S-Town (with Spoilers)

[just]

Don't come in here until you've listened to all 7 episodes!

[silva]

Ok so my understanding is JBMc purposely contacted Brian with this fake story to hook him into telling his story? I mean like they said.....genius.


Still trying to process it.

[just]

I thought it was interesting and sad, and above all, a love letter from Brian, to John, as a friend. 

Overwhelmingly my feelings were sadness at a lost life, full of too much loneliness. While at the end there seemed to be an external reason for this (mercury), it was 100% believable without that.

The competing stories between Tyler and Rita were infuriating in their realism, and I really want to know what Tyler said off mic at the the end.

The comments from his friend about wanting to kiss him in the truck broke my heart. I wonder what that sign of love would have meant to John.

And because, all through the podcast, I wish I'd known what he'd looked like, but was afraid to google ... here's a pic of John

[just]

Mar 28, 2017 21:30:36 GMT -5 silva said:

Ok so my understanding is JBMc purposely contacted Brian with this fake story to hook him into telling his story? I mean like they said.....genius.


Still trying to process it.

Woah, I didn't quite get that - I thought it was him being John and being intense and crazy. Interesting.

One thing I loved is how this story changed over the 7 hours.
My first 90 minutes were like - eh, just another serial/up and vanished
And then there was the drop that Dillon wasn't dead
And then there was the end of the second episode

Even after that, I felt like it changed shape a number of times from treasure hunt to bitching family/friends, to love story to .... And in some ways it showed how complicated he was.

[silva]

Mar 28, 2017 21:40:51 GMT -5 just said:

Mar 28, 2017 21:30:36 GMT -5 silva said:

Ok so my understanding is JBMc purposely contacted Brian with this fake story to hook him into telling his story? I mean like they said.....genius.


Still trying to process it.

Woah, I didn't quite get that - I thought it was him being John and being intense and crazy. Interesting.

One thing I loved is how this story changed over the 7 hours.
My first 90 minutes were like - eh, just another serial/up and vanished
And then there was the drop that Dillon wasn't dead
And then there was the end of the second episode

Even after that, I felt like it changed shape a number of times from treasure hunt to bitching family/friends, to love story to .... And in some ways it showed how complicated he was.

That's what I loved about it. It changed the focus and really got you hooked. Like the labyrinth John made. Such great imagery and symbolism to the story.

[just]

Mar 28, 2017 21:45:17 GMT -5 silva said:

Mar 28, 2017 21:40:51 GMT -5 just said:

Woah, I didn't quite get that - I thought it was him being John and being intense and crazy. Interesting.

One thing I loved is how this story changed over the 7 hours.
My first 90 minutes were like - eh, just another serial/up and vanished
And then there was the drop that Dillon wasn't dead
And then there was the end of the second episode

Even after that, I felt like it changed shape a number of times from treasure hunt to bitching family/friends, to love story to .... And in some ways it showed how complicated he was.

That's what I loved about it. It changed the focus and really got you hooked. Like the labyrinth John made. Such great imagery and symbolism to the story.

It just breaks my heart that someone so obviously loved and hurting left not knowing. He was difficult and annoying and frustrating but people loved him. And he left here (either because of mercury-related depression or the crap-monkey that is just regular depression) not knowing that.

And then fucking mr KKK said that it was selfish - fuck you fucknuts.

I will say my heart breaks for the town hall person he called that night. I can't fucking imagine having that in my brain, in my heart. 

[insominac]

I really liked it. I thought John B. was a fascinating and hilarious complicated person and was shocked when it was revealed that he committed suicide. I almost wanted a trigger warning or something.

His house and land sounded so beautiful. I saw pics of the hedge maze and it's awesome. It's a shame everything will be mowed down into timber.

[silva]

Yeah, I can't imagine being on the phone hearing it. The last parts of his note were so beautiful and sad.

[iamali]

Ok, I just finished.

#1 - WOW. I'm definitely going to listen again. It really was amazing.

#2 - I could totally relate to John in some ways, I grew up in my own version of Shit town but got out when I was 18. I don't know what my life would have been like if I had stayed nor do I want to.

#3 - can Oran please be my bff. He seems like he's amazing.

[silva]

Mar 28, 2017 22:40:39 GMT -5 iamali said:

Ok, I just finished.

#1 - WOW. I'm definitely going to listen again. It really was amazing.

