Spoiler Specials: The Hunger Games Prequel: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
On the Spoiler Special podcast, Slate critics discuss movies, the occasional TV show, and, once in a blue moon, another podcast, in full spoiler-filled detail. We have a very special episode this week! Sam Adams is joined by Laura Miller to discuss the new Hunger Games prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Suzanne Collins\u2019 new novel explores President Snow\u2019s origin and descent into one dimensional villainy seen in the Hunger Games trilogy. The story departs from the YA dystopian genre that Collins\u2019 trilogy helped shape. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a more sophisticated, philosophical examination of human nature and the battle of nature versus nurture. How does Coriolanus Snow regain the power and money his family lost during the war? What is his role in the spectacularization of the Hunger Games? What can The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes teach readers about the realities of living in a surveillance state?\xa0\n\nYou can read Laura Miller\u2019s review here.\xa0\nYou can also read Lara Miller\u2019s explanation of the unusual names in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes here.\n\nSlate Plus members get ad-free podcasts and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens\u2019 classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work.\n\nYou can also check out past Spoiler Specials, and you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts. Note: As the title indicates, spoilers galore.\n\nEmail us at spoilers@slate.com.\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices