Superfeed! from The Incomparable

In our second of two Uncanny Magazine Kickstarter Backer editions, we visit the world of places, learn about baseball, and do not learn about the U.S. Constitution. Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky with Fred Paffhausen, Jason Snell, Laura Majerus, Peter Jones and Seb Pollard.

Revelle spends a lot of time thinking about toilets. J’osh has a (very) bright idea. K’ronng is both a small and a large creature. Jasper doesn’t want to go in there. Tony decides Gnomish beer tastes like Mountain Dew. Tony Sindelar with Aleen Simms, Chip Sudderth, Jason Snell and Monty Ashley.

How much of a fortress can you really hide? Your Star Wars pals Dan, Kat, and Tony return to discuss Akira Kurosawa’s 1958 epic, The Hidden Fortress, a film which had a significant influence on George Lucas’s work. We discuss rich people buying the horse out from under you, the unquestionably most successful Fire Festival, and who exactly the three villains are. Dan Moren, Tony Sindelar and Kat Benesh.

Meet us down at the crossroads but put yourself in a circle of salt first because we’re coving the last three episodes of Ironheart. An intriguing show that you’d thnik whould puts magic up against technology but, instead, goes full Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups with it. It even adds a bit of spice in the charming form of Sacha Baron Cohen. Dan Moren, John Moltz and Guy English.

The Summer of Submarines joins forces with Old Movie Club to take on 1958’s “Run Silent, Run Deep,” starring Clark Gable and Burt Lancaster. It’s a tense thriller that has inspired sub and sci-fi movies for many decades. Erika’s gleeful reaction to the film’s abrupt ending may surprise you! Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Philip Michaels, Shelly Brisbin, Dan Moren and Casey Liss.

This time, Stanwyck is an invalid, who’s having trouble with her phone. I would call it a straight-up female victim tale, but Babs is not what you’d call sympathetic as a character. Even so, should her husband (Burt Lancaster) be plotting her death? Shelly Brisbin with David J. Loehr, Micheline Maynard, Nathan Alderman and Randy Dotinga.

Back to the early days of “Magnum” with this episode featuring dual Ferrers and dual Lockharts along with a single Scatman. This episode really sets the stage for what this show will be able to do, even with the unnecessarily complicated plot. But don’t hold it against the screenwriter—after all, he is a novelist. Jason Snell, Philip Michaels and David J. Loehr.

How far would you go for a friend? Or, maybe an acquaintance who helped you that one time? Casey asks himself this same question as he considers re-editing an interview to make the guest look not terrible. Meanwhile Dan can’t seem to say the name “Kafelnikov”, and we roll our eyes at a very throwaway subplot about Natalie disagreeing with the pope. Lex and Brian get into it with their patent-pending banter and always-good vibes so you can keep smiling while you Sorkin’ In It. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Jasper is sorry and has a sorry short sword. J’osh wonders how melty this metal is. K’ronng would never murder a dog. Revelle is always second bucket. Tony is confused when the players are mission-oriented. Tony Sindelar with Aleen Simms, Chip Sudderth, Jason Snell and Monty Ashley.

Listener Eric really needs his kids to differentiate between charger blocks and charging cables. John Siracusa and Jason Snell.

A little late due to travel and holiday plans but we’re here with our coverage of the first three episode of Marvel’s Ironheart. We pick up with Riri Williams at MIT and things go off the rails from there as she finds herself embroiled in a life of “fun crime with whacky characters” which, it turns out, isn’t all fun and games. There’s some interesting themes brewing under the sufrace here, some highs and lows, and we’re prompted to ask the question—is Han Solo a weenie? Dan Moren, John Moltz and Guy English.

Stanwyck Summer continues with a “noir tragedy.” She finds herself involved with Kirk Douglas (his film debut), Van Heflin and Lizbeth Scott. Did Missy kill her very mean aunt, many years ago? Let’s find out, shall we? Shelly Brisbin with Nathan Alderman, Micheline Maynard and Randy Dotinga.

