Super Fantastic Nerd Hour!

"The world itself is just one big hoax." We review season 1 of USA's critically acclaimed new series Mr. Robot! What makes Mr. Robot one of the most modern shows on TV? How does it get hackers right? What makes Rami Malek's performance so powerful? In the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER, it's Mr. Robot versus Fight Club! We share our top 5 unreliable narrators. Download MP3 Subscribe in iTunesShow Notes0:00 - 25:54: Mr. Robot25:55 - 35:33: INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER: Mr. Robot VS. Fight Club35:34 - 48:26: Top 5 Unreliable NarratorsLinksMr. Robot Season Finale: This Is TV's First Great Cyberpunk ShowUSA Postpones Mr. Robot Finale Due to Similarities to WDBJ Shooting Mr. Robot functions best when it’s most human When A Brown Actor Plays A White Character, Who Really Wins? USA has already given Mr. Robot a second season The Caper in 'Mr. Robot' Is No Robin Hood Scheme Mr. Robot' Star Rami Malek's Past is All Online 'Mr. Robot' Boss Talks Finale and Season 2: Elliot "Is Past the Point of No Return"Top 5 Unreliable NarratorsConrad: The Ususual SuspectsInception LolitaBig FishMementoAli:MementoCalvin and HobbesLife of PiThe Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-TimeA Clockwork Orange

"We’ve been charged with telling new stories for a younger generation because they deserve what we all had — a mythology to call their own." Disney's announcement of new Star Wars films, theme parks, TV shows, and other goodies have us wondering — how much is too much? Do we need a new Spider-Man, a Fantastic Four reboot, more Star Trek, and another Avengers film? Where do artistic endeavors end and commercial franchises begin? Why do these stories keep repeating, despite our fatigue, and how do we keep them relevant? Special guest, geeky photographer and host of the On Taking Pictures podcast Bill Wadman.

“Hunt is the living manifestation of destiny and he has made you his mission.” We (non-spoiler) review the fifth entry into the Mission: Impossible franchise — Rogue Nation! What makes this film series unique? How does Rogue Nation compare against other summer blockbusters? What makes Tom Cruise a big film geek? In the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER, it’s Rogue Nation VS. Ghost Protocol! We share our top 5 rogues. 0:00 - 25:54: Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (non-spoilers); 25:55 - 35:33: INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER: Rogue Nation VS. Ghost Protocol; 35:34 - 48:26: Top 5 Rogues.

“They are as close to humans as can be, and yet still people insist that forming a relationship with them or treating them with dignity is somehow perverse.” We review Humans, AMC and Channel 4’s new science fiction drama. How does Humans explore the relationship between humanity and technology? What does it reveal about the singularity and artificial intelligence? How will society change if we create an artificial labor class? In the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER, what’s the better exploration of AI — Humans or Ex Machina? We download our top 5 warnings to the future. 0:00 - 18:30: Humans (non-spoilers); 18:30 - 46:56: Humans (spoilers); 46:57 - 58:31: INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER: Humans VS. Ex Machina; 58:32 - 1:25:08: Top 5 Warnings to the Future.

"This is not some cute tech like the Iron Man suit!" We review the newest edition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe — Ant-Man! After over a decade of development, multiple rewrites, and the departure of Edgar Wright, does Peyton Reed's Ant-Man work? We discuss how awesome Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, and Evangeline Lilly are in their roles, criticize the film's representation of diversity, and debate how much creativity is left at Marvel Studios. In the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER, what makes better use of the macroscopic perspective — Ant-Man or Honey, I Shrunk the Kids? We share our top 5 animal companions and sidekicks. 0:00 - 21:06: Ant-Man (non-spoilers); 21:07 - 38:45: Ant-Man (spoilers); 38:46 - 48:08: INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER: Ant-Man VS. Honey, I Shrunk the Kids; 48:09 - 1:04:28: Top 5 Animal Companions and Sidekicks.

“That thing out there…that is no dinosaur.” We review the wildly successful Jurassic World! How does this 4th entry compare against Jurassic Park, The Lost World, and Jurassic Park III? Is it completely reliant on our nostalgic love of the original or does the movie have something new to offer? What about the controversy behind Bryce Dallas Howard’s Claire? And how awesome is Chris Pratt’s Star-Lord..err…Owen. In the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER, what’s the better monster movie — Jurassic World or 2014’s Godzilla? We boldly share our top 5 stories about hubris. 0:00 - 12:39: Jurassic World (non-spoilers); 12:39 - 41:30: Jurassic World (spoilers); 41:31 - 48:34: INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER: Jurassic World VS. Godzilla (2014); 48:35 - 1:11:40: Top 5 Hubris Stories.

