The Incomparable Mothership

“Star Trek: Discovery” opened a new era in Star Trek TV, but now the series has reached its end. How did the new, slimmed-down season 5 storyline work? Were we happy with the series-ending payoff? How were the show’s many interesting characters served in their final go-round? We break it all down. "Star Trek: Discovery" season 5/series wrap Jason Snell with Dan Moren, Jean MacDonald, Joe Rosensteel and Erika Ensign Referenced Works Star Trek: Discovery 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.

With “Furiosa: A Mad Max Story” in theaters, we thought we would dip back to the original (aka, the fourth) Mad Max movie, “Mad Max: Fury Road” from 2015. It’s a big car chase followed by a race, it’s two hours long, and it’s considered one of the greatest films of all time. Witness us! "Mad Max: Fury Road" Steven Schapansky with Erika Ensign, Merlin Mann, Brian Warren and Kelly Guimont Referenced Works Mad Max: Fury Road 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 2024 book club shortlist read continues with “Shigidi and the Brass Head of Obalufon”, “The Terraformers,” and “Some Desperate Glory.” We enjoyed them all, to varying degrees! Plus: What else are we reading? 2024 Awards Shortlist, part 2 Jason Snell with Aleen Simms, Scott McNulty, Erika Ensign and Heather Berberet Referenced Works Shigidi and the Brass Head of Obalufon [Amazon] [Apple] Some Desperate Glory [Amazon] [Apple] The Terraformers [Amazon] [Apple] Show Notes & Links Next books: “The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi”, “The Saint of Bright Doors”, and “The Water Outlaws.” What else are we reading? Erika: The Best-Ever Cosplay of Whistle and Midnight Seven of Nine is a Third-Culture Kid Almost Human - The Borg as a Metaphor for Societal Ableism Aleen: To Shape a Dragon’s Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose Geekerella by Ashley Poston Scott: Twilight Falls by Juneau Black Titanium Noir by Nick Harkaway Heather: Light From Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoiki Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yaros Jason: Service Model by Adrian Tchaikovsky 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 been 40 years since the release of 1984’s “The Last Starfighter,” so we finally give this visually groundbreaking film its due. Did we find the early CGI effects as charming as the plot of a small town kid becoming a galactic hero in the distant reaches of space? "The Last Starfighter" (1984) Steven Schapansky with Joe Rosensteel, Cicero Holmes, David J. Loehr and Erika Ensign Referenced Works The Last Starfighter 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.

You just can’t kill us, unless we’re wearing something on our necks that means you can. We’re back to cover 2018’s “Deadpool 2,” which bring you… more Deadpool. Not necessarily a bad thing, but should it have tried to elevate its game? Does its ending completely invalidate the story? And what’s the serious plot element at the center of the ridiculous meta superhero action? "Deadpool 2" Jason Snell with Kelly Guimont, Cicero Holmes and Dan Moren Referenced Works Deadpool 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.

With a third movie on the way, it’s time for us to tackle an R-rated “X-Men” spinoff, everyone’s favorite glutton for punishment, 2016’s “Deadpool.” Did it pass the test of skeptical first-time viewers? Does its balance of humor and ultraviolence work? And why did we find this deeply unserious movie strangely affecting? "Deadpool" (2016) Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Kelly Guimont and Dan Moren Referenced Works Deadpool 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 begin our walk through the 2024 nominees for Best Novel from the Hugo and Nebula Awards. First up: “Starter Villain” by John Scalzi, “Translation State” by Ann Leckie, and “Witch King” by Martha Wells. 2024 Awards Book Club part 1 Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Aleen Simms, Scott McNulty and Heather Berberet Referenced Works Translation State [Amazon] [Apple] Witch King [Amazon] [Apple] Starter Villain [Amazon] [Apple] Show Notes & Links Our next books, as the shortlist reading rolls on! Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh The Terraformers by Annalee Newitz Shigidi and the Brass Head of Obalufon by Wole Talabi What are we reading? Aleen: Belladonna and Regency Faerie Tales Erika: Ruin and Rising and System Collapse Scott: Mal Goes to War Jason: Paladin of Souls 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 mouse ears and step into the TARDIS! We’re discussing the return (rebirth? regeneration?) of “Doctor Who” in 2024, this time on Disney+ (and the BBC). It’s a new era with an old showrunner. How did the 2023 specials hit us, where should curious viewers start watching, and what are our hopes for the coming season? "Doctor Who" anticipation Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Steven Schapansky, Annette Wierstra and Kelly Guimont 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.

Why does discussing the overlooked 1991 classic “Dead Again” feel like we’re living a past life? Maybe it’s the shock of seeing young Sir Kenneth Branagh (attempting a weird American accent) and Dame Emma Thompson. Maybe it’s Sir Derek Jacobi making us wonder if that stutter is an “I, Claudius” reference. Maybe it’s the whole romantic fantasy thing, with a Hitchcockian past intruding on a 1990s present. "Dead Again" Jason Snell with Glenn Fleishman, Erika Ensign, Annette Wierstra, Dr. Drang and Shannon Sudderth 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.

Join Brian Hamilton, the episode editor and music enthusiast, alongside panelists James Thomson, Shelly Brisbin, Erika Ensign, Kelly Guimont, and Andy Ihnatko as they dive into an engaging draft of their favorite 2000s albums. Discover why James's picks spark debate, Erika shares her Beat Saber favorites, and Kelly reveals how karaoke becomes her therapy. The group reflects on the emotional resonance of iconic albums, from The Postal Service to Lady Gaga, all while reminiscing about the profound connections music creates in their lives.