On this week’s MuggleCast, the hosts take on the most indefensible characters, and figure out what about them gets under our skin. How can we defend the actions of someone like Gilderoy Lockhart or Rita Skeeter? Do we really believe that James Potter matured out of being a bully? And finally, is Umbridge a case of nature or nurture? Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura for a deep look at characters who bug us in Harry Potter.

• For Pride month, MuggleCast is participating in The Hogwarts Hunt, a fundraiser and scavenger hunt to benefit LGBT charities. We’re team Hufflepuff! Visit our social media for more info.
• Who are the most indefensible characters in Harry Potter? Why do we say that they can’t they be redeemed?
• The hosts unexpectedly discuss a few Ravenclaws and Micah and Laura get nervous.
• Micah says the Death Eaters would actually approve of the Dursleys’ treatment of Harry if they knew.
• Among the irredeemable characters, which ones do we LOVE to hate and why?
• Characters like Snape or Umbridge have scenes that are greatly written as to illustrate their motives clearly, and we are shook.
• Could anything or anyone humanize Bellatrix Lestrange?
• What allow us to defend some characters, but not others? Their upbringing? Their intelligence and skill? Where do we draw the line?
• Is Argus Filch a character we understand? Would a Squib living at a magic school always have his attitude?
• Is James Potter a defensible character, since we see so little of him and when we do he is still that teenage bully of Snape?
• Do we believe that James would have made a good father and raised Harry without prejudice, had he lived?
• Debate: Umbridge, Nature vs Nurture?
• Quizzitch: Which of Umbridge’s Educational Decrees (what number) barred teachers from giving the students any information that was not related to the subjects they were hired to teach?
• Andrew was on Swish & Flick podcast discussing the history of Dumbledore’s sexuality! Check it out here or wherever you listen to podcasts!
• This week’s episode is brought to you by BetterHelp (Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast) and Warby Parker (Try 5 pairs of glasses at home for free at WarbyParker.com/mugglecast)

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On this week’s episode of MuggleCast, we’re joined by a very special guest, Mr. Thomas Taylor, who originally illustrated Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in 1996!  He talks about what it was like to land the job and all that ensued! Join us as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the book that began a phenomenon!

• Welcome Thomas Taylor, illustrator of the very first Harry Potter book in the UK!
• Thomas shares what it was like to get the job at just 23-years-old!
• How did he decide to illustrate the iconic Hogwarts Express scene?
• Did he ever speak with J.K. Rowling?
• What was it like to be one of the first people to ever read Harry Potter?
• Was he ever asked to work on the remainder of the series?
• Who is the mysterious gentleman on the original back cover, and what’s in his pocket?
• Harry’s wearing what looks like a Gryffindor scarf on the cover even though he hadn’t been sorted — Coincidence or part of the plan?
• Thomas reveals the secret message he placed on Dumbledore on the back cover!
• Did you know there is a connection between Dumbledore and The Hobbit? Thomas reveals the secret message he placed on the back cover!
• Thomas shares his thoughts on the first Harry Potter movie, his favorite characters and his Hogwarts House!
• What was it like for him to transition from illustrator to author?
• Be sure to check out Taylor’s other works, including The Legends of Eerie-on-Sea and follow him on Twitter and Instagram! 
• Quizzitch: Dumbledore’s nose appeared as though it had been broken how many times, according to the first chapter of Philosopher’s Stone?
• This week’s episode is brought to you by MeUndies (get 15% off your first order, 25% off your first Membership item, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee at MeUndies.com/MuggleCast) and Shudder (stream your first 30 days of Shudder for FREE by going to Shudder.com and entering code MuggleCast)!
• Bonus MuggleCast, available later this week: In celebration of Pride Month, we had fun whipping up some gay Harry Potter pick-ups lines (parental advisory warning: these pick-up lines are of an adult nature and not suitable for children). Become a supporter of the show today at Patreon.com/MuggleCast!

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A merger of Warner Bros and Discovery, Inc. has led Andrew to speculate as to what the future of the Wizarding World may look like on film and TV. And he’s prepared a presentation about it! Hosts Eric, Micah, Laura and special Slug Club guest Neil join in and speculate as to the future of Fantastic Beasts, and what – if any – television series set within the Wizarding World we might see from Discovery Time Warner. It’s a jam-packed episode with lots of laughs and really cool ideas!