“I get things are bad, but what are we doing to fix it?” We explore Disney’s Tomorrowland! Does Brad Bird’s film live up to the vision of Walt Disney’s theme park attraction? What’s the film telling us about science and imagination? Is Tomorrowland a refreshing return to Kennedy era NASA optimism or an idea that already feels outdated and simplistic? In the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER we debate what’s the better adaptation of a Disney attraction - Tomorrowland or Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl? Get in line for our top 5 Disney rides. Special guest, former Disney cast member and present host of YouTube’s Without a License Diana Chang. 0:00 - 32:29: Tomorrowland (non-spoilers); 32:30 - 49:23: Tomorrowland (spoilers); 49:24 - 1:02:20: INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER: Tomorrowland VS. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl; 1:02:21 - 1:44:33: Top 5 Disney Rides.

“Oh what a day, what a lovely day!” We review George Miller’s long awaited Mad Max sequel — Fury Road! How does Fury Road honor its source material while also charting a new course for action films? Does its treatment of women make it a “feminist film”? And what’s the story behind Doof Warrior, the onesie flamethrower guitarist? In the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER, who’s the better hero — Fury Road’s Furiosa or The Road Warrior’s Max Rockatansky? We step on the gas for our top 5 crazy vehicles. 0:00 - 26:10: Mad Max: Fury Road (non-spoilers); 26:11 - 53:40: Mad Max: Fury Road (spoilers); 53:41 - 1:03:37: INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER: Fury Road VS. Road Warrior; 1:03:38 - 1:20:56: Top 5 Crazy Vehicles.

“What if these comic books are bleeding through from parallel worlds?” We give a spoiler-free review of Multiversity, the Eisner-nominated series from DC Comics! How is this Grant Morrison project the ultimate exploration of the past, present, and future of the DC multiverse? What is Multiversity saying about comics as art? Is it necessary reading for all or love letter to fans of comic books? In the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER, we debate Multiversity versus Watchmen. Things get wibbly wobbly as we explore our favorite parallel universe stories. 0:00 - 26:19: Multiversity (non-spoilers); 26:20 - 42:44: INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER: Multiversity VS. Watchmen; 42:45 - 1:04:37: Top 5 Parallel Universes.

“There is only one path to peace — your extinction.” We kickoff the summer blockbuster season by reviewing Avengers: Age of Ultron! Does Marvel Studios overcome its villain problem? What's the film saying about teamwork and artificial intelligence? Why is everyone so upset about Black Widow? How does Age of Ultron impact future Marvel films? In the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER — phase one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe versus phase two. We assemble our top 3 Joss Whedon moments. Special guest Lowen Baumgarten. 0:00 - 16:13: Avengers: Age of Ultron (non-spoilers); 16:14 - 52:49: Avengers: Age of Ultron (spoilers); 52:50 - 1:01:56: INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER: MCU Phase 1 VS. MCU Phase 2; 1:01:56 - 1:21:03: Top 3 Whedon Moments.

“What will happen to me if I fail your test?” We review Alex Garland’s new film — Ex Machina! How does it reinterpret the famous Turing Test for Artificial Intelligence? Is the film feminist or sexist? Does Alicia Vikander’s Ava have consciousness? In the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER, who has more human AI — Ex Machina or Blade Runner? BY YOUR COMMAND, we share our top 5 robots. 0:00 - 16:54: Ex Machina (non-spoilers); 16:55 - 1:03:45: Ex Machina (spoilers); 1:03:46 - 1:14:30: INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER: Ex Machina VS. Blade Runner; 1:14:31 - 1:34:56: Top 5 Robots.

“I’m asking for forgiveness for what I’m about to do.” Without spoilers, we review Marvel’s new TV series Daredevil! How did we get from a critically panned Ben Affleck 2003 film to a critically acclaimed 2015 Netflix series? Does this show honor Frank Miller's gritty New York City source material? What’s Daredevil’s relationship with the Marvel Cinematic Universe? In the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER, what’s the better criminal street drama — Daredevil or Gotham? We share our top 5 worst superhero films. 0:00 - 55:25: Netflix's Daredevil (non-spoilers); 55:26 - 1:07:11: INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER: Daredevil VS. Gotham; 1:07:10 - 1:59:38: Top 5 Worst Superhero Movies.

