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Gavia Baker-Whitelaw

@gavia.bsky.social
5.7K followers 220 following 3.4K posts

Film and TV critic. Co-host of the Overinvested movie podcast, co-editor of the Rec Center newsletter. Bylines: TV Guide, Inverse, Vulture, Boston Globe, Atlas Obscura, Empire, etc. she/her

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Gavia Baker-Whitelaw @gavia.bsky.social · 13h
Ahead of the Lanterns finale, the #1 thing I want to see is John Stewart jailbreaking the Green Lantern ring and becoming an independent superhero. I don't think the show works *without* that ending!
fansplaining.com
Lanterns: Inside the Failsafe
In episode 7, Hal’s murder investigation picks up speed and the show makes a welcome pivot to Green Lantern’s spacefaring roots.
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Fansplaining @fansplaining.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
In the penultimate episode of Lanterns, we finally spend some time in space—but as @gavia.bsky.social writes, "Everything alien is kept at arm’s length in this show." Read her critiques of Lanterns' uneasy genre balance, shying away from sci-fi, but not willing to commit to mystery or thriller:
fansplaining.com
Lanterns: Inside the Failsafe
In episode 7, Hal’s murder investigation picks up speed and the show makes a welcome pivot to Green Lantern’s spacefaring roots.
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Elizabeth Minkel @elizabethminkel.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
It's almost October!! And at The Rec Center, that means it's almost time for 🎃 SEASONAL FIC RECS 🎃. - Vampires, werewolves, zombies, other supernatural creatures - Horror, eerie vibes - Halloween-specific stories (including fluff!) Canonical characters/worlds or AUs—please send us your favorites!
form.jotform.com
✨ The Rec Center Fic Submissions ✨
Please click the link to complete this form.
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Fansplaining @fansplaining.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
As we approach the Lanterns finale next week, catch up on @gavia.bsky.social's recaps of the season—you can now read (or listen to an audio version of) episodes 1-4 for free! Start here:
fansplaining.com
Lanterns: Are You Afraid?
In episode 1, Hal Jordan and his protégé, John Stewart, investigate a shooting in small-town Nebraska.
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Gavia Baker-Whitelaw @gavia.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
the increasingly exasperated undertone in my Lanterns recaps... a true "couldn't they just have done this Better" situation.
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Gavia Baker-Whitelaw @gavia.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
when he changed into that suit and it fit i was like WHAT.
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Justin Carter @gigawattconduit.blacksky.app · 22/09/2026
“That’s what happens when you kill Foggy” no you fanbrained dipass, that’s what happens your big bet on streaming collapses and you gotta dump weight to keep it afloat
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Mark Harris @markharris.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
It gets worse: Dem FCC member: “The FCC just let some of the most repressive governments in the world indirectly control nearly all of a combined Paramount-Warner Bros.” An investment of this size “doesn’t just buy equity, it secures influence over what gets said & made.” apnews.com/article/para...
apnews.com
FCC grants Paramount's indirect ownership request for Gulf funds in Warner Bros. Discovery buyout
As Paramount looks to take over Warner Bros. Discovery, it’s racked up billions of dollars in financial backing from three Gulf countries.
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Mark Harris @markharris.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
You read that right: Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar will, thanks to the approval of Trump's FCC, own 49.5% of Paramount Warner Brothers, and CBS, and CNN. One of many things to keep in mind when you cast your vote in the next six weeks.
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Fansplaining @fansplaining.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
"As we work through the latter half of the season," @gavia.bsky.social writes, Lanterns "threatens to veer into Surf Dracula territory." In her analysis of episode 6, Gav considers the show's disinterest in the Green Lantern world—and offers up one very specific clothing-related gripe:
fansplaining.com
Lanterns: The Murder of Hal Jordan
In episode 6, John and Kerry investigate Hal’s death in 2026, revealing how much Rushville has suffered over the prior decade.
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Gavia Baker-Whitelaw @gavia.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
ICYMI, Fansplaining lifted the paywall on my first three Lanterns recaps, so they're now available to free subscribers! Some thoughts from episode 3: fansplaining.com/lanterns-rai...
This whole journey began with John Stewart's father “failing” a test by having a natural human response to a terrifying situation. John’s training is then designed to eliminate that natural response, employing methods that any right-minded person would classify as abuse. In the process, John’s parents create a rift between their children and give John a warped conception of his purpose in life. No five-year-old should be handed a gun and told that he has a special destiny—and as an adult, John is still chasing his parents’ dream with no visible relationships of his own.
 
