Antony Johnston, author and dapper fellow, joins Scott to discuss “The House of Quark” (DS9 S3E3). Topics include Klingon accounting practices, forced marriages played for laughs, and the versatility of the High Council chambers. Scott McNulty with Antony Johnston Show Notes & Links Watch “The House of Quark” for yourself: Amazon Instant Video Para…

Antony Johnston, author and dapper fellow, joins Scott to discuss “The House of Quark” (DS9 S3E3). Topics include Klingon accounting practices, forced marriages played for laughs, and the versatility of the High Council chambers. Scott McNulty with Antony Johnston Show Notes & Links Watch “The House of Quark” for yourself: Amazon Instant Video Para…

Look, this ain’t the first unidentifiable body we’ve ever seen in this pacifc-nothwest town. Follow our protagonist Agatha through a gauntlet of opportuninties to do evil. Dan Moren, John Moltz and Guy English Referenced Works Agatha All Along (2024) Show Notes & LinksBy Biff!

“Warner Brothers called and they’re demanding that we do The Matrix IV, with or without you?” So motivated, Lilly Wachowski made a movie that revisits “The Matrix” that’s about revisiting “The Matrix.” Could it be that this 19-years-later sequel… is better than the other sequels? "The Matrix Resurrections" Jason Snell with Chip Sudderth, Erika Ensi…

It’s here: The penultimate episode of Studio 60. Jordan’s still in the hospital. Jack’s mad at Sim. And we spend a lot of time in flashbacks learning why Matt and Danny left in the first place… even though we still don’t get all the answers. Maybe the REAL answers are the friends we made along the way — while we were Sorkin’ In It. Lex Friedman and…

We know what you’re thinking: Carol Burnett returns for a victory lap as the ramshackle, shambolic final season of “Magnum, p.i.” draws to a close. Also, the opening credits ruin a “Max Headroom” sized surprise! Jason Snell, Philip Michaels and David J. LoehrBy Magnum, podcast

After seven years Eglath’s Angels finally managed to complete the Princes of the Apocalypse adventure. But at what cost? Maybe they should have stayed in Tyr. Eglath’s Angels VII, Episode 7 Scott McNulty with Aleen Simms, Dan Moren, Erika Ensign, Jason Snell, Steve Lutz and Tony Sindelar Show Notes & Links Edited by Erika Ensign. Princes of the Apo…

Oh, Listener Sean wants to know about catchphrases! Well, isn’t that special? John Siracusa and Jason SnellBy Robot or Not?

Like Ollie in Arrow season 4 we are somehow back after getting tossed off a cliff with a sword in our chests. Dan and Guy discuss what’s been going on in the realm of superheroes since our last episode. We also take the opportunity to discuss the new Star Wars open world game Outlaws. Dan Moren, John Moltz and Guy English…

Surprise! We’re back — with a Vengeance. The Chirpers reunite to watch the long-awaited Wynonna Earp movie. Were we always so squeamish? Definitely. Were we prepared for so many feelings? Definitely not. Join us for one night only. 2024 Tubi TV Movie Erika Ensign, Annette Wierstra and Kirsten Goruk Referenced Works Wynonna Earp [Amazon] Show Notes …

The Matrix Trilogy ends with “The Matrix Revolutions.” There’s a big fight in Zion, a lot of stuff in the Matrix we didn’t actually remember, everyone becomes Agent Smith, Chip is devoured by thousands of mosquitos, and Kelly resists the bleakness. "The Matrix Revolutions" Jason Snell with Chip Sudderth, Erika Ensign, Kelly Guimont and Joe Rosenste…

It’s the ninth edition of Mind Meld, where contestants try to match each other’s answers while simultaneously going off the rails. Will there be sports? Yes, and nobody seems happy about it. Mind Meld 9 Tony Sindelar and Kathy Campbell with Jason Snell, Moisés Chiullán, Brian Hamilton, Glenn Fleishman and Annette Wierstra…