• Welcome Slug Club guest Neil, who’s joining us from South Korea in the middle of the night.
• What CEO David Zaslav might do with Fantastic Beasts, Harry Potter, and his upcoming meeting with JKR.
• While Secrets of Dumbledore is the lowest performing Wizarding World film of all time, it still technically has broken even, reaching $400M globally. Is the future secure for its remaining announced sequels?
• Hypothetically, what scripted Harry Potter TV shows could we see coming if not a direct reboot of the original Potter books?
• The hosts all provide an idea for a television series that fills in canon and explores plot holes from the series.
• Laura wants an episode dedicated to “The Missing 24 Hours“, while Micah wants a series focused on Tom Riddle’s ascent to power.
• Is a Marauders series anybody’s second choice for new TV content? How about one that shows the events of Deathly Hallows from the students’ perspective in Hogwarts? And finally, Andrew’s idea for an Auror Dept. police procedural is intriguing!
• Next, the hosts “Star Wars-ify” a Wizarding World story, pairing an adult and child character together in the style of Disney+’s The Mandalorian and Obi-Wan Kenobi.
• Would Salazar Slytherin look good boasting a gray area? Are outcasts Hagrid and Luna the perfect pair for an exploration of Wizarding World secrets? Would Tonks and Mad-Eye see eye to eye if placed together for long? How about Snape and Draco? And would a time-traveling Neville Longbottom learn a few things from Professor Sprout?
• Finally, falling in line with Discovery Channel‘s past offerings, the hosts predict which educational and/or questionable reality programming we might get from the content creators.
• Ideas include space-faring wizards, Charms disasters, a travel show, and “Trelawney Truckers”!
• Quizzitch: Who illustrated the first book cover for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, published in 1997 by Bloomsbury in UK?
• This week’s episode is brought to you by MeUndies (visit MeUndies.com/MuggleCast for 15% off your first order and 25% off your first membership item), Framebridge (Use promo code ‘muggle’ for 15% off your first order), and BetterHelp (Go to BetterHelp.com/mugglecast for 10% off your first month)

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On this week’s episode, Micah and Eric talk about what Fantastic Beasts 4 needs to do in order to keep fans interested in the franchise. Then open our Muggle Mailbag to take feedback on Secrets of Dumbledore. Plus… Alakazam! Can wizards and witches really use spoons to do magic?

• Main Mini-Discussion: What does Fantastic Beasts 4 need to do in order to be a satisfying story for fans?
• With where Secrets of Dumbledore left us, what more story is there to tell? 
• Can the franchise continue to hang its hooks on Potter nostalgia, but then fail to deliver?
• Do we feel there is enough meat for five Fantastic Beasts films? Could a flashback movie work?
• It’s time to bust open the Muggle Mailbag!
• What did Grindelwald know about Dumbledore’s future when he said: “Who’s going to love you now?”
• Will Jude Law’s Dumbledore ever reenact the Half-Blood Prince potion scene?
• Is Secrets of Dumbledore too gay?
• Did Dumbledore plan for Jacob to be an “assassin” all along?
• Why did Leta choose Theseus? Is Newt to blame?
• Which characters are the best examples from each Hogwarts House?
• Can you use spoons to do magic?
• Quizzitch: In Half-Blood Prince, during the cave scene, what does Dumbledore toast before drinking the potion?
• On next week’s episode: we’re off for the Memorial Day Holiday, but back the following week with our Secrets of Dumbledore movie commentary!
• This week’s episode is brought to you by Mint Mobile (to get your new wireless plan for just $15 bucks/month and get the plan shipped to your door for FREE, visit MintMobile.com/MuggleCast) and BetterHelp (get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast)!

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In their first dedicated character discussion since the premiere of Secrets of Dumbledore, the hosts of MuggleCast turn the pages of their study guides to Professor Eulalie Hicks of Ilvermorny! “Lally” was a huge highlight of the third Beasts film, and we’re here to say why that was. Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura as they analyze the character through her words, attitude and relationships. It’s a fun episode for sure.

