Scott and Jason review the Paramount+ original movie “Star Trek: Section 31” and then, just for fun, rank all the Star Trek movies from worst to best! Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
Are fairy tales real, or are they mental refuges from the horrors of real life? Guillermo Del Toro’s “Pan’s Labyrinth” toggles effortless between bizarre, Miyazaki-like fantasy (inverted toads!) and an all-too-real tale of violence and treachery in fascist Spain. It’s dark, beautiful, full of disgusting bugs, and manages to use Del Toro muse Doug Jones as not one but two separate monsters! Jason Snell with Moisés Chiullán, Steve Lutz, Tony Sindelar and Monty Ashley.
The team preps for both a stirring performance and a profitable heist, but intra-team conflict and a caged beast stand in their way. Tony Sindelar with Annette Wierstra, James Thomson, Kathy Campbell, Steve Lutz and Tiff Arment.
We send off the crew of the USS Cerritos and salue the completion of the five-year mission of “Star Trek: Lower Decks.” This show expanded what “Star Trek” could be—in several dimensions. And yet it was also utterly, completely a “Star Trek” series. We try to find the special alchemy that brought it all together. Jason Snell with David J. Loehr, Moisés Chiullán, Scott McNulty and Joe Rosensteel.
Dan’s in the zone and can’t wait to head out to Atlantic City, but fate has other plans. Poker will still be played, though. Jeremy’s emotions may be played with too, as he and Natalie work through some things. Also, Isaac is getting smaller, and Dana lacks any compassion. At least Brian and Lex are here, so we all can try Sorkin’ In It. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.
I would have gotten away with it too, if it weren’t for you meddling kids! Your Star Wars pals Dan, Kat, and Tony are back to discuss the finale of Skeleton Crew, including collateral damage, surprising non-reveals, and pirates who need day jobs. Want more ACP before we return to discuss Andor Season 2 in April? Sign up to be a member of The Incomparable for special bonus content from your Star Wars pals! Lucasfilm Dan Moren, Tony Sindelar and Kat Benesh.
Feuding Families returns, and it’s about time! Our loveable listeners have provided answers to a survey about Doctor Who. It’s up to our two teams of contestants to decide whether they want to answer the questions correctly, or if they want to answer them according to what the listeners said. Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Glenn Fleishman, Kelly Guimont, Moisés Chiullán, Steven Schapansky, Mikayla Micomonaco, Chip Sudderth and Sarah Murphy.
A ramshackle group of thieves and ne’er-do-wells infiltrate a fancy party to pull off a daring heist but get more than they bargained for when polite society embraces ritualistic violence. Tony Sindelar with Annette Wierstra, James Thomson, Kathy Campbell, Steve Lutz and Tiff Arment.
Who Watches The Watchers? Some huge jerk is who. We’ve got a shattered Earth, a wild west, and a giant sized Fight Fight Fight. Join us as we discuss the final four episodes of What If…? Dan Moren, John Moltz and Guy English.
Is a Game Boy a game console? What about a Switch? Can a handheld gaming device also be a console? What makes something a console? John Siracusa and Jason Snell.
Back through the barrier we go! Your Star Wars pals Dan, Tony, and Kat are back to discuss the latest episode of Skeleton Crew including Jude Law’s finest acting, THE CLAW, and the Vane Extended Universe. Lucasfilm Dan Moren, Tony Sindelar and Kat Benesh.
The writers of “The Expanse” are back with a new series, and “The Mercy of Gods” is an alien invasion story that goes to some extremely dark places. But sometimes, dark is good… right? Right?! Plus: What are we reading? Jason Snell with Scott McNulty, Heather Berberet and Aleen Simms.
Forever is composed of podcasts. Caroline Fulford discusses selected poems by Emily Dickinson (c. 1860-65). John McCoy with Caroline Fulford and Marina McCoy.
As they complete the Reach for the Stars adventure, the party learns how to kill a piece of architecture (put it in a mini-mall) and has a conversation with a sad, greasy cultist. Tony Sindelar with Annette Wierstra, Erika Ensign, Lincoln Hayes and Monty Ashley.
