Unwinnable
@unwinnable.com
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Let the lights guide you to a peaceful 2026. The first Exploits of the year includes micro criticism on topics like Andor and Yerin Baek plus our monthly horoscope.
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Read @lizardrock.bsky.social's essay on character creation: buff.ly/SJHPfOI
Buy: buff.ly/ntaZX8t
Subscribe: buff.ly/fMT3UIA
Read @lizardrock.bsky.social's essay on character creation: buff.ly/SJHPfOI
ICYMI: "This show is so skilled at spelling out a whole lifetime of character without too much exposition."
@nochshorn.bsky.social watches Mad Men S1E3 and S1E4:
@nochshorn.bsky.social watches Mad Men S1E3 and S1E4:
THAT’S WHAT THE BLOG IS FOR! Mad Men S1E3–S1E4 - Unwinnable
Betty is in the way of Don getting what he wants. Betty is the threat.
unwinnable.com
January 10, 2026 at 7:01 PM
ICYMI: "This show is so skilled at spelling out a whole lifetime of character without too much exposition."
@nochshorn.bsky.social watches Mad Men S1E3 and S1E4:
@nochshorn.bsky.social watches Mad Men S1E3 and S1E4:
ICYMI: "Homecoming oftentimes grapples with questions of how agency is constricted by societal notions of obedience."
@phoenixwritesdown.bsky.social analyzes Silent Hill Homecoming's Scarlet and her story:
@phoenixwritesdown.bsky.social analyzes Silent Hill Homecoming's Scarlet and her story:
Fragile Traditions - Unwinnable
Porcelain as a material metaphor is a way to emphasize not just legacy, but the hands-on and time-consuming craft that creates objects of precious worth.
unwinnable.com
January 10, 2026 at 6:00 PM
ICYMI: "Homecoming oftentimes grapples with questions of how agency is constricted by societal notions of obedience."
@phoenixwritesdown.bsky.social analyzes Silent Hill Homecoming's Scarlet and her story:
@phoenixwritesdown.bsky.social analyzes Silent Hill Homecoming's Scarlet and her story:
Reposted by Unwinnable
This is nicely written.
"Homecoming oftentimes grapples with questions of how agency is constricted by societal notions of obedience."
@phoenixwritesdown.bsky.social analyzes Silent Hill Homecoming's Scarlet and her story:
@phoenixwritesdown.bsky.social analyzes Silent Hill Homecoming's Scarlet and her story:
Fragile Traditions - Unwinnable
Porcelain as a material metaphor is a way to emphasize not just legacy, but the hands-on and time-consuming craft that creates objects of precious worth.
unwinnable.com
January 10, 2026 at 7:16 AM
This is nicely written.
Reposted by Unwinnable
Replayed Homecoming for the first time since high school. Realized there was a lot to unpack. Scarlet was my favourite boss and haunting sequence this time around, so this piece focuses on her and why her haunting was particularly gripping for me.
"Homecoming oftentimes grapples with questions of how agency is constricted by societal notions of obedience."
@phoenixwritesdown.bsky.social analyzes Silent Hill Homecoming's Scarlet and her story:
@phoenixwritesdown.bsky.social analyzes Silent Hill Homecoming's Scarlet and her story:
Fragile Traditions - Unwinnable
Porcelain as a material metaphor is a way to emphasize not just legacy, but the hands-on and time-consuming craft that creates objects of precious worth.
unwinnable.com
January 10, 2026 at 2:21 AM
Replayed Homecoming for the first time since high school. Realized there was a lot to unpack. Scarlet was my favourite boss and haunting sequence this time around, so this piece focuses on her and why her haunting was particularly gripping for me.
"This show is so skilled at spelling out a whole lifetime of character without too much exposition."
@nochshorn.bsky.social watches Mad Men S1E3 and S1E4:
@nochshorn.bsky.social watches Mad Men S1E3 and S1E4:
THAT’S WHAT THE BLOG IS FOR! Mad Men S1E3–S1E4 - Unwinnable
Betty is in the way of Don getting what he wants. Betty is the threat.
unwinnable.com
January 10, 2026 at 1:00 AM
"This show is so skilled at spelling out a whole lifetime of character without too much exposition."
@nochshorn.bsky.social watches Mad Men S1E3 and S1E4:
@nochshorn.bsky.social watches Mad Men S1E3 and S1E4:
"Homecoming oftentimes grapples with questions of how agency is constricted by societal notions of obedience."
