Total Party Kill 571: If Clippy Was a Sword

The Summer of Sundance comes to an end with “The Natural,” a story of a legendary baseball player—no, we’re not talking about Joe Don Baker as The Whammer, or are we? It’s Bernard Malamud’s take on baseball as American mythology, filtered through the mind of Barry Levinson. Barbara Hershey shocks and confuses, Glenn Close glows, Wilford Brimley is very old and near retirement despite being younger than us, and Robert Redford is so versatile he can play a teenager and a man in his mid-thirties despite being in his late forties. Jason Snell with Philip Michaels, Micheline Maynard, John Siracusa and David J. Loehr.

Once upon a time, there was a fantasy kingdom in a “Star Trek” episode. Twice upon a time, they revisited that story and tried to bring La’An’s seasonlong struggle with herself to a conclusion. Is double the crew double the fun? Is Spock a wizard or a Vulcan, and does he wield magic or logic? We break down the penultimate episode of the penultimate season of “Strange New Worlds!” Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.

Lyla is the target of bullying at school, even from her so-called friends; and, Matt & Julie’s dating life makes things tough for Coach and Tami. Meanwhile, Lex nearly makes Brian spit out his coffee; but good news, you (and Brian’s computer) are safe and sound here on Sorkin’ In It. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

The team is back on the pitch, and Brian, Kathy, & Chip are reunited to discuss it. Whether it’s Beard’s eyes, Boots’ truck, Ted’s profile, or Roy’s knee (and heart!); everybody seems to be going through a little bit of something this week. So, we invite you to take a sip of some spicy cognac and say “yes” to listening to this episode of Football Is Life. Chip Sudderth and Brian Warren with Kathy Campbell.

Trivia, the final frontier. These are the voyages of the Starship Random Pursuit. Its 90-minute mission: to explore Star Trek Trivial Pursuit, to seek out new answers to new questions, to boldly go where no podcast has gone before! (And where no podcast should probably go again.) Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky with Cicero Holmes, David J. Loehr, Heather Berberet, Jason Snell, Moisés Chiullán and Scott McNulty.

Bree gleefully shares one of her many (MANY!) special interests. Sandra Wong with Bree Bridges.

After a strong opening couple of episodes Lanterns takes us back in time a little to see how wee John Stewart grew up. We do not, in any way, support this method of raising a child. Even one destined to do goofy things with a fancy alient ring. With that behind us we’re back in 2016 as John & Hal close in on the Manhunter and find themselves in a sketchy situation. Dan Moren, John Moltz and Guy English.

Jaee decides whether she should stay or she should go. K’ronng leaves the murder corner. Levithia is convinced by a rope. Tink gets giggly-excited by danger. Cherish smashes a Ding Dong. Tony Sindelar with Annette Wierstra, Erika Ensign, Kat Griffiths, Kathy Campbell and Monty Ashley.

The Summer of Sundance continues with the paranoid thriller, “Three Days of the Condor.” A devastatingly handsome nerd goes out to buy sandwiches for the office, and the next thing he knows he’s on the run and kidnapping Faye Dunaway… Jason Snell with David J. Loehr, Shelly Brisbin, Paul Weimer, Glenn Fleishman and Dan Moren.

In this fantastic episode, a “badmiral” takes control of the Enterprise and teaches (randomly on the ship) Jim Kirk some important what-not-to-do lessons about command. Jim and Sam Kirk have a surprising, emotionally resonant conversation about their father. A coffee fetish meets Chekov’s Cordrazine*! And in the B plot: caves! (Which, for the record, we also like very much.) Pop pop! * Ask your doctor if cordrazine is right for you. Side effects include paranoia, accidentally bringing Hitler to power, and serious cardiovascular complications. Do not take if you are pregnant, thinking of becoming pregnant, or are allergic to cordrazine. Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.