: Project Blue by WG Snuffy Walden
Captain Trips - Chapter 011
This week in Chapter 11, Larry's mama tells it exactly like it is. And Captain Trips appears to have reached New York. Intro/Outro: Project Blue by WG Snuffy Walden
Captain Trips - Chapter 010
Come with me back to NYC in Chapter 10 where Larry Underwood is having a very bad morning. Intro/Outro: Project Blue by WG Snuffy Walden
Captain Trips - Chapter 009
Captain Trips reaches Arkansas as we meet Nick Andros, a 22-year-old drifter who has a painful run-in with some small town jerks. Intro/Outro: Project Blue by WG Snuffy Walden
Captain Trips - Chapter 008
How does a successful chain letter work? Let's ask Captain Trips in Chapter 8 of The Stand. Intro/Outro: Project Blue by WG Snuffy Walden
Captain Trips - Chapter 007
In this episode, we rack up more airline miles as we travel back to Atlanta, Georgia to check in with the men from Arnette, Texas, including Stu Redman! I also give a brief update on the upcoming CBS All Access adaptation of The Stand. Intro/Outro Music: Project Blue by WG Snuffy Walden.
Captain Trips - Chapter 006
In today's episode, I talk about the (rumored) casting news regarding CBS All Access's adaptation of The Stand, as well as the summer solstice and the 20th anniversary of King's brush with death. I also break down chapter 6 as we travel back to Ogunquit, Maine to visit Frannie as she informs her father that she's pregnant. Dun dun! Intro/Outro: Project Blue by WG Snuffy Walden
Captain Trips - Chapter 005
Come with me to meet Larry Underwood as we take a deep dive into chapter 5 of The Stand. I also talk a little about the Doctor Sleep trailer, and who I mentally cast in my head as Randall Flagg when I'm reading The Stand. Chapter 5 Intro/Outro: Project Blue by WG Snuffy Walden
Captain Trips - Chapter 004
A short chapter delivers a short episode, but today we meet General William Starkey and get some discouraging, ominous news about Project Blue. Chapter 4 Intro/Outro: Project Blue by WG Snuffy Walden
Captain Trips - Chapter 003
This week we head back to Arnette, Texas to check in with the men from Hap's Texaco and I'll tell ya, they're not feeling so good. I also give a short review on This Dark Chest of Wonders: 40 Years of Stephen King's The Stand, by Andy Burns. As we head into June, be mindful of those "summer colds" and stay healthy! Chapter 3 Intro/Outro: Project Blue by WG Snuffy Walden
Captain Trips - Chapter 002
Hello Constant Readers! In this episode, I get a little excited over current King news, and we'll talk about chapter 2 of The Stand where we meet Frannie Goldsmith and her poet boyfriend, Jess Rider. Chapter 2 Intro/Outro Music: Project Blue (W.G. Snuffy Walden)
Captain Trips - Chapter 001
M-O-O-N, that spells Welcome to The Circle Opens! A podcast devoted to a chapter by chapter re-read and review of Stephen King's The Stand. Join me on my journey from Captain Trips to Boulder, Colorado and finally, to Las Vegas where we'll make our final Stand. We begin with a bit of history as to how King came to write The Stand before diving right into Book One, Captain Trips. Prologue/Chapter 1