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Mark and John have some serious geeking out fun and challenge each other to make contemporary recasting picks for classic genre (more or less) films. This is part one and it's two heavy lifts: The Princess Bride and Blade Runner. See if you lave, hate, or meh the picks!

These are the TV episodes that hit every beat perfectly, that couldn't withstand a single thing changed, and that should never be edited or messed with in any way. Not just the "oh that was cool, but maybe they could have done 'x'," - these are the untouchables. Have a listen and see what we're missing.

With Christopher Nolan's cinematic presentation of The Odyssey still making boffo box office, we spend some time going over the film before diving into a discussion of greek mythology (or some emblance thereof) on the big screen, the small screen, and even a little on the stage. Yeah it's a long one, but time just flies when you're having fun...

Some parts just can't be recast, and attempting to do so would only lead to disaster. Mark and John go through a suprisingly long and varied list of many of these roles - and aren't always in agreement! Take a listen and see if you agree.

Star Trek has always been defined by its vision of a future Earth (if not a future galaxy) and a Federation of different societies as an expression of values. But on many occasions it hasn't lived up to its lofty ideals. Mark and John look at those times throughout the franchise where Star Trek has ethically failed itself.

In the finale of a three part series, Mark and John discuss the implications of potential first contact to global politics and international conflict.

Mark and John continue the conversation about First Contact, this time speculating on what it would do to our religion and culture, including the philosophy and culture of capitalism.

Mark and John start their path down a rabbit hole they'll dig into in a multi-part series "When We Make Contact" where we consider the implications to the world of an actual First Contact scenario. In Part 1, we do some stage-setting and move into a conversation about the potential impacts to our political economy.

Diving back into the world of villainy, Mark and John discuss sociopathy and their favorite examples in film and TV.

For obvious reasons, environmental doom is an increasing theme in sci-fi. So much so that the term "Cli-Fi" (with the "Cli" for "Climate," obviously) is an actual thing now. Mark and John dive into it, looking at some of the more well-known examples out there, with some discussion of other instances in sci-fi history where environmentalism has been at the heart of the premise.

Settle in as we review nearly 20 of the best (or at least the best as we see them) death scenes in film and TV. Some obvious ones, some not so obvious ones - and Mark and John's lists are surprisingly different.

It's tick season! We talk our favorite science fiction parasites (and a few symbiotes) in this episode honoring the return of the clingy bloodsuckers. Like James Gunn's "Slither?" We've got you covered. Have you ever thought of the Borg as parasites? We're on that conversation too. Give a listen!

Let's call it the Hank Pym effect - one single choice by one writer making one character kind of wrecked forever. There are quite a few and we talk about some of them in this week's episode.

It's March Madness folks, get your brackets out and pick the winners -- of the best sci-fi movies and TV! Thirty-two "teams" over four quadrants: Cyberpunk & AI, Space & Exploration, Aliens & Horror, Blockbusters & Franchises - all vying for the right to be the one true champion. Who's gonna win? Who's gonna get eliminated? Will there be a cinderella team? Only way to know is to LISTEN to Mark, John, and special guest Robert Heil!!!

For the first time in a decade there's no Star Trek series currently in production. John and Mark take a look at the state of the Star Trek franchise in terms of stories and corporate status, and what we might expect going forward.