Guess what? It’s Thursday. Technically, Thor’s Day, but we won’t get into that. No point rousing Loki if it can be helped. *what is he up to, anyway?*

*cough* Moving on, it’s that time of the week where we fly in a character from the Lands Beyond and the comfortable country of Book Pages, to sit and face the Spanish Inquisition.

No no, I’m not *that* cruel.

It could be argued that answer certain questions relating to Pop Culture might prove as uncomfortable as the Spanish Inquisition, but we won’t think about that, and I’ll steer clear into sunnier meadows of question-asking.

Joining us for Pop Culture Q&A, we have a special character. A bottomless pit when it comes to food and drink. A brash fellow with an uncanny knack for finding trouble as if it’s a long-lost friend. And an all-around playful spirit who enlivens everything around him.

Today, I’m pleased to be interviewing none other than Peregrine Took.

Pop Culture Q&A with Pippin

Me: I’m so glad you could join us. How are you doing today?

Pippin: Quite fine, though I have to ask, does this establishment serve ale? I wouldn’t expect to find anything that matches the brews of the Green Dragon, but a small tankard would go well.

Me: I’m sorry, no ale here. This is Starbucks.

Pippin (face scrunched): Is this Starbucks related to the Brandybucks? A third cousin twice-removed, perhaps?

Me: No. It’s a coffee shop chain. I ordered you an Iced Caramel Macchiato. Not ale, but I think you’ll enjoy it.

Pippin: I love trying new drinks. *bounces on chair*

Me: Good. You’re in for a treat today. While we’re waiting, let’s jump into the questions. First off, were you #TeamCap or #TeamStark?

Pippin: Team Stark. I appreciate his inability to follow rules, and I think one of his fancy suits would look lovely standing in my closet. Besides, he had SPIDERMAN! *begins singing the Spiderman song*

Me: Honestly, not surprised about that. Spiderman’s awesome. Speaking of Cap and Tony, who are some of your favorite pop celebrities to follow on Twitter?

Pippin (face brightens in a boyish grin): I’m quite fond of this fellow named Sean Astin. Don’t know if this counts, but Jimmy Fallon is hilarious. I can’t eat or drink when I scroll through his feed or else I’ll choke.

Me: Favorite musical artist or group?

Pippin: That’s easy. Twenty-One Pilots. I could listen to Stressed Out all day. *sly grin* I’d probably annoy the smoke right out of poor Gandalf’s ears.

Me: I don’t doubt it. That reminds me. Sage advisors with gray beards and the required pipe have become common in fiction. Do you find that annoying?

Pippin (laughs): Only if they play the bossy card as quickly as Gandalf does.

Me: Oooohhhh, smackdown. Good thing Gandalf isn’t here.

Pippin: Gandalf, if you’re reading this, I really do love you. You have my vote for best wizard ever.

Me: Aww, that was kind, Pippin. I’m sure he knows that. Moving along, favorite science fiction?

Pippin: Star Trek. I love watching the Vulcans with their pointy ears, but they’re too stoic for my taste. Remind me a good deal of elves. Scottie…now there’s a fine fellow.

Me: Can’t go wrong with Star Trek, especially the Vulcans. *winks* The Enterprise visits plenty of alien planets on its voyages. If you could pick one imaginary place to live, where would you go?

Pippin: I’m not allowed to say the Shire, am I? Oh, that’s right. You said imaginary place. *thoughtful look* I suppose I’d choose Hogwarts. From all I’ve heard, they have a grand time there. And I want to try butterbeer.

Me: That would be fun, and I agree. Butterbeer sounds delicious. Switching to a completely different subject, let’s talk about actors for a minute. If you were playing the hero in an action movie, which actor would you pick to be your romantic interest?

Pippin: Oh, that’s hard. *drums fingers on table* I think…I think I’d pick Scarlett Johansson. She’s amazing, and how can you go wrong putting her in an action film? Contrary to what Gandalf would have you think, I can use my head if I want.

Me: Excellent choice. Now for another Hollywood-themed question. You can take any actor, living or dead, out for dinner. Who do you choose and why?

Pippin: John Wayne, because I want to hear his accent and ask him about cowboys and pistols. Maybe he’d autograph one of those huge hats he wears and give it to me as a gift.

Me: Hahaha, good reasons. I’d pay to see you wearing a ten-gallon hat and cowboy boots. Oh, look. Here’s your Macchiato. Take a drink and tell me what you think.

Pippin (takes tentative sip, eyes go wide): Oohhhh, this is amazing. Why haven’t they told us about this in the Shire?

Me: I don’t know, but it’s best that way. Hobbits addicted to Starbucks. I don’t even want to imagine…Anyway, a couple more questions. First, do you stalk famous singers on social media?

Pippin: Of course.

Me: Care to elaborate?

Pippin: Kelly Clarkson, Josh Groban, dozens of others. *guzzles coffee* This is too good. Can I have another?

Me: I think we’ll hold off. Too much caffeine and sugar is a dangerous thing. We’d best get you home before the effects hit. I don’t want to responsible for anything…unexpected. Gandalf, if you’re reading this, it wasn’t my fault. I promise.

Okay, Pippin, final question: movie you most want to see this year?

Pippin: You like asking hard questions, don’t you? *begins hiccupping* To be honest, I can’t wait to see Ice Age: Collision Course.

Me: Oh boy. I’d like to be in the theater when that happens. Especially if Starbucks is involved. Thanks for doing this, Pippin. And yes, you’re welcome about Starbucks. Just…don’t get too addicted.

I’d love to hear what pop-culture question would you ask Pippin. He’s likely now addicted to Starbucks. Which drink do you recommend he try?