Podcast Summary: LPN Deep Dives: Crescent City / Episode 20: MalaKISSING

Release Date: March 5, 2025
Hosts: Natalie Jean and Jackie Zebrowski
Presented by: The Last Podcast Network

Introduction

In Episode 20 of LPN Deep Dives: Crescent City, hosts Natalie Jean and Jackie Zebrowski delve deep into the intricate narratives and character developments of Sarah J. Maas's popular adult science fiction series, Crescent City. Titled "MalaKISSING", this episode offers a comprehensive analysis of critical plot advancements, character dynamics, and thematic elements that shape the story's progression.

Cosplay and Host Banter (01:19 - 04:15)

The episode kicks off with Natalie and Jackie engaging in their signature playful banter, discussing their simultaneous portrayal of the Viper's Queen in cosplay. Their lighthearted exchange sets a fun and engaging tone for the episode.

• Natalie Jean: "[...] especially when I'm dressed as the Viper's queen."
• Jackie Zebrowski: "We're Viper's Queen today. Not intentional."

This segment highlights their dedication to immersing themselves and their audience in the Crescent City universe, emphasizing the importance of costumes in enhancing the deep dive experience.

Navigating Personal Struggles and Work (04:15 - 10:31)

Natalie and Jackie transition into discussing real-life parallels with the characters, particularly focusing on themes of vulnerability, work-life balance, and personal growth. They draw connections between the protagonists' struggles and their own experiences, making the analysis relatable.

• Jackie Zebrowski: "I sit weird. I need to be able to move my legs around a lot."
• Natalie Jean: "It's my belly button had teeth."

Their candid conversation underscores the human elements within the fantasy narrative, showcasing how personal challenges and relationships drive the story forward.

Deep Dive into Chapter 63 (16:53 - 29:32)

Natalie and Jackie embark on an in-depth analysis of Chapter 63, unraveling the complexities of Bryce's emotional turmoil and her relationship with Hunt. They dissect key moments, such as Bryce's frustration with being unable to take time off to care for Hunt and her subsequent job applications, paralleling their own feelings about job dissatisfaction.

• Jackie Zebrowski: "She is doing this."
• Natalie Jean: "I just remember how many jobs I've just sat there angrily, just applying for other jobs."

The hosts explore Bryce's determination and the ethical dilemmas she faces, particularly focusing on her interactions with other characters like Ruhn and Sabine. They highlight the tension between personal desire and duty, emphasizing the narrative's depth.

The Viper Queen and Emerging Threats (33:22 - 48:10)

The discussion shifts to the enigmatic Viper Queen and her role within the story. Natalie and Jackie analyze Bryce's discovery of the flash drive hidden in Danika's jacket, leading to revelations about synth trials and the sinister experiments conducted on humans.

• Jackie Zebrowski: "None of that sounds like anything I like."
• Natalie Jean: "She realizes that Danika is doing the same thing that Bryce has been doing about her."

They delve into the moral ambiguities of the Viper Queen, her significance as a villain, and the ethical implications of the synth experiments. The hosts also touch upon the symbolism of the snake imagery and its connection to the character's identity.

Character Relationships and Emotional Depth (48:10 - 57:45)

Natalie and Jackie examine the evolving relationship between Bryce and Hunt, highlighting moments of vulnerability and unspoken emotions. They discuss key scenes where Bryce grapples with trust issues and Hunt's internal conflicts as the Umbra Mortis.

• Natalie Jean: "I feel like even in this space, I still be. Like, there's a reason why he hasn't fucked me yet."
• Jackie Zebrowski: "They have talked about their future, and it is at least clear enough to him that he knows Bryce at least has not rejected him."

The hosts emphasize the complexity of their bond, exploring themes of dependency, love, and the fear of vulnerability. They also speculate on potential future developments and the psychological impacts of their intertwined fates.

Climactic Developments and Tensions (57:45 - 73:16)

As the episode progresses, Natalie and Jackie dissect the climactic events surrounding the barge confrontation. They analyze the confrontation with the Viper Queen, the implications of the synth's abilities, and the escalating tensions within Lunathian society.

• Jackie Zebrowski: "Viper Queen is selling the drugs, not buying the drugs."
• Natalie Jean: "I love explaining to Jeff there are certain plot points of these books."

They explore the strategic maneuvers of the protagonists, the reveal of hidden agendas, and the impending threats that loom over the characters. The discussion also touches upon Bryce's moral compass and her relentless pursuit of truth amid chaos.

Intimate Moments and Emotional Clashes (73:16 - 82:52)

The hosts delve into the intimate and emotionally charged scenes between Bryce and Hunt, analyzing their first sexual encounter and the underlying tensions that accompany their physical connection.

• Jackie Zebrowski: "They just watch something so terrible. And yet he finds her smiling at him."
• Natalie Jean: "But it's so much more than even just a kink. Like, it is a connection."

Natalie and Jackie discuss the portrayal of consent, emotional readiness, and the complexities of their relationship dynamics. They highlight how these moments contribute to character development and the overall narrative arc.

Conclusion and Teasers for Future Episodes (82:52 - End)

As the episode reaches its conclusion, Natalie and Jackie tease upcoming content, including erotica readings and further plot explorations. They reflect on the book's brutal yet romantic storytelling and express their anticipation for future developments in the series.

• Natalie Jean: "Thank usjm is what I'm saying."
• Jackie Zebrowski: "So prepare yourself, prepare your brain for it, because we're going on a wild ride."

The hosts encourage listeners to stay tuned for the next episode, promising more in-depth analyses and engaging discussions as the Crescent City saga continues to unfold.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Natalie Jean (02:14): "I love too that both of our interpretations of what the Viper Queen is, is a."
• Jackie Zebrowski (10:31): "He knows how to. Because I feel like in the same way that Hunt is so good, because he's the umbra mortis, he knows how to attack."
• Natalie Jean (23:07): "I love me some Ruhn."
• Jackie Zebrowski (44:25): "Cuz thinking of this, this is horrific."
• Natalie Jean (50:28): "I'm telling usjm is what I'm saying."
• Jackie Zebrowski (75:36): "It's going and going."

Final Thoughts

Episode 20 of LPN Deep Dives: Crescent City provides a thorough and engaging exploration of pivotal moments in Crescent City. Through their insightful analysis and relatable discussions, Natalie Jean and Jackie Zebrowski offer both newcomers and longtime fans a deeper understanding of the series' complex characters and intricate plotlines. Their ability to intertwine personal anecdotes with narrative breakdowns makes this episode a valuable addition to any Crescent City enthusiast's listening repertoire.