Agents of SMOOCH

Happy Valentine’s Day Agents! Today is OUR day. It is also our 5th anniversary and we are celebrating with not-a-draft of One True Pairings (OTPs). This is such a wide and encompassing topic and yet some Agents think that it includes all together too much Star Trek. But at the Agency we like a lotta things so in this not-a-draft there is an OTP for everyone. One True Pairing (OTP) Draft Annette Wierstra with Jean MacDonald, Sarah Murphy, Kathy Campbell, Shelly Brisbin and Moisés Chiullán Show Notes & Links ROUND 1 Jean: Strange New Worlds, Spock and Nurse Chapel Sarah: 2009 Star Trek Reboot, Nurse Chapel and McCoy Kathy: Schitt’s Creek, David and Patrick SMOOCH Episode Shelly: The Original Star Trek, Kirk and Spock Read more on AO3 Moises: Star Trek DS9/Lower Decks, Elim Garak and Julian Bashir Annette: Covert Affairs, Annie and Eyal ROUND 2 Jean: Orphan Black, Cosima and Delphine & Alison and Donnie & Alison and Felix Sarah: Roman Holiday: Anne and Joe SMOOCH/LTS Episode Kathy: The Wheel of Time, Moiraine and Siuan Shelly: The Good Wife, Alicia and Kalinda Moises: Pride and Prejudice, Lizzy and Darcy > Ehle and Firth > Bridget and Mark Darcy > Knightley and McFadyen > Pride and Prejudice and Zombies Annette: Firefly, Wash and Zoe ROUND 3 Jean: Doctor Who, Husbands of River Song, River Song and 12th Doctor (Peter Capaldi) Sarah: Our Flag Means Death, Blackbeard and Stede Bonnet SMOOCH Episode Kathy: Agents of SMOOCH and 50 Shades of Grey SMOOCH Episode Shelly: Moonlighting, Maddy and David Moises: Star Trek: The Next Generation dual OTPs, Deanna Troi and William Riker, Beverly Crusher and Jean-Luc Picard Annette: Doctor Who, 15th Doctor and Rogue OTHER THINGS DISCUSSED Kathy on Jean’s Voyager Podcast Kathy & Jeans’s Orphan Black Sestra Cast Shelly’s old movie podcast Lions, Towers & Shields (LTS) LTS’s Gene Kelly’s Butt episode SMOOCH Twilight Episode SMOOCH Twilight Commentary SMOOCH Christmas Prince Commentary 12 Days of Love Actually Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

It’s the Christmas tradition we created ourselves! We don our Santa hats, gather our Bingo cards, and surround ourselves with lots of snacks. It’s time for this year’s in-person Christmas movie marathon. This year we watched: Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story (Hallmark) The Merry Gentlemen (Netflix) ‘Tis the Season to Be Irish (Hallmark) Get on your pjs, make yourself comfy, and join us! Annual Christmas Movie Marathon Annette Wierstra with Steven Schapansky, Erika Ensign and Kirsten Goruk Referenced Works Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story The Merry Gentlemen 'Tis the Season to Be Irish Show Notes & Links Download our Christmas Movie Bingo cards! Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

We are still in the season of the witch here at the Agency. Join our coven as we search for the Wtiches’ Road in Agatha All Along. We start with a quick spoiler-free pitch to watch this glorious show before getting into the vibes and feelings and wardrobe-we are suckers for a good coat. Take off your shoes and stay on the path witches. We might all make it to the end. Agatha All Along Annette Wierstra with James Thomson and Heather Berberet Referenced Works Agatha All Along (2024) Show Notes & Links Listen to our friends Dan Moren, John Moltz and Guy English on the Incomparable BIFF podcast because they did an episode by episode podcast for Agatha All Along. Go listen for a more indepth conversation. Watching the Assembled episode for Agatha on YouTube is well worth your time. And we can’t forget Kathryn Hahn Sings the Entire History of the Marvel Cinematic Universe Heather mentioned a National Geographic documentary called Witches: Truth Behind the Trials which is available on Disney and Nat Geo. Watch the trailer. Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

If anyone thinks that Jane Austen is about sedate manners and social niceties, they ought to dive straight into this mission about Northanger Abbey. This novel is Austen’s version of Mean Girls and there is a lot of naughty business happening below the surface of polite society. Join our Agents as they discuss the novel and the 2007 movie adaptation with Felicity Jones and JJ Feild. Kirsten swore once and I am giving her a special exemption to keep it in. Northanger Abbey Annette Wierstra with Kirsten Goruk Referenced Works Northanger Abbey Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

Is it a Gothic Romance series if we don’t wander the English moors? Of course not! Join our agents as they discuss Jane Eyre focusing on the 2011 movie and the book. While we like the moody story of Jane and her Mr. Rochester, we have a few suggestions for the next adaptation. Jane Eyre (2011) Annette Wierstra with Heather Berberet and Moisés Chiullán Referenced Works Jane Eyre Show Notes & Links Link to the Broadway Jane Eyre Musical Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

