“She was watching the Dursleys all day while everyone else celebrated—and somehow, we still expect more from her.” In this episode of Critical Magic Theory, we take a long-overdue deep dive into the one and only Minerva McGonagall. Often admired for her strength, fairness, and dry wit, McGonagall is seen by many as the model of a good teacher, a good Gryffindor, and a good person. But what happens when we start asking whether those expectations are fair—or even possible?We unpack how patriarchy and pureblood supremacy shaped her life, how the fandom has turned her into a presumed infallable fantasy maternal figure, and ask why we judge her more harshly than we do many of her male counterparts. From bending rules for Harry to staying behind at Hogwarts under Death Eater control, McGonagall’s story is one of survival, restraint, and invisible labor—and maybe that’s a different kind of heroism altogether. And a special thank-you to our newest Deep Divers on Patreon: Lynn, Molly, and CunningandCompassion. Your support means the world.
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1:15:07
Prof Responds- Remus Lupin & the Struggle to Stay Human
Welcome to Critical Magic Theory, where we deconstruct the Wizarding World of Harry Potter—because loving something doesn’t mean we can’t be critical of it. This week’s Prof Response tackles one of our most emotional episodes to date: Remus Lupin. But before diving in, we confront a real-world reality—J.K. Rowling’s continued advocacy for trans-exclusionary laws and the heartbreak of deciding whether we can still use her text for good. Spoiler: we think we can. And we explain why. From there, we wrestle with listener reflections on shame, love, and the monsters society creates—both literal and metaphorical. We discuss Fenrir Greyback as a disturbing allegory for institutional bias, analyze Lupin’s internalized fear, and ask hard questions about fatherhood, failure, and trying to be good in a world that tells you you’re not. This is a deep one. But it’s also a reminder of why this podcast—and this kind of critical thinking—matters.
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38:55
3.3%=100%: The Remus Lupin Story
Why didn’t Lupin ever write to Harry? Why did he run from Tonks? And how does someone who survives so much still feel like they deserve so little?In this soul-stirring episode of Critical Magic Theory, Professor Julian Wamble peels back the layers of Remus Lupin—the beloved professor, the loyal Marauder, and the walking embodiment of internalized shame. Drawing from 700+ listener survey responses, Prof. Wamble explores how Lupin’s trauma, marginalization, and deep-rooted self-doubt shape not just his choices, but how we judge them. Stick around for a powerful final reflection that reframes Lupin not as a failure, but as a survivor—someone marked not by the moon, but by the shame a broken world handed him. Special thanks to our newest Patreon Deep Divers: Gelsey, Kayla, Jeni, Mehrunissa, Sara! Thanks so much for your support and contributions to this community.And don’t forget to join the post-episode chat on Patreon—because we’ve got to talk more about this one.Be critical. Stay magical.
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1:25:23
Prof Responds: Has anyone seen Peter Pettigrew?
What if the biggest betrayal in the Wizarding World wasn’t just about evil—it was about never being seen in the first place?In this episode chat of Critical Magic Theory, Professor Julian Wamble deep-dives into the fallout from “The Radacity of Peter Pettigrew” episode, reflecting on listener reactions and further complicating our understanding of one of Harry Potter’s most reviled characters. Was Peter a coward or a child soldier shaped by war? Did Sirius and James ever truly see him—or did their assumptions doom them all? With insights from listeners and meditations on victimhood, war, friendship hierarchies, and the symbolism of Peter’s Animagus form, this episode blends humor, reflection, and raw honesty. We challenge the notion that being seen as harmless makes someone good—and ask how often our desire to see the best in others blinds us to the truth.
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43:05
The "Ratdacity" of Peter Pettigrew
Thirteen years hiding in plain sight. A friendship shattered beyond repair. A betrayal so bold it rewrote the entire course of the wizarding war. The question isn’t whether Peter Pettigrew had audacity—it’s where he found the ratdacity.In this episode of Critical Magic Theory, we’re scurrying deep into the shadows of the Marauders’ messiest member. Was Peter just a coward—or was he a master strategist in rodent’s clothing? We’re talking betrayal, survival, fear-fueled loyalty, and what happens when your desire to matter eclipses your sense of morality. Plus: we unpack your survey responses, consider what makes a “good” Death Eater (yes, that’s a thing), and reflect on how the Pettigrews among us are closer than we think. And a huge thank you to our newest Deep Divers on Patreon: Sophie, Ariel, and Tammy!Your support means the world—and helps keep this community curious, thoughtful, and full of just the right amount of chaos. As always, my friends— Be critical. Stay magical.
About Critical Magic Theory: An Analytical Harry Potter Podcast
Instead of seeing criticism as an indication of not liking something, Professor Julian Wamble invites listeners of Critical Magic Theory to explore the things about the characters, plot points, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter broadly that have always given them pause or made them smile without knowing why. It is in this navigation of the positive and the negative aspects of a world that we find true magic.
Listen to Critical Magic Theory: An Analytical Harry Potter Podcast, The Book Review and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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