The Incomparable Mothership

We went out to the movies to see “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” the first “Star Wars” film this decade. We had a really good time, thanks in large part to the charisma of many different puppets. (This is “Star Wars,” after all.) We aren’t without our criticisms—Is there ever really any danger? What is Sigourney Weaver doing?—but all in all, this film filled a Star Wars-shaped hole in our hearts. "The Mandalorian and Grogu" Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Steven Schapansky, Helene Wecker, Moisés Chiullán, Dan Moren and Brian Warren Referenced Works Star Wars (franchise) The Mandalorian and Grogu Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

Let’s travel 40 years back in time, to Chicago in 1986, where on one legendary day, a high school student named Ferris Bueller bends time and space, all in service of cheering up his best friend. We break down what makes “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” still work after all these years. "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" Jason Snell with Cicero Holmes, Quinn Rose, Deborah Stanish, Erika Ensign and John Siracusa Referenced Works Ferris Bueller's Day Off Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

Awards Book Club reconvenes for 2026, as we discuss Nebula-nominated novels “Katabasis” by R.F. Kuang, “Wearing the Lion” by John Wiswell, and “Death of the Author” by Nnedi Okorafor. The mood of the panel is… cautious. Also: What else are we reading? 2026 Awards Book Club, Part 1 Jason Snell with Aleen Simms, Erika Ensign, Heather Berberet, Scott McNulty and Paul Weimer Referenced Works Katabasis [Amazon] [Apple] Death of the Author [Amazon] [Apple] Wearing the Lion [Amazon] [Apple] Show Notes & Links Next Awards Book Club: “When We Were Real” by Daryl Gregory, “The Buffalo Hunter Hunter” by Stephen Graham Jones, and “Sour Cherry” by Natalia Theodoridou. What are we reading? Paul: The Fall of Egypt and the Rise of Rome by Guy de la Bedoyere Aleen: The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez Heather: Kushiel’s Dart by Jacqueline Carey Erika: Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher Scott: Outlaw Planet by M.R. Carey Jason: Children of Strife by Adrian Tchaikovsky, In the Blink of an Eye by Jo Callaghan, and Guilty by Definition by Susie Dent. Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by <a href="https://www.theincomparable

Put on your eye phones and jack in to the cyberscape! Rocket Surgery comes for 1996’s cyberpunk epic “Lawnmower Man 2.” (Don’t worry if you haven’t seen the original “Lawnmower Man,” half of us didn’t either.) Matt Frewer is Max Headrooming it up! A bunch of urchins populate a rainy L.A. that’s straight out of “Blade Runner,” but, you know—cheaper. There’s a brilliant doctor in charge of virtual-reality research, and also there’s Jennifer! And everything in the future is hackable! Rocket Surgery: "Lawnmower Man 2" Jason Snell with Monty Ashley, Tony Sindelar and Annette Wierstra Referenced Works Lawnmower Man 2 Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

Not now, Klansmen, I’m killing vampires! “Sinners” got nominated for all the awards, and it’s also a vampire (with a hint of zombie?) movie. We love it when genre movies get attention, and Ryan Coogler keeps putting out bangers, so we’re all in on the story of magical music opening the door to eldrich horror—oh, and also it’s the deep south in the 1930s so there’s some horrendous racism too! "Sinners" Jason Snell with Moisés Chiullán, Brian Hamilton, Monty Ashley, Tony Sindelar and Steve Lutz Referenced Works Sinners Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

A special Book Club panel provides an overview of Lois McMaster Bujold’s excellent Penric & Desdemona series of fantasy novellas (plus one novel). This series gives its characters time to learn, grow, and age. It’s got some perspectives you don’t see very often in fantasy fiction. We love it and think you will, too. Penric & Desdemona Jason Snell with Aleen Simms, Erika Ensign, Kat Benesh and Dan Moren Referenced Works Penric and Desdemona series Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

We complete our run through blades with “Blade Runner 2049,” a late sequel in which Ryan Gosling plays a replicant detective searching for an explosive secret that could change everything… and is unsurprisingly tied to characters from “Blade Runner.” We discuss why a replicant might need a holographic girlfriend, Jared Leto’s eyes, and once again, if Deckard is a replicant or not and why that really doesn’t matter. "Blade Runner 2049" Jason Snell with John Siracusa, Erika Ensign, Dan Moren and Monty Ashley Referenced Works Blade Runner 2049 Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