While the party explores so. many. corridors, Carlos doesn’t have an inside voice, Omlöl keeps walkin’, Regdar doesn’t like it when Carlos winks, Zotasha is interested in swirly purple, Kat’chka talks to monstrosities every day, and Shara recognizes Regdar’s hat. Eglath’s Angels VII, Episode 6 Scott McNulty with Aleen Simms, Dan Moren, Erika Ensign…

Whoa. Years later, we’re back in the Matrix as we cover the sequels to the mind-blowing 1999 original. First up is “The Matrix Reloaded,” which features thrills, spills, underground orgies, and long philosophical monologues. How well does it hold up? What surprised us? Were we excited, or terrified, to see Zion and all those mech suits? Take the ap…

Because twenty would be too few and twenty-two would be ridiculous. Shaenon K. Garrity discusses William Pène du Bois’s The Twenty-One Balloons (1947). John McCoy with Shaenon K. Garrity Referenced Works The Twenty-One Balloons Show Notes & LinksBy Sophomore Lit

It’s the second in another multi-part set of episodes, continuing with K&R Part 2. Part one exceeded our expectations. Will part two? Spoiler alert: no. Tom’s brother remains captured. Simon chats with the press and it goes poorly. We flashback a lot. Jordan’s still in trouble. Yikes. It’s not all bad, and at least we’ve got each other. Never Sorki…

As the party battles a whole family of hook horrors, Eglath’s Angels suddenly become competent, efficient, and effective. Scott wonders if he’s in the wrong Zoom. Eglath’s Angels VII, Episode 5 Scott McNulty with Aleen Simms, Dan Moren, Erika Ensign, Jason Snell, Steve Lutz and Tony Sindelar Show Notes & Links Edited by Erika Ensign. Princes of the…

Erika and Steven dispense with the saxophones and somehow end up talking about “The Space Pirates.” Again. XXX (4) Erika Ensign and Steven SchapanskyBy Lazy Doctor Who

In a rare timely episode, John and Jason discuss a report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman that Apple is designing a series of robots, including a “robot” that sits on a table and moves its display around, and a “robot” that follows you around your house folding laundry, reminding you of your mortality, and possibly running a viral campaign for Apple T…

We’ve reconvened Mad Max Club to come up with some word burgers about “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,” the 2024 prequel to the iconic 2015 film “Mad Max: Fury Road.” Does the prequel match up to the original (aka the fourth) film in the franchise? "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" Steven Schapansky with Erika Ensign, Kelly Guimont and Brian Warren Referenced Wor…

Steven Schapansky, podcaster producer and podcaster, joins Scott to discuss “Data’s Day” (TNG S4E11). Topics include the power move of having your wedding near the Neutral Zone, Service Merchandise and Consumers Distributing, and who you’d rather get bad news from: Data or Geordi. Scott McNulty with Steven Schapansky Show Notes & Links Watch “Data’…

Steven Schapansky, podcaster producer and podcaster, joins Scott to discuss “Data’s Day” (TNG S4E11). Topics include the power move of having your wedding near the Neutral Zone, Service Merchandise and Consumers Distributing, and who you’d rather get bad news from: Data or Geordi. Scott McNulty with Steven Schapansky Show Notes & Links Watch “Data’…

Computer games! Mind games! Jenny Agutter appears (delighting Jason) in an episode that promises lots of Cesar Romero and doesn’t deliver (angering Phil). Jason explains 40- and 80-character mode in classic computers. There are multiple fake break-ins. Cesar Romero shoots off fireworks. Maybe it’s all a prank by those hang-glider people? Jason Snel…

It’s the first in another multi-part set of episodes, kicking off with K&R Part 1. Lex and Brian usually don’t think too highly of these, but turns out this one was pretty good? There’s a lot happening in here with Tom’s brother in peril, Jordan in the hospital, and flashbacks. No need to get fatootsed, your intrepid hosts, Lex and Brian, are here …