@phoenixwritesdown.bsky.social analyzes Silent Hill Homecoming's Scarlet and her story:
@phoenixwritesdown.bsky.social analyzes Silent Hill Homecoming's Scarlet and her story:
Fragile Traditions - Unwinnable
Porcelain as a material metaphor is a way to emphasize not just legacy, but the hands-on and time-consuming craft that creates objects of precious worth.
unwinnable.com
January 10, 2026 at 12:00 AM
"Homecoming oftentimes grapples with questions of how agency is constricted by societal notions of obedience."
@phoenixwritesdown.bsky.social analyzes Silent Hill Homecoming's Scarlet and her story:
@phoenixwritesdown.bsky.social analyzes Silent Hill Homecoming's Scarlet and her story:
ICYMI: "As a certified Ugly American, I watched Saga of the Phoenix the way a person like me is supposed to watch something like this: out of order, and with almost no idea what’s going on."
@orringrey.com reviews the 1990 film Saga of the Phoenix:
@orringrey.com reviews the 1990 film Saga of the Phoenix:
Life in the Human World is Far from Perfect: Watching Saga of the Phoenix (1989) Without Knowing What’s Going On - Unwinnable
The Hell Virgin is actually a pretty good-natured sort.
buff.ly
January 9, 2026 at 7:02 PM
ICYMI: "As a certified Ugly American, I watched Saga of the Phoenix the way a person like me is supposed to watch something like this: out of order, and with almost no idea what’s going on."
@orringrey.com reviews the 1990 film Saga of the Phoenix:
@orringrey.com reviews the 1990 film Saga of the Phoenix:
ICYMI: "It’s only with art, made by tireless human beings striving to make meaning out of our existence, that we can start to make sense of it all."
@unabridgedgamer.bsky.social shares the pieces of media that got him through 2025:
@unabridgedgamer.bsky.social shares the pieces of media that got him through 2025:
How Art Helped Me in 2025 - Unwinnable
We might not even realize it as it happens, but what we engage with shapes us.
unwinnable.com
January 9, 2026 at 6:03 PM
ICYMI: "It’s only with art, made by tireless human beings striving to make meaning out of our existence, that we can start to make sense of it all."
@unabridgedgamer.bsky.social shares the pieces of media that got him through 2025:
@unabridgedgamer.bsky.social shares the pieces of media that got him through 2025:
"As a certified Ugly American, I watched Saga of the Phoenix the way a person like me is supposed to watch something like this: out of order, and with almost no idea what’s going on."
@orringrey.com reviews the 1990 film Saga of the Phoenix:
@orringrey.com reviews the 1990 film Saga of the Phoenix:
Life in the Human World is Far from Perfect: Watching Saga of the Phoenix (1989) Without Knowing What’s Going On - Unwinnable
The Hell Virgin is actually a pretty good-natured sort.
unwinnable.com
January 9, 2026 at 1:00 AM
"As a certified Ugly American, I watched Saga of the Phoenix the way a person like me is supposed to watch something like this: out of order, and with almost no idea what’s going on."
@orringrey.com reviews the 1990 film Saga of the Phoenix:
@orringrey.com reviews the 1990 film Saga of the Phoenix:
Reposted by Unwinnable
My last piece of 2025, available to read now in... 2026. It time traveled!
"It’s only with art, made by tireless human beings striving to make meaning out of our existence, that we can start to make sense of it all."
@unabridgedgamer.bsky.social shares the pieces of media that got him through 2025:
@unabridgedgamer.bsky.social shares the pieces of media that got him through 2025:
How Art Helped Me in 2025 - Unwinnable
We might not even realize it as it happens, but what we engage with shapes us.
unwinnable.com
January 9, 2026 at 12:14 AM
My last piece of 2025, available to read now in... 2026. It time traveled!
"It’s only with art, made by tireless human beings striving to make meaning out of our existence, that we can start to make sense of it all."
@unabridgedgamer.bsky.social shares the pieces of media that got him through 2025:
@unabridgedgamer.bsky.social shares the pieces of media that got him through 2025:
How Art Helped Me in 2025 - Unwinnable
We might not even realize it as it happens, but what we engage with shapes us.
unwinnable.com
January 9, 2026 at 12:00 AM
"It’s only with art, made by tireless human beings striving to make meaning out of our existence, that we can start to make sense of it all."