No voiceovers! More unicorns! Our journey deep into the futuristic world of 2019 Los Angeles continues with another look at “Blade Runner” — this time, it’s “The Final Cut” edition. Deckard’s identity revealed, sort of? Voiceovers removed! Superfans and sort-of-fans compare, contrast, and discuss. "Blade Runner" (The Final Cut) Jason Snell with John Siracusa, Antony Johnston, Erika Ensign and Moisés Chiullán Referenced Works Blade Runner [Amazon] [Apple] Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

These movie producers really did a job on “Blade Runner.” They don’t advertise for narrations in the newspaper, every good writer knows that. But when you’re trying to sell a narratively dense piece of visual art to 1982 audiences who just want to see a Harrison Ford movie, that’s the sort of compromise you make. All we could do is sit there and watch it play. Blade Runner (Theatrical Edition) Jason Snell with Monty Ashley, Steve Lutz, Kelly Guimont and Dan Moren Referenced Works Blade Runner [Amazon] [Apple] Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

Hit the books and polish up your comm badges, because it’s time to go to school—“Starfleet Academy,” that is. We check in on the first season of Star Trek’s latest (and last, for now?) TV series, and find that despite the YA focus, it’s still just really good “Star Trek” that’s worth your attention. "Star Trek: Starfleet Academy" Jason Snell with Dan Moren, Erika Ensign, Moisés Chiullán and Tony Sindelar Referenced Works Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Star Trek (franchise) Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

Jason was on “Jeopardy!” Now he breaks the experience down with the help of two former “Jeopardy!” champions, Glenn Fleishman and Dan Moren. Jason on Jeopardy! Jason Snell with Dan Moren and Glenn Fleishman Show Notes & Links Dan Moren on J-Archive Glenn Fleishman on J-Archive Jason Snell on J-Archive "Jamie Ding Game 5" The Incomparable #112 (Glenn's Jeopardy journey) Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

Have your squire put on your best (and only) set of armor and be sure to re-paint your shield! We’re here to discuss the surprisingly delightful “Game of Thrones” spin-off “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,” which features characters to root for, humor, and other things in short supply in other installments of the franchise. "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" Jason Snell with John Siracusa, Erika Ensign and John Moltz Referenced Works A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

Charge up your cyberspace deck and avoid all slamhounds! It’s time for us to discuss the second book in William Gibson’s famed Sprawl trilogy, “Count Zero.” Of course, Count Zero is the name of a great hacker… wait, it’s this kid? This is a book that defies audience expectations, from the title character to the way it follows up—or doesn’t, really—the events and characters in its famous predecessor. But, as our veteran Gibson readers note, it sets the template for his career to come. "Count Zero" Jason Snell with Lisa Schmeiser, Antony Johnston, Glenn Fleishman and Erika Ensign Referenced Works William Gibson Count Zero Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

Our Book Club reconvenes to discuss Emily Tesh’s “The Incandescent,” which offers a teacher’s perspective on a magical school (that’s mostly not magical, but infested by demons), an interesting story structure, and some very well-drawn characters. Plus: What else are we reading? "The Incandescent" Jason Snell with Aleen Simms, Erika Ensign, Joe Rosensteel, Heather Berberet, Paul Weimer and Scott McNulty Referenced Works The Incandescent [Amazon] [Apple] Show Notes & Links What are we reading? Heather: Higher Magic by Courteney Floyd, Piranesi by Susanna Clarke Erika: Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas, Cinder House by Freya Marske Aleen: Snake-Eater by T. Kingfisher, The Teller of Small Fortunes/The Keeper of Magical Things by Julie Leong Joe: Finder Chronicles by Suzanne Palmer, Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh Paul: The Language of Liars by S.L. Huang, The Final Chronicle of Yenah by Jo Miles Scott: Of Monsters and Mainframes by Barbara Truelove Jason: Brigands and Breadknives by Travis Baldree, There Is No Antimemetics Division by qntm Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

