Hello, Carol. This is a recording. At the tone, you can leave a message to request anything you might need. We’ll do our best to provide it. Our feelings for you haven’t changed, Carol. But after everything that’s happened, we just need a little space. "Pluribus" season 1 Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Tony Sindelar, Moisés Chiullán and Glenn Fleishman Referenced Works Pluribus Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member . Mem...
Jan 23, 2026•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 801
After 800 episodes, we are in serious danger of repeating ourselves, but that never stopped us before. Some of our most prolific panelists fulfill the prophesy and draft Incomparable drafts. Jason begs them to give him new ideas, because after 800, he’s almost run out. And we use our powers for good and evil to mark classic episodes for deletion. title_boring Jason Snell with Annette Wierstra, Dan Moren, David J. Loehr, Erika Ensign, Kathy Campbell, Moisés Chiullán, Monty Ashley and Shelly Brisb...
Jan 16, 2026•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 800
Noah Hawley’s TV take on the Alien franchise, “Alien: Earth,” is crashing into a building near us, bringing gross aliens old and new, suspicious synths, terrified (and bloody) humans, and a new class of hybrid life forms with the minds of children and superhuman bodies. Does the show give us enough Xenomorphs? Is the eye alien a breakout fan favorite? Was replaying “Alien” on a different ship a good idea? Why is Trillionaire Island so understaffed? We break it all down. "Alien: Earth" Jason Snel...
Jan 09, 2026•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 799
Our most frequent panelists of the year join Jason to talk about their favorite stuff from the year gone by, and we also pause to recall some favorite Incomparable moments. Synergy! The Best of 2025 Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Moisés Chiullán, Tony Sindelar, David J. Loehr, Annette Wierstra, Scott McNulty, Dan Moren and Brian Warren Show Notes & Links Erika : North of North, “The Same Old Wasted World” by Motion City Soundtrack Moisés : Sinners, Frankenstein, Running Man, Ludwig, Bookish,...
Dec 31, 2025•1 hr 52 min•Ep. 798
Kilmas comes but once a year! This year we’re climbing into the cockpit and revisiting 1986’s “Top Gun,” starring some airplanes, Val Kilmer, and Tom Cruise. It’s a very subtle movie. Were Tony’s parents right in protecting his young mind from it? And most importantly, why do we remember Val Kilmer’s character being the villain when he’s actually the conscience of the entire film? "Top Gun" Jason Snell with Annette Wierstra, Katie Mack, Erika Ensign, Tony Sindelar and Brian Warren Referenced Wor...
Dec 19, 2025•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 797
Our Ape Club reconvenes to celebrate the holidays with a viewing of 1971’s “Escape from the Planet of the Apes!” Is this an ape movie or an episode of “Mannix”? What happens when you change lanes on the Freeway of Time? Why is Zira the smartest of all creatures, ape or human? And was Dr. Cornelius framed by big government? Apes smart, humans dumb! "Escape from the Planet of the Apes" Jason Snell with John Moltz, Annette Wierstra, Brian Warren and David J. Loehr Referenced Works Planet of the Ape...
Dec 12, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 796
Set in a bright retro-future world, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” doesn’t have anything to do with the Marvel Cinematic Universe… yet. We analyze the latest attempt to translate Marvel’s first family to the big screen, including the trade-offs involved in introducing characters, not retreading the origin story again, turning Galactus into Rumplestiltskin, and the inevitable downbeat ending that never comes. "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Moisés Chiullán, Sco...
Dec 05, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 795
We celebrate Fangsgiving with a visit to darkest Transylvania (and Germany) for the plague-stricken, rat-infested tale of “Nosferatu”, a legally questionable knock-off of “Dracula” more than a century old that surprisingly reinvigorates the classic lines of the Dracula story. "Nosferatu" (2024) Jason Snell with Steve Lutz, Annette Wierstra, Tiff Arment and Tony Sindelar Referenced Works Nosferatu (2024) Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network ...
Nov 27, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 794
Ever wonder what happened to The Oneders? We celebrate Hanksgiving by discussing Tom Hanks’s love letter to ’60s pop that’s also a clear-eyed look at the machinery of the entertainment business, “That Thing You Do!” Powered by a legitimately classic pop song, a stunning cast (turns out, Tom Hanks knows some people), and scenes of joy, warmth, and kindness, this is a film that we find ourselves revisiting often. Happy Hanksgiving to all! And make it snappy! "That Thing You Do!" Jason Snell with E...
Nov 21, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 793
If you’ve been thinking of reading Science Fiction and Fantasy but had no idea where to start, we’re here to help. Our panel of longtime SF/F readers has some suggestions just for you! New to SF/F reading list Jason Snell with Aleen Simms, David J. Loehr, Erika Ensign, Heather Berberet and Sandra Wong Show Notes & Links David - The Human Division by John Scalzi Aleen - Old Man’s War by John Scalzi Erika - A Spindle Splintered by Alix E. Harrow Heather - Jack the Bodiless by Julian May Sandra...
