deep dive Archives - The MockingOwl Roost

September 2, 2026

Beige background with posters from 5 TV shows: Scrubs, South Park, Community, Pysch, and Futurama. TEXT: 5 of the Best TV homage episodes of all time - deep dive - Gretchen Wallett

Published by Gretchen Wallett at September 2, 2026

Television Shows Its Influence: 5 Awesome Television Homage Episodes to Watch Today

One of my favorite things about television is when a show deviates from its normal structure and does something different. These were our special episodes. These were the episodes that stuck with us long into adulthood because they took a chance or taught a lesson. These are the episodes that we talk about in groups when we reminisce.

February 17, 2026

A square image containing photographs of the 4 covers of The Sims franchise. Each is presented as if inside a clear CD case. The background features a gradient of blues and greens. The text is outlined in a thick black stroke at the bottom of the page with the genre vertically along the side. The overall feel is organized and informative. The Sims TEXT: The Sims at 25: A Retrospective on a Video Game Icon, Nereesha Patel, The Sims, The Sims 2, The Sims 3, The Sims 4, Video Game Review

Published by Nereesha Patel at February 17, 2026

The Sims at 25: A Retrospective on a Video Game Icon

In the span of 25 years, The Sims has become one of the most commercially successful and recognizable game franchises ever created. Despite its imperfections, its simming community maintains a strong presence online.

September 26, 2025

Published by Gretchen Wallett at September 26, 2025

Twin Peaks — A Love Letter

Highly praised by critics and scholars as one of the best pilot episodes of all time, it was two parts provincial and one part horrifying. We begin our journey by meeting the Martells, the local bigwig owners of the Packard Mill that processes all the lumber in the logging town.