The Incomparable Superfeed

Our awards shortlist book club rolls on with a selection of books we’re much more receptive to: “A Drop of Corruption” by Robert Jackson Bennett, “The Raven Scholar” by Antonia Hodgson, and The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow. Jason Snell with Aleen Simms, Erika Ensign, Scott McNulty, Heather Berberet and Paul Weimer.

If you’ve watched Star Trek, you’ve probably had your share of “I know that person” moments, when it comes to guest stars. So let us consider Ricardo Montalbån, long before he was Khan in Star Trek’s “Space Seed” episode, or the same character in the best of all Trek movies, “Star Trek II, The Wrath of Khan”. Ricardo had a career in MGM musicals, though not primarily as a singer. Here is one, about the meta of making a movie that’s not too dissimilar from the movie we’re watching. Shelly Brisbin with Philip Michaels, Micheline Maynard, Nathan Alderman and David J. Loehr.

We avoided this episode because we thought it was going to be a sad episode about internment camps. But while the damage done to Japanese-Americans in World War II is definitely discussed, there are also wild car accidents, classic Magnum takes to the camera, optimal Magnum-Higgins bickering, and Macho Taco! Is this a core episode of “Magnum”? Follow the Kool-Aid Man. Jason Snell, Philip Michaels and David J. Loehr.

There are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in our podcasts. First-time co-host Tim Read discusses William Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy, Hamlet (c. 1600). John McCoy with Tim Read.

In this new adventure, the Keys need to perform a reverse heist! Along the way they meet an adorable playwright and a couple of improv goblins who keep slapping each other like two nine-year-olds in the back of a station wagon. Tony Sindelar with Annette Wierstra, Chip Sudderth, James Thomson, Kathy Campbell and Monty Ashley.

Listener Tim asks us about when a walk becomes a hike. Is it about topology? Degree of difficulty? Those seeking hard and fast rules may be frustrated by the result. John Siracusa and Jason Snell.

William Shatner made his film debut in this Richard Brooks adaptation of the Dostoevsky novel. Bill is the youngest of the brothers, and he’s fourth-billed, behind Yul Brynner and some other people we’ve seen before on LTS. Shelly Brisbin with David J. Loehr, Nathan Alderman and Micheline Maynard.

What if “The Martian” but with an alien buddy? We break down “Project Hail Mary,” and marvel at what a good translation of a sort-of-unfilmable book it really is! Why do we love alien puppets so much? Why is Jason checking his watch at the end? We give this movie a thumbs down—by which we mean we liked it! Amaze amaze amaze! Jason Snell with Aleen Simms, Quinn Rose, Brian Warren and Casey Liss.

It’s the end! Guess who’s coming back to Earth? Guess more times! Sergei’s loyalty to the Chief Designer is put to the test. Lyudmilla tries to get the upper hand on the (new) Chief Designer! Irina and Tania… appear! It’s a farewell to our Soviet comrades for now, but is there more to come? (We don’t know, but we sure hope so.) Dan Moren and Jason Snell.

What, two Carol episodes in a row? This is one of those episodes where Higgins bugs out under suspicious circumstances. But he can’t run away from his past. Also he is most definitely not Robin Masters, so all you conspiracy theorists need to give it up already. Jason Snell, Philip Michaels and David J. Loehr.

It’s the 50th edition of Random Pursuit! Erika was too lazy to do anything that took extra work, so this is basically a regular episode. But we do have a new player — who even tried to study! Plus, it’s mostly Canadians — and all players who live in Commonwealth nations, so maybe we can call this a slightly belated Canada Day episode? Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky with Annette Wierstra, Ben Rice McCarthy, Jesse Reid, Sandra Wong and Sarah Murphy.

Just in time for Wimbledon, Listener Muhammad provides a “tennis robot” for us to judge. We issue a judgment, but we’re not particularly happy about it. John Siracusa and Jason Snell.

This season finale features a good plan, a janky blankie, a lot of running, and some Gunk in the mix. Tony Sindelar with Aleen Simms, Dan Moren, Erika Ensign, Steve Lutz and Tiff Arment.

Time travel! We’re going back to ‘97 to rejoin our X-Men, who find themselves separated and trapped in the past and in the future. In ancient Egypt a nacent Apocalypse is just starting to find his strength while in the future his grip on the world is cemented. Meanwhile, in the ’90s, X-Force and X-Factor are being dicks to each other and to everyone else. Can nostalgia carry the day? Read along to find out! Dan Moren, John Moltz and Guy English.

Everyone is sad in 1971. Belicova is sad about Sasha. The engineers are sad about the Chief Designer. Lyudmilla is sad about Petrovsky. Sergei is sad about his career prospects, but never about math. The Chief Designer is sad about certain people interrupting him from pulling beets. Irina is sad about a lot of stuff. And then, in the last moments… is that a flash of hope? Maybe, but it’s probably just gonna make people sad next week. Dan Moren and Jason Snell.

