The Incomparable Mothership

Step into this elevator and leave your personal biographical memories behind… Welcome, Listener I., you’re now part of Lumon, a Very Friendly Company that always has your best interests at heart. We discuss the Apple TV+ series “Severance,” and try to explain why you should watch it, what shows it resembles, and just how much we liked the twists and turns of its first season. "Severance" season one Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Lex Friedman, Glenn Fleishman and Dr. Drang Sponsors Kolide: Endpoint Security Powered by People. Try Kolide for 14 days free; no credit card required. Incomparable Memberships!: Sign up, support The Incomparable, and get access to a special ad-free version of the podcast with bonus material—and a lot more. Referenced Works Severance 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.

Put on your toque and be sure you’ve got your 4*Town tickets—we’re here to discuss Pixar’s “Turning Red,” a delightful coming-of-age movie about a Chinese-Canadian girl whose body is undergoing some telltale adolescent changes—you know, becoming interested in boys, rebelling against her parents, and transforming into a giant fuzzy red panda. The usual. "Turning Red" (2022) Jason Snell with Moisés Chiullán, Sandra Wong, Monty Ashley and Joy Piedmont Sponsors Incomparable Memberships!: Sign up, support our show, and get access to exclusive podcasts! Referenced Works Turning Red Pixar Animation Studio 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 panel of caped crusaders assemble to dissect 2022’s “The Batman.” The last thing we may have needed was another Batman movie, especially the grimmest, darkest, and longest one ever… but what if we actually liked it? We take apart the new approaches to classic batman stories, Robert Pattinson’s performance, souped-up batmobiles, and Gotham’s weather patterns. "The Batman" (2022) Tony Sindelar with Lisa Schmeiser, Guy English, Cicero Holmes and Dan Moren Sponsors Kolide: Endpoint Security Powered by People. Try Kolide for 14 days free; no credit card required. Referenced Works The Batman Batman films 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 annual shortlist book club is back! We read two novels that were nominated for Best Novel in the Nebula Awards! SB Divya’s “Machinehood” is a near-future story of gig workers, weak AI servants, and rebellious space stations. Jason Sanford’s “Plague Birds” is a post-apocalyptic story about strong AIs and gene-altered people that’s so far in the future that it feels almost like fantasy. Plus: We recommend other books we’ve enjoyed recently! 2022 Awards Book Club, part 1 Jason Snell with Erika Ensign and Scott McNulty Sponsors Kolide: Endpoint Security Powered by People. Try Kolide for 14 days free; no credit card required. Referenced Works Machinehood [Amazon] [Apple] Plague Birds [Amazon] [Apple] Show Notes & Links What have we been reading? Scott Light Perpetual by Francis Spufford Termination Shock by Neal Stephenson Erika The Steerswoman by Rosemary Kirstein City of Blades by Robert Jackson Bennett Short fiction from Uncanny Magazine: Ina’s Spark by Mary Robinette Kowal and Ribbons by Natalia Theodoridou and The Clockwork Penguin Dreamed of Stars by Caroline Yoachim and Lily, the Immortal by Kylie Lee Baker Jason Winter’s Orbit by Everina Maxwell Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston 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.

Cue the electric bass and the full brass section, we’re talking Bond, James Bond this week. We make time for “No Time to Die,” of course, and the rest of the Daniel Craig era. How does it hold up, where does it go from here, what would we like to see? How does the latest movie reset the table? Were we shaken, stirred, or something in between? "No Time to Die" and the Craig Era of Bond David J. Loehr with Kelly Guimont, Nathan Alderman and Tom McGrath Referenced Works James Bond 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.

Old Movie Club returns with two films that imagine attempts to disrupt the United States government. In 1954’s “Suddenly,” Frank Sinatra’s going to try to kill the President. In 1964’s “Seven Days In May,” Burt Lancaster is plotting a military coup. Both films are in black and white from more than 50 years ago, and yet for some reason Phil thinks their themes may resonate even today… Old Movie Club violently overthrows the U.S. government! Jason Snell with Philip Michaels, Shelly Brisbin, Moisés Chiullán and David J. Loehr Sponsors Kolide: User focused security for teams that Slack. Try it free for 30 days. Referenced Works Suddenly Seven Days in May 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.

