M. King Adkins

Originally from the South (Arkansas and Georgia), I now live and work in the Black Hills of South Dakota (Rapid City, to be precise). I received my Ph.D. in English from the University of Georgia in 2007, spent time on a post-doc at Georgia Tech, and now teach writing and literature courses at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. My wife Katie, a gifted fine arts photographer and gallery curator, have just welcomed our first child, Wren (I have an 18 year old daughter, Samantha, beginning college this fall). My first book, New Wave Music: Image is Everything, was published in March of this year through Palgrave Press. I have just begun work on a second book on television criticism for Lexington Books. In the meantime, I run my own blog site, PopCultureAcademy.com, and broadcast a local radio program each Tuesday night, the Pop Culture Academy Radio Show.
Once Upon a Time: Season 5, Episode 13 – “Labor of Love”

Once Upon a Time: Season 5, Episode 13 – “Labor of Love”

Snow White helps Hercules rediscover his heroic nature, while Henry tangles with Cruella.
The Walking Dead: Season 6, Episode 13 – “The Same Boat”

The Walking Dead: Season 6, Episode 13 – “The Same Boat”

When Carol and Maggie find themselves prisoners of the Saviors, we learn just what they're made of: hard steel, pure and simple.
The Walking Dead: Season 6, Episode 12 – “Not Tomorrow Yet”

The Walking Dead: Season 6, Episode 12 – “Not Tomorrow Yet”

Rick leads a strike team against the Saviors, but this battle will be different from any they've faced before, both externally and internally.
Once Upon a Time: Season 5, Episode 12 – “Souls of the Departed”

Once Upon a Time: Season 5, Episode 12 – “Souls of the Departed”

The Storybrooke gang arrives in Underworld -- which looks suspiciously like Storybrooke -- to rescue Hook, but they may have more souls to rescue than his.
The Walking Dead: Season 6, Episode 11 – “Knots Untie”

The Walking Dead: Season 6, Episode 11 – “Knots Untie”

Rick and company discover a broader world beyond their walls, where diplomacy suddenly matters as much as knife skills.
The Walking Dead: Season 6, Episode 10 – “The Next World”

The Walking Dead: Season 6, Episode 10 – “The Next World”

There's some peace and quiet for Rick and company this week; and that's a good thing.
The Walking Dead: Season 6, Episode 9 – “No Way Out”

The Walking Dead: Season 6, Episode 9 – “No Way Out”

While The Walking Dead retains some interesting plotlines, its reliance on gimmicks and retreads threatens its status as one of the best shows on TV.
A Speculative Review of the New ‘X-Files’ Episodes from Someone Who Hasn’t Watched Them

A Speculative Review of the New ‘X-Files’ Episodes from Someone Who Hasn’t Watched Them

The initial reviews of The X-Files reboot seemed harsh, but what if it was never as good as we remember. What if that's OK?
Once Upon a Time: Season 5, Episode 11 – “Swan Song”

Once Upon a Time: Season 5, Episode 11 – “Swan Song”

In "Swan Song", we delve into Killian's childhood past, confront all the Dark Ones who ever were, and prepare for a journey to the underworld.
Once Upon a Time: Season 5, Episode 10 – “Broken Heart”

Once Upon a Time: Season 5, Episode 10 – “Broken Heart”

Hook isn't dealing well with his new dark powers; Gold isn't dealing all that well with his new good side.
Once Upon a Time: Season 5, Episodes 8-9 – “Birth” / “The Bear King”

Once Upon a Time: Season 5, Episodes 8-9 – “Birth” / “The Bear King”

Despite the best of intentions, Storybrooke is becoming less and less compelling.
Once Upon a Time: Season 5, Episode 7 – “Nimue”

Once Upon a Time: Season 5, Episode 7 – “Nimue”

Emma's journey to reunite the pieces of Excalibur reveals much about Merlin's beginnings, and the origin of good and evil.