Nov 14, 2025•1 hr 47 min•Ep. 792
Pixar Club re-forms to discuss “Elio,” the studio’s lowest-grossing feature film of all time. Funny thing, though… it’s a pretty good movie? It’s funny, has some space adventure and gross-but-lovable aliens, and even has a nice message about making connections. Look, we didn’t go see it in the theater either, but we sure had a fun time watching it on Disney+. "Elio" Jason Snell with Moisés Chiullán, Brian Hamilton and Annette Wierstra Referenced Works Pixar Animation Studio Elio Show Notes &...
Nov 07, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 791
It’s time for another Old Spooky Club, as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Stuart Gordon’s horror-comedy classic, “Re-Animator”, which bears very little resemblance to the works of H.P. Lovecraft. We’ve got notes about severed heads, chomped-on fingers, lobotomized deans, weird character motivations, creepy stalkers, a literal blood bath, and everything Barbara Crampton. "Re-Animator" Jason Snell with Steve Lutz, Tiff Arment and Monty Ashley Referenced Works Show Notes & Links Support th...
Oct 30, 2025•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 790
We celebrate the 50th anniversary of the longest-running theatrical run of all time—“The Rocky Horror Picture Show”! It’s an unapologetic musical about being yourself (and giving yourself over to pleasure). It spawned a cultural phenomenon that’s still evolving, and making some of us feel old! If you’re a weirdo, you’re welcome here. "Rocky Horror Picture Show" Erika Ensign with Monty Ashley, Shelly Brisbin, Antony Johnston and Brian Hamilton Referenced Works The Rocky Horror Picture Show [ Amaz...
Oct 24, 2025•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 789
We’re back on the Marvel movies with “Thunderbolts*”, a film that (to our surprise?) is not a nihilistic story about villains pretending to be heroes (see: Suicide Squad), but instead a story about some troubled not-quite-heroes learning that they can be better if they connect to other people and work on their own issues. But also with explosions and fights and stuff. "Thunderbolts*" Jason Snell with Lisa Schmeiser, Erika Ensign, Moisés Chiullán and Glenn Fleishman Referenced Works Thunderbolts ...
Oct 17, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 788
It’s autumn, things are turning dark and gray, and that puts us in the mind of… (fictional) murder! Want a mystery novel, or series, to read? Our expert readers have many, many suggestions for you. Mystery Reading List Jason Snell with Jean MacDonald, Antony Johnston, David J. Loehr, Scott McNulty, Sandra Wong and Annette Wierstra Show Notes & Links Suggestions Jean : The Crow Trap by Ann Cleeves ( Vera Stanhope ) Antony : Midnight at Malabar House by Vaseem Khan ( Malabar House ) David : Fo...
Oct 10, 2025•1 hr 47 min•Ep. 787
Grab your cyberspace deck and prepare to jack in—it’s time to discuss William Gibson’s groundbreaking classic novel, “Neuromancer.” We’ve got a panel of experts—and a first-timer!—ready to discuss how 1984’s future looks from the perspective of 2025’s present. "Neuromancer" Jason Snell with Antony Johnston, Lisa Schmeiser, Glenn Fleishman and Erika Ensign Referenced Works Neuromancer [ Amazon ] [ Apple ] Show Notes & Links Dead Channel: Music Inspired by William Gibson's Neuromancer by Silen...
Oct 03, 2025•1 hr 37 min•Ep. 786
We always knew Daniel Dae Kim would accomplish something after “Crusade!” (Kids, ask your “Babylon 5”-loving parents.) Our panel looks back over the three-month phenomenon that has been Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters” and gives you reasons to watch it if you’re dispositionally averse to KPop, youth-friendly animation, or popular things. Behind the Spoiler Horn, we dive into how well the story and songs work together, whether it’s an animation breakthrough, the future of the wait-is-this-a-franchi...
Sep 26, 2025•1 hr 36 min•Ep. 785
The Summer of Submarines reaches crush depth with Disney’s 1954 epic “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.” Captain Nemo of the Nautilus has met his match in an uncharismatic French professor, his strangely familiar associate, and their sidekick, a violent harpoonist and occasional cabaret performer. Also there’s a giant squid. Everyone remembers the giant squid—and for good reason! "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" Jason Snell with Monty Ashley, Erika Ensign, Shelly Brisbin, Philip Michaels and David J. ...
Sep 19, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 784
Our Summer of Submarines floats on with “U-571”, a 21st centry-style action movie that manages to hit most of the squares on the submarine bingo card. McConaughey is a disgruntled XO! Depth charges terrify! A surprising twist if you didn’t think about the title! Turns out, submarine movies aren’t a genre—they’re a format that lets filmmakers explore genres. "U-571" Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Casey Liss and Moisés Chiullán Referenced Works Submarines U-571 Show Notes & Links Support this ...