Find a cat bed and some apricots, and prepare to upgrade your chicken! While Jason’s away, we play Embark’s hit game “Arc Raiders”, a multiplayer extraction shooter where people can… be nice to each other? (Most of the time, anyway.) We talk survival tips, resource management, and—to nobody’s surprise—John’s got some opinions on the user interface. Host Brian Warren with panelists Ben McCarthy, John Siracusa, and Chip Sudderth. "ARC Raiders" Brian Warren with John Siracusa, Ben Rice McCarthy and Chip Sudderth Referenced Works ARC Raiders Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

Want to see a dead body? Bring your comb, stock up on cherry flavor Pez, and stay really quiet if you see a deer. We return to the 1980s and honor Rob Reiner by discussing 1986’s “Stand By Me,” a movie Jason has somehow never seen. It’s not a movie with Things That Happen, but that’s just fine with us. "Stand By Me" Jason Snell with Kelly Guimont, Erika Ensign, John Siracusa and Shelly Brisbin Referenced Works Stand By Me Rob Reiner Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with The Incomparable. It’s time to discuss that Canadian hockey show everyone’s been talking about. “Heated Rivalry” just wants to know, “Will you come to the cottage this summer?” "Heated Rivalry" Annette Wierstra with Kirsten Goruk, Heather Berberet, Stacy Watnick and Kat Benesh Sponsors Ecamm: Powerful live streaming platform for Mac. Referenced Works Heated Rivalry Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

Guillermo del Toro’s waited his whole life to make a “Frankenstein” movie, and now he’s done it. We carefully select the (Oscar-nominated!) film’s best bits, chop them up, and then sew them back together in the grossest way possible. (We know Del Toro would approve.) You don’t need to have a degree in Frankensteinology to take a seat at the lympahtic charcuterie board, but it helps! "Frankenstein" (2025) Jason Snell with Annette Wierstra, Brian Hamilton, Monty Ashley, Tony Sindelar and Moisés Chiullán Sponsors Ecamm: Powerful live streaming platform for Mac. Referenced Works Frankenstein (2025) Guillermo del Toro Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

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. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

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 Brisbin Show Notes & Links Draft a draft (it culminates) Monty: 158/159 Film Festival II Annette: 695 Toy Draft Moises: 100 Who Cares What We Think? David: 535 Muppet Draft Erika: 192 Robots Kathy: 388 TV Theme Songs Dan: 329 Travesty Draft Shelly: 553 Bad Best Picture Jason: 479 Saturday Morning Draft Suggest a made-up holiday or summer theme Monty: Crossovermas Annette: Cage Fight Club / Cage Match Moises: Franktoberfest or Franksgiving David: Summer of Spies Erika: Summer of Sun / Summer of Summer Kathy: Streepstakes Dan: Every Version of Blade Runner Shelly: Decade of Disasters Jason: Valentine’s Day romcoms / F’sgiving / Summer of Kaiju Suggest a topic for a future episode Monty: Lawnmower Man/Lawnmower Man 2 Annette: Heated Rivalry Moises: Defeat the Fantasy RPG Final Battle Draft David: Network Erika: Tank Girl Kathy: Best First Role of famous actor draft, Books from your Childhood Dan: Mario Kart Tournament Shelly: Content you think somebody who is not SF/F native would enjoy/help get started Draft an episode you’d like to delete from the Incomparable archive Monty: 222 - Forcegiving Annette: 33 - Real Genius Moises: 22 - Stephen Fry (Does Not Appear) David: 139 - Wrinkle in Time Erika: 269 - Crazy Ivan Kathy: 382 - It’s a Wonderful Life / 202 2014 Hugos Dan: 58 - Greyskull Anonymous Shelly: 325 - Monster Mas

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 Snell with John Siracusa, Brian Warren, Annette Wierstra and Sandra Wong Referenced Works Alien: Earth Alien (franchise) Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

