Chapter 37-1: Balance of Power

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Originally Posted by Litmaster

Ok, we have to nip this in the bud. After careful research, I believe the Zed said one of the following:

"Hi, tough guy"
"Wanna try some apple pie?"
"You're lucky you can drive!"
"Hey, wanna get high?"
"I'm breaking out in hives!"
"What is that, tie dye?" (in ref. to the ABU's)
"You wouldn't believe my sex drive!"
"I've got a glass eye!"
"This attack took a nose dive..."
"What are you, a wise guy?"
"I'm having problems with my hard drive."
"I'd kill for a french fry"
"Long live Versailles!" (maybe he was a French Zed!)
"O.K.... who wants potatoes with chives?"

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"I like French Fries."

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Originally Posted by Duffusmonkey

The zombie says "We're Alive"

http://podcastnerd.com/Zombies_Alive.mp3

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Oh, boy that's hard to tell even after listening a few times.

So what I did was downloaded your link and cleaned it up a little and amplified it, sounds like "Die, (a)live, die" to me. The word "die" does seem to be there, but it might be because of what Victor says before he shoots the zed.

it could well be, "check out this Tieeeeeee" a little one taking fashion tips from stripey suit guy

Sigh... I forgot about about the Live Eps effect. A new eps is out and I have to read through 10 pages of posts. Guys, I have sleep from time to time.

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Originally Posted by UndeadSweeper

Sigh... I forgot about about the Live Eps effect. A new eps is out and I have to read through 10 pages of posts. Guys, I have sleep from time to time.

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Pffftt! You'll get all the sleep you need when you're dead... Unless you become undead. Then your tired ass will just have to run around looking for people to eat!

Wow I have my life interrupt forum posting for one day and this happens. 17 pages later, so CJ's not done yet. That's what I believe anyway. She's way too vital to the story (and Kc if you kill her off just to spite me I will be very sad, especially since I'm still reeling from the Kalani thing), she knows where all of the safe houses are and is the only who knows the combo to the safe back in dunbar's library.
Burt will eventually get his retribution. He has to. I still have problems listening to that torture scene, so he will most likely be the one to kill Scratch (eventually).
As for the cover art, I don't think the colony will be standing much longer, and if it does, Saul won't leave. He will make Lizzie stay and he will stay to protect her. The art could be what people are thinking (a disagreement between soldiers and colonists, or another wave of them).

Unrelated things that have been stirring in my brain since my latest re-listen. (1) Michael calls them zombies in chptr 36. Does this mean we can officially classify We're Alive as a zombie story? (2) the CJ/Saul/Lizzie issue will definitely cause some tension most likely leading to CJ telling Saul to leave with Lizzie. (3 and most hilariously) Kc you need to make this happen, seriously. Saul, Victor, Puck, and Muldoon in the same conversation/mission.

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Originally Posted by clem131

I am a bit concerned by the fact that the "and this is now" line is not there, AND no one mentioned it.

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Oh wow. I totally didn't catch that the first time through. I'm not sure that the mission "This is now" part matters much though. It's pretty much implied. I guess if you really wanted to analyze it to death, (that is what we do here after all) you could say that at first Michael didn't fear death, then the outbreak started and he found something to fear, but now he's moved past being afraid and is ready to fight back.
I think it's the tone of his voice that's the most important thing though. He sounds angry and fed up. He's ready to stop running and fight back.

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Originally Posted by awkwardalex

Yes Amy is the one who handed him the shovel and then said, "My names Amy, remeber me."

Looks like Michael didn't. I agree when I figured out she was bit I was like, "A buh bye!"

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Oh crap I totally forgot about that.

Pheww came home from work, and had about 20/30 forum pages to read.. I just love reading all these speculations on whats going to happen. Good thing Puck is back in this season, on of the best new characters from last season.

Altough Datu is kinda funny, I do hope he aint get used mainly for adding some funny scenes to the story, he deserves more!