“The most important thing in life will always be the people in this room, right here, right now.” We discuss the latest entry into the Fast and Furiousverse - Furious 7! What elevates this franchise above your average action film? How did it become an accidental cinematic universe? What was the impact of Paul Walker’s passing and how does the film honor his life? Plus all the reasons why Vin Diesel is so awesome. In the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER, what franchise has better team setpieces — The Fast and Furious or Mission: Impossible? We confess our top 5 guilty pleasures. 0:00 - 31:28: Furious 7 (non-spoilers); 31:29 - 50:58: Furious 7 (spoilers); 50:59 - 1:03:35: INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER: Fast and Furious VS. Mission: Impossible;1:03:36 - 1:45:41: Top 5 Guilty Pleasures.

“Make a hawk a dove, stop a war with love, make a liar tell the truth!” We discuss Kristy Guevar-Flanagan’s documentary Wonder Women: The Untold Story of American Superheroines! How did Wonder Woman go from being one of most innovative superheroes during World War II to a powerless stereotype in the 1950s? What role did she play in the feminist movement? How did Wonder Woman influence the modern age of female superheroes and why has it taken so long to give her a feature film? Wonder Woman takes on Jean Grey in the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER! We share our top 5 female role models. 0:00 - 44:28: Wonder Women: The Untold Story of American Superheroines; 44:29 - 56:50: INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER: Wonder Woman VS. Jean Grey; 56:51 - 1:36:54: Top 5 Female Role Models.

“Money gives power, well, a run for its money.” We discuss Netflix’s House of Card: Season 3! What happens to Kevin Spacey’s Frank Underwood when the power he craves remains out of his reach? Does House of Cards successfully pivot to character and policy stories? And what’s the deal with Robin Wright’s Claire Underwood this season? We caucus for our favorite Washingtonian political drama as House of Cards and The West Wing enter the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER. It's a deliciously evil top 5 as we share our favorite anti-heroes. Special guest, policy wonk Lowen Baumgarten. 0:00 - 12:12: House of Cards: Season 3 (non-spoilers); 12:13 - 42:00: House of Cards: Season 3 (spoilers); 42:01 - 1:10:29 INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER: House of Cards VS. The West Wing; 1:10:30 - 1:51:19: Top 5 Anti-Heroes.

“My umbrella concern is that you as a character represent the end of what I used to call ‘our show.’“ Community returns and we review the Yahoo! produced sixth season premiere. Does this new Community still have the same mix of meta, self-aware, existential angst of its former NBC self? Is there enough of the original cast to keep the show going? And what’s the deal with those tech problems behind Yahoo!’s launch? In the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER, it’s a streaming showdown between Yahoo!’s Community and Netflix’s Arrested Development. Class is in session as we rank our top 5 TV schools. 0:00 - 35:40: Community Season 6 Premiere; 35:41 - 55:20: INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER: Community (Yahoo!) VS. Arrested Development (Netflix); 55:21 - 1:20:04: Top 5 TV Schools.

“The faker the fodder is the more you love it.” We explore (without spoilers) Charlie Brooker’s British anthology series Black Mirror. What makes this 2011 speculative fiction series unlike anything else on TV? Why is it gaining popularity now? What is the series saying about our relationship with 21st century technology? In the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER, who has the more piercing social commentary — Black Mirror or The Twilight Zone? We share our top 5 TV anthologies. 0:00 - 49:35: Black Mirror (non-spoilers); 49:36 - 1:05:31: INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER: Black Mirror VS. The Twilight Zone; 1:05:32 - 1:28:25 : Top 5 TV Anthologies.

“It’s never the changes we want that change everything.” We explore The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz. How does Díaz’s story about a young geek growing up in New Jersey redefine what it means to be American? How it does mash up fiction and history? What makes this pulitzer prize winning narrative so timey wimey and why are readers calling it the best novel of the 21st century? In the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER, what novel makes better use of its nerdy references — Oscar Wao or Ready Player One? We share the top 5 media that influenced our lives. 0:00 - 13:30: The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao (non-spoilers); 13:31 - 43:00: The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao (spoilers); 43:01 - 58:19: INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER: Oscar Wao VS. Ready Player One; 58:20 - 1:44:32: Top 5 Influential Media.