#2 - I could totally relate to John in some ways, I grew up in my own version of Shit town but got out when I was 18. I don't know what my life would have been like if I had stayed nor do I want to.

#3 - can Oran please be my bff. He seems like he's amazing.

The broke back mountain part.... god so sad.

[insominac]

Mar 28, 2017 23:46:39 GMT -5 silva said:

Mar 28, 2017 22:40:39 GMT -5 iamali said:

Ok, I just finished.

#1 - WOW. I'm definitely going to listen again. It really was amazing.

#2 - I could totally relate to John in some ways, I grew up in my own version of Shit town but got out when I was 18. I don't know what my life would have been like if I had stayed nor do I want to.

#3 - can Oran please be my bff. He seems like he's amazing.

The broke back mountain part.... god so sad.

Brokeback Mountain is one of my favorite movies too.

They did such a great job editing all the interviews... I can't imagine how many hours they had to wade through.

[wambam]

THE NIPPLES RINGS OMG

I'll be back when I'm done lol

[walterismydog]

Still processing it, but man.

I am just so sad. I was all poised to demand a John B podcast and learn about clockmaking and his amazing yard and interesting life. Then he died at his own hands.

I don't know how I feel about Rita. I'm glad Mary Grace is doing better. I do believe John just didn't know how to properly care for her but also loved her so much.

I think John had a mental illness and did everything he could to keep it under control without meds, but ultimately succumbed to it. Especially after hearing about "church" and his almost compulsive need for it in the end. I was also very curious about more of his life from before he "snapped" - several of his older friends alluded to a big change in him.

I don't know how I feel about Tyler yet. I think I need to listen again.

John B.'s obituary is interesting, especially the comments from people before the show aired. www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/john-mclemore-obituary?pid=1000000175165387&view=guestbook

Finally, I fucking hate mister K3 and I wish someone would save John's family land and legacy.

[walterismydog]

Oh also, Tyler's affirmative-shouting cousin was one of my favorite parts.

Just such an interesting story. All of them. I loved the "hillbilly" angle in light of everything that is happening in our country.

[wambam]

Mar 29, 2017 7:51:00 GMT -5 walterismydog said:

Oh also, Tyler's affirmative-shouting cousin was one of my favorite parts.

Just such an interesting story. All of them. I loved the "hillbilly" angle in light of everything that is happening in our country.

"Yes, sir! Gold!" Loved it. 

I wonder how John would've reacted to our current political situation. I mean, I can imagine. But I would love to hear about it.

[walterismydog]

Mar 29, 2017 7:53:15 GMT -5 wambam said:

Mar 29, 2017 7:51:00 GMT -5 walterismydog said:

Oh also, Tyler's affirmative-shouting cousin was one of my favorite parts.

Just such an interesting story. All of them. I loved the "hillbilly" angle in light of everything that is happening in our country.

"Yes, sir! Gold!" Loved it. 

I wonder how John would've reacted to our current political situation. I mean, I can imagine. But I would love to hear about it.

I could listen to his rants for hours. I wish there was more.

He really did have so many people who loved him.

Do you guys think there is a hidden treasure somewhere?

I also like whomever mentioned up thread about this being all part of his genius plan. Weaving a tale of his life as complicated as his labyrinth. He's a genius, after all.

[wambam]

Mar 29, 2017 7:56:04 GMT -5 walterismydog said:

Mar 29, 2017 7:53:15 GMT -5 wambam said:

"Yes, sir! Gold!" Loved it. 

I wonder how John would've reacted to our current political situation. I mean, I can imagine. But I would love to hear about it.

I could listen to his rants for hours. I wish there was more.

He really did have so many people who loved him.

Do you guys think there is a hidden treasure somewhere?

I also like whomever mentioned up thread about this being all part of his genius plan. Weaving a tale of his life as complicated as his labyrinth. He's a genius, after all.

No. I really believe that if he had some massive wealth, he would've made a will. Or told Tyler how to find it before he died. 

[walterismydog]

I think you're right, wambam.

I do wonder more about the lawyer and the town clerk. I think they knew more than they said. And why didn't she call the people on his list? That part was strange.

[wambam]

Mar 29, 2017 8:01:42 GMT -5 walterismydog said:

I think you're right, wambam .

I do wonder more about the lawyer and the town clerk. I think they knew more than they said. And why didn't she call the people on his list? That part was strange.

