The Geek Agenda

In which Thom & Andru get TV-centric with Chris Jackson, beginning with Hulu’s latest exercise in self-destruction and ironic attempts to pull digital art back from the future, then analogizing the similar journeys of LOST and Battlestar Galactica. Somewhere in between, the show’s original mission statement is invoked while examining how the popularity of Game Of Thrones is warping the fabric of what is considered mainstream, while revealing prejudicial cracks that still exist in the larger pop culture landscape. Plus, theme song roulette!

In which Thom & Andru purge their cinematic binge from the celebration of Andru’s birthday, dropping major spoilers for Lockout, 21 Jump Street, The Hunger Games, Wrath Of The Titans, American Reunion, and Rubber ...but staying 99% spoiler-free for Cabin In The Woods, which is discussed generally, but won’t be thoroughly dissected - so to speak - until a later date. And as we offload our outline of other observations, we humbly beg your indulgence if there is any stumbling over matters metaphorical, technological, geographical, circadian, or linguistic. It’s been a bit of a day.

In which Thom & Andru meet with Nerds Like Us impresario Bernie Bregman for a cinematic summit on midnight movie memories, the nerfing of childhood entertainment, the relative rituals of Repo vs Rocky Horror, and keeping the 35mm flame burning in an increasingly digital landscape. Plus, 4th week favorites with a twist, the show's dearth of tech-savvy is causing Thom formatical angst, and learn how you can celebrate Andru's birthday TGA-style!

In which Thom & Andru consult with Ryan Morris of UFO Radar about everything from the latest in extraterrestrial invasion prep to the preferred distance at which to stand back whilst observing Bigfoot mating season. Also, Bernie Bregman of Nerds Like Us calls in with details on The Vista’s upcoming screening of The Dark Crystal, and a spirited roundtable on the adaptation and nerfing of genre source material, starring Gollum, Kuato, and the T-800. Dig in!

In which Thom & Andru are paid a visit by their dark, whimsical overlord Johnny Dam (henceforth known as Johnny Darko) who flashes his bona fides with references ranging from Thunderbirds Game of Thrones, then blazes discursive trails into politics, infotainment, and the need for Dish Network to stop ratting out spoiler addicts to their spouses, all while painting the show’s language a lovely shade of indigo. Plus, memories of Kurt Cobain, and a review of Wrath Of The Titans.

In which Thom & Andru take stock of the show’s first year and speculate on its value as a post-apocalyptic artifact, while also debating the nigh-impossible to thread needle of fan expectations, the relative and pluralistic value of mash-up culture, the funhouse mirror of first-person shooters, and a theory explaining the connection between politics, vampires, and colorblindness. Not bad for an hour’s work. Music by Kielen King.

In which Thom & Andru are joined once again by Robbie Rist and Chris Jackson of The Spoon for a pop-culture potpourri roundtable which is equal parts thoughtful analysis and raging nerd fight. The topics are staggeringly numerous - foley, spoilerphobia, foot-shaving, and hoverboards, just to list a random two minute sample - but the conversational sea refuses no river. Plus, the best opening jam yet! (NSFW language abounds, for the record.)

In which Thom & Andru are back to being a duo after an unprecedentedly long string of guest episodes, and immediately begin deconstructing their own show. Amid all manner of curtain-pulling and audience-polling, they also wax on (and off) about recent movie adventures, including reviews of John Carter and The Fall, a midnight screening of Serenity, the HDTV learning curve, and entertainment/food combos with unfortunate consequences. All this, plus a tease of upcoming listener events, and more than a little bad math. Music by The Frantics.

In which Thom & Andru attempt to re-write history with Aaron Lyons and Jordan Monsell of Pulp Shakespeare, talking remix culture, meta-humor, artistic multitasking, and using Tarantino as a gateway drug to the world of the Bard. Also on the menu: the shrinking of action stars, the mathematics of viral videos, the incomprehensible weapons policy of Renaissance Faires, and the latest attempt by the sun to destroy us all (Emmerich film to follow). Music by Her Majesty’s Secret Players.

In which Thom & Andru bond with movie ubergeek Travis J Coleman over the benefits of a big screen, shared theatre student experiences, a deep and abiding love of MST3k, and a collective shrug in the general direction of Oscar Night 2012. Plus, the razor thin line between A and B movies, horrifying candies of the American Southwest, the reason for having two tables in the studio, and which film earns the official designation of "Andru bait"? The answer... won't surprise you at all. Music by TV's Frank.

In which Thom & Andru are joined by special guest Helenna Santos Levy of Geek Girls Create to chat about the zombie future, the mix tape past, voca lcompetition shows that don't suck, and making one's own breaks in the world of new media. Plus, a recap of TGA's adventures at Gallifrey One, and the latest round of geek/nerd nomenclature navel-gazing. Music by Jonathan Coulton & GLaDDOS

In which Thom & Andru welcome back the dynamic Whovian duo of Ingrid Oliansky and Joshua Lou Friedman, to discuss the many-splendored glories that await attendees of this year’s Gallifrey One convention. Also up for discussion: action figure nostalgia, suspension of special effects disbelief, and a slew of demoralizing comics news with a single bright spot to offset it, plus a review of Red Tails and Valentine’s Day serenades from The Wonderstrucks and Jean-Luc Picard.

In which Thom & Andru chat with filmmaker Josh Levy about Canadian comedy, Hutt anatomy, the delicate tightrope of back story, and the rabidfranchising of story in general. Also, Andru watches his first Super Bowl, Thom reviews Chronicle, Lucasfilm is fooling no one with their 3D marketing, and the show experiences that rarest of phenomena: a live caller!

In which Thom & Andru discuss fairy tales, fanboyisms, and the magic of Portland with author / podcaster / one-man nerdcyclopedia Aaron Duran, whose indie comic La Brujeria is heading into its 3rd issue. Also on the docket: catching up on old TV shows and new Disneyland rides, and the origin of the show’s title is revealed. Plus, a technical meltdown that is not heard due to some last-minute Lucasizing, but continues to haunt Thom throughout the episode regardless. Fun! Music by Paul & Storm.

In which Thom & Andru attempt to inject more structure into the show, which only throws the episode's frequent and severe digressions into sharper relief. Meandering side roads include new rules that all award shows should be made to honor, the danger of dead reckoning in pop culture analysis, and another spate of iPhone talk (which we promise will slow to a trickle eventually.) Also, we watch things! And actually enjoy some of them! And then share that enjoyment you! What a world.