Fire up your Bernoulli Conversionator and check your trunk for stowaways, because we’re entering the Wachowski sisters’ candy-colored 2008 road rally through the Uncanny Valley, “Speed Racer.” It’s an eye-searing acid trip of a movie, with groundbreaking storytelling, an earnest heart, and a curious void at its center. (There is also a chimp.) We’ll discuss how this film fits into the Wachowskis’ canon, the supporting character whose story is way more interesting than the lead‚ and the only other big-budget film since that has dared to get this stylistically weird. "Speed Racer" (2008) Nathan Alderman with Lisa Schmeiser and Shelly Brisbin Referenced Works Speed Racer 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 with our third Incomparable Film Festival! Nine of us are programming a day’s worth of films, all with secret themes which will be revealed as the podcast progresses! And while we are currently unable to pull off the Incomparable Film Festival in an actual movie theater, we encourage you to watch these great movies in the comfort of your own home. 2022 Film Festival Draft Jason Snell with Monty Ashley, Moisés Chiullán, Shelly Brisbin, Erika Ensign, David J. Loehr, Cicero Holmes, Steven Schapansky and Dan Moren Show Notes & Links Monty: The Sweet Smell of Success (1957), Ace in the Hole (1951), Tabloid (2010), Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998) (Bad Journalism) Moises: Fashions of 1934 (1934), The Red Shoes (1948), In the Mood for Love (2000), Moulin Rouge (2001) (Changed the visual language) Shelly: Harold and Maude (1971), Edward Scissorhands (1990), Nashville (1975), The Station Agent (2003) (Brooding introverts with a heart) Erika: Top Hat (1935), The Awful Truth (1937), My Favorite Wife (1940), Funny Face (1957) (Pajama day) David: Knives Out (2019), The Last of Sheila (1973), Out of Sight (1998), Ocean’s Eleven (2001) (Intricately plotted) Cicero: The Sandlot (1993), Swingers (1996), This is 40 (2012), Last Vegas (2013) (Diamonds are Forever-phases of life) Steven: Star Wars (1977), 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), Dog Day Afternoon (1975), Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) (Alternate Oscars) Dan: L.A. Confidential (1997), Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998), The Nice Guys (2016), Logan Lucky (2017) (Neo-noir crime) Jason: My Neighbor Totoro (1988), The Iron Giant (1999), Labyrinth (1986), Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) (friendly monsters) Extras Monty: His Girl Friday (also The Front Page and Switching Channels) Moises: Public Domain (all Horror), Nosferatu (1922), House on Haunted Hill (1959), Manos The Hands of Fate (1966), Night of the Living Dead (1968); Public Domain (one horror), short film intro: Popeye the Sailor Man Meets Sindbad The Sailor (1936), His Girl Friday (1940), Carnival of Souls (1962), Charade (1963), Just Imagine (1930); Nicolas Cage plus Paddington 2 Because Why Not, Wild at Heart (1992), The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920), The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (2022), Paddington 2 (2017) Shelly: Fried Green Tomatoes (1991), Christopher Strong (1933), Diary of a Lost Girl (1929), The Color Purple (1985) Erika: Labyrinth, The Neverending Story, Goonies, Willow David: Backups for the theme: Logan Lucky, The Brothers Bloom, The Taking of Pelham 1-2-3, Sleuth (1972), The Sting; Modern Musicals: Encanto, In the Heights, West Side Story (2021), All That Jazz; Political Science: Manchurian Candidate, Good Night, and Good Luck, Fail-Safe, Dr. Strangelove Steven: All the President’s Men (1976), The China Syndrome (1979), The Mosquito Coast (1986), Snatch (2000), Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003), United 93 (2006) Dan: Knives Out (sniped), Zero Effect (ineligible), North by Northwest, Bridge over the River Kwai, The Sting, The Fugitive Jason: Monsters Inc. (2001), ET, Ponyo, Gremlins (1984), Time Loops: Groundhog Day, Source Code, Edge of Tomorrow, Palm Springs, Looper, Primer 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’ve drafted many things on many episodes of this podcast, but we’ve never drafted podcasts! You get it: Panelists share (and draft!) their favorite podcasts, in categories like Comedy, Narrative, Fiction, Entertainment, and more. Podcast draft Lex Friedman with Brian Hamilton, Monty Ashley, Shelly Brisbin and David J. Loehr Show Notes & Links Comedy: * Shelly: ICYMI * Brian: The Flophouse * David: No Such Thing As A Fish * Lex: Judge John Hodgman * Monty: Comedy Bang Bang Narrative: * Shelly: Ear Hustle * Brian: The Dream * David: If I Go Missing: The Witches Did It * Lex: Over My Dead Body * Monty: Cocaine and Rhinestones Fiction: * Shelly: Bronzeville * Brian: Alice Isn’t Dead * David: Give Me Away * Lex: Hello From The Magic Tavern * Monty: Off Book: The Improvised Musical Podcast Entertainment: * Shelly: Gates McFadden Investigates * Brian: The Besties * David: Films To Be Buried With * Lex: Smartless (not Conan, HDTGM, or WTF) * Monty: Blank Check Wildcard: * Shelly: NitrateVille Radio [You Must Remember This, Crimetown, NYT Book Review, Hit Parade] * Brian: My Brother, My Brother, and Me [You’re Wrong About, We Have Concerns] * David: The Memory Palace [99% Invisible, Twenty Thousand Hertz, Infinite Monkey Cage, A Degree Absolute ] * Lex: Threedom [Missing Richard Simmons, The West Wing Weekly, Reply All] * Monty: Bonusnanas for Bonusnanza [Bonanas for Bonanza, Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, Podcast: The Ride, Good Christian Fun] 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.

Get out your pocket knife and stick to the Wheel—we’re a traveling band of podcasters who move from town to town to re-enact conversations from before the apocalypse! Or at least that’s who we’d be in our version of the HBO Max miniseries, “Station Eleven.” We discuss the moving, optimistic post-apocalyptic tale that is told in a fractured time sequence and features lots of Shakespeare and a suspiciously powerful self-published graphic novel. And though there’s definitely no “Station Twelve” on the horizon, we can’t help but imagine what other stories are there just waiting to never be told. "Station Eleven" (miniseries) Jason Snell with Aleen Simms, Annette Wierstra, Jean MacDonald and John Siracusa Referenced Works Station Eleven 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.