In this mini recap of Episode 47, we thaw out the lingering mysteries of The Thing, revisiting theories of infection, fan speculation, and the creeping paranoia that makes Carpenter’s film a lasting sci-fi horror icon. From the dog’s first lick to the shadow in Norris’s room, we dive into the forensic fandom of who got assimilated—and when.
We reflect on how real-world pandemics echo the film’s anxieties, explore crossovers with other alien universes, and revisit the science fiction roots of Who Goes There?. From viral ambiguity to vegetable-based aliens and carrot-based Halloween pranks, this episode wraps up our October horror arc with laughter, questions, and a few hypothetical Thing mash-up scenarios.
October month of horror episodes:
Episode 45: Ghosts, Graveyards, and Cats
Episode 46: Slashers
Episode 47: Who Goes There? The Thing and the Shape of Paranoia
Check out what the RHR crew is creating:
Joe:
Red Line: Chicago Horror Stories Anthology featuring a new story by Joe!
Chicago Writers Association Podcast:
Essay by Joe: From Beyond Press: Specific Knowledge: Jotham Austin, II, PhD on Transformations in Fiction
Joe explores how many calories it would take to transform into monsters across sci-fi and horror—think 222 Big Macs and tubs of Cherry Garcia.
Georgia:
Printmaking Class at Promise You ArtHouse on November 11th. Click here for Details or scan the QR code in image to register!
It’s science for Weirdos
Want to support the show? Tell your friends. Follow us on social media, Discord, share the podcast, and let us know what topics you are excited about. And to see all the content (studio images and artwork) subscribe to the Rabbit Hole of Research newsletter!
Stay curious, stay speculative, stay safe, and we’ll catch you in the next rabbit hole. Love Y'all!
Future Events to Hang with the Crew:
Nothing Scheduled.
Upcoming Episodes
Episode 48 – Perception vs. Perspective
Guest: Katie Lichte-Mullenix
Is your brain lying to you? An investigation into perception, illusion, and the neuroscience behind how reality is built—and sometimes betrayed—by our senses.
Episode 49 – The Heart of a Superhero
Guest: Rengasayee (Sai) Veeraraghavan
We crack open the anatomy of heroism—where courage, biology, and myth converge to forge the modern superhero.
Episode 50 – Gremlins and Holiday Science
Guest: Chris Guzman
A festive dive into creature chaos, thermodynamics, and why Gremlins might secretly be the smartest holiday movie ever made.
Episode 51 – Season 2 Recap: PJs and Holiday Movies
Guests: The whole Rabbit Hole crew (and whoever wants to celebrate two great seasons!)
Pull on your pajamas, pour a drink, and join us for a cozy season-ender filled with laughter, reflection, and hints of what’s brewing for Season 3.
Links, Resources, and Topics Mentioned in mini and/or full episode:
Themes and Theories Explored:
Parallels between The Thing and real-world pandemics (COVID-19, 1918 flu)
Joe’s theory: the dog licking Bennings as a possible first infection vector
Speculation on crossovers with characters like The Predator and Superman
Horror used as a metaphor for depression or grief (Movie Observance)
Use of horror to explore fear, uncertainty, and social mistrust
Books, Films, and Source Material:
Who Goes There? (1938 novella) by John W. Campbell
The Thing from Another World (1951 film)
The Thing (1982) directed by John Carpenter
The Thing (2011 prequel)
Creepy Carrots (children’s book referenced during Halloween segment)
Games and Media:
Video Game: Ghost of Yōtei – mentioned as currently being played by Nick
Film: Weapons – discussed as a recent watch; compared to Barbarian
Film: Observance – psychological horror recommended by Georgia
TV Series: Firefly – Joe is rewatching; compared to Cowboy Bebop
If we missed anything, comment or email us and we’ll get the info to you!
Love Y'all! Don’t forget to Rate the show!
