Geek Quorum

Season 2 of the Mandalorian begins in epic fashion. The action and effects were grand, but the story didn't seem to advance too far--with one big exception. We discuss the show's sci-fi twist on traditional western themes, and speculate what the reveal of a mystery character could mean.

The first season of The Mandalorian comes to a satisfying conclusion with two strong episodes. We particularly liked Chapter 7, with its shocking turns that took the series to a new dramatic level. Looking at the first season as a whole, we found a lot to like, and are eager to see what the writers do in Season 2 with the characters and setting they've put together.

The Mandalorian tries--and largely succeeds--with a "heist" episode. We appreciated the change in scenery and the new characters, but we have to wonder: Will the Baby Yoda storyline be adequately addressed in the remaining two episodes? The show continues to create interesting characters but seems to dispose of them just as quickly. Which of the new characters would you like to see again?

The Mandalorian suffered a drop in quality with Chapters 4 and 5, with a number of cliches and over-abundant fan service. Sure, Baby Yoda was cute, but we were hoping for advancement of the main story. Instead, it seems to be treading water while pandering to fans. And going back to Tatooine again? There was a tiny morsel to chew on at the end--who do you think the mystery figure was that is on their trail?

The Mandalorian continues with two strong episodes. While Chapter 2 may have been essentially a side quest, the end reveal was a worthy payoff. And Chapter 3 sets the table for the direction of the series onward. We discuss the compact nature of each episode and how the first three episodes, taken together, form what could be considered "Act One" of a story. Despite a singular narrative path, we're deeply invested in the characters (especially Baby Yoda, of course). What are your favorite parts of the series?

The Mandalorian kicks off with a great premiere episode. The highly stylized visuals were a treat, but our main focus was whether the Mandalorian was effectively characterized. Of course we discuss the big reveal at the end, and what it means for the series going forward. What did you think of the show? And how's your experience been with Disney+? This episode was again on YouTube! Check out and subscribe to our Geek Quorum YouTube channel!

The Mandalorian (and Disney+) launch soon, and we discuss what we hope to see in the new series. Also, we recorded this with video as well, and if you go to our YouTube channel, you can see our first (very experimental) attempt at producing YouTube content. Please check out it and Like/Subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCowtNXXsGgHZCZocpYwoQVw/

San Diego Comic-Con is a huge event, in size, scope, and hype. What's it like to be there? We have a first-hand account of what it's like to brave the masses and experience the convention (and all the fabulous cosplay). There were gobs of announcements and we discuss some of the biggest ones, including the Picard trailer, Marvel's Phase Four timeline, and movies trailers for Terminator: Dark Fate and Top Gun: Maverick. We also take a look at the contenders hoping to assume the mantle of "the next Game of Thrones." There's Netflix's The Witcher, HBO's GoT prequel, and Amazon's Lord of the Rings show--which are you most looking forward to?

In Spider-Man: Far From Home, the teen webslinger must juggle his feelings for MJ while dealing with deadly Elementals and a hero from another reality--all while under the big shadow of Tony Stark's legacy. In this podcast we look at how successfully the movie pulled all those elements together. As the final movie of Marvel's Phase 3, Far From Home had the duty of being the final note to a long cinematic story sequence, being an independent Spider-Man movie, and laying some groundwork for Phase 4. We discuss how it all fits together, especially the importance of the post-credit scenes. While it's fun speculating on Phase 4, the film also serves some meaty topics like Mysterio, Peter Parker's latest suit, and how this incarnation of Spidey compares to previous ones.

A long time ago... we recorded a podcast. It was epic. But like a satellite on the fringe of a black hole's singularity, it never could escape that pull and go free into the universe. Fortunately, it didn't get drawn into the maw, forever gone. Because now it's here! Yes it's more than two years old, but due to intense space/time dilation for those in the podcast it's still January 2017. In this lost episode we discuss Rogue One. As the first of the "Star Wars Stories", did it skew too closely to the main Skywalker storyline? We discuss the movie's balance of satisfying battle scenes with disappointing characters, and how the reshoots might have shaped the overall story. We also consider whether the fully CGI characters were believable, and what the technology means for cinema going forward. Finally, what type of Star Wars anthology movies would you like to see? The non-CGI Quorum consisted of Brian, Byrne, and Michele.

After eight seasons and 73 episodes, the epic saga of HBO's Game of Thrones comes to a conclusion. But was it a satisfying ending? Before our main discussion, we slip in a prediction segment we recorded hours before the final episode aired. How'd we do? Well... We then look at Season 8 as a whole, unpacking the issues of the last six episodes. With the finale, we weigh how it performed in the dual-role of a season 8 episode and series finale. Were there any surprises? Did it pack an emotional punch? We also look ahead to what George R.R. Martin has on his plate, and speculate how different the books of A Song of Ice and Fire will be from the TV series. The Quorum High Council consisted of Brian and Byrne.

