Bill Nichols’s Engaging Cinema: An Introduction to Film Studies is a textbook that not only recognizes that the Internet exists but also understands how the presence of the Internet can make textbooks cheaper.

If I had to review Stephen Rebello’s Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho in one word, it would be “enjoyable.”

I never did attend film school or seminary, or design my own college major combining my two primary interests. And 25 years later, I’m not convinced Blood Simple is any more spiritually significant than any other noir-ish thriller that visits biblically proportioned consequences on the black hearts of its protagonists.

But God bless Cathleen Falsani for trying to convince me it is.

The main reason I’m posting about the show, however, is that noted scholar and Buffy enthusiast Elizabeth Rambo has begun a blog project rewatching the show and blogging individual episodes at The Painful Nowning Process. Dr. Rambo is one of the co-editors of Buffy Goes Dark, and she brings a broad foundation of literary knowledge and cultural insight into her writing. If you’ve ever wanted to try out the show or think more deeply about quality television, consider this a master class with an individual tutor and–here’s the best part–no tuition!