This summer we celebrate the intersection of classic film and Star Trek. And Lions, Towers & Trek begins with a big one. John Ford’s classic western is an uncomfortable masterpiece. There, that takes in those who admire the film, and those who don’t like what it seems to represent, or how women and natives fare in the hands of this director. Also, how do you feel about John Wayne, eh? We’re also here to speak about Jeffrey Hunter, Star Trek’s original Captain Pike. None of this was his fault! Shelly Brisbin with Jason Snell, Philip Michaels and Randy Dotinga.

Brian’s not a fan of the name of this episode, but that doesn’t mean the episode is bad. Lex and Brian do agree that Landry is the best and Coach Taylor was being a butt. Note: Lex’s audio is a little weird in this ep, which is perhaps the biggest accidente. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Erika and Steven continue the Canada Day celebration with great praise for Lis Sladen, as is right and proper. Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky.

Steven and Erika continue the Canada Day marathon with more Zygons and our pal the Skarasen! Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky.

Hello fellow nerds! Join Heather, Stacy and The Amazing One for the rollercoasters of Disneyland and California Adventure, a promenade through Bridgerton’s latest season, sprinklings of Stranger Things and Heated Rivalry (watch out for Stacy’s heart!) followed by many, many thoughts about how streaming is changing visual media.  We’ve got a shout-out to our upcoming panel at San Diego Comic Con (come see us!!) and a question for you all in the Incomparable Discord! Join us for a lot of laughs and, as always, comedy gold in the outtakes (just after the end-credit music). Stacy Watnick and Heather Berberet with Chelsea Hackman.

Erika and Steven are back with the usual Canada Day celebration. Happy Canada Day! Hope you like fleshy protrusions! Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky.

This episode features a split-level dungeon, the most aggressive delivery service ever, and a mid-size ruckus. Tony Sindelar with Aleen Simms, Dan Moren, Erika Ensign, Steve Lutz and Tiff Arment.

Our Spider Noir adventure comes to an end as our characters congregate for a high-stakes Book Club at the Black Cat Club. How will the cards fall as Silvermane, Sandman, Tombstone, and Megawatt all line up against The Spider and his pals? Will Ben Riley find it in himself to live up to his great power? Will Robbie get his big scoop? Will Cat land on her feet? Read along to find out how we’ve applied our rigorous Biff Rating system to Spider Noir. Complete Biff Ratings at: https://biffratings.com Dan Moren, John Moltz and Guy English.

We combine our love of “Star Trek” with the appreciation for old movies that can only be provided by our sister podcast Lions, Towers, and Shields, by drafting “Star Trek” actors (TOS and TNG only) and the movie roles we loved before they appeared on Star Trek! And be sure to listen to this summer’s LTS’s Star Trek summer event. Jason Snell with Shelly Brisbin, Micheline Maynard, Cicero Holmes and David J. Loehr.

The aftermath of the discovery of the mole and the secret space launch is all over this episode. The Chief Designer and Lyudmilla finally have it out. Tania ponders her future, and Irina ponders it too. And there’s some serious drama at Mission Control and on the Venera probe headed to Venus. Dan Moren and Jason Snell.

And now, the conclusion! Having left our players (and our listeners) on a cliffhanger last time, a slightly diminished crew try to make their way through, and eventually off, the Cursed Island. Tony Sindelar with Aleen Simms, Dan Moren, Kathy Campbell, Monty Ashley, Steve Lutz and Tiff Arment.

This episode features a hole stuffed with pants, a potato-shaped puddle, and a greasy brain. What could go wrong? Tony Sindelar with Aleen Simms, Dan Moren, Erika Ensign, Steve Lutz and Tiff Arment.

Listener Santiago wonders if a ‘wolf-inspired’ vehicle from Kawasaki is a robot, a metal horse, or just a vehicle. John Siracusa and Jason Snell.

William Gibson Book Club reconvenes to close out the legendary Sprawl trilogy with “Mona Lisa Overdrive,” a book in which there are lots of vibes from a lot of people who are secondary characters in a story being driven by an AI that we never really meet. Robot art projects! Many overlapping jackets, none of them the same size! And a car ride to… the future?! We break it all down. Jason Snell with Antony Johnston, Erika Ensign, Lisa Schmeiser and Glenn Fleishman.

This one’s a banger. The KGB has got the mole… or do they? What will happen to the Chief Designer’s risky mission to Venus? Is Lyudmilla out of control or does she have the upper hand? And Brezhnev makes a surprise appearance! Dan Moren and Jason Snell.

Coach Taylor’s still struggling with that perennial debate: Voodoo, or the quarterback who ISN’T a colossal jerk. Tough call. Meanwhile, Jason’s less than thrilled about all the time Lyla’s spending with Riggins. But you’ll relish the time you spend with us, as we Sorkin’ through Friday Night Lights. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

This episode, cobbled together from two recording sessions, features a chaotic escape, a police raid, a trip to the local sewer, and a food delivery gone wrong. Tony Sindelar with Aleen Simms, Dan Moren, Erika Ensign, Steve Lutz and Tiff Arment.

We’re back with The Spider, see? This dame is makin’ poor Ben’s heart go all pitter-patter while he’s findin’ out his past still has its meat-hooks on him. We covering episodes three & four of Spider-Noir this week and we sprinkle on a little sweep at the end. Dan Moren, John Moltz and Guy English.

