Robot or Not? 338: Facial Hair

“Starfleet Academy” finishes the end of its first season with the conclusion of numerous plot lines, a lot of character moments, and some problem solving. We discuss how this episode worked, the season as a whole, and how “Starfleet Academy” builds on the shows that came before it. See you again when “Strange New Worlds” returns! Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.

Gene Tierney does comedy. John Lund is not bad. And THELMA RITTER IS THE BEST. Shelly Brisbin with Micheline Maynard and Nathan Alderman.

Deanna shares a spiritual geek-out in a conversation so full of joy and woo—we had to do it twice. Sandra Wong with Deanna Raybourn.

The adventurers visit a demi-plane that’s mostly eyes and corridors. Tony Sindelar with Bryan Guffey, Erika Ensign, Jason Snell, Mikah Sargent and Sarah Hendrica Bickerton.

In this episode we judge Ghost Rider starring Nick Cage, Eva Mendes, and Dan’s BFF. We stared into it’s eyes and you’ll have to listen to learn if we burnt it or if it burnt us. Dan Moren, John Moltz and Guy English.

Listener Justin tries to get us to stretch the definition of “facial hair” beyond the beard. John Siracusa and Jason Snell.

School’s out, but adventure is in! Scott and Jason discuss the penultimate episode of the first season of “Starfleet Academy,” including stealing shuttlecrafts, insulting your friends, hiding out in airlocks, and the perils of having to automate an entire starship! Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.

Charge up your cyberspace deck and avoid all slamhounds! It’s time for us to discuss the second book in William Gibson’s famed Sprawl trilogy, “Count Zero.” Of course, Count Zero is the name of a great hacker… wait, it’s this kid? This is a book that defies audience expectations, from the title character to the way it follows up—or doesn’t, really—the events and characters in its famous predecessor. But, as our veteran Gibson readers note, it sets the template for his career to come. Jason Snell with Lisa Schmeiser, Antony Johnston, Glenn Fleishman and Erika Ensign.

In this, the penultimate episode of Sports Night and the current season of Sorkin’ In It, we start with a “big honkin’ doofus.” That doesn’t relate to the plot, but we just love saying it. The gang’s at the bar meeting strangers and pondering the future — of the network, of the show, of their lives. These are desperate times — and Natalie’s not wearing socks, so who knows what will happen next! Whatever the future, Brian and Lex will be Sorkin’ In It. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Jennifer shares a nifty little geek-out and in the doing, has us sharing insights about the meaning of joy itself. Sandra Wong with Jennifer Hillier.