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, Nautilus, Tucci in Italy, Split Fiction, Donkey Kong Bananza, Downey Wrote It, the Super Bowl Shuffle Tony: Sinners, Frankenstein, Superman, Wake Up Dead Man, The Studio, Andor, The Lowdown, Frieren Beyond Journey’s End, Odd Taxi David: The Lowdown, Wake Up Dead Man, North of North, Sinners, Dark Winds, Jason Mantzoukas on Taskmaster, Dead in the Frame by Stephen Spottswood, Good Spirits by B.K. Borrison, KPop Demon Hunters, Star Trek: Khan, Only Murders in the Building, The First Snow of Fraggle Rock Annette: Slutty Little Glasses, Heated Rivalry, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, Taskmaster, K-Pop Demon Hunters, North of North, Wake Up Dead Man, The Residence Scott: Barker & Lllewellyn series by Will Thomas, The Devils by Joe Abercombie, Moonbound by Robin Sloan, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, The Diplomat, Fantastic Four: First Steps, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Star Trek Lego, Lego Ferris Wheel with Fireworks, Tiny Heart Legos in general Dan: Wake Up Dead Man, Thunderbolts, American Fiction, Thelma, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, Empire of the Wolf by Richard Swan, The Hierarchy (The Will of the Many, Strength of the Few) by James Islington, If Wishes Were Retail by Austin Habershaw, Don’t Trust Fish, Recommending The Lowdown to Tony, Andor, Skeleton Crew, Down Cemetery Road, Peacemaker, Severance, Foundation, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Brian: Dungeon Crawler Carl, Heretical Fishing, Beware of Chicken, He Who Fights With Monsters, Severance, Ape Club (Escape from the Planet of the Apes), ARC Raiders, Dept. Q, The Pitt, Dropout TV, Thunderbolts, Taskmaster Jason: Sleeper Beach, Automatic Noodle, Moonbound, Barker & Lllewelyn series, The Pitt Pluribus, Ludwig, Severance, Hacks, Shoresy, Dept. Q, Das Boot, The Rest is History Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

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 Works Top Gun Val Kilmer Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

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 Apes (franchise) Escape from the Planet of the Apes Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

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, Scott McNulty and Chip Sudderth Referenced Works Fantastic Four: First Steps Marvel Cinematic Universe Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

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 by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

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 Erika Ensign, Lex Friedman, Brian Warren, Kathy Campbell and Dan Moren Referenced Works That Thing You Do! Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

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 - The Butcher of the Forest by Premee Mohamed Jason - The Rook by Daniel O’Malley David - The Mimicking of Known Successes by Malka Older Aleen - Monk & Robot (Psalm for the Wild-Built/Prayer for the Crown-Shy) by Becky Chambers Erika - The Midnight Bargain by C.L. Polk Heather - The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood Sandra - Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang Jason - The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker David - To Say Nothing Of The Dog by Connie Willis Aleen - The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty Erika - Summer in Orcus by T. Kingfisher Heather - Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow Sandra - The Archive Undying by Emma Mieko Candon Jason - 11/22/63 by Stephen King Additional choices (may not be approved by Jason) David - Calculating Stars by Kowal, Exhalation by Ted Chiang, Quantum Love Stor

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 & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

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 this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

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 [Amazon] Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

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 Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

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: Fortune Favors the Dead by Stephen Spotswood (Pentecost and Parker) Scott: The Man With a Load of Mischief by Martha Grimes (Richard Jury) Sandra: A Study in Scarlet Women by Sherry Thomas (Lady Sherlock) Annette: Artifact by Gigi Pandian (Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt) Jason: Strike Three, You’re Dead by R.D. Rosen (Harvey Blissberg) Jean: A Test of Wills by Charles Todd (Inspector Ian Rutledge) Antony: The Appeal by Janice Hallett David: The Deep Blue Good-By by John D. MacDonald (Travis McGee) Scott: A Grim Reaper’s Guide to Catching a Killer by Maxie Dara (S.C.Y.T.H.E.) Sandra: Hide by Tracy Clark (Detective Harriet Foster) Annette: A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn (Veronica Speedwell) Jason: The Mimicking of Known Successes by Malka Older (Mossa and Pleiti) Jean: The Shape of Water by Andrea Camilleri (Commissario Montalbano) Antony: Ghos

