Upper Middlebrow

Upper Middlebrow


Episode 16: “Big Claws! Big MECHANICAL Claws!” or Jonathan Lethem’s The Arrest, Part II

April 13, 2023

Jonathan Lethem’s climax is fun, exciting, and surprises both Bagg and Dukes by not requiring much action from its already largely inactive protagonist, Journeyman. The UMBs once again consider the virtues and drawbacks of a hapless protagonist, and wonder if post-apocalyptic tales are replacing the western, as the dominant form of American mythmaking. 


To skip the opening ramble, go to 6:15. 


Be sure to check out both Dukes and Bagg on Finding Favorites with Leah Jones.


And if a Snow Crash inspired actual play podcast sounds like fun, check out Big Campaign Stories