Pop Culture Happy Hour Wicked: For Good And What’s Making Us Happy
42 snips
Nov 21, 2025 
Waylon Wong, co-host of NPR's The Indicator, and Travell Anderson, journalist and host of Seated, dive into the magical world of Wicked: For Good. They discuss the film's emotional highs, standout performances by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, and how cinematic elements enhance the storytelling. The duo critiques character development and the political themes compared to the original novel, exploring the balance of personal narratives against the backdrop of wickedness. Plus, they share what’s making them happy, from a Disney pianist to a heartwarming dog rescue account.
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Sequel Expands Scope But Faces Comparison
- Wicked: For Good continues the Wizard of Oz prequel and expands the story with more songs and spectacle.
- The film aims to match the first installment's emotional and production highs while asking whether it justifies being a separate movie.
Performances Rescue Structural Flaws
- Waylon Wong felt the sequel justified its existence largely through standout performances and emotional peaks.
- She noted Glinda's character development remained a lingering problem despite the film's strengths.
Three Viewings And A Fresh Perspective
- Travell Anderson admitted he didn't know the stage source before seeing the first movie and then fell in love with the films.
- He rewatched Wicked for Good three times and praised how film can do things a stage production cannot.