Just my two cents, but the title "Balance of power" also describes pretty well that Ink - besides his very efficient zombie forces strategic megalomanical resource micro management - has been not only defeated but severely crippled regarding his troops. I guess that we will not see him again soon.

However who is this soldier lying around on the cover art of the episode?

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Originally Posted by YetAnotherBloodyCheek

However who is this soldier lying around on the cover art of the episode?

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My gut tells me it's Private Carl (and I have a very impressive gut).....

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Originally Posted by scbubba

My gut tells me it's Private Carl (and I have a very impressive gut).....

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I thought it was the former leader of the Maller. The blood seem to be coming from his gut.....

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Originally Posted by UndeadSweeper

I thought it was the former leader of the Maller. The blood seem to be coming from his gut.....

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Except the guy on the cover art appears to be in uniform.

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Originally Posted by clem131

I am a bit concerned by the fact that the "and this is now" line is not there, AND no one mentioned it. This plus the change in music really helps in setting this season apart.

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so "This is now."

as in, this is where he starts "going over it back from the beginning" or something?

or maybe it's just a 'fill in the blank' line for all of us that finished his catchphrase.

either way, i'm pumped for this season!

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Originally Posted by MrRedBeard

Except the guy on the cover art appears to be in uniform.

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I was that think too, but I don't remember if we ever got a description of him. In my mind, I thought of him as a guy who would still be wearing a prison uniform as a badge of honor.

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Originally Posted by Duffusmonkey

The zombie says "We're Alive"

http://podcastnerd.com/Zombies_Alive.mp3

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I brought this up in the We're Not Dead #55 thread, does anyone think it possible that this zombie was saying We're Alive in part because he could have recognized Michael from the Tower, the Tower had the Banner draped across it for some time didn't it?

Just an idea I had as I am highly against the notion that there is any human life form left in them things.

... but... but... I like Carl. He cannot die, scbubba!

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Originally Posted by YetAnotherBloodyCheek

However who is this soldier lying around on the cover art of the episode?

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I'm betting on Micheal. Looks like the same guy in chapter 29 cover art. Perhaps something goes wrong with the chloroform.

On a separate unerelates note. Auto correct on my phone just tried to write perhaps as "Earth apes".

I love how Blaire reads the openeing sponsor for Audible.com . "...more books than you can get through in your first lifetime."

uh...in your FIRST lifetime! Lol, Buddhism much Blaire? haha I loved it.

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Originally Posted by Robzombie

I love how Blaire reads the openeing sponsor for Audible.com . "...more books than you can get through in your first lifetime."

uh...in your FIRST lifetime! Lol, Buddhism much Blaire? haha I loved it.

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or... "Earth apes" (@pmchawk) she could be implying that once you're bitten and you turn that you then download more books from audible to wile away your afterlife once TOWTM has had his use of you.

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Originally Posted by Arch_Will

or... "Earth apes" (@pmchawk) she could be implying that once you're bitten and you turn that you then download more books from audible to wile away your afterlife once TOWTM has had his use of you.

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Great, now I think that ADLO #1 was said "Audible" all along......

YES!! So glad to have you back, new and fresh in my ear holes. Is there something to Michael not finishing his intro: 'That was then,' would normally end with 'And this is now'. Has the whole series been Michael's journal recap? I guess since the Chapter last season where he pieces together Saul's story after seeing the Blackhawk land in LA. I love the new classical version on the intro song too. And who exactly is face down in the cover art? I was thinking Michael. Could be puck though too. Especially as cocky as he is shooting from the truck. And the little one basically giving them the big Fuck You before Michael shot it in the head. SO excited for the coming story. Just so happy right now. (Breaks down in tears)

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Originally Posted by IamPaul

Is there something to Michael not finishing his intro: 'That was then,' would normally end with 'And this is now'. Has the whole series been Michael's journal recap?

