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I was in high school right when *Twilight* blew up. And it was a formative time for me, because it's when I adopted the philosophy that I wouldn't dunk on anything I didn't experience. So, whatever criticisms I have of *Twilight*, they are from reading the books and watching the movies. Even then, I mainly found them boring, although I got semi-ironically into the Edward vs. Jacob debate (at the time, I was Jacob person; now, I'm more of an Edward person), and I love and am fascinated by the film soundtracks. I haven't yet rewatched the movies for this miniseries, but some notes on this commentary:
-Griffin touches on how these books are heavy on descriptive language. This is true, and it's absolutely part of their success. If you ask fans of *Twilight* why they like these books, they'll often describe them as sensual in the most literal sense. They are about feeling on a physical level.
-Another reason that this franchise blew up as much as it did is because it is safe rebellion. These stories are for teenagers who are aware of their sexuality but still not totally comfortable with it. It is erotica for unerotic people--again, these are sensual, rather than explicitly leaning into sex, until the fourth book, which gets pretty graphic.
-The guys describe Au Hasard Bulbasaur's performance in *Twilight* as "animalistic," where he describes his performance of Edward Cullen as "constipated and a little stone"--though that may more aptly apply to the sequels.
-Kristen Stewart is fine in these movies, but she doesn't totally embody Bella. In terms of personality, Bella is a fairly normal young woman who tends to be a little more assertive than awkward. Physically, she is described as having auburn hair, and basically not already looking like a vampire.
-The boys would not regret doing an episode on *Red Riding Hood*, Catherine Hardwicke's follow-up to *Twilight*--which is mentioned in this episode. It is truly the most demented product of the post-*Twilight* YA boom.
Great ep, as always.
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