The summer of submarines kicks off with 1995’s “Crimson Tide,” a taut character drama that pits a captain (Gene Hackman) against his XO (Denzel Washington) in a conflict that escalates as global tensions rise outside their nuclear submarine. Jason Snell with Philip Michaels, Lisa Schmeiser, Dan Moren, Casey Liss and Erika Ensign.

Good news, friends, this podcast is Y2K compliant, and so are Brian and Lex, as they break down the quite possibly mis-titled episode of Sports Night, “Kafelnikov”. Jeremy’s pretty sure he’s got everything prepped for the new millennium, but does he? Meanwhile, Dan meets a woman in bar who says he really should call her, but maybe for reasons he doesn’t suspect. Don’t hit that panic button, just stay tuned for Sorkin’ In It. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Now lissen up, Pilgrim, there’s a fake Christopher Cross version of the Magnum Theme and a dead body in a trunk in this episode. We play a game of Bad Cop/No Cop with guest star Clyde Kusatsu! But… does it have the island vibes? Jason Snell, Philip Michaels and David J. Loehr.

It’s time once again to salute Uncanny Magazine Kickstarter Backers, and salute them we do, with questions! Difficult, specific, mostly-American questions! Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky with Daniel Ryan, Joe Veneracion, Mikah Sargent, Pinky and Thomas Wouters.

Erika and Steven wrap up the Canada Day extravaganza by dipping their toes into “Genesis of the Daleks” — will Erika love it? like it? hate it? Nobody knows yet, not even Erika! Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky.

Steven and Erika finish off a rare (for this era) two-part story as the Canada Day fun continues! Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky.

Erika and Steven wax poetic about OB video and Sarah Jane Smith, as the Canada Day marathon continues. And Erika shares a partial list of favourite Doctor Who stories over the years. The stories on that list might surprise you! Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky.

Steven and Erika conclude “The Ark in Space” and complain about fireworks timing — another Canada Day tradition! Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky.

Erika and Steven natter on about problem-solving and TV-pacing, with a long tangent about food in Edmonton — so it’s basically what you’d expect on Canada Day! Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky.

Steven and Erika celebrate Canada Day in their traditional fashion — with a classic Doctor Who marathon and some delicious food! Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky.

In this new Keys from the Golden Vault adventure, K’ronng hates the Underdark, J’osh spares the dying, Revelle throws a rock, and Jasper thinks this is all terrible. Tony claims this is technically team building. Tony Sindelar with Aleen Simms, Chip Sudderth, Jason Snell and Monty Ashley.

Barbara Stanwyck (Lorna) in a boxing movie? OK, sure. But you’ll also see the film that began her lifelong friendship with William Holden. Bill (Joe) is a violinist who wants to try his hand at boxing. Because there’s money in that. Stanwyck’s Lorna is the girl who loves him. What price must Joe pay to become a success? Shelly Brisbin with Nathan Alderman, Micheline Maynard and Randy Dotinga.

With the guiding hand of Prof. Siracusa choosing the curriculum, we watch select animated shorts from the Netflix series “Love, Death + Robots.” John’s quest to find the perfect photorealistic CGI animation continues. Tony does his companions a solid if he’s ever killed on a moon. The others debate if they represent love, death, or robots. We try to reconnect with our inner pool-polishing robots. It’s a real team effort. Jason Snell with John Siracusa, Annette Wierstra, Brian Hamilton and Tony Sindelar.

It’s our 100th episode spectacular! Major General Eyepatch threatens our friends with death! Rick faces death by remembering some guys on the 1969 Cubs, but can Phil remember those guys? Is Robert Forster chewing the scenery… for the CIA? Which episode template of “Magnum, p.i.” is this, anyway? And Clyde Kusatsu is the George freakin’ Washington of Cambodia. Jason Snell, Philip Michaels and David J. Loehr.

In this finale episode, the party takes a lot of damage and finds a chew toy. Mikah Sargent with Aleen Simms, Annette Wierstra, James Thomson, Jason Snell and Kathy Campbell.

Listener Christian, your time has come. Is an AI Lock the same as a Smart Lock? Or a Fuzzy Logic Lock? When bicycle gear shifters are called “AI”, how do we define what any of this means? I know—let’s ask John. John Siracusa and Jason Snell.