After more than a decade of buildup, the MCU's main story arc comes to a conclusion with Avengers: Endgame. Does the epic film serve as a fitting finale to not just Phase 3, but the entire cinematic journey so far? For our review we discuss how some characters' stories ended, and whether the end of their arc was fulfilling. We also attempt to unravel the tricky concept of time travel and alternate universes. And what could be next for the MCU? The Quorum assembled for this episode was Brian and Byrne.

The Quorum reconvenes after a lengthy recess to review and discuss Captain Marvel! We examine where the movie fits within the MCU, specifically how it relates to the upcoming Avengers: Endgame. But, how does it stand on its own? While discussing the de-aging technology used for Nick Fury, we riff on whether it would (or should) be used on another venerable franchise: Indiana Jones. We’re looking forward to sharing more episodes soon! Our Endgame review is right around the corner. Thanks for still listening after all these years! The Quorum for this episode consisted of Brian and Byrne.

The BSG and sci-fi community lost a great one on February 7 with the passing of Richard Hatch. Richard was an engaging and friendly advocate for the show. I was fortunate to have met him a few times over the years, and he appeared as a guest on our podcast a couple times. He was always a wonderful spirit, and so passionate about what made Battlestar Galactica great. As a tribute, here we replay an interview we did from 2009. He will be missed…So say we all.

It's our 2016 Geek Gift Guide! We have suggestions for all the geeks in your life—or maybe just yourself! From kids items to cutting-edge high tech gadgets, there's something for everyone. What are the things you are hoping to get this year?

Join us as we reminisce about some of the earliest PC games, including Zork and Star Flight. Remember those charming CGA graphics? We also look at some of the biggest board games to be introduced at GenCon this year, like SeaFall, Mansions of Madness (2nd Edition), Star Trek: Ascendency, and RuneWars. What games are you looking forward to?

We review and discuss Captain America: Civil War (aka Avengers 2.5). What makes the Captain America movies stand out from the other Marvel movies? And does the MCU have a villain problem? We also dish about the level of privacy we forfeit when using our phones and devices. And for our gaming segment we praise the work of Naughty Dog and their masterful Uncharted series.

We love playing the X-Wing Tabletop Game from Fantasy Flight Games. In this episode we give an overview of the game’s appeal and the mechanics of how it's played. With the announcement of new ships in Wave 9 we give our thoughts on the state of the game and what we’d like to see added.

Our review and discussion of The Force Awakens rolls on, as we take a critical look at the overabundant similarities to A New Hope. On the gaming side, we also share strategies for playing Star Wars Battlefront. We cover the gamut from tabletop games to a mini review of the Oculus Rift VR headset. Check out our online conversation on the new Talkshow app!

After last episode's prelude, we begin our full review of The Force Awakens, touching on characters new and old, and appreciating the balanced tone of the movie. Also we discuss news of a new Indiana Jones movie with an even older Harrison Ford, and breaking down the Rogue One trailer.

The legendary franchise returns! Yes, after a long hiatus The Quorum is back to discuss Star Wars: The Force Awakens! In this episode we begin our SW:TFA coverage by recounting when we first became Star Wars fans, the level of our fandom, and whether we had faith in the new movie. We also dish about the upcoming “Superhero fights other Superhero” movies.

After a quick rundown of some of the movies and TV shows of the past few months, we describe what it's like to go to Dragon*Con, the incredibly fun convention that takes place every year in Atlanta. We also discuss and compare Steampunk and Dieselpunk.

We discuss the blockbuster Avengers movie! We break down how the characters fit together, the quality of the Big Bad, and whether the movie was "Whedonesque" enough. Plus, some thoughts on the 48 fps technology Peter Jackson is using to shoot The Hobbit. And a teaser about another big geek summer movie, Prometheus.

The Quorum gathered a varied collection of True Blood fans to discuss the popular HBO series. We examine the show and the last season on its own merits, as well as comparing it to the original book series. Which plot lines stand out, which characters are most (and least appealing), and what will Bubba ever make an appearance?

After six mind-bending seasons, Lost has ended. Was the finale a satisfactory ending to the series? We review and discuss the final episode, ask what other mysteries should have been explained, and rate how Lost now stands among other top scifi shows. We also view the finale from a BSG fan's perspective: would harsh critics of the BSG finale regard this one differently? Some similar show elements and character arcs are also examined.

We discuss the landmark sci-fi film Avatar! We assess the production design versus the perceived lack of story and dialogue. Was the movie Oscar worthy? We consider the potential of the motion capture technology, and the possibility of 3D TVs in the home. And what of a sequel? We entertain some ideas about what the next movie may entail.

We continue our roundup and review of this season's sci-fi TV shows. We discuss the merits of Stargate Universe, Dollhouse's strong finish, and the consistency of Fringe. We also mention some noteworthy books that we're reading, and bring up Felicia Day's web show, The Guild.

In our premiere episode we review this season's sci-fi TV shows. We take a long look at V and discuss what the remake did right--and wrong. Next we look at FlashForward and debate whether it has lost its appeal. We also examine Lost's own trajectory. We also examine what defines "science fiction" and "drama." Can a show set in space not be scifi?