Sometimes you just want to eat an Egg MacGuffin and what this episode asks is What If you could? Marvel’s animated grab-bag of good-times is back again this holiday season and Dan, John, and Guy are back to review the first four episodes. Strap yourself in to your giant robot, secure your super-soldiers, and put on your dancing shoes because we’ve got a lot to cover. Dan Moren, John Moltz and Guy English.
Trash crabs, unite! Your Star Wars pals Dan, Kat, and Tony return to discuss the latest episode of Skeleton Crew, including why you should press the button that you should never press, con man speeches, and how much of a language Huttese really is. Lucasfilm Dan Moren, Tony Sindelar and Kat Benesh.
It’s the circle of life! By which we mean, Dana goes to see The Lion King on Broadway. Also, Sports Night covers an Everest climb. Brian has corrections for Aaron on mountaineering. And Dan’s looking for a good place to donate his money. Hopefully he’s already a member of The Incomparable. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.
Zip up your vest and look out for dinosaurs—Random Pursuit is back with some silly questions and some very dark ones. At one point, Steven asks “What is wrong with Trivial Pursuit!?” Related: content warning for harm to a pet. Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky with Brian Warren, Glenn Fleishman, Kirsten Goruk, Sage Young and Shannon Dohar.
Another year in the books, and there was a lot to appreciate about the stuff we consumed—movies, TV, books, video games, and more—in 2024. Our most prolific panelists collaborate on a massive list of the stuff we enjoyed over the past 12 months. Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Annette Wierstra, Brian Warren, Kelly Guimont, Moisés Chiullán, David J. Loehr, John Siracusa, Dan Moren and Chip Sudderth.
When this party meets a puddle of eyes and mouths, it quickly becomes nightmare monster vs nightmare monster! Tony Sindelar with Annette Wierstra, Erika Ensign, Lincoln Hayes and Monty Ashley.
Look up! Our hero in the red underoos returns and in style. We discuss the new Superman trailiner and take a look at James Gunn’s first live action entry for his new DCU. Dan Moren, John Moltz and Guy English.
What pirate doesn’t love a relaxing day at the spa? Your Star Wars pals Dan, Tony, and Kat return to discuss the latest episode of Skeleton Crew, including talking like a pirate, unnecessarily expensive traps, and what exactly is a concubine? Lucasfilm Dan Moren, Tony Sindelar and Kat Benesh.
Listener Alexander has seen through the calendar’s deceptions and wants to know why any old day couldn’t be the start of a new year. When does the year begin in our hearts? (Happy New Year, everyone!) John Siracusa and Jason Snell.
Erika and Steven complete the penultimate Pertwee story! Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky.
Steven and Erika quite like “The Monster of Peladon”! We said what we said! Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky.
Erika and Steven continue Erika’s journey of discovery of “The Monster of Peladon” with slightly(?) less talk about “The Space Pirates.” Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky.
Steven and Erika start another new-to-Erika story, which is going well…so far! Oh, and once again they end up taking about “The Space Pirates.” (We swear we’re not doing it on purpose!) Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky.
Persistence is really the most important part of the game. Joe Rosensteel and Dan Sturm.
Surprisingly not a vehicle for a single guest star, this year’s Doctor Who Christmas special features a Time Hotel, Dinosaur shenanigans, Thanos glitter, a bootstrap paradox with a lantern firmly attached, and a stunning ten minutes where the Doctor does time at a non-time hotel. Oh, and yeah, a really famous star is introduced. Chip and Jason break it all down. Happy Christmas to all! Jason Snell and Chip Sudderth.
An actor performing as an alternate Scrooge at a regional theatre discovers the true meaning of “A Christmas Carol” through the help of a few spirits and a plucky little dog in this holiday special. We also learn—to no one’s surprise—that Chris Breen can do an impressive Vince Guaraldi impression. With Austin Tichenor as Carl, with Ele Matelan, Travis Bedard, Moises Chiullan, Liz Carman, Chip Sudderth, Shannon Sudderth, and Steve Lutz David J. Loehr.