@unabridgedgamer.bsky.social shares the pieces of media that got him through 2025:
@unabridgedgamer.bsky.social shares the pieces of media that got him through 2025:
Reposted by Unwinnable
This is a really good reason to subscribe.
In even more concrete terms, if you sign up at the moment, you'll get 12 issues of Unwinnable Monthly and 12 issues of Exploits entirely free, and that should distract you from doomscrolling for at LEAST one whole day, probably two.
January 8, 2026 at 5:34 PM
This is a really good reason to subscribe.
Reposted by Unwinnable
Unwinnable rules.
I've resolved to be more energetic in promoting Unwinnable this year. Stories deserve to be read! Readers deserve thoughtful stories! These things should be bullshit-free!
In more measurable terms, I'd like to get a new subscriber for every day of 2026.
So, ahem: unwinnable.com/subscribe/
In more measurable terms, I'd like to get a new subscriber for every day of 2026.
So, ahem: unwinnable.com/subscribe/
January 8, 2026 at 5:33 PM
Unwinnable rules.
Reposted by Unwinnable
unwinnable could be even better if you subscribe. Yes that is a threat
I've resolved to be more energetic in promoting Unwinnable this year. Stories deserve to be read! Readers deserve thoughtful stories! These things should be bullshit-free!
In more measurable terms, I'd like to get a new subscriber for every day of 2026.
So, ahem: unwinnable.com/subscribe/
In more measurable terms, I'd like to get a new subscriber for every day of 2026.
So, ahem: unwinnable.com/subscribe/
January 8, 2026 at 5:52 PM
unwinnable could be even better if you subscribe. Yes that is a threat
Reposted by Unwinnable
In even more concrete terms, if you sign up at the moment, you'll get 12 issues of Unwinnable Monthly and 12 issues of Exploits entirely free, and that should distract you from doomscrolling for at LEAST one whole day, probably two.
January 8, 2026 at 5:31 PM
In even more concrete terms, if you sign up at the moment, you'll get 12 issues of Unwinnable Monthly and 12 issues of Exploits entirely free, and that should distract you from doomscrolling for at LEAST one whole day, probably two.
Reposted by Unwinnable
I've resolved to be more energetic in promoting Unwinnable this year. Stories deserve to be read! Readers deserve thoughtful stories! These things should be bullshit-free!
In more measurable terms, I'd like to get a new subscriber for every day of 2026.
So, ahem: unwinnable.com/subscribe/
In more measurable terms, I'd like to get a new subscriber for every day of 2026.
So, ahem: unwinnable.com/subscribe/
January 8, 2026 at 5:31 PM
I've resolved to be more energetic in promoting Unwinnable this year. Stories deserve to be read! Readers deserve thoughtful stories! These things should be bullshit-free!
In more measurable terms, I'd like to get a new subscriber for every day of 2026.
So, ahem: unwinnable.com/subscribe/
In more measurable terms, I'd like to get a new subscriber for every day of 2026.
So, ahem: unwinnable.com/subscribe/
Reposted by Unwinnable
Will you regret watching Saga of the Phoenix (1989), I ask over at @unwinnable.com. The answer? Maybe a little, but not as much as you might have heard - assuming you've heard of it at all.
Life in the Human World is Far from Perfect: Watching Saga of the Phoenix (1989) Without Knowing What’s Going On - Unwinnable
The Hell Virgin is actually a pretty good-natured sort.
unwinnable.com
January 8, 2026 at 6:54 PM
Will you regret watching Saga of the Phoenix (1989), I ask over at @unwinnable.com. The answer? Maybe a little, but not as much as you might have heard - assuming you've heard of it at all.
IYCMI: "Even for the Rebellion, people can be tools."
Benjamin Blattberg compares the Empire and Rebellion's treatment of people in Andor:
Benjamin Blattberg compares the Empire and Rebellion's treatment of people in Andor:
Andor (Again) - Unwinnable
The Rebellion remembers.
unwinnable.com
January 8, 2026 at 7:01 PM
IYCMI: "Even for the Rebellion, people can be tools."
Benjamin Blattberg compares the Empire and Rebellion's treatment of people in Andor:
Benjamin Blattberg compares the Empire and Rebellion's treatment of people in Andor:
ICYMI: "But idea is just a fraction of the battle, as Adaptation confronts over and over."
