When the first promo dropped for FOX's TV series adaptation of The Exorcist, I and many other horror fans were left aghast at what appeared to be a completely wrong-headed utilization of that classic title. At the time I described the show as a “cynical cash grab,” and I'll stand by that assessment until those involved can prove me wrong. When you're brazen enough to exploit a title as beloved as The Exorcist, the burden of proof is on you to prove that you're not just slapping it onto a weak imitation of the original.
On this week's episode of Nightmare Fuel, I talk to Daily Dead Managing Editor and horror guru Heather Wixson about all things Exorcist (while we're at it, doesn't Geena Davis deserve better?), in addition to The X-Files (is it time for Chris Carter to step aside from his own series?) and the controversy over FOX's live Rocky Horror Picture Show musical, which has become a lightning rod for some members of the LGBT community by casting transgender actress Laverne Cox as the cross-dressing alien Dr. Frank-N-Furter.
You can follow Heather on Twitter @thehorrorchick and check out her all work over at Daily Dead.
Nightmare Fuel Episode 11 topics:
1. The Exorcist: 0:00-8:36
2. The X-Files: 8:37-16:23
3. Rocky Horror: 16:24 on
More Nightmare Fuel:
Episode #1: Horror Movie Anthologies, Southbound & Friday the 13th
Episode #2: The Witch backlash and that controversial Hellraiser sequel
Episode #3: Is Suspiria the weirdest horror remake idea ever?
Episode #4: Is a 10 Cloverfield Lane backlash inevitable?
Episode #5: Is the 10 Cloverfield Lane backlash warranted?
Episode #6: Should Victor Salva's terrible crime prevent us from enjoying Jeepers Creepers 3?
Episode #7: Was that Walking Dead cliffhanger misguided…or brilliant?
Episode #8: Debating The Mist's shocking ending 8 years later
Episode #9: Advice for the new Pennywise – take a cue from Heath Ledger's Joker
Episode #10: Is Jared Leto the right choice for the Vampire Lestat?