Alohomora!: The Original Harry Potter Book Club

GOF, 2 Revisit: Essence of Voldemort

·1 hr 28 min·5 clips

The Alohomora hosts reveal this is their last episode discussing Goblet of Fire, wrapping up a decade-long book club journey.

The episode begins with the hosts introducing themselves and noting this is the last discussion of Goblet of Fire, Chapter 2, originally covered in Episode 39 back in July 2013. They share book stats, including that 61 guests joined for Goblet of Fire episodes, and Allison was a guest before becoming a host. The hosts dive into analyzing the chapter, which is only nine pages long and mostly recap. They discuss Harry's dream about Voldemort, Wormtail, and a third person, noting it hints at Harry's psychic connection to Voldemort before his full return. A debate ensues about whether Harry sees the dream from Voldemort's perspective, with Tracy coining the phrase 'essence of Voldemort.' The hosts critique the chapter's clumsy exposition, comparing it to middle-grade tropes like the 'Babysitter's Club' introductions. They explore Harry's loneliness and wish for a parental figure, debating what would happen if he confided in Petunia, with opinions ranging from her slapping him to a brief moment of comfort. The conversation shifts to whether Harry should have written to Dumbledore or included more details in his letter to Sirius, leading to a deep dive into a plot inconsistency about how Dumbledore knew Harry's scar woke him up. The hosts reference specific chapters like 'The Pensieve' to resolve this. They also discuss Sirius's role as a godfather, with Bianca expressing strong criticism of Lupin for not stepping up. Tangents include Disney movie references, particularly 'The Sword in the Stone,' and Allison listing all 62 Disney animated features. The episode concludes with reflections on the podcast's impending end and the hosts' camaraderie.

As heard by us

A Petunia debate turns one falling branch into a lively little fandom trial.

The episode gets its spark from a serious but very specific magical grievance: whether Petunia fears magic itself, or fears what happens when it is mentioned around Vernon.

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Why you'd press play

Press play when a one-percent Petunia hypothetical deserves a full-on argument about fear, curiosity, Snape, and one suspicious falling branch.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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