“A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory.” We depart from our regularly scheduled programming to remember Leonard Nimoy — the actor, director, poet, singer, and photographer. From Star Trek’s Spock to Transformers and The Full Body Project, we explore all the wonderful things that made Leonard Nimoy such a unique person and the elder nerd. 0:00 - 40:00: Remembering Leonard Nimoy; 40:00 - 1:13:09: Top 5 Leonard Nimoy Moments.

"Manners maketh man!" We discuss all things Kingsman: The Secret Service! Why did director Mathew Vaughn leave X-Men: Days of Future Past to make this Mark Millar comic adaptation? What is this self-referential spy film saying about social class? Does its stylized violence offer more than just beautiful choreography? In the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER, it's a fight to the death between Kingsman and Kick-Ass! We share a pot of tea and discuss our top 5 British exports. 0:00 - 14:33: Kingsman (non-spoilers); 14:34 - 53:00: Kingsman (spoilers); 53:01 - 1:01:26: INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER: Kingsman VS. Kick-Ass; 1:01:27 - 1:32:25 : Top 5 British Exports.

“We lost the war.” Join us as we discuss the newest Philip K. Dick science fiction adaptation — Amazon’s The Man in the High Castle! How does Amazon crowdsource its pilot season? Why is streaming media changing the type of content that gets produced? How does this alternate history about the Nazis winning World War II relate to its source material? In the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER, we debate the post-WWII world building of The Man in the High Castle VS. Agent Carter. We binge review our top 5 made for streaming programming. 0:00 - 16:48: The Man in the High Castle (no spoilers); 16:49 - 38:57: The Man in the High Castle (spoilers); 38:58 - 50:18: INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER: The Man in the High Castle VS. Agent Carter; 50:19 - 1:46:31: Top 5 Made for Streaming Programming.

“I know where I came from — but where did all you zombies come from?” We discuss Ethan Hawke’s new science fiction film — Predestination! How does its time travel premise explore identity? What is the film telling us about sex, gender, and sexual orientation? And who is Sarah Snook and why isn’t she starring in everything?!? In the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER, we debate Predestination the film versus the original Robert A. Heinlein’s original 1958 short story. We share our favorite film plot twists and recent listener feedback. 0:00 - 13:06: Predestination (no spoilers); 13:07 - 38:55: Presdestination (spoilers); 38:56 - 1:01:21 Top 5 Film Plot Twists; 1:01:22 - 1:06:48: Listener Feedback.

“What if you could take it back? All of it? A reset switch? You'd hit it right?” We review SyFy’s series premiere of 12 Monkeys! How has the story departed from Terry Gilliam’s 1995 film? What’s remained the same? How is it influenced by Back to the Future, Terminator, Walking Dead, and Planet of the Apes? Things get timey wimey in the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER as James Cole (Aaron Stanford) takes on James Cole (Bruce Willis). We share our top 5 TV adaptations of feature films. 0:00 - 41:31: SyFy’s 12 Monkeys; 41:32 - 55:00: 12 Monkeys (TV) VS. 12 Monkeys (Film); 55:01 - 1:13:50: Top 5 Movies to TV; 1:13:51 - 1:18:36: Listener Feedback.

“During the war I had a sense of purpose - now I connect the calls but never get to make them.” Join us as we review the series premiere of Marvel’s Agent Carter! How did this miniseries emerge out of Captain America: The First Avenger? Where does it fit within the Marvel Cinematic Universe? In what ways does Agent Carter connect with real history? In the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER, Agent Carter takes on the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D! We share our top 5 agents. Listener feedback for Into the Woods and our 50th episode spectacular. 0:00 - 35:34: Agent Carter; 35:35 - 51:26: Agent Carter VS. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.; 51:27 - 1:18:17: Top 5 Agents; 1:18:18 - 1:30:23: Listener Feedback.

