Episode 163 – The Burning (1981)

Grab your canoes and your questionable 1980s short shorts — this week, Troy and Roger head to Camp Stonewater to take on The Burning, the cult slasher that gave us Cropsey, chaos, and one seriously traumatizing raft scene. They dive into the film’s underdog status in the slasher canon, Tom Savini’s unforgettable gore effects, and some surprisingly layered character moments hiding beneath all the sleaze. With plenty of debate over awkward camp crushes, creepy peeping Toms, and why Glazer may be the worst, the guys explore the film’s take on gender roles, toxic masculinity, and camp politics. They also unpack how The Burning blends urban legend with slasher tropes — sometimes brilliantly, sometimes not-so-subtly. It’s a blood-soaked trip down memory lane, filled with tender moments, brutal kills, and just enough 80s weirdness to make you think twice about summer camp.