• Main Discussion: Professor Eulalie “Lally” Hicks in Secrets of Dumbledore
• Going back to the first section he ever headed on MuggleNet, Micah starts us off with Lally’s Name Origin
• Jessica Williams, who portrays Lally, was herself a big Harry Potter fan, and even shares his birthday!
• The announcement of Jessica’s casting likely took place at the next table over from Andrew, Eric and Micah when they saw Cursed Child on Broadway.
• What makes Eulalie a member of Thunderbird house? It’s been a while since the hosts had a chance to talk about Ilvermorny canon.
• As a Charms professor, Eulalie’s surely competent in some of our favorite Charms, which we recap.
• Lally, like Newt, wrote a book which is widely circulated. She also has a unique-looking wand.
• Professor Hicks and Professor Hagrid both share a job title in common! But… what does it mean?
• We received some insightful e-mails regarding Lally’s “Transatlantic” accent, a relic of Old Hollywood in the 1930’s and 40’s.
• Lally’s friendhsip with Jacob is a reason to see the film, even if it got off to a rocky (problematic?) start. The hosts discuss.
• What do we see happening between Theseus and Lally romantically, if anything, and why?
• Andrew’s idea for a Eulalie Hicks spinoff TV show will have you ready and waiting for the first season.
• Quizzitch: What did students have to do in their end of year exam for Charms class in Harry’s year one?
• This week’s episode is brought to you by Framebridge (Use promo code MUGGLE for 15% off your first order), Warby Parker (Go to WarbyParker.com/mugglecast and try five pairs for free right at home), and AMC Shudder (Use code MUGGLECAST for 30 days of Shudder for free)

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On this week’s episode, the fearless MuggleCasters take it upon themselves to answer Secrets of Dumbledore’s biggest unanswered questions, using their extensive knowledge of the Wizarding World to provide plausible answers and put to bed the movie’s most dangling plot threads. Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah on this fun journey through the plot points and listen as they finally discuss whether their own prophecy about the movie came true!

• Main Discussion: Can our knowledge of book canon help us explain the events of Fantastic Beasts 3?
• In what YEAR is the third movie set? Some title cards would have been helpful! Are there clues in the props?
• What became of Nagini? Andrew, Laura and Micah provide a tragic outcome while Eric imagines a spa day.
• Where is Tina Goldstein, really? The “she’s busy” explanation does not hold any giggle water for us!
• Was Newt ever allowed back to Hogwarts after his expulsion, and did he complete his schooling there?
• What makes Dumbledore “more than a teacher” to Newt, in his own words?
• How and under what circumstances did Dumbledore and Eulalie Hicks first meet?
• What is the little drop of “water” that Albus blew onto Credence? And is it connected with the Deluminator or an alternate dimension?
• The Predictions of Tycho Dodonus… did they come true, and might they still? How about our predictions of Nostradamus?
• Exactly when did Aberforth find out about Credence and when did they establish their mirror chats?
• Regarding romances, where do Jacob and Queenie honeymoon, and is anything happening with Lally and Theseus?
• The hosts wrap up discussing the most pressing questions that the next movie MUST answer.
• Who Got it Right?! Laura and Micah sweep The Bunties ™ with Price is Right rules applying, on our various FB3 guesses.
• Next week, a character discussion on Eulalie Hicks! Submit your questions and thoughts on the character!
• Quizzitch: Who was the headmaster of Hogwarts school immediately before Dumbledore?
• This week’s episode is brought to you by NordVPN (Go to NordVPN.com/muggle and receive a huge discount) and BetterHelp (Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast)

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On this week’s episode, we bust open our Muggle Mailbag to answer your burning questions and take your feedback on Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore!

