Vulcan Hello 120: "A Case of Chiaroscuro" (SNW S4E4)

This podcast is presented in vivid black-and-white, as we discuss a Strange New World visit that reminds us a lot of a TOS episode—but without the bright colors designed to sell color television sets in the 1960s. Una ponders space doppelgangers, M’Benga enjoys a selection of hats and coats, and Uhura gets the mind probe. Gratuitous Klingon guest stars! Confusing sci-fi rules! And if you haven’t seen “Casablanca,” well… Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.

It’s time for Crossing The Line. Jason finally asks Lyla point blank: Is your name Lyla or Tyra, I can never remember? No, he asks her if she’s cheating on him with Riggins. (“Yes.”) Plus Matt asks Julie Taylor out. Coach and Tami are thrilled, is a lie I just wrote in this episode description. Sound confusing? Don’t worry. Brian and Lex are here. We’ll all go Sorkin’ In It together. (And to think, you were worried this was a show all about football‽) Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

We’re back at Nelson Road, where some things have changed and some are exactly the same. Some familiar faces, some new faces, and some faces not there anymore. We start to get a peek into the challenges Ted and the gang will be up against this year, but as Chip, Kathy, and Brian are happy to say, it feels like we’re in good hands. Chip Sudderth and Brian Warren with Kathy Campbell.

Hey, it’s the one with Ernest Borgnine! He’s a wrestler down on his luck, which means we have to turn to Phil to get a read on the wrestling nonsense in this episode. Sit down next to me on the same side of the sushi table, Mag, real natural like. Detroit Death Grip Dept.: We will be in Detroit THIS SUNDAY, August 16, for Magnum P.I. Day at the Detroit Tigers. We are going to try to meet listeners post-game at Union Assembly near the stadium. Failing that, email us at [email protected] if you’re going to be around and we’ll try to let you know where we are. Jason Snell, Philip Michaels and David J. Loehr.

In this conclusion to Shard of the Accursed, the party makes a lot of noise, one character gets possessed, and several players read their character sheets. Tony Sindelar with Annette Wierstra, Chip Sudderth, James Thomson, Kathy Campbell and Monty Ashley.

“Ted Lasso” is back, and we’re ready for a healthy dose of optimism and hope. Chip, Kathy, and Brian have assembled as the “Crystal Cats” to discuss the new season and what we’re looking forward to. This season opener comes with a few surprises, some familiar faces, and lots of barbecue sauce. I hope you’re as excited as we are. Oklahoma? Chip Sudderth and Brian Warren with Kathy Campbell.

We’re off to outer space this week with the new Supergirl movie. Kara is out on a bender when adventure calls. Krypto, her super-dog, gets poisoned by generic space-baddies and she sets off on a quest to both cure Krypto and her own sense of malaise. Read along to find out what we think of it all. Dan Moren, John Moltz and Guy English.

If you can’t hear part of this episode it’s because that part was in parentheses. Thanks to (Listener) Charlie for sending in this question. John Siracusa and Jason Snell.

Put on your summer best and board a ferry to New England’s hottest tourist destination! It’s time for us to discuss “Widow’s Bay,” a funny horror story about the mayor and other denizens of a cursed island. Of course there’s a creepy clown, and a slasher, and a dark secret that goes back centuries. Of course Stephen Root is wild-eyed! Once you visit Widow’s Bay, you’ll never want to leave… which is good, because you might not be able to. Jason Snell with Annette Wierstra, Tony Sindelar and Monty Ashley.

It’s time for the next spin on the genre wheel, as “Strange New worlds” lurches from horror to comedy. Dave Foley is a weird alien with a weird pleasure planet. There’s a thin strand of plot and a Star Trek take on “The Hangover.” Pike gets a lot of tattoos! There’s Klingon karaoke! Someone’s wearing a Mugato suit! Most importantly, Scotty and Ortegas learn to understand each other and Spock bonds with an imaginary—or is he?—Jim Kirk. Also, prompted by the last two weeks’ genre whipsaw, Scott and Jason have deep thoughts about what we like, why we like it, and how we process stuff that doesn’t fit in our definition of the thing we like. Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.