We are back for Season 6 in time for the dark moody vibes of fall with a series of episodes on Gothic Romances. We begin with an episode about Kat Dunn’s sapphic witchy romance set in the most gothic of castles: Bitterthorn. Our agents get lost on side topics a few times as they wander through the woods to discuss other books and video games. In the end, they make it through just in the nick of time. Our Agents start with a non-spoiler pitch to convince you to read Bitterthorn, and then they go full spoilers with fair warning. Bitterthorn by Kat Dunn Annette Wierstra with James Thomson Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

For our last mission of Season 5, we are going back to the eighties with Desperately Seeking Susan. This is Madonna just being Madonna and adding her perfect fashion sense to this film. Add Rosanna Arquette and Aidan Quinn with a splash of amnesia and mistaken identities and it’s a delightful 80s romcom. Our agents were happy to revisit this movie and find that it reflects a more modern sensibility than we expected. Get out of the box and help us find the elusive Susan. Desperately Seeking Susan Annette Wierstra with Erika Ensign, Sandra Wong and Stacy Watnick Referenced Works Desperately Seeking Susan Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

It’s another Romance in Action mission with Argylle. Let’s be honest. Our Director mandated this mission purely for the cat content which she rates very highly. Follow cat-loving novelist Elly Conway (Bryce Dallas Howard) as she is pulled out of her fictional imaginings into the IRL world of spy craft with the mysterious stranger Aiden (Sam Rockwell). Warning: This mission will contain rainbow fog. Argylle Movie Annette Wierstra with Sandra Wong and Moisés Chiullán Referenced Works Argylle Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

We’ve got more Romance in Action with The Fall Guy movie. Get ready for comedy, stunt action, and romance from Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt. Our Agents went on this mission to the theatre and later recorded this episode in person. The Agents thought the meta references to the movie industry, with the right dash of mystery and romance made for perfect escapism. Will we watch it again? Definitely. The Fall Guy (2024) Annette Wierstra with Kirsten Goruk, Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky Referenced Works The Fall Guy (2024) Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

It’s our Director’s birthday! She is using her power to make the Agency do a mission about Aziraphale and Crowley in Good Omens. If you like seeing Angels and Demon romance each other in a gentle comedy about the end of the universe, this is the episode for you. Good Omens (TV Series) Annette Wierstra with Heather Berberet and Stacy Watnick Referenced Works Good Omens Show Notes & Links Niel Gaiman giving hints about Season 3 on Instagram Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

Return to the Eighties’ version of the Sixties as we explore summer camp, first loves, progressive politics, and never putting Baby in a corner. After this week’s Dirty Dancing mission, we’re saying forget cop/not-a-cop pairings, let’s have more dancer/not-a-dancer matchups. Dirty Dancing Annette Wierstra with Stacy Watnick Referenced Works Dirty Dancing Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

Our agents are kicking off their Sunday shoes for this mission. It’s time to fight for your prom and get Footloose. This mission explores how teenagers gonna teenage and whether Footloose still holds up 40 years later. Join our discussion of sex, religion, politics, and shaking your bootie in a rainfall of glitter. Back to the Future makes several surprising cameos, but it all makes sense—trust us. So get up off of your knees and everybody cut footloose. Footloose (1984) Annette Wierstra with Shelly Brisbin and Julia Skott Referenced Works Footloose (1984) Show Notes & Links Note: We had some technical difficulties for the first few minutes. Julia’s track quality improves a few minutes in. Related episodes: Incomparable Mothership episode about Back to the Future Agents of SMOOCH episode Prom Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

Our Agents were so excited about Mr. & Mrs. Smith, that they just jumped right back in with the 2024 series. This is not a chronological episode but entirely based on what the Agents are excited about. This is another intense relationship in an intense fantastical situation and literal booms exploding. We dig deep into love and communication while making wild speculations about what could come next for John and Jane if we get a season 2. Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2024) Annette Wierstra with Heather Berberet Referenced Works Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2024) Show Notes & Links Listen to Mr. & Mrs. Smith Part 1. Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

For today’s mission, our Agents take on The Buccaneers, an Apple TV series that is scandal-laden and somewhat historical. The modern sensibility and soundtrack laid over the historical invasion of rich American debutants into cash-strapped British upper-class society make for an energetic vibe. If you missed it, our Agents recommend catching up before joining us for a good gossip about the collection of characters. In lieu of research, these Agents have chosen to go for wild historical speculations. Warning! The Director permitted Agent Kirsten to swear and she took advantage so this episode is NSFW. The Buccaneers Annette Wierstra with Kirsten Goruk Referenced Works The Buccaneers Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

Our Agents are back with another Romance in Action mission with Mr. & Mrs. Smith (Part 1). We are starting with the 2005 