It’s our 50th episode spectacular! We bring back your favorite guests to answer the essential question of what is a nerd? How are nerds different from geeks? Has our understanding of these terms changed over time? What is geek culture? How is it liberating and in what ways do the “fake geek girl/boy” backlash limit fans? What does the mainstreaming of science fiction, fantasy, and comic books mean for the future of nerdery and geekdom? We share our favorite nerdy moments from 2014. Special guests: Diana Chang (host of Without a License), Derek Bishop (speculative fiction writer), Bill Wadman (photographer, cohost of On Taking Pictures), Nhu-An (lover of learning). 0:00 - 1:03:17: What is a Nerd & Nerds versus geeks; 1:03:18 - 1:23:52: Top Nerdy Moments of 2014.

“Anything can happen in the woods.” We review Disney’s film adaptation of Into the Woods! Is this a fitting adaptation of Stephen Sondheim’s classic Broadway musical? Does it suffer from “Disneyfication”? What’s the story saying about fairytales? Why are our hosts so upset about the film's casting? In the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER, it’s a sing off between Into the Woods and Les Misérables! We journey into our top 5 fairytale retellings. 0:00 – 21:23: Into the Woods (non-spoilers); 21:24 - 33:10: Into the Woods (spoilers); 33:11 – 46:56: INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER: Into the Woods VS. Les Misérables; 46:57 – 1:13:48: Top 5 Fairytale Retellings.

“In the 60s your father was convinced that the U.S. could launch an interstellar spaceship — I think he did it." We review SyFy Channel’s Ascension! How does the miniseries link to real history and what does it mean for the future of SyFy’s programming? Does the show's social commentary about space travel, the evolution of culture, eugenics, and technology hold up to nerd scrutiny? In the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER, Ascension faces off against REDACTED! We share our top 5 TV miniseries. 0:00 – 16:45: Ascension: Non-spoiler discussion; 16:46 – 40:05: Ascension: Spoiler discussion; 40:06 – 56:24: INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER: Ascension VS. REDACTED; 56:25 – 1:28:23: Top 5 TV Miniseries.

“There should be no boundaries to human endeavor.” Your favorite nerds review the Stephen and Jane Hawking biopic The Theory of Everything! Are the portrayals of the leads worthy of all the early Oscar buzz? How does the film depict Stephen Hawking’s scientific contributions? What about all the other messy details that got left out of the script? In the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER, it’s The Theory of Everything versus A Beautiful Mind. We share our top 5 biopics. 0:00 – 34:22: The Theory of Everything; 34:23 – 48:40: The Theory of Everything VS. A Beautiful Mind; 48:41 – 1:23:03: Top 5 Biopics.

“As with most of life's problems, this one can be solved by a box of pure radiation.” We discuss Andy Weir’s breakout scifi novel The Martian! How did this self-published story become a bestselling novel? What’s unique about its blend of science and fiction? If you take out The Martian’s technobabble, is it still a compelling story? Will Matt Damon be a convincing astronaut in the 2015 Ridley Scott film adaptation? In the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER, who would you want to live with in a space station — The Martian’s Mark Watney or MOON’s Sam Bell? We share our top 5 survival stories and review the Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Jurassic World trailers. Special guest, bibliophile Zainab Chaudary of The Memorist. 0:00 – 19:45: The Martian - non-spoiler discussion; 19:46 – 49:00: The Martian - spoiler review; 49:01 – 58:35: The Martian VS. MOON; 58:36 - 1:36:35: Top 5 Survival Stories; 1:36:35 - 1:48:32: Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens & Jurassic World trailer review.

“Fire Is Catching!” We review The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1! Can Suzanne Collins’s slim novel be adapted into two films? What’s Mockingjay saying about reality TV and war propaganda? Looking back, what's The Hunger Games's contribution to the scifi genre? In the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER, who’s the better instigator of rebellion — Katniss Everdeen or Terminator's Sarah Connor? We gobble down our top 5 things to watch on Thanksgiving. 0:00 – 43:32: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1; 43:33 – 58:16: INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER: Katniss Everdeen vs. Sarah Connor; 58:17 – 1:29:18: Top 5 Things to Watch on Thanksgiving.

“Flying makes me a better care provider!” Your favorite nerds review Big Hero 6! How did this Disney film about Marvel superheroes come to be? Is this a story just for kids or does it offer something adults will enjoy as well? How does Big Hero 6 explore science, technology, diversity, and teamwork? It’s an animation battle royal as Disney and Pixar enter the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER! We share our top 5 animated films. Special guest, former Disney cast member and present host of YouTube’s Without a License Diana Chang. 0:00 – 41:50: Big Hero 6; 41:51 – 1:03:04: INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER: Disney VS. Pixar; 1:03:05 – 1:53:10: Top 5 Animated Films.

