This episode explores the characteristics and history of disaster movies. The hosts, Josh and Chuck, begin by debating the genre's definition, highlighting the ambiguity in classifying films like *Speed* and *The Birds*. Against this backdrop, they delve into defining characteristics, such as the scale of the disaster, the ongoing nature of the crisis, and the stereotypical characters often portrayed. More significantly, the discussion touches upon the problematic representation of women and African-American characters in the genre, acknowledging the historical trope of Black characters dying early. For instance, the hosts discuss the evolution of disaster movie tropes, from the simplistic moral categories of characters to the recurring "guy in the chair" archetype. The conversation then traces the genre's history, from early films like *Deluge* to the Irwin Allen-produced 70s boom and its subsequent decline, marked by films like *The Swarm*. Finally, the episode examines the 90s resurgence fueled by CGI advancements and the emergence of films like *Twister* and *Independence Day*, concluding with a discussion of the 2010s and beyond, where the genre continues to evolve, incorporating both high-brow and more schlocky entries.