It’s the 37th (consecutive) edition of Random Pursuit, and it’s also time for our annual Uncanny Magazine Kickstarter crossover! Join us as our wonderful donors try to guess answers to questions mostly about things that happened in different countries than theirs. Random Pursuit XXXVII Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky with Seb Pollard, Lynne M. T…

As the party keeps on truckin’, Regdar chews on a stalagbite, Kat’chka invents the frisbee, Omlöl continues learning about himself, Zotasha wants to go mudding, Shara is in search of something shiny, and Carlos ain’t afraid of no crystals. Oh, and Scott reminds us we’re all just skeletons deep inside. Eglath’s Angels VII, Episode 4 Scott McNulty wi…

Surprise! Your Star Wars pals Dan, Tony, and Kat are back to talk about developments in a galaxy far, far away, including the cancellation of The Acolyte, a trailer for Skeleton Crew, and plenty of our usual brand of nonsense. Lucasfilm Dan Moren, Tony Sindelar and K Benesh Sponsors Purrgil & Squigs Shirts: The only Star Wars lawyer-themed shirt yo…

Our Ape Club returns to cover 2024’s “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.” Yes, it’s apes and humans again, but this is a new era with a lot to consider about how history is distorted to serve present-day politics, the value of saving or destroying past knowledge, and the best way to protect an eagle egg. "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" Jason Sn…

Lance LeGault appears in this episode, but not as Buck Greene. We’re devastated. Instead, he’s a spy on the lookout for another spy who’s on the run—and missing in action? Magnum’s client is looking for that second spy, and she’s apparently got ESP? Oh, it’s going to be one of those episodes, isn’t it? Jason Snell, Philip Michaels and David J. Loeh…

We close out International Summer Vacation with a film most of us haven’t seen, or even heard of. It comes to us from Argentina, and director Carlos Hugo Christensen. It’s based on a story by noir stalwart, Cornell Woolrich, and consists of two stories involving the door of the title. It’s also notable for incredible cinematography from Pablo Taber…

Steven and Erika discuss saxophones and floor tiles. XXX (2-3) Erika Ensign and Steven SchapanskyBy Lazy Doctor Who

As the party continues into the tunnels, Omlöl communes with nature, Carlos looks for a seam, Zotasha doesn’t trust hot mud, Kat’chka discovers weird things, and Shara doesn’t want to levitate a pebble but Regdar does—as long as it’s glowing. Oh, and Scott invents a baby cave. Eglath’s Angels VII, Episode 3 Scott McNulty with Aleen Simms, Dan Moren…

Listener Daniel would like John’s blessing for his practice of putting two spaces after every sentence he types. John Siracusa and Jason SnellBy Robot or Not?

Our Book Club wraps up its 2024 walk through nine shortlisted SF/F novels with our overall rankings, some short fiction recommendations, and a quick dip into what we’ve read recently and really enjoyed. 2024 Shortlist Book Club: Rankings and Short Fiction Jason Snell with Scott McNulty, Erika Ensign, Aleen Simms and Heather Berberet Show Notes & Li…

Liz Barr, co-host of Antimatter Pod, joins Scott to discuss “Dragon’s Teeth” (VOY S6E7). Topics include the strength of Starfleet vessels, which character we’d most like to kiss (consensually), and the sadness that we don’t see the Vaadwaur in any other episodes. Liz blogged about Dragon’s Teeth too, in case you can’t get enough! Scott McNulty with…

Liz Barr, co-host of Antimatter Pod, joins Scott to discuss “Dragon’s Teeth” (VOY S6E7). Topics include the strength of Starfleet vessels, which character we’d most like to kiss (consensually), and the sadness that we don’t see the Vaadwaur in any other episodes. Liz blogged about Dragon’s Teeth too, in case you can’t get enough! Scott McNulty with…

We return to France for King of Hearts, directed by Philippe de Broca and starring Alan Bates and Geneviève Bujold. The suggestion to see this film comes from our own Erika Ensign, who praises its anti-war message, among other attributes. The film is set in a small French town during World War I, after the locals have fled the battle. Residents of …