With a title like “Louise Revisited”, Sorkin fans may think this is another “Jeremy narrates the episode” trope, but Lex and Brian are relieved to find out that’s not the case. Instead we have a silly subplot about a “Who’s cooler, Dan or Casey” online poll and way too much time spent dwelling on undergarments. This may sound like a bit of a mess, but not to worry, Lex and Brian are here to help you Sorkin’ in It (and they’re both wearing underwear). Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

The second (and final?) season of the BBC/Disney+ collaboration era of “Doctor Who” is at an end, and so our crew of fans is here to pick up the pieces and ponder what went right and (unfortunately) what went wrong. Where does this franchise go from here? Jason Snell with Steven Schapansky, Erika Ensign, Chip Sudderth, Annette Wierstra and Heather Berberet.

We begin Stanwyck Summer with one of her most iconic films, and greatest performances. Stella Dallas is pure melodrama, so sudsy that the name was taken by a radio soap opera. Stella is a working-class woman with a daughter she wants to give all the things she never had. Will she succeed? Will her daughter be grateful? Tune in tomorrow! Shelly Brisbin with Nathan Alderman, Randy Dotinga and Micheline Maynard.

Academy award nominee Robert Forster chews all available scenery in part one of this two-part episode featuring a rogue mission to Cambodia. The gang travels upriver to the heart of darkness to the strains of a very bad Creedence Clearwater Revival cover. Death to the papists! Jason Snell, Philip Michaels and David J. Loehr.

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, MIND MELD! Yes, the twelfth edition of America’s favorite game show is an all-Star Wars edition! Five Star Wars fans, attempting the greatest of all challenges: agreeing on things! Tony Sindelar and Kathy Campbell with Monty Ashley, Annette Wierstra, Steven Schapansky, Kat Benesh and Guy English.

The party has everything well in paw, except maybe fighting over a particularly fine wig. Mikah Sargent with Aleen Simms, Annette Wierstra, James Thomson, Jason Snell and Kathy Campbell.

Batman Begins has turned twenty years old so we chat about how superhero movies have changed over that time. We end up dipping into self-indulgent origin stories for our friendships. Then we cover a couple of recent trailers for Ironheart and Superman. Dan Moren, John Moltz and Guy English.

In a new annual tradition, we’ve gotten six short episodes of Star Wars animation following two characters. This time it’s Tales of the Underworld. Your Star Wars pals Dan, Tony, and Kat return to discuss three pretty good episodes and three not-so-good episodes, including what makes bad guys compelling, uncertain timelines, and de-canonized/re-canonized characters. Dan Moren, Tony Sindelar and Kat Benesh.

We conclude (for now?) our coverage of the TV adaptation of The Wheel of Time, which was just canceled by Amazon. Three seasons in, we cover whether we think it is still worth watching despite cancellation (we do) and how well the show’s third (and final?) season fulfills the promise of it coming into its power. Moisés Chiullán with Sarah Hendrica Bickerton, Heather Berberet, Bryan Guffey and Kathy Campbell.

Rumors abound: Is the network bringing in a ratings consultant? Not exactly—Isaac is. Dana’s enforcing her terrible dating rule, Dan is reckoning with it, and the new guy at the show is… intimidating. Especially his mustache. There’s a lot to process. That’s why Brian and Lex are here. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Somebody loves us all. Rosalynde Vas Dias discusses three poems by Elizabeth Bishop: “Sestina” (1956), “Filling Station” (1956), and “Crusoe in England” (1971). John McCoy with Rosalynde Vas Dias and Marina McCoy.

It’s time for another Summer of Magnum, unless you’re one of our many Australian listeners, in which case you’ll just warm yourself with shots of 1980s Hawaii. In this episode, we spend a surprising amount of time doing nothing other than announcing our return and telling you what episode we’re watching next. Consider this a shakedown cruise. Jason Snell, Philip Michaels and David J. Loehr.

The party creates an effective murder tunnel and makes use of drone technology. Mikah Sargent with Aleen Simms, Annette Wierstra, James Thomson, Jason Snell and Kathy Campbell.

Listener Lorne asks what makes a spacesuit a spacesuit, and it gets complicated in a hurry. John Siracusa and Jason Snell.