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] William Gibson Show Notes & Links Dead Channel: Music Inspired by William Gibson's Neuromancer by Silencaeon (Antony) Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

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-franchise, and what could have been better. (John Siracusa: “NOW you’re singing MY song!”) "KPop Demon Hunters" Chip Sudderth with James Thomson, Shannon Sudderth, John Siracusa and Lisa Schmeiser Referenced Works KPop Demon Hunters Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

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. Loehr Referenced Works 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Submarines Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

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 show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

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: The Widowmaker" Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Philip Michaels, Steven Schapansky, Brian Warren and Tony Sindelar Referenced Works K-19: The Widowmaker Submarines Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

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 Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

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 Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

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: When Women Were Dragons, Lake of Souls Jason: The Fourth Consort by Edward Ashton, Automatic Noodle by Annalee Newitz The Incomparable Award Service Model (4 first-place votes, 2.0 average placement) The Tainted Cup (3.4) Someone You Can Build a Nest In (1, 4.0) A Sorceress Comes to Call (4.4) Alien Clay (5.0) The Ministry of Time (5.8) Asunder / The Book of Love (tie) (6.4) Rakesfall (8.6) Sleeping Worlds Have No Memory (9) The Short Fiction Novella “The Brides of High Hill” by Nghi Vo (Tordotcom) “The Butcher of the Forest” by Premee Mohamed (Tordotcom) “Navigational Entanglements” by Aliette de Bodard (Tordotcom) “The Practice, the Horizon, and the Chain” by Sofia Samatar (Tordotcom) “The Tusks of Extinction” by Ray Nayler (Tordotcom) “What Feasts at Night” by T. Kingfisher (Nightfire) Novelette “The Brotherhood of Montague St. Video” by Thomas Ha (Clarkesworld) “By Salt, By Sea, By Light of Stars” by Premee Mohamed (Strange Horizons) “The Four Sisters Overlooking the Sea” by Naomi Kritzer (Asimov’s) “Lake of Souls” by Ann Leckie (in Lake of Souls) “Loneliness Universe” by Eugenia Triantafyllou (Uncanny) <a hr

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 Woman (2017) Moises - Superman (2025) Andy - The Incredibles (2004) Chip - Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) Jason - Unbreakable (2000) Tony - Iron Man (2008) James - Dredd (2012) David - The Shadow (1994) Annette - Batman (1989) Moises - Blade (1998) Andy - Watchmen (2009) Chip - Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) Jason - Megamind (2010) Tony - Hellboy (2004) James - Captain Marvel (2019) David - The Rocketeer (1991) Annette - The Marvels (2023) Moises - Roger Corman’s Fantastic Four (1994) Andy - Nine Superman Fleisher Shorts (1941) Chip - Black Panther (2018) Jason - Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

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 Blade and Moonstorm Heather: When Women Were Dragons and Atmosphere Scott: Shroud Jason: Shroud, and also the Barker & Llewellyn series Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

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) Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

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 Referenced Works Das Boot Submarines Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

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 and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

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 Referenced Works Crimson Tide Submarines Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

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, Brian Hamilton and Tony Sindelar Referenced Works Love, Death and Robots Show Notes & Links Here’s the viewing list for the Love, Death & Robots episode of The Incomparable. “Sonnie’s Edge” (Season 1, Episode 1) 17m “Lucky 13” (Season 1, Episode 13) 15m “Zima Blue” (Season 1, Episode 14) 11m “Bad Travelling” (Season 3, Episode 2) 22m “The Very Pulse of the Machine” (Season 3, Episode 3) 17m “Swarm” (Season 3, Episode 6) 17m “Golgotha” (Season 4, Episode 6) 10m Plus one (optional) upsetting bonus episode: “Jibaro” (Season 3, Episode 9) 17m Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

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? "Doctor Who" season 2 wrap-up Jason Snell with Steven Schapansky, Erika Ensign, Chip Sudderth, Annette Wierstra and Heather Berberet Referenced Works Doctor Who [Amazon] Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

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. "The Wheel of Time" season 3 Moisés Chiullán with Sarah Hendrica Bickerton, Heather Berberet, Bryan Guffey and Kathy Campbell Referenced Works The Wheel of Time Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.