There’s a lot to consider here regarding why John still wants to become a Lantern. As viewers, we expect heroes to make moral choices that go against the grain of societal expectations. Many superheroes are actually outlaws, filling the gaps in a corrupt or incompetent legal system. 
 
Yet in order to earn the ring, John must take the opposite approach. His traineeship is formalized when he confirms that he’ll follow the Guardians’ orders even if they make him uncomfortable, echoing the way he agreed to assassinate an enemy of the U.S. government with no questions asked. It’s an intriguingly cynical foundation for the show’s depiction of the Green Lantern Corps, further complicating our view of who deserves to wield the ring."
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Gavia Baker-Whitelaw @gavia.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
another thing about babcock is that he won the stanley cup once as a coach in 2008, and over the past decade his teams have all lost out in the first round. so like....????? being evil hasn't even gotten results.
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Gavia Baker-Whitelaw @gavia.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
the way the edmonton oilers have tanked their reputation deserves to be studied. scumbag org.
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Gavia Baker-Whitelaw @gavia.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
ICYMI, Fansplaining lifted the paywall on my first three Lanterns recaps, so they're now available to free subscribers! Some thoughts from episode 3: fansplaining.com/lanterns-rai...
This whole journey began with John Stewart's father “failing” a test by having a natural human response to a terrifying situation. John’s training is then designed to eliminate that natural response, employing methods that any right-minded person would classify as abuse. In the process, John’s parents create a rift between their children and give John a warped conception of his purpose in life. No five-year-old should be handed a gun and told that he has a special destiny—and as an adult, John is still chasing his parents’ dream with no visible relationships of his own.
 
There’s a lot to consider here regarding why John still wants to become a Lantern. As viewers, we expect heroes to make moral choices that go against the grain of societal expectations. Many superheroes are actually outlaws, filling the gaps in a corrupt or incompetent legal system. 
 
