April Bonus Episode: Eclipse

In this bonus episode of Morbid, Elena and Ash dive deep into Stephanie Meyer's novel and film adaptation 'Eclipse,' dissecting its toxic relationship dynamics, problematic character arcs, and outdated social commentary. They critique the book's portrayal of consent, particularly Jacob's forced kiss and Bella's subsequent emotional manipulation, as well as Charlie's abhorrent reaction—laughing when his daughter is assaulted. The hosts highlight how the narrative glorifies unhealthy obsession, with Jacob's self-destructive behavior framed as romantic, and Edward's controlling nature masked as devotion. They also examine the problematic legacy of the Cullen family, including Jasper’s proud Confederate past and Rosalie’s traumatic backstory that blames her rape on her beauty. The episode explores the absurdity of imprinting on children, the erasure of the original Victoria actor, and the film’s missed opportunity to include the novel’s poignant title line: 'I can handle the clouds, but I can’t fight with an eclipse.' The hosts express frustration with the series’ lack of growth in addressing these issues, especially given its young adult audience.