An exhausted Michael Ian Black, Southern Gentleman Esq. continues to explore the similarities between Heathcliff and Big Buddy. Meanwhile, Heathcliff conspires with Nelly to visit his beloved, the wild-eyed Catherine Linton. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Happy Birthday American author Emily Bronte!More celebration at https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblackSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Well, Michael had a couple of adventures. Also, there's more porridge talk in this episode than perhaps in any HERETOFORE!!! More PORRIDGE than you can shake a THIBLE at! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Just as with Frankenstein, now we've got stories nested in stories. In this episode, Isabella writes a letter to Mrs. Dean, who reads it to Lockwood, who relates it to us. Fine. Also, Michael FINALLY reveals the name of the GAME SHOW he is about to appear on!!! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When the circumstances of the world are not to your liking, what do you do? Well, you find a whole other one. Michael has certainly been contemplating finding one, and our friend Catherine has done gone and found herself one as well. His delusions take him to Denmark, hers to the grave. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While Catherine foretells her own demise, to whom shall we assign blame? Society, of course! The mistress of Thrushcross Grange remains in a state of delirium. Days of hunger and stress continue to bespoil the raving lass while her stammering hubby looks on, helpless. Hopefully, somebody dies soon. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mrs. Linton and Michael both experience a psychological break. Both are costly. Not costly? Supporting the show! https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblackSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Your humble narrator was supposed to be in Rome this week, but circumstances beyond his control have conspired to leave him stuck in sultry Savannah. But, the bella vita lives within him regardless of his surroundings, just as it does all of you. Also: Catherine is being a dick. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Michael spent the weekend at The Breakers of Palm Beach Island with the wifey and his friend Meghan McCain. At the less grand Thrushcross Grange, man's inhumanity to man continues to gallop unimpeded over the lives of the Hindley and Linton clans. But in a fun way. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Monsters abound, one after the other, on the cursed American moors. Even poor baby Hareton has grown fangs, not to mention a wicked pitching arm. The biggest goblin of all, though, is Heathcliff. Who cares if he's literature's favorite bad boy - he sucks.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Look, nobody's coming to Obscure for Michael's hot takes on gun control, but of course he's going to give them to you anyway. Because he's a rebel! Anyway, another mass shooting and another round of hand-wringing followed by another round of doing absolutely nothing. So, just another day in America. Meanwhile, trouble continues brewing over there on Thrushcross Grange, and he'll tell you what - the book would've been a lot shorter if they'd all been armed because they would've shot each other in the first 50 pages. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Seems like a funny title for a sitcom where Heathcliff comes home to find his old flame Catherine now married to a different fella. Lots of hijinks and fun sexcapades. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Michael's not saying saying Catherine and Edgar are the worst couple, but they're not great. But he'll tell you what is great: Werther's Sugar Free Butterscotch Hard Candies. Tremendous. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Each one of these characters is worse than the last. Not a redeeming quality in any of them, and that's just the way Michael likes it! More bad behavior herein, more trouble, plus some unexpected deaths. No brioche required, but certainly encouraged. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A special live to tape episode of Obscure, as Michael recounts his trip to the dump that is Brooklyn and associated poker tripping. Meanwhile, Catherine pours out her heart to Nelly and the heavens give their opinion as to the state of affairs at Wuthering Heights. Want more live, unedited rantings? https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblackSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Some exciting news on the pants front, plus more child abuse! If you're into the maltreatment of the young, this is the episode for you. Plus: sneezing! Sneezing and more at http://patreon.com/michaelianblackSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Some thoughts on Louis CK winning a Grammy, and Catherine has an absolute freak out. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ah, delicious Diet Coke, fizzy and delectable Diet Coke. Michael's been drinking a lot of it, and he know it's poison but who says poison can't be delicious? Nobody, that's who. In the world of Wuthering Heights, we're still catching up on the childhood miseries of Heathcliff. Not for nothing, but if only he'd had a cold can of Diet Coke, maybe things would've worked out a little bit better. Get a lifetime supply of Diet Coke at https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblackSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A little bit of present account taking, an audio sorbet. A check-in from a mid-priced hotel in Rochester, NY.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Haven't we all known some troublemaker kid who's always finding themselves on the wrong side of adult rules? Well, that's our Heathcliff. Poor, maladjusted, orphaned Heathcliff. All he did is smash a tureen of hot apple sauce on some kid's face and all of the sudden he's locked in the garrett and beaten. For shame. Well, Cathy's not having it. And neither is Michael. AND NEITHER IS MICHAEL!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Oh, what mischief comes from dirty and petulant boys. Heck Michael wrote a whole book about it. Well, trouble is afoot on the moors and elsewhere in our own times. Beware the too-clean kitchen, I say. Support the show at https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblackSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Michael's boy Elijah turned 21 this week, and he celebrated him with fine Southern dining and a peachy cocktail. On the American estate of Wuthering Heights, Heathcliff is, yet again, an object of abuse and scorn, just as we like him. Get yer bonus content at https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tension continues to grow at Wuthering Heights when Hindley Earnshaw returns to mourn his father with a "half silly" wife in tow.  Where did she come from? What the hell even is her name? Michael's and his own half silly wife return to their own haunted mansion, having just ventured into the Blue Ridge Mountains for a short vay-cay. Join us for book club at https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblackSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mrs. Dean, now with a subtler funny voice, continues to tell the tale of the Earnshaw children and their ward, Heathcliff. Plus, an update on Michael's tooth and tales of woe and carnage on the poker floor. Michael Ian Black reads Wuthering Heights. Book club membership and more at https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblackSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A pot roast disaster and a sauna mishap in today's episode. PLUS, Michael continues to unspool the origin of our beloved Heathcliff, AND Chapter Four concludes with a hint of mayhem and deception yet to come!Catch all the mayhem with early episodes and bonus content at https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblackSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lockwood perks up (coffee pun), as he begins to tease out the complicated family history of Heathcliff and his kin. Trouble brews (coffee pun)! Do you have the beans to listen (coffee pun)? Sanka (name of old coffee brand)!No puns allowed at https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblackSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Michael got a Hitlerian haircut and nearly broke his finger. Over in the American town of Thrushcross Grange, Lockwood continues to chip away at the icy exterior of Heathcliff. Life at the Heights is a tangled mess. Michael Ian Black reads Wuthering Heights. Get episodes early and ad free at https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblackSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A plea to authors: never include dreams in your books. They're boring, overtly symbolic, never advance the plot, and take us out of the story. Somebody describing a dream in a book is equivalent to somebody describing a dream in life - boring. SPOILER ALERT: this episode continues a dream. Michael Ian Black reads Wuthering Heights. More fun stuff + access to the book club at https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblackSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Michael Ian Black reads Wuthering Heights, and the mystery deepens as Lockwood, stranded by storm, finds himself a little sleeping pod. Inside, evidence of a former resident. Also, Michael saw some dolphins!