I’ve always been particularly interested in the idea of the Doomsday Cult; what could the people running these groups be offering that’s so appealing? Surely there are some, like Daniel, who are just preying on the weak. But what about the true believers, Heaven’s Gate or Jonestown? For people on the margins, there’s a powerful urge to be in the group who knows “what’s really going on” - and we’ve seen that play out in the more revolting parts of American politics over the last few years. 

I think in the age where every thought and belief is laid out in public and scrutinized, there are people who would be fine being part of a vocal minority, but would do anything to avoid looking like a fool. And when the end-of-the-world predictions turn out to be false - see Harold Camping - those “on the inside” will suffer any amount of cognitive dissonance to keep the dream alive. Maybe Bridget will get a sequel.

Of course, this episode turns on the incredible performance of David Pasquesi. I’ve admired him for literally decades, but over the last 10 years or so we’ve become friends and he’s always game to collaborate and make cool shit. He’s uncommonly generous in that regard. If you get the chance to go see the miraculous TJ & Dave, you really gotta do it.