“Mankind was born on Earth. It was never meant to die here.” Join us as we explore Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar! What makes the film a spectacular sensory experience? Does its story hold up to its epic scale? Do Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway convey the relativistic dangers of space travel? In the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER, what film better explores the unknown — Interstellar or Contact? We countdown our top 5 space epics. 0:00 – 56:45: Interstellar; 56:46 – 1:08:00: INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER: Interstellar VS. Contact; 1:08:01 – 01:22:43: Top 5 Space Epics.

“You mistake love for admiration." We review Birdman, the new film from director Alejandro González Iñárritu! How does the film parallel Michael Keaton and Edward Norton's careers? What is Birdman saying about the superhero genre? Is there a deeper message behind its theme of art versus entertainment? In the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER, which film provides a better commentary on media - Birdman or Fight Club? We share our top 5 celebrity comebacks. 0:00 – 47:30: Birdman; 47:31 – 57:31: INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER: Birdman VS. Fight Club; 57:32 – 01:24:11: Top 5 Celebrity Comebacks.

“I'm a nasty piece of work!” We review “Non Est Asylum”, the pilot episode of NBC’s Constantine! What makes this DC comic book antihero unique and what's been lost in the transition to the TV screen? In the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER, what power would you choose to fight off monsters - Constantine’s magic or Ellen Ripley’s might? We summon our top 5 monster hunters.

“We were trying to do something good. We were being human beings.” We discuss the return of AMC’s The Walking Dead! What makes this show unique in the zombie genre? How do the events of “No Sanctuary” impact season 5? Will the comic and TV show continue to intersect in continuity? In the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER, who would you trust to lead you out of the zombie apocalypse — season 1 Rick or season 5 Rick? We share our top 5 Walking Dead characters. Special guest, cohost of Reanimated: The Zombie Podcast Stuart Tiffen. 0:00 – 49:23: The Walking Dead: season 5 premiere; 49:24 – 57:18: INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER: Rick season 1 VS. Rick season 5; 57:19 – 01:35:48: Top 5 Walking Dead Characters.

We recap our journey to what just became the largest fan gathering in the country — New York Comic Con 2014! Did the ambitious NYCC Super Week experiment work? What’s the coolest news to come out of the con? How did NYCC manage its massive crowds? What role did New York City play in the convention? In the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER, it’s a cosplay showdown between Harley Quinn and Captain America! We share our top 5 ways to improve NYCC. 0:00 – 45:15: New York Comic Con 2014; 45:16 – 55:22: INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER: Harley Quinn VS. Captain America; 55:23 – 1:20:40: Top 5 Ways to Improve NYCC.

“If all you do is fight for your own life than your life is worth nothing.” We review Spark of the Rebellion, the pilot episode of Star Wars: Rebels! Why is Rebels the most important new Star Wars project since Episode I: The Phantom Menace? How does it fit in with next year's Episode VII? And what's the deal with those Wookies?!? In the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER, what's the better Star Wars story – Rebels or Clone Wars? We draw up our top 5 animated TV shows. 0:00 – 33:50: Star Wars: Rebels; 33:51 – 48:58: INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER: Star Wars: Rebels VS. Star Wars: Clone Wars; 48:59 – 1:25:25: Top 5 Animated TV Shows.

"Just because you are a character doesn't mean that you have character." We celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction! How did the film change cinema, what was so innovative about its non-linear style, and what’s its nerdy legacy? In the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER, what’s the better non-linear story — Pulp Fiction or Sin City? We share our top 5 non-linear movies. 0:00 – 36:02: Pulp Fiction; 36:03 – 55:13: INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER: Pulp Fiction VS. Sin City; 55:14 – 1:29:13: Top 5 Non-linear Movies.