Sep 12, 2025•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 783
We dive beneath the sea again with “K-19: The Widowmaker,” in which Harrison Ford and Liam Neeson star as… wait a second… Soviet naval officers? It’s a film about a horrible nuclear accident assembled from pieces of other submarine movies, as well as possibly several “Star Trek” movies, and we can’t decide if the screenplay or the casting is more of a problem. But finally we’ll get to the bottom of the real question: if most of the crewmen aren’t married, can K-19 really be a widowmaker? "K-19: ...
Sep 05, 2025•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 782
The Summer of Submarines resurfaces with James Garner going on a secret mission to an enemy island in 1959’s “Up Periscope.” The Skipper is not a skipper, but he’s got some interesting romantic ideas. Some scenes are impressively bad from multiple angles. And we realize that we’re starting to get good at this submarine-movie business, maybe? Up Periscope (1959) Jason Snell with Philip Michaels, Shelly Brisbin, David J. Loehr and Erika Ensign Referenced Works Up Periscope (1959) Submarines Show N...
Aug 29, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 781
We return to 1995 not to hack into the Net but to wander, Netless, around Vienna with Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy. Palm readers! Street poets! Plays featuring cows! It’s “Before Sunrise,” a movie in which nothing happens… except maybe the most extraordinary thing in two people’s lives. "Before Sunrise" (1995) Jason Snell with Brian Hamilton, Erika Ensign, Annette Wierstra and Steven Schapansky Referenced Works Before Sunrise Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The...
Aug 22, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 780
Our Awards Book Club closes up shop for 2025 with a final set of rankings, the presentation of an award we made up, and an overview of all the Hugo-nominated short fiction. Awards Book Club final rankings and Hugo short fiction Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Scott McNulty, Aleen Simms and Heather Berberet Show Notes & Links What Are We Reading? Scott : How to Solve Your Own Murder Erika : Swordheart , Throne of Glass series specifically Heir of Fire Heather : Dungeon Crawler Carl Aleen : Whe...
Aug 15, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 779
We celebrate the tenth anniversary of our Summer Superhero Spectacular tournament with something slightly different: A draft of our favorite superhero movies. Superhero Movie Draft Jason Snell with Andy Ihnatko, Chip Sudderth, James Thomson, Annette Wierstra, Tony Sindelar, Moisés Chiullán and David J. Loehr Show Notes & Links Tony - Batman Begins (2005) James - Birds of Prey: And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn (2020) David - The LEGO Batman Movie (2017) Annette - Wonder Wo...
Aug 08, 2025•1 hr 49 min•Ep. 778
2025 Awards Book Club nears the end with award nominees “Asunder,” “The Ministry of Time,” and “The Tainted Cup.” Plus: What else are we reading? 2025 Awards Book Club, part 3 Jason Snell with Scott McNulty, Erika Ensign, Aleen Simms and Heather Berberet Referenced Works Asunder [ Amazon ] [ Apple ] The Ministry of Time [ Amazon ] [ Apple ] The Tainted Cup [ Amazon ] [ Apple ] Show Notes & Links What are we reading? Aleen: Sounds Like Love and Saint Death’s Daughter Erika: The Assassin’s Bla...
Aug 01, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 777
We went to the theater to see James Gunn’s “Superman” (2025) and are back to report about the pleasant experience. Gunn sets a new direction for DC superheroes, and fans of Zack Snyder may want to look elsewhere. From Krypto the Superdog to a surprising squirrel save, from The Marvelous Miss Lane to that Elemento guy, we’ll break the whole thing down. "Superman" (2025) Jason Snell with Tony Sindelar, Dan Moren, Shannon Sudderth, Chip Sudderth and Brian Warren Referenced Works Superman (2025) Sho...
Jul 25, 2025•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 776
We remain submerged for a very long time to watch a very long film, 1981’s “Das Boot.” This certifiable classic is certainly long and German, encompassing almost everything you might expect in the genre. There’s action, suspense, a lot of character moments, and long periods of tedium spent listening for bad sounds, punctuated by moments of terror as the boat goes to eleven (and beyond). "Das Boot" (1981) Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Brian Warren, Casey Liss, Dan Moren and Philip Michaels Refer...
Jul 18, 2025•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 775
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! "Run Silent, Run Deep" (1958) Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Philip Michaels, Shelly Brisbin, Dan Moren and Casey Liss Referenced Works Run Silent, Run Deep Submarines Show Notes & Links Support this show...
Jul 11, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 774
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. "Crimson Tide" Jason Snell with Philip Michaels, Lisa Schmeiser, Dan Moren, Casey Liss and Erika Ensign Sponsors Jiiiii : All your anime stream schedules in one place. Free to download, unlock your anime-watching-superpowers today! Referenced Works Crimson T...
Jul 04, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 773
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. "Love, Death + Robots" Jason Snell with John Siracusa, Annette Wierstra, Br...
Jun 27, 2025•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 772
