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This week on VHS Therapy, we pivoted. Instead of Shining Through, we revisited the 1997 sci-fi cult classic Starship Troopers — and let’s just say… this is NOT the movie we thought we were watching as teenagers.

Directed by Paul Verhoeven and based on the novel by Robert Heinlein, Starship Troopers looks like a glossy 90s action movie about humans fighting alien bugs. But on rewatch? It’s something much sharper — a satire about militarism, propaganda, meritocracy, and media manipulation.

Also… we may have let our kids watch it. Parenting fail.

🧠 What We Discuss

Why so many people missed the satire when it first came out
Fascism and meritocracy in the Federation

War as entertainment and media spectacle
The infamous co-ed shower scene and why it still feels uncomfortable

🎙️ Next Episode

We’re finally covering Shining Through next week. For real this time.

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