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I was wondering what was up with that too. I found myself finishing his line because I don't link things to be incomplete. Then I started wondering if the person reading the journal in the future was re-capping that line in emotion.

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Originally Posted by MrRedBeard

I was wondering what was up with that too. I found myself finishing his line because I don't link things to be incomplete. Then I started wondering if the person reading the journal in the future was re-capping that line in emotion.

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I did the same thing. Also going to check out your podcast. Always like podcasts outside of the "Group". I listen to multiple Breaking Bad podcasts and Doctor Who and Walking Dead as well.

Thanks

Great beginning to the season! the episode started with my single favorite line from the whole show.
Michael Cross saying "I never feared death or what lay beyond if today was my day but that was then........"
Awesome!!!!!!!
I got goose bumps in my tingly places!

The Mighty AtomicHamster is greatly impressed!

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Originally Posted by scbubba

I'm with Liam on the Little One's words. I think i might hear 2 syllables in the second sound it makes. So, at best, I could stretch it to "die... alive... die!" But I'm thinking it was more like "die.... die.... die!" with the speech pattern causing a little pause in the second "die".

Either way, I definitely don't get "we're alive" from it. YMMV

What I did notice was Michael saying "We were stronger now. What we faced here couldn't compared with what we left behind in Boulder or Fort Irwin. Or so we thought." More of that ominous foreshadowing....

But quotes like that keep me thinking that we are still reading from Michael's journals instead of being "present" in real time.

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I think it foreshadow the Game changing idea that the Little Ones might be trying to intentionally infect humans as opposed to using them as food. Micheal & Co. seem to e on the verge of discovering this.

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Originally Posted by Witch_Doctor

Regarding Amy's infection, I predict that the method of transmission will now become a critical topic for the survivors. They are right on the cusp of realizing that bites and blood exposure are not the only way that the INKLINGS can infect. Remember that Amy kept insisting that she wasn't bitten. I doubt that she was simply trying to hide her contact with a Zombie because she could have just as easily said that she was cut in a fall. She, somewhat, sounds convinced that she couldn't even have been infected by the scratch. On top of that, Micheal questions Tanya about what she knew of Amy's injury. He sounds dubious to the idea that a scratch, alone, could explain her turning.



Gonna admit that I missed reading that the Inklings' self inflicted wounds were used to 'poison' their nails like blowgun darts tipped with tree-frog butt-juice, but clem131 is onto something big. This is evidence of a game changer. The purpose of the Inklings is to spread the specialized infection. Sorry NikVoodoo, but here's your much maligned FrankenZombie.

Anyone catch Micheal's foreshadowing comment? "...but we were stronger now. What we faced here couldn't compare to what we left behind in Bolder or Fort Irwin; or so we thought." Yeah, right now they think that the 5 remaining Little Ones (Tanya is keeping score) are easier to deal with than 150K but Mike is foreshadowing that the SHTF later. Zombie Tag, anyone?

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Originally Posted by Litmaster

Ok, we have to nip this in the bud. After careful research, I believe the Zed said one of the following:

"Hi, tough guy"
"Wanna try some apple pie?"
"You're lucky you can drive!"
"Hey, wanna get high?"
"I'm breaking out in hives!"
"What is that, tie dye?" (in ref. to the ABU's)
"You wouldn't believe my sex drive!"
"I've got a glass eye!"
"This attack took a nose dive..."
"What are you, a wise guy?"
"I'm having problems with my hard drive."
"I'd kill for a french fry"
"Long live Versailles!" (maybe he was a French Zed!)
"O.K.... who wants potatoes with chives?"