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Recorded at Christmas, and Michael's not a fan. He doesn't like anything about it, save the Christmas goose. Not the ritualized gift giving or the hauling in of trees or the decorating of said tree or the various holiday obligations. And, as always Michael Ian Black reads Wuthering Heights.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Michael Ian Black reads Wuthering Heights.In this episode, Lockwood is making himself a real bother at Wuthering Heights. We've got, NEW CHARACTERS! FUNNY ACCENTS! ANNOYING DOGS! It's got everything! Plus, the phrase "corrugated forehead," which Michael rather enjoyed. Kudos to Emily Bronte.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're off and funning! It's a brand new season of Obscure. New book, new author, no Samantha! Michael Ian Black mansplains literature. "Episode 0" and other great bonus content can be found at https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblackSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Michael Ian Black finishes Mary Shelley's Frankenstein!It's been a long - perhaps too long - tale spanning continents, but it now ends. What will come of Big Buddy? Walton? What about Mrs. Saville sitting there in Londontown reading her brother's lengthy letters? And, ultimately, what will become of each of us and our creations? To what do we owe that which we have made and what do our creations owe to us? A lot to contemplate as we finish our second book here on Obscure. If you liked this season, support us and get Michael's continuing bonus content at https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblackSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. And we're almost there! The boat is surrounded by ice, Frankenstein is near death, mutiny is at hand, and Michael has a canker sore. More at https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblackSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Death approaches. But whose? When? What? The spirits of the dead are speaking to Victor Frankenstein, and Walton is speaking to Margaret, and Michael speaking to you from the Haunted Mansion, and soon all will be complete. Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. More at https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblackSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Michael bought himself a mighty sword and spent the last few days unleashing total destruction. Plus he complains more about his dogs. And of course, continues to read Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. More at https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblackSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Suddenly this book turns into something of an action/thriller, which is great! Victor is not HELLBENT on hunting down on the cursed Big Buddy. Michael Ian Black continues to read Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. More at https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblackSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Poor Elizabeth is dead, and Victor must decide his course of action. Will it be vengeance? Or will it be more emo shoe scuffing and whining? Michael Ian Black continues to read Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. More at https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblackSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

At long last, poor Elizabeth meets her end. Michael continues to whine about everything and read's Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblackSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's the first truly Georgian episode of Obscure and things are not going well. The air is thick, the Haunted Mansion is in chaos, and Michael's copy of Frankenstein has gone missing. An inauspicious start for this new chapter of life. For the first time we cannot say Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.But if you crave more Obscure, visit https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblackSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As the Jill Schwartz Memorial Library gets packed away, Victor contemplates his future married life with his sister/cousin and vows to protect her at all costs. As always, Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. There's bonus content at patreon.com/michaelianblackSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

So much bloviating you won't believe it! So much grasping at thematic straws! So much gnashing of teeth! Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. There's so much more at patreon.com/michaelianblackSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Michael Ian Black continues reading Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Victor Frankenstein once again contemplates all his sordid choices and throws another damn pity party, and Michael makes it clear that he will not be participating in his wife's tag sale. For bonus content & book club chat go to https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblackSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Victor languishes in gaol after being charged with the murder of Henry Clerval, and Michael languishes in the wilds of Connecticut feeling unsettled after a trip to The Haunted Mansion. Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Support us at https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblackSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ruminating on trucks and the trucking life as Victah Frankenstein finds himself imprisoned for a SHOCKING crime. Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. There's more at https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblackSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Michael always liked Buck Henry, who he briefly mentions in this episode. He just seemed like a dry, funny guy who didn't take himself too seriously, as evidenced by his performance in, "The Player," in which he pitches "The Graduate 2." There's really no reason for us to be discussing Buck Henry at any length in the description but why not have a little homage for a terrific American comic voice.And, as always, Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.Get more at https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblackSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This whole season is about creation...its possibilities and limits. There's no more appropriate Frankensteinian holiday than Father's Day. Obviously mothers do a lot more creating than fathers, but Mary's book focuses on big M and little M men, and so we acknowledge them today. Frankenstein reading continues.https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblackSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In which Michael, your humble host, ruminates on ex nihilo creation and also the band Kiss. And he get annoyed all over again at the book. Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblackSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.