Awkward Shakespeare

Macbeth Episode 29 - This dead butcher and his fiend-like queen

Macbeth
Act 5 Scene 9
Absolutely everything is resolved. Macbeth is dead, Macduff is avenged, Malcolm is king. It's PURE coincidence that this is just how things were at the start of the play. No suggestion at all that history might repeat itself. History NEVER does that. (Where IS Fleance though?)
Content warning: brief references to suicide.

Macbeth Episode 28 - Untimely ripped

Macbeth
Act 5 Scene 8
In which we find out, in possibly the most controversial loophole in literary history, that being born by Caesarean means you were not "of woman born". Macduff takes his revenge, Macbeth is killed, the tyrant is no more. 

Macbeth Episode 27 - Little is to do

Macbeth
Act 5 Scene 6 and Act 5 Scene 7
Surprise! It's not a moving wood, it's Malcolm's army. The two sides finally clash, the castle is somewhat easily surrendered, and there's one big scene for the actor given the role of Young Siward.

Macbeth Episode 26 - The Queen, my lord, is dead

Macbeth
Act 5 Scenes 4 and 5
In which the witches' prophecy about Great Birnam Wood unexpectedly comes true, Lady Macbeth dies, and Macbeth realises trusting supernatural entities was a really bad idea. Plus he gives a truly great speech about existence, theatre and the human condition.

Macbeth Episode 25 - Hang those who talk of fear

Macbeth
Act 5 Scene 3.
Macbeth is back and he's definitely not afraid. As he says (repeatedly) what's he got to be afraid of? Still, best to get that terrified looking servant to go away, just in case it's catching. 

Macbeth Episode 24 - The English power is near

Macbeth
Act 5 Scene 2
A group of thanes are on their way to Birnam Wood, where they hope to meet Malcolm, Macduff and their army. Meanwhile "the tyrant", they tell us, is struggling to maintain his grip on power. Bonus: two unexpected references to the US political scene. #topical.

Macbeth Episode 23 - Out, damned spot!

Macbeth
Act 5 Scene 1
In which we see Lady Macbeth begin to disintegrate mentally as she finally begins to process the impact of her crimes. Turns out a little water does not in fact cleanse you of your deeds.

Macbeth Episode 22 - Welcome and unwelcome things

Macbeth
Act 4 Scene 3 
A scene even critics and academics describe as dull. Malcolm is greedy, lustful and entirely unfit to rule. Or is he? Secrets, lies, and masculinity takes, and poor Macduff finds out what's happened to his family. 

Macbeth Episode 21 - Was my father a traitor?

Macbeth
Act 4 Scene 2
The one where Macduff's son is all cute and witty until (like a lot of other characters in this play) he's brutally murdered on Macbeth's orders. A useful reminder - as if you needed it - that tyranny is bad.

Macbeth Episode 20 - Double double, toil and trouble (part 2)

Macbeth
Act 4 Scene 1 (part 2)
More detail on Macbeth and his second visit to the witches, in which I say FAR too much about this scene. But in my defence, there's a lot to say.