Right? Why wasn't Boozer fighting harder for John's wishes? And Faye. Man. I felt AWFUL for her because just listening to her recount John's suicide was one of the hardest things I've ever listened to on a podcast. But CALL THE PEOPLE HE ASKED YOU TO CALL.

[walterismydog]

Mar 29, 2017 8:03:13 GMT -5 wambam said:

Mar 29, 2017 8:01:42 GMT -5 walterismydog said:

I think you're right, wambam .

I do wonder more about the lawyer and the town clerk. I think they knew more than they said. And why didn't she call the people on his list? That part was strange.

Right? Why wasn't Boozer fighting harder for John's wishes? And Faye. Man. I felt AWFUL for her because just listening to her recount John's suicide was one of the hardest things I've ever listened to on a podcast. But CALL THE PEOPLE HE ASKED YOU TO CALL.

I agree. Her recount was just heartbreaking. But clearly he wanted her to contact those people. Someone should have.

And why wasn't Tyler on that list?

So many questions.

The S-Town/TAL/Serial crew did an amazing job.

[wambam]

Mar 29, 2017 8:09:36 GMT -5 walterismydog said:

Mar 29, 2017 8:03:13 GMT -5 wambam said:

Right? Why wasn't Boozer fighting harder for John's wishes? And Faye. Man. I felt AWFUL for her because just listening to her recount John's suicide was one of the hardest things I've ever listened to on a podcast. But CALL THE PEOPLE HE ASKED YOU TO CALL.

I agree. Her recount was just heartbreaking. But clearly he wanted her to contact those people. Someone should have.

And why wasn't Tyler on that list?

So many questions.

The S-Town/TAL/Serial crew did an amazing job.

I wonder if John expected Tyler to be the one that found him and so he wouldn't need to be called. Do we know what exactly the timeline for sending the list to boozer and Faye was? Because I wonder if it was Sunday when Tyler and John had the fight.

[walterismydog]

I don't remember the timeline of receiving the lists. I do remember they stated that he had written his suicide note well in advance of his suicide.

I want to read the 53 page manifesto he sent to Brian.

[wambam]

Mar 29, 2017 8:28:55 GMT -5 walterismydog said:

I don't remember the timeline of receiving the lists. I do remember they stated that he had written his suicide note well in advance of his suicide.

I want to read the 53 page manifesto he sent to Brian.

More than anything.

ALSO. Didn't Tyler say that he went and took John's laptop before Rita got there? Shouldn't Tyler have access to the suicide note?

[just]

The Maze.

[WOUNDTIGHT]

I found the thing where Tyler and the cousins were telling the exact same story, almost word for word, but depending on who was telling it made the opposite party the villain- that was fascinating to me.

I'd also really like to know what happened when the tape was turned off re the gold, but if Tyler had found a fortune why would he bother trying to repo some old buses and get tangled with the law again? That part didn't make sense.

[sproctopus]

Mar 29, 2017 9:23:44 GMT -5 just said:

The Maze.

Oh my god. It's more beautiful than I imagined.

JBMs brain was fascinating and intriguing. I loved this story.

[wambam]

I also wonder if John sought out Brian to consecrate some kind of meaning for his life.

[agnes]

Wow. That series was not at all what I was expecting.

You're a special kind of person for wanting the nipple rings off of a dead man because you think their gold.

I think I believe Tyler more than the cousins.

Mr K3 can go fuck himself.

Hearing Owen's side of their friendship was sad and beautiful.

[pantsparty]

Mar 28, 2017 21:30:36 GMT -5 silva said:

Ok so my understanding is JBMc purposely contacted Brian with this fake story to hook him into telling his story? I mean like they said.....genius.


Still trying to process it.

I didn't take that at all. I don't think he contacted the narrator with the intent of committing suicide. He seemed mentally ill and obsessive, but not manipulative in this way.

Definitely a sad story. I just finished it. I feel like I need to think about it a bit more to clarify my thoughts.

ETA: not to say he didn't enjoy the attention, I just don't think that was his intent.

[cherryvalance]

I'm listening to chapter 4 now, but had to come here because I was blindsided by the end of chapter 2. What a twisted, tragic story--John seemed like such a genuinely interesting person. I can relate to getting so bogged down by the sheer volume of injustices in the world.

That maze is more incredible than I imagined.