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Funny as monkey-flung pooh. Also, perfect commentary on the debate over what the thing said. As for myself, I find myself agreeing with everything someone posts about what #1 says.
"Oh, you think it's reciting the lyrics to 'Bye Bye Miss American Pie?' Yeah, I think I heard that too!!!" It's a good thing nobody is on trial for murder, and we're the witnesses.
If you ask me, I think #1 was voiced by the same actor who did the voice for Bossk in Empire Strikes Back. I swear when Admiral Piett says, "We don't need their scum." Boskk replies, "Let's fool around." Attachment 2651

No worries, this is not the first, and will not be the last time dialogue will stump listeners. Hear are some of my favorite miss-hears for your hard-of-hearing pleasure:

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Originally Posted by VEE

Michael: Tanya, you ok?
Tanya: Michael, thank God, you’re here.
Michael: Tanya, show me.
Tanya: I can explain, if you just listen to me. I know how the whole thing started, how to immunise ourselves against it and how to save the whole of humankind, if you’ll just listen to me for a second.
Michael: Let me see.
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Also, when asked where Tanya was bitten, Puck says ‘Forum’. This is a dangerous place.

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Forearm = forum

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Originally Posted by Robzombie

Sorry if its been asked and answered already, I have absolutely no time to read all previous posts...
I'm relistening to the story and have made it to Chapter 26 again and remembered that I always wanted to ask about a peice of dialogue and what was said exactly. Corporal Puck is talking to the gang about showers and changing into PT's, then at time 5:43 says something which always sounds to me like... "I've worked the ketchup on and she made me get behind" wft????
Can someone please let me know what he is really saying here? A rep for an answer, thanks.

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I have work to catch up on. = I've worked the ketchup on.

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Originally Posted by Cabbage Patch

There were some tantalizing clues to the overall situation in this story. Some observations:

• Big Macs at the mess hall? That speaks to a pretty robust supply situation. Either there's a supply of fresh beef available along with wheat, vegetables, etc. (via Boulder?), or there are frozen stores that are still viable. Both seem like good signs this far into the zombie apocalypse. My first thought when I heard the title "Red Winter" was that it could mean the survivors might face starvation, but this makes me think they might be better off than that.

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Cabbage Patch later edited his post, but he heard Puck say, "Baked Mac & cheese" as "Big Mac & cheese"

So stoked for WA to be back! Great episode!

Cheese & Rice people, dang. Like Nik, I forgot what this place can be like when their are fresh episodes to talk about. I should have known better than to slack off on new episode night...

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Originally Posted by Kc

Yeah, not a fan of gratuitous violence, or at least showing it. There's something to be said about hearing it vs. seeing it.

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Agreed. I listened to the YAP podcast Apocalypse series and I think you mentioned it yourself Kc, about Jaws being scarier because you didn't see the shark. What the imagination of the viewer/listener fills in on its own is often far more terrifying.

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Originally Posted by Cabbage Patch

Maybe Little One #1's "die, die" weren't a threat against them, but rather a plea for the soldiers to kill it.

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The mercy theory seems to be gaining some traction... I think the best guess for what it was (trying) to say was "Why am I alive, let me die."

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Originally Posted by Litmaster

About the Length
A few people bitching in this thread about the episode being too short. Guys-- the episodes are always about 20 minutes long, except for a season finale. You should know that each 20 minute episode takes dozens of hours to produce. You want a longer episode? Then donate a few hundred grand to Kc so he can quit his job and work on this shit full time!

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Should I happen to win that obscenely large lotto ticket... Wayland Productions is at the top of my list.

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Originally Posted by Cabbage Patch

Podcasts, like nature, seem to abhor a vacuum. Lt. Angel Tenudo checked out of the story last season. Now it looks like his replacement has reported for duty...Warrant Officer Greg Muldoon.

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There has been some discussion of the meaning behind the name "Balance of Power" for the newest chapter. Namely, who is the leader now, Michael or CJ? But with the introduction of Chief Muldoon into the newly expanded survivor group, we might have a potential contender. A Warrant Officer is an Officer after all. However, Warrant Officers tend to be a bit laid back and "stay in their lane", as do aviators. I would suggest that Muldoon, as a warrant and an aviator may actually have no interest in leadership. I have also considered there may also be a fourth possibility... A civilian leader to lead the colony while the military personnel use it as a base of operations.