"Fear doesn't need conquering. Fear tells you where the edge is." We start the nerdiest season ever on TV with our review of Fox’s Gotham! What were we hoping to see in the Batman prequel and does the show live up to our expectations? What are the standout performances? Has the show already revealed too many villains? What needs to happen to make this superhero TV show a success? In the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER, which DC Comics pilot better launched a TV series – Gotham or Smallville? Enter Arkham Asylum as we countdown our top 5 Batman villains. 0:00 – 29:58: Gotham; 29:59 – 44:52: INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER: Gotham VS. Smallville; 44:53 – 1:14:20: Top 5 Batman Villains.

“Live together, die alone.” 10 years after its television premiere, we revisit LOST! How did the show get its start? What made it a success among critics and audiences alike? Why did so many people stop watching LOST? Why all the fan outrage over the series finale? After all these years, have we finally figured out what’s behind those numbers, the Dharma Initiative, and the island?!? In the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER, what’s the better mystery box — LOST or Battlestar Galactica? We share our candidates for top 5 LOST characters. Special guest, speculative fiction writer Derek Bishop. 0:00 – 45:57: LOST: 10 Years Later; 45:58 – 1:00:15: INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER: LOST VS. Battlestar Galactica; 1:00:16 – 1:28:34: Top 5 LOST Characters.

“Write your mistake. Ingest one mushroom. Go to sleep. Wake anew.” It's the Super Fantastic Nerd Hour review of Seconds, the new graphic novel from Scott Pilgrim author Bryan Lee O'Malley! We debate if Seconds’s premise about a restaurant chef altering the space-time continuum charts new territory for comics, discuss how its commentary about being on the “bleak precipice of a early-thirties crisis” compares to the science of aging, and geek out about all of its references to pop culture. In the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER, which coming of age story stands the test of time — Seconds or Back to the Future? We divulge our top 5 stories about regret. 0:00 – 44:16: Seconds by Bryan Lee O'Malley; 44:17 – 53:10: INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER: Seconds VS. Back to the Future; 53:11 – 1:15:33: Top 5 Stories About Regret.

The summer is TERMINATED! We look back at the 2014 summer blockbuster season, see how our predictions panned out, and share our winners and losers. In the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER, which summer season was better for nerds – 2013 or 2014? Things get autumnal as we share the top 5 films and TV shows we're looking forward to this fall. 0:00 – 36:33: Summer 2014 Recap; 36:34 – 47:40: INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER: Summer 2013 VS. Summer 2014; 47:41 – 1:13:21: Top 5 Films and TV Shows of the Fall Season.

"I don't think I know who The Doctor is anymore." We explore the wibbly wobbly world of Doctor Who! What's the impact of the 50th anniversary on the series 8 premiere? Is the Twelfth Doctor really as dark as everyone claims? How has Clara's relationship with The Doctor changed? And what's up with that new intro and TARDIS? In the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER, who would you rather be a companion to – the Eleventh Doctor or Twelfth Doctor? We enter the time vortex as we share our top 5 Doctor Who regeneration moments. Special guests, speculative fiction writer Derek Bishop and photographer/lifelong Whovian Bill Wadman. 0:00 – 19:47: Expectations for the Twelfth Doctor; 19:48 – 45:05: Doctor Who series 8 premiere review; 45:06 – 55:02: INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER: Eleventh Doctor VS. Twelfth Doctor; 55:03 – 1:40:24: Top 5 Doctor Who regeneration moments.

"Oh captain, my captain!" We depart from our regularly scheduled programming to remember Robin Williams. From the first time we saw him act to his most recent films and TV shows, we explore all the wonderful things that made Robin Williams such a unique actor and a huge nerd. 0:00 – 37:54: Remember Robin Williams; 37:55 – 1:08:34: Top 5 Robin Williams Moments.

"Know your place. Accept your place. Be a shoe!" We take a ride on Snowpiercer! Why was Bong Joon-ho's new film held up in distribution for almost a year? Is its experimental video on demand and theatrical release working? How does Snowpiercer mashup horror and science fiction? What's the film's social commentary and how does it relate to classics like Metropolis and Brazil? In the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER, which dystopian future would you rather live in - Snowpiercer or The Hunger Games? All aboard our top 5 movies with trains. 0:00 – 51:00: Snowpiercer; 51:01 – 1:00:00: INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER: Snowpiercer VS. The Hunger Games; 1:00:01 – 1:15:49: Top 5 Movies with Trains.