This early episode contains a disturbing scene of suggested suicide that should probably not have been anywhere on prime-time TV, let alone during a light action-adventure series! And yet “Skin Deep” has a lot going for it, including Ian McShane being very sweaty and shifty. Jason Snell, Philip Michaels and David J. Loehr…

Breaking News: that’s the name of this episode of Studio 60. A fact which is not breaking news, because it aired many many years ago. But this is an episode filled with crises: Jordan’s baby is in peril. So is Tom’s brother. And so is Matt. Big ep. Luckily, Brian and Lex are ready. Let’s Sorkin’ in It. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren Referenced Works…

It’s a special edition of Random Pursuit! This week, your host and scorekeeper join in on the fun, trying to answer questions from two editions of Trivial Pursuit sold only in Canada! How many Canada-specific questions will they get? Random Pursuit XXXVI Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky with Annette Wierstra and Kirsten Goruk…

Rain Main meets Air Bud. Dan McCoy discusses stims and happy endings and Mark Haddon’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (2003). John McCoy with Dan McCoy Show Notes & Links Dan McCoy's Special Interests My brother’s newsletter mentioned in the episode.By Sophomore Lit

In this episode, Carlos hears roaring and gurgling, Kat’chka puts the bug in bugaloo, Omlöl likes running toward danger, Regdar runs near danger, Shara doesn’t go around the bend, and Zotasha is yellopathic. Oh, and Scott puts up with all of it. Eglath’s Angels VII, Episode 2 Scott McNulty with Aleen Simms, Dan Moren, Erika Ensign, Jason Snell, Ste…

We discuss the recently concluded (first?) season of the Star Wars series “The Acolyte.” The show offers a mix of stuff we like about “Star Wars”, but the panel’s split on whether it managed to do a good job executing its ambitious agenda. "The Acolyte" Jason Snell with Tony Sindelar, Dan Moren, Moisés Chiullán and Chip Sudderth Referenced Works Th…

Tokyo Story is on numerous lists of the best films of all time. It’s in my personal top five. This movie is considered the masterpiece by legendary filmmaker Yasujiro Ozu, and it stars his luminous muse, Setsuko Hara. Tokyo Story is a black and white time capsule of life in Japan after World War II and depicts how the war and Japan’s modernization …

Many Weavers (but not Dennis Wheeler or Dennis Miller), some cowboy music, surprising “Star Trek” guest stars, and a plot that goes to some surprising places make this episode a winner. Jason Snell, Philip Michaels and David J. LoehrBy Magnum, podcast

Welcome back to the blood-soaked sands of Athas! Door Dash your Pegasus and throw your money on the floor because these weirdos are level 10 now. You might think that means fewer hijinks and less nonsense, but you would be very very wrong. Eglath’s Angels VII, Episode 1 Scott McNulty with Aleen Simms, Dan Moren, Erika Ensign, Jason Snell, Steve Lut…

Listener Arne received a severe weather alert for a fire. Fires are very bad, but are they weather? Are some natural disasters weather, and others not? John Siracusa and Jason SnellBy Robot or Not?

As we hit the middle of our tenth season, Lex journeys to Dan’s hometown for a momentous historical baseball event with a so-so love story in 2005’s Fever Pitch. Hot topics include an unlikeable lead, when the sport overshadows the story, and missing comedy. Programming Note: In addition to this capsule episode, which contains our discussion before…

Guy English, podcaster and programmer, joins Scott to discuss “Eye of the Beholder” (TNG S7E18). This episode of TNG starts off with a scene depicting suicide. Support is available if you are struggling. Topics include the portrayal of mental health issues, “it was all a dream,” and Riker’s pajamas. Scott McNulty with Guy English Show Notes & Links…

Guy English, podcaster and programmer, joins Scott to discuss “Eye of the Beholder” (TNG S7E18). This episode of TNG starts off with a scene depicting suicide. Support is available if you are struggling. Topics include the portrayal of mental health issues, “it was all a dream,” and Riker’s pajamas. Scott McNulty with Guy English Show Notes & Links…