@chiltonm.bsky.social compares the book The Orchid Thief with its related metatextual film Adaptation:
@chiltonm.bsky.social compares the book The Orchid Thief with its related metatextual film Adaptation:
Bad Good Ideas - Unwinnable
I am on board, conceptually, with Adaptation's ambition.
unwinnable.com
January 8, 2026 at 6:02 PM
ICYMI: "But idea is just a fraction of the battle, as Adaptation confronts over and over."
@chiltonm.bsky.social compares the book The Orchid Thief with its related metatextual film Adaptation:
@chiltonm.bsky.social compares the book The Orchid Thief with its related metatextual film Adaptation:
Reposted by Unwinnable
(also, just for comparison, you can read my andor piece here: unwinnable.com/2025/11/03/a... )
Andor - Unwinnable
You are never safe from Imperial disposability.
unwinnable.com
January 8, 2026 at 2:39 AM
(also, just for comparison, you can read my andor piece here: unwinnable.com/2025/11/03/a... )
Reposted by Unwinnable
(yeah I'm biased because of this opening paragraph 😭)
Benjamin's piece is really good though I swear!
Benjamin's piece is really good though I swear!
January 8, 2026 at 2:24 AM
(yeah I'm biased because of this opening paragraph 😭)
Benjamin's piece is really good though I swear!
Benjamin's piece is really good though I swear!
"Even for the Rebellion, people can be tools."
Benjamin Blattberg compares the Empire and Rebellion's treatment of people in Andor:
Benjamin Blattberg compares the Empire and Rebellion's treatment of people in Andor:
Andor (Again) - Unwinnable
The Rebellion remembers.
unwinnable.com
January 8, 2026 at 2:00 AM
"Even for the Rebellion, people can be tools."
Benjamin Blattberg compares the Empire and Rebellion's treatment of people in Andor:
Benjamin Blattberg compares the Empire and Rebellion's treatment of people in Andor:
"But idea is just a fraction of the battle, as Adaptation confronts over and over."
@chiltonm.bsky.social compares the book The Orchid Thief with its related metatextual film Adaptation:
@chiltonm.bsky.social compares the book The Orchid Thief with its related metatextual film Adaptation:
Bad Good Ideas - Unwinnable
I am on board, conceptually, with Adaptation's ambition.
unwinnable.com
January 8, 2026 at 1:30 AM
"But idea is just a fraction of the battle, as Adaptation confronts over and over."
@chiltonm.bsky.social compares the book The Orchid Thief with its related metatextual film Adaptation:
@chiltonm.bsky.social compares the book The Orchid Thief with its related metatextual film Adaptation:
ICYMI: "Here are six games that flew under the radar that I would recommend, or at least interested me to spend time with."
@emilyprice.bsky.social shares her indie game sampler for 2025:
@emilyprice.bsky.social shares her indie game sampler for 2025:
Indie Sampler 2025 - Unwinnable
Was this just an excuse to demonstrate how many indie games I played this year? Anyway.
unwinnable.com
January 7, 2026 at 6:03 PM
ICYMI: "Here are six games that flew under the radar that I would recommend, or at least interested me to spend time with."
@emilyprice.bsky.social shares her indie game sampler for 2025:
@emilyprice.bsky.social shares her indie game sampler for 2025:
Reposted by Unwinnable
A few months ago, I was published for the first time - thanks @unwinnable.com! I'm still very proud of this piece that touches on the portrayal of faith, deification, technological "progress", solidarity, and music found in this charming masterpiece of a game.
"For Pharloom’s past, present, and future, faith functions as an omnipresent mediator, embodied and exploited in varied ways depending on the social position of its interlocutors."
Christopher Spina examines the various facets of faith in Hollow Knight: Silksong:
Christopher Spina examines the various facets of faith in Hollow Knight: Silksong:
On Faith, Eternity, and Impossibility in Hollow Knight: Silksong’s Pharloom: A Symptomatic Reading - Unwinnable
For those residing in the Underworks, faith only serves to ensure obedience to the system of oppression.
unwinnable.com
January 7, 2026 at 4:18 PM
A few months ago, I was published for the first time - thanks @unwinnable.com! I'm still very proud of this piece that touches on the portrayal of faith, deification, technological "progress", solidarity, and music found in this charming masterpiece of a game.