Yet in order to earn the ring, John must take the opposite approach. His traineeship is formalized when he confirms that he’ll follow the Guardians’ orders even if they make him uncomfortable, echoing the way he agreed to assassinate an enemy of the U.S. government with no questions asked. It’s an intriguingly cynical foundation for the show’s depiction of the Green Lantern Corps, further complicating our view of who deserves to wield the ring."
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Gavia Baker-Whitelaw @gavia.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
????????????
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Jacob Oller @jacoboller.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
people think it's SO easy to be a film critic but so few seem to know that it's an extremely complicated process that often involves watching at least one movie
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Gavia Baker-Whitelaw @gavia.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Out now: Overinvested's long-awaited episode on The Odyssey, where @mldavies.bsky.social returns to share her expertise as a fan of both The Odyssey AND Christopher Nolan.
overinvestedpodcast.com
Ep. 344: Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey — OVERINVESTED
Morgan and Gavia reunite to discuss Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, covering the film's star-studded cast, its relationship with the original poem, and the way Nolan uses an ancient story to explore ...
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Fansplaining @fansplaining.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
"We’re given so little information about their background that Zoe exists as an oddly contextless entity: an antagonist whose level of free will is never fully clarified." In her analysis of Lanterns episode 5, @gavia.bsky.social has sharp critiques about several aspects of the show:
fansplaining.com
Lanterns: Was It Worth It?
In episode 5, tensions mount in Rushville as Antaan arrives to take down the Manhunter, leading John to make a shocking choice.
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Gavia Baker-Whitelaw @gavia.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
This is a MAJOR episode that marks an interesting turning point for John Stewart, but I still think think the Manhunter storyline is a serious weakness for the show. The worldbuilding there is thin, to say the least.
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Gavia Baker-Whitelaw @gavia.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Lanterns is trying to do about five things at once, and while it's succeeding in some regards (ie. remixing the political backdrop of John Stewart's role as a Black superhero), it's struggling to do anything interesting with its crime drama storytelling OR its sci-fi elements.
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Morgan Leigh Davies @mldavies.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
I am rarely able to go to the movies but I was never going to miss THE ODYSSEY. It meant a lot to me to be able to record this, we had so much fun. Please give it a listen.
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Gavia Baker-Whitelaw @gavia.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
This is a MAJOR episode that marks an interesting turning point for John Stewart, but I still think think the Manhunter storyline is a serious weakness for the show. The worldbuilding there is thin, to say the least.
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Gavia Baker-Whitelaw @gavia.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Out now: Overinvested's long-awaited episode on The Odyssey, where @mldavies.bsky.social returns to share her expertise as a fan of both The Odyssey AND Christopher Nolan.
overinvestedpodcast.com
Ep. 344: Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey — OVERINVESTED
Morgan and Gavia reunite to discuss Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, covering the film's star-studded cast, its relationship with the original poem, and the way Nolan uses an ancient story to explore ...
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Gavia Baker-Whitelaw @gavia.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
they yassified ovi www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/...
espn.com
NHL players react to their odd NHL 27 facial scans
We asked over a dozen players about their facial scans and those of teammates that went viral. Many players were impressed with their digital avatars. Others were not.
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Gavia Baker-Whitelaw @gavia.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
WHEN will Star City be renewed. Apple Tv has so much money, they can't leave me like this.
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Fansplaining @fansplaining.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Our Lanterns recaps continue with episode 4, "The Weenie" (yes, we could not resist including "weenie" in our title, too). Halfway through the season, @gavia.bsky.social sharp critiques continue as the show struggles to execute its central mystery plot. Read or listen to an audio version:
fansplaining.com
Lanterns: Infiltrating the Weenie
In episode 4, Hal and John plan to sneak onto William Macon’s property in their search for Rushville’s hidden Manhunter.
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Kathryn VanArendonk @kvanaren.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
nathan fielder vs elizabeth holmes is like what if wario had his own wario
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Sacha Judd @sachajudd.com · 03/09/2026
AND he taught Connor to skate.
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Gavia Baker-Whitelaw @gavia.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
PAUL GROSS AS ROGER CROWELL IN HEATED RIVALRY S2????
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JP @jpbrammer.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
every "storyteller" job on LinkedIn is like "We are evil and insane and wonderful. We are the next Uber and the next Apple and the next something that hasn't been named yet. We will kill you within weeks, possibly days, of employment. You will die thankful."
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Fansplaining @fansplaining.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Our Lanterns recaps continue with @gavia.bsky.social's analysis of episode 3, where twin strands of flashbacks go through John's backstory. "The original Green Lantern mythos wanted us to accept that its heroes deserve the power they receive, but this show is all about critiquing that assumption."
fansplaining.com
Lanterns: Raised To Be Fearless
In episode 3, a series of flashbacks reveal the disturbing nature of John’s childhood—and how he became a Green Lantern trainee.
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Elizabeth Minkel @elizabethminkel.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Some really sharp analysis of this show by @gavia.bsky.social in this week's recap! The nature of superhero narratives, the show's racial commentary, the allegory for policing...I've been having trouble deciding which ones to put in our social posts because they're all so interesting. Here's one:
Text reading: There’s a lot to consider here regarding why John still wants to become a Lantern. As viewers, we expect heroes to make moral choices that go against the grain of societal expectations. Many superheroes are actually outlaws, filling the gaps in a corrupt or incompetent legal system. 

