A Complicated Profession 98: Atomic Shakespeare

Greatest musical of all time, you say? Plenty of people would agree. Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly co-direct Kelly, Donald O’Connor and Debbie Reynolds through a delightful Comden and Gteen score, not to mention dance numbers that have achieved legendary status. For anyone who admires clever, energetic film choreography, it’s a joy to watch. For a fan of classic film, there’s an homage to the transition between silent and talking movie. That happened barely 20 years before this film was made, which is kind of bonkers to think about. The episode title is a callback. It’s what we do! Shelly Brisbin with Nathan Alderman, David Almeida, David J. Loehr and Micheline Maynard.

Even when we like episodes, Brian can’t stand Sorkin’s titles. This is no exception. Dana’s going snorkeling, until she isn’t. We wonder if anyone truly LOVES snorkeling. Dan enlists Jeremy as the world’s unlikeliest wingman. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

A long time ago—roughly 1986—in an Italian city far, far away… Your Star Wars pals Dan, Kat, and Tony return to, at long last, discuss a classic episode of TV including levels of context, Star Trek cameos, and what exactly is going on. We also tease our forthcoming member-exclusive bonus episode! Dan Moren, Tony Sindelar and K Benesh.

Is this prison a dungeon? Is the party here to make friends? Did anyone bring a spare corpse? The answer to all of these is “no.” Tony Sindelar with Annette Wierstra, Chip Sudderth, Erika Ensign, Lincoln Hayes and Monty Ashley.

Steven and Erika finish off the Barry Letts era and vibe with the Doctor and Harry. Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky.

Erika and Steven continue talking about mad scientists, a robot, and an adorable toy tank. Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky.

Steven and Erika embark on the Tom Baker era, but not without some fond reminiscences of the Jon Pertwee era. What a difference a Doctor makes! Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky.

A preview of the recording from our recent live show, recorded at the Ohio Theatre in Madison, Indiana, our new home away from home for live performances. Coming in March, the full live show, along with video from the performance for Incomparable members. And coming very soon, a surprise from one of our performance sponsors, the Red Roaster Cafe… David J. Loehr.

Arrakis. Dune. Desert Planet. But maybe not the one you’re thinking of. In our own very peculiar way we honor David Lynch by discussing the feature film he probably liked the least, 1984’s “Dune.” Sting with a knife! Patrick Stewart riding a sandworm! How does it all compare with the modern version? Does it have its own special lower-budget charms? (Don’t mention the voiceovers…) What about the voiceovers? And how much does nostalgia fit into our appreciation of this movie? Jason Snell with Steve Lutz, Erika Ensign, Dan Moren and John Siracusa.

In our last episode, we couldn’t get enough Star Trek in the Draft. So today’s mission is all about romance in Star Trek. The Agents gave their director some homework and she came prepared. es, this franchise is all about seeking out strange new worlds, but also sexy aliens. Really, a spaceship is just a locked room romance and we are all looking for love in confined spaces. Let’s meet on the holodeck and boldly go where no one has gone before. Annette Wierstra with Jean MacDonald and Shelly Brisbin.