Listener Paul has heard the term “cobot” to refer to “collaborative robots,” but can a robot that requires a human to function really be a robot? John Siracusa and Jason Snell.

Get behind your typewriters! Old Movie Club follows the money to discuss 1976’s “All The President’s Men,” in which the power of dogged reportage and journalistic freedom triumphs over the banality of evil. Jason Snell with Philip Michaels, Shelly Brisbin, Micheline Maynard, Steven Schapansky, Dr. Drang and Jean MacDonald.

It’s the one with the ballet dancer! Also, Phil interviews a random kid on the street! Would anyone like a donut? Jason Snell, Philip Michaels and David J. Loehr.

Arrrr, it be another Parsely Games adventure, this time an old timey pirate adventure as our players visit ye olde Cursed Island! Avast! Hold hard! Tony Sindelar with Aleen Simms, Dan Moren, Glenn Fleishman, Kathy Campbell, Monty Ashley, Shelly Brisbin, Steve Lutz and Tiff Arment.

This episode features a lot of colon sass, a chance of tetanus, ding dong ditch, some sneaking around, many distractions, and so much gambling. Tony Sindelar with Aleen Simms, Dan Moren, Erika Ensign, Steve Lutz and Tiff Arment.

Zut alors! Ross Cleaver returns to discuss the totally historically accurate Asterix and Cleopatra (Astérix et Cléopâtre) by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo (serialized starting in 1963). John McCoy with Ross Cleaver.

Listener Griffin wonders what you could put on pasta that would arguably make it a sauce. John probably considers this sacrilege, but here we are. John Siracusa and Jason Snell.

Time for another Soviet mission to the moon, but this one runs into some surprising trouble. Valya just wants to make Tania happy, but a trip to Moscow for a concert ends up complicating matters. And Irina discovers how awkward it is to meet some of her subjects in real life—but hey, you live in Star City, so it can’t be that much of a coincidence, can it? Dan Moren and Jason Snell.

Live from the Lincoln Lodge in Chicago, Illinois as part of FunnyCon, it’s a new adventure with Paul Citron. In the snowy, windswept plateau city of Tabularasa, Paul Citron runs into Elsa, an old flame from his radio days in Paris…and her husband, a freedom fighter named Lagonda. There are letters of transit, there’s a cafe with a casino, there’s a parrot who’s not quite an ex…and double and triple crosses galore. Note: the audio comes from the live video which will be available soon. It is what it is, alas. David J. Loehr.

The “Star City” premiere continues with a surprise bear, a tour of western European capitals, the Chief Designer’s secret basement workshop, and a beautiful Soviet wedding. Also, we continue to spot connections to characters in “For All Mankind”… we think. Dan Moren and Jason Snell.

We dial back the clock to the 1960s and travel to the Soviet Union for the first episode of “Star City,” the new “For All Mankind” spin-off on Apple TV. Cold war cars, secretive Soviets, a frenemy in the surveillance typing pool, surprising Cosmonaut pranks, and the difficulty of memorizing your propaganda speech are all topics of conversation! Dan Moren and Jason Snell.

The penultimate season reaches its conclusion! Who doesn’t make it? We were surprised. Does it all hold together? What characters were done dirty? What’s that glowing on the horizon? And what’s with that Soviet DOS prompt? We break it all down. And stay tuned, because our next episode(s) are all about the “For All Mankind” spin-off, “Star City,” which we like a lot! Dan Moren and Jason Snell.

That escalated quickly! It’s time to discuss the action-packed penultimate episode of the penultimate season of “For All Makind.” The M-6’s desire to take back control of Happy Valley has some serious, violent consequences. Alex proves to be a whiz when it comes to duct tape. And meanwhile, on Titan, there’s some navigating, scanning, and maybe an amazing discovery or perhaps a catastrophic accident? It’s “For All Mankind,” it could really be either one. Dan Moren and Jason Snell.

There’s a new new quarterback in town, and Matt Saracen isn’t thrilled. But Buddy is. Coach is throwing a party, or really, asking Tami to do so… with only two days to plan it. And Jason Street is in denial. Where are we? Square in the middle of Sorkinville, USA: Dillon, Texas. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Storkin’ it up! First-time co-host Jill Hoffman discusses Meindert De Jong’s Newbury-winning book, The Wheel on the School (1954). John McCoy with Jill Hoffman.

Now we’re in the thick of it. Avery is forced to grapple with her family history as she prepares for some serious duty. Miles is forced into extreme action to protect Happy Valley long enough to get some help. Polivanov and Boyd decide to take a terrifying joy ride. Kelly really leans into the whole “Ed Baldwin’s daughter” thing. And it’s a bad day to be a Padres fan, but what else is new? Dan Moren and Jason Snell.

Hello fellow nerds! We’re back after a short hiatus and super excited to talk Nine Inch Nails (mostly Trent Reznor), Gallifrey One, the Olympics and My Melody. We even dabble a little in sports psychology. It’s a strange combination, but we think it works. Stacy Watnick and Heather Berberet with Chelsea Hackman.