Sophomore Lit 184: I am the Cheese

Noah Hawley’s TV take on the Alien franchise, “Alien: Earth,” is crashing into a building near us, bringing gross aliens old and new, suspicious synths, terrified (and bloody) humans, and a new class of hybrid life forms with the minds of children and superhuman bodies. Does the show give us enough Xenomorphs? Is the eye alien a breakout fan favorite? Was replaying “Alien” on a different ship a good idea? Why is Trillionaire Island so understaffed? We break it all down. Jason Snell with John Siracusa, Brian Warren, Annette Wierstra and Sandra Wong.

We start the new year with a mission to celebrate one of our favourite Rob Reiner pictures: When Harry Met Sally. Although it’s been a while since our agents last watched this movie, it remains a strong example of a 90s romantic comedy. Join us to celebrate the fashion, the music, the supporting cast, and finally answer the question: can men and women be friends? Annette Wierstra with Shelly Brisbin and Micki Maynard.

Hope you’re not lactose intolerant! Matt Skuta returns to discuss John Cormier’s I am the Cheese (1977). John McCoy with Matt Skuta.

The team’s covering the NFL draft which might take a bit longer due to some cloudy skies. Jeremy says the line “It cannot, it must not rain at Indian Wells” (anybody want to guess whether it starts raining?) Meanwhile, Jeremy is a bit nervous because he invited his new girlfriend to visit the studio. And Dana has an inexplicable bandage on her face? Lex and Brian think some of this makes sense, and some … less so. Either way, all this talk of rain tells me we’ll definitely be Sorkin’ In It! Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

In another experimental Random Pursuit, we bring you the Ghost Points Edition, in which ghost points become REAL! Will knowing another person’s answers help someone claim victory? Only the ghosts know! (And you will, if you listen!) Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky with Annette Wierstra, Kathy Campbell, Mikah Sargent and Tony Sindelar.

The party is now level 3. Will that suddenly make them competent enough to find the slaying stone? Or track a dragon? Ok, maybe not, but they do have some new spells and abilities. Tony Sindelar with Aleen Simms, Annette Wierstra, Chelsea Hackman, Heather Berberet, James Thomson and Jason Snell.

Our most frequent panelists of the year join Jason to talk about their favorite stuff from the year gone by, and we also pause to recall some favorite Incomparable moments. Synergy! Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Moisés Chiullán, Tony Sindelar, David J. Loehr, Annette Wierstra, Scott McNulty, Dan Moren and Brian Warren.

It’s the new season! Joe Rosensteel and Dan Sturm.

Our adventurers deal with several goblins (and someone who is totally not a goblin) as their search takes them to the library. Tony Sindelar with Aleen Simms, Annette Wierstra, Chelsea Hackman, Heather Berberet, James Thomson and Jason Snell.

The difference between a slegh and a sled. John Siracusa and Jason Snell.