Yet in order to earn the ring, John must take the opposite approach. His traineeship is formalized when he confirms that he’ll follow the Guardians’ orders even if they make him uncomfortable, echoing the way he agreed to assassinate an enemy of the U.S. government with no questions asked. It’s an intriguingly cynical foundation for the show’s depiction of the Green Lantern Corps, further complicating our view of who deserves to wield the ring.
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SJW Travis Bickle @uzionmain.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
ah! totally normal, non groomer behavior.
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Fansplaining @fansplaining.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
"At present, Lanterns feels like neither fish nor fowl: not as sophisticated as a prestige drama like True Detective, yet less interested in superhero imagery than most comic-book adaptations." Before tomorrow's episode of Lanterns, catch up on @gavia.bsky.social's analysis of the first two:
fansplaining.com
Lanterns: The Last Manhunter
In episode 2, John has a surprising alien encounter while Hal continues his investigation in Rushville.
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Gavia Baker-Whitelaw @gavia.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
is it good that my decaying hometown with its craterous areas of urban arson damage is now a permanent filming location for Gotham City
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s. e. smith @sesmith.lol · 28/08/2026
This is a longstanding problem with the Times specifically. All the legacy papers have really taken to yoinking independent journalists’ work with zest, though, and with so many pubs opening specifically to cover culture it sucks to see papers eliminating culture coverage and just stealing ours.
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Elizabeth Minkel @elizabethminkel.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
We could use a few more SUMMERTIME fic recs for a themed Rec Center list. ☀️ If you have a favorite, please send it our way! (As always, vids welcome, too.)
form.jotform.com
✨ The Rec Center Fic Submissions ✨
Please click the link to complete this form.
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Gavia Baker-Whitelaw @gavia.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
essential reading if you saw that NYT article about Heated Rivalry AI fanfic a few weeks ago - or if you're interested in the current state of independent journalism.
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Gavia Baker-Whitelaw @gavia.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
essential reading if you saw that NYT article about Heated Rivalry AI fanfic a few weeks ago - or if you're interested in the current state of independent journalism.
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Gavia Baker-Whitelaw @gavia.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
My second Lanterns recap is out now! This week, Rushville's ominous vibes continue to build, and we encounter an intriguing antagonist from the Green Lantern comics.
fansplaining.com
Lanterns: The Last Manhunter
In episode 2, John has a surprising alien encounter while Hal continues his investigation in Rushville.
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lighthouse prince @historiancole.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
tim curry keeping up the bit twenty years after the fact by writing in his memoir that he and miss piggy had an affair during the filming of muppet treasure island is just so good and funny
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TarZangief @tarzangief.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
"Neutral in the culture war"
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Melissa Gira Grant @melissagiragrant.com · 25/08/2026
there is an understanding at every strip club that you can’t have multiple dancers using the same stage name at the same club—and let me tell you how many people I worked with who fought to be, lost, and still ultimately respected anyone who got to be Jolene
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Alex Zalben @azalben.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Here's the official announcement of Parton's passing from her reps, along with the request that in lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at www.imaginationlibrary.com
NASHVILLE, TN (August 25, 2026) – Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old.

 

Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean (1942 – 2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923 – 2003), and father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921 – 2000). 

 

A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family. Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.

 

At Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family. Dolly’s fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging @DollyParton or by leaving a message at www.dollyparton.com.         

 

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at www.imaginationlibrary.com.
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Gavia Baker-Whitelaw @gavia.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
My second Lanterns recap is out now! This week, Rushville's ominous vibes continue to build, and we encounter an intriguing antagonist from the Green Lantern comics.
fansplaining.com
Lanterns: The Last Manhunter
In episode 2, John has a surprising alien encounter while Hal continues his investigation in Rushville.
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BeijingPalmer @beijingpalmer.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
I'm sorry, but if you think Nathan Cofnas being suspended for being a racist is an 'academic freedom' issue you are the dumbest fucking mark alive.
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Gavia Baker-Whitelaw @gavia.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
Recap #2 arrives tonight! ICYMI:
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Gavia Baker-Whitelaw @gavia.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
PSA for any entertainment editors out there: I'm also available for other Lanterns coverage, if you need a writer with screener access!
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gita “the formalist” jackson @xoxogossipgita.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
if you are a person of color and want to pitch to aftermath, i encourage you to do so. if you haven't pitched before or want to talk through an idea before you send it to the pitch email, give me a shout via email gita @ aftermath.site
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Ian Fay @ianfay.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
This shit is why you can't separate continuing to financially support the Harry Potter IP (whether by buying the games, merch, watching the new TV show when its out) from the consequences of what JK Rowling does with that money She's become so stiflingly powerful that even private docs arent safe
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