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Originally Posted by Witch_Doctor

Cabbage Patch later edited his post, but he heard Puck say, "Baked Mac & cheese" as "Big Mac & cheese"

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Wait, what? That makes so much more sense. I could never figure out why Puck was talking about a Big Mac having bread crumbs on top.

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Originally Posted by YetAnotherBloodyCheek

I do not know what to make of Datu's transformation. I mean, the survivors always could rely on Datu in the past. But now, he literally has become the incarnation of a keyboard hotkey.

Victor: "The gates barely holding up."
Saul: "Surprising it lasted as long as it did."
Victor: "... what if..."
Michael: "DATU! FIX! <Pressing F3>"
Datu: "Oookay, Michael"
Michael: "See? Done, relax."

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This exchange made me think Datu has gone from Datu the Resourceful to Datu the Macgyver of trained dogs. It was just such a weird almost degrading command for Michael to Bark (that was intentional). It still made me laugh.

Can I just say, I missed saying "Fuck you KC" or "No, don't leave it there" when I heard the closing music to indicate the end of the part of an episode. It is great to have the show back, cliffhangers and all.

Hallo.

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Originally Posted by sailorangel59

Can I just say, I missed saying "Fuck you KC" or "No, don't leave it there" when I heard the closing music to indicate the end of the part of an episode. It is great to have the show back, cliffhangers and all.

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Datu says things like this in front of people he does not like. Do you remember his struggles with Burt?
The short of the "dialogue" between Michael and Datu reveals how well both of them work together with 100% trust between them. But it would have been nice to hear a little more of Datu the ressourceful ...

Best wishes!
Liam

Bless all the Puck misquotes! Lmao! I don't know if it's because of what I'm writing or because of what I do for a living (taxi dispatcher) but I've never had a problem understanding him...EXCEPT for the "Baked Mac and Cheese/Big Mac" thing.
The ketchup one though, oh my god LOL

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Originally Posted by Alizée

Bless all the Puck misquotes! Lmao! I don't know if it's because of what I'm writing or because of what I do for a living (taxi dispatcher) but I've never had a problem understanding him...EXCEPT for the "Baked Mac and Cheese/Big Mac" thing.
The ketchup one though, oh my god LOL

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Love listening to Puck in the show. His "New Brook Jersey" (New Jersey & Brooklyn) accent makes some of the lines so much fun. Also, he has some of the best swagger lines in the recent episodes: "What was that? What was that again? I couldn't hear you over my AWESOMENESS!" :D

Why can't Balance of Power also be the Mallers and Kemel lose of power? If you think about it, there were 5 points of power. Mallers, Tower, Colony, Army and Ink. Colony fell, then Army and now Maller. Right now the balance is between Ink and the Tower. Who win will control LA. I don't think it a power struggle among those in colony but instead for who now controls this war.

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Originally Posted by UndeadSweeper

Why can't Balance of Power also be the Mallers and Kemel lose of power? If you think about it, there were 5 points of power. Mallers, Tower, Colony, Army and Ink. Colony fell, then Army and now Maller. Right now the balance is between Ink and the Tower. Who win will control LA. I don't think it a power struggle among those in colony but instead for who now controls this war.

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That's an interesting way to look at it - a stalemate between the survivors and them zombos ...

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Originally Posted by UndeadSweeper

Why can't Balance of Power also be the Mallers and Kemel lose of power? If you think about it, there were 5 points of power. Mallers, Tower, Colony, Army and Ink. Colony fell, then Army and now Maller. Right now the balance is between Ink and the Tower. Who win will control LA. I don't think it a power struggle among those in colony but instead for who now controls this war.

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I was thinking that too. The title doesn't just lend its self to only 2 sides, there will be many that want to rule.

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Originally Posted by Arthur LaMarche

I have only listened twice and I have not tried really hard, so I will stick with my first impression

I... Alive... Die...

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That was my first impression as well