• Twitter Polls Galore! Which host would the Qilin bow to? What was the best Secrets of Dumbledore ship? And overall, what did listeners think of the movie?
• What did Yusuf Kama have to help fight Grindelwald?
• The hosts celebrate Eulalie Hicks after leaving her hanging in our initial review!
• Why did Grindelwald’s followers not kill Theseus when they captured him?
• Why did Theseus not question Queenie after her return to the good side?
• Did Dumbledore and Grindelwald’s fight scene fail to deliver?
• Why did the Qilin bow to Dumbledore? Why not Newt? Or Jacob?
• Did the producers tie up loose ends enough so that this could be the last film?
• Where are Graves and Nagini?
• How did Jacob and Queenie get permission to marry?
• Prediction Time: Which host was closest to the box office number and what does this number mean for the future of the franchise?
• On next week’s episode: What questions should’ve Secrets of Dumbledore answered, and what questions must Fantastic Beasts 4 answer?
• Quizzitch: What book hits Lucius Malloy in the eye during his tussle with Arthur Weasley in Flourish and Blotts?
• Later this week on Bonus MuggleCast: Why has J.K. Rowling been completely silent about Fantastic Beasts 3? You can get Bonus MuggleCast and other great benefits by becoming a patron at Patreon.com/MuggleCast!
• This week’s episode is brought to you by Framebridge (visit Framebridge.com and use promo code MUGGLE to save an additional 15% off your first order) and BetterHelp (MuggleCast listeners get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast).

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This week, we continue our review of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, this time focusing on the various odds and ends of the film! Plus, we hand out our “Bunty Awards,” which are accolades for several aspects of the movie! Stay tuned for many, many more thoughts on the weeks and months ahead!

• The “Bunty” award for our Favorite New Character, Favorite New Beast, etc
• What was the one stand-out scene of the film?
• Was the movie poster for the film misleading? (YES)
• Eric took a stopwatch into his Secrets of Dumbledore screening… for a very specific experiment.
• We, like Jacob, were confused by the plot to confuse Grindelwald.
• What about Grindelwald’s visions in the puddles and mirrors, what do they mean?
• Was Credence made to sound more like Aberforth at the start of the film? And was anyone else thinking he would have a romance with Queenie from their early interaction?
• The re-use of classic Harry Potter lines is scrutinized by Micah.
• Was the Anton Vogel actor too similar in appearance to Mads as Grindelwald, and did that lead to confusion about the plot and characters?
• Could Credence be conceivably written out of the franchise at this point? And why can’t the phoenix intervene to save him from his condition? It’s… right there.
• How do we feel about all the Aberforth and goat stuff now after seeing this movie?
• Why doesn’t anyone in the film call the head of the International Confederation of Wizards by its book-given title?
• Revisiting some ‘Crackpot Theories,’ could Leta still live?
• Quizzitch: According to The Secrets of Dumbledore, What is Bunty’s given surname? Submit your answer!
• This week’s episode is sponsored by BetterHelp (Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast) and Masterclass (get 15% off an annual membership at Masterclass.com/mugglecast!)

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On this week’s episode, it’s all about reviewing Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore! It’s finally here, so just how many secrets were there, and did they live up to expectations? We touch on some of the film’s biggest moments and discuss whether or not this could be the last installment in the Fantastic Beasts franchise.

• Welcome Slug Club member, Jemima!
• Main Discussion: Our review of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore
• The hosts given their spoiler-free initial reactions to the third Fantastic Beasts film before jumping into all the details and spoilers
• Did this movie course-correct like we hoped it would?
• The Top 7 Moments from The Secrets of Dumbledore…
• Say what, kid?!? Aurelius is Aberforth’s lovechild?!?
• Ariana WAS an obscurus! Were we satisfied with the reveal?
• Tea time with Albus and Gellert
• Is Mads the Grindelwald we’ve been waiting for?
• The Brothers Scamander take on the Manticore
• Could any of us make sense of The Election?
• The Blood Pact: Explained & Destroyed
• Queenie & Jacob: Going to the bakery andddd gonna get marrrried!
• Next week: More on The Secrets of Dumbledore, including our favorite characters, scenes, and beasts
• Be sure to check out Micah on Everyone’s A Reel Critic (where they discuss movies with at least a 20% differential between the critic and audience rating) to talk about Crimes of Grindelwald!
• This week’s episode is brought to you by AMC Shudder (stream your first 30 days of Shudder for FREE by going to Shudder.com and using code mugglecast) & MeUndies (get 25% off your first Membership item or 15% off your first order and a 100% satisfaction guarantee by visiting MeUndies.com/MuggleCast)!

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