Episode 1.18 - The Sword of Orion

Steve and Adam return to discuss the life and career of the late Robert Guillaume who played Isaac Jaffe on "Sports Night." Previous guests and fans check in with their favorite Isaac moments as the boys talk about stage names, character balance, and relive the best scenes of the sage that was Isaac Jaffe.

After a long hiatus, the boys have returned to discuss "The Sword of Orion!" Steve and Adam reunite to relive their appreciation for "Kids in the Hall", question the cold open, remember the 1999 Baltimore Orioles, break down Baja California (NO COMMA!), and they answer VIEWER MAIL!!! It's more exciting than an Orlando Rojas spring training start. They're pumped, you're pumped, let's all get pumped.

As the gang has to hold for Alberto Fedrigotti's furious rally against Pete Sampras, Adam explains how "the hold" works in sports TV and discusses his "show mode", Steve wonders why Gordon's friends eat such late dinners, and Adam confesses to a Dan Rydell-like moment...except he used the "c-word". An episode so jam-packed, Julie Andrews plays us out.

Why doesn't Dan know the word diminutive? Where has Sally been all this time? And how extensive IS Rachel Sweet's resume, beyond the "Clarissa Explains It All" theme song? Steve and Adam ponder these questions and others as they discuss "Sally", a fantastic episode with a fast-paced 2nd act and fabulous ending. And as Jeremy prepares to meet Natalie's family of a different religion, the boys welcome in Dori (@dorizinn) and Joey (@thejoeycortez) who also come from different backgrounds. The pair parallel their experiences to what Jeremy and Natalie might be dealing with in this episode.

We couldn't find another podcast to do a crossover episode with so you'll have to settle for Steve and Adam discussing "Dana and the Deep Blue Sea!" The boys talk about the crossover with "Spin City", too much Urkel, the proper pronunciation of Scorsese, the difference between a sports anchor and sportscaster, and, despite his near-stalker level of devotion, the excellent delivery of Dan's speech to Rebecca.

If you ever wondered what a zamboni driver's salary is, the persnickety boys (for some reason) find out together. Steve and Adam also discuss "Rebecca"! They're introduced to Teri Polo's new character, they discuss the psychology of Dan, and admit how this episode was disappointing in certain ways but still entertaining.

We close out 2016 with a jam-packed podcast as the boys discuss “Small Town.” Steve and Adam touch on the inaccurate date of the MLB trade deadline, Liza vs. Lisa, and the well-placed craziness of Bobbi Bernstein’s debut. They also welcome in both reporter/anchor Laura Rutledge (@LauraMRutledge) and game producer Joe Taylor (@vonhayes541) of ESPN/SEC Network to discuss how they approach and adjust to breaking news during live broadcasts.

We have returned! After a few hiatus weeks, the boys are back to discuss their flirting pasts, Team Sally or Team Dana, and one of the best-delivered lines in the history of "Sports Night." Merry Thanksgiving, ya filthy animals!

A fascinating episode, the storyline of 1998's "The Six Southern Gentlemen of Tennessee" almost directly parallels the intersection of sports and politics in 2016. Steve and Adam get great insight from Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) of USA Today who has covered and written about those topics extensively (and happens to be a Sorkin geek, too). The boys also learn the names of Janet, Jerome, Cajun (CAJUN!), and Monica (played by Janel Moloney) while enjoying another fantastic Sorkin-o-logue, this one delivered by Isaac Jaffe.

"Shoe Money Tonight" is here! One of the most popular episodes of "Sports Night" and labeled as the definitive episode of the series by Steve and Adam, the boys discuss the introduction of Sally, the height of free-roll poker, the first time Steve went gambling, why the relationship between a broadcaster and producer is so important, and one of Aaron Sorkin's best monologues. And with Steve's penchant for using lines from movies and TV shows as song titles, we have an Easter egg at the end of the episode for you.