"I am Groot!" We go on a cosmic voyage with the Guardians of the Galaxy! How did this obscure Marvel comic become one of the most anticipated films of the summer? Does it live up to its hype? How does the film's massive nostalgia explosions and its Awesome Mix Vol. 1 impact audiences? Is this the first Marvel Studios film to have a captivating 3rd act? In the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER, who's a better team - the Guardians of the Galaxy or the crew of Firefly? We share our own top 5 songs to save the galaxy. 0:00 – 33:56: Guardians of the Galaxy; 33:57 – 49:57: INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER: Guardians VS. Firefly; 49:58 – 01:00:13: Top 5 Awesome Mix Songs.

We continue our San Diego Comic Con 2014 coverage with clips and recaps of our favorite panels! Does TV have the power to heal? Why did Atari secretly bury thousands of E.T. video game cartridges? What does Max Brooks think of the WWZ film adaptation? How did the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles get their start? What made Fight Club go from a failed book to a cult film? Who wins the psychology of Star Trek VS. Star Wars? What do San Diegans think of Comic Con? Full panel downloads available on NerdHour.com. 0:00 - 4:02: Introduction; 4:03 - 12:44: Psychology of Cult TV Shows; 12:45 - 27:44: Digging E.T.: Behind the Scenes of the Xbox Originals Documentary, Atari: Game Over; 27:45 - 41:02: Max Brooks-Zombies vs. Vampires: The Extinction Parade Survival Panel; 41:03 - 57:24: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 30th Anniversary; 57:25 - 1:09:28: Fight Club: From Page to Screen and Beyond; 1:09:30 - 1:22:26: The Psychology of Star Trek vs. Star Wars: Episode IV; 1:22:28 - 1:36:43: An Interview With Alix and Justin.

The best of San Diego Comic Con 2014! We discuss everything that makes Comic Con the best convention in the country, share the biggest film, TV, and comic book news, and debate if the con bubble is about to burst. In the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER, who won Comic Con – Marvel Entertainment or Warner Bros.? We share our top 5 SDCC moments. 0:00 – 1:09:22: San Diego Comic Con Recap; 1:09:23 – 1:18:10: INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER: Marvel Entertainment VS. Warner Bros.; 1:18:11 – 1:41:36: Top 5 San Diego Comic Con moments.

"It's me, Mario!" From its humble origins as a playing card company to its decades of innovation, we discuss the history and future of Nintendo! How did Nintendo defeat Atari? Who is Shigeru Miyamoto and how did he influence the video game industry? Will the 3DS survive competition from Apple and Android's smartphones and tablets? Why did the Wii U launch fail? Will Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros., Kirby, Yoshi, Zelda, and Starfox return Nintendo to its glory? In the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER, which company is here to stay – Nintendo or Sony PlayStation? We press start on our top 5 Nintendo products. Special guest, Nintendo superfan Moira Fogarty. 0:00 – 1:05:50: The state of Nintendo; 1:05:51 – 1:21:10: INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER: Nintendo VS. Sony PlayStation; 1:21:11 – 1:50:00: Top 5 Nintendo products.

"Apes together strong!" Your favorite nerds explore the Planet of the Apes franchise! What are the ingredients of a great Apes film and why did Tim Burton's remake fail? Is Dawn of the Planet of the Apes a worthy successor to the surprisingly good Rise of the Planet of the Apes? What does the new film series say about conflict and peace? And what's the controversy about Andy Serkis, "digital makeup up", and motion capture animation? In the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER, we debate the social commentary behind Apes versus Avatar's Na'vi. Expand your consciousness as we share our top 5 post-human stories. 0:00 – 1:00:02: Dawn of the Planet of the Apes; 1:00:03 – 1:09:49: INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER: Apes VS. Na'vi; 1:09:50 – 1:41:48: Top 5 Post-Human Stories.

"There's only one of me!" Join us as we discuss one of the best scifi shows on TV – BBC America's Orphan Black! We explore the show's origins, list our reasons for why Tatiana Maslany is an amazing actress, rank our favorite clones, debate the show's commentary on nature versus nurture, and share how much we love its depiction of gender and sexual diversity. In the INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER, what's the better conspiracy – Orphan Black or Dollhouse? We share our top 5 female assassins. 0:00 – 50:29: Orphan Black; 50:30 – 57:19: INFINITE CROSSOVER CHAMBER: Orphan Black VS. Dollhouse; 57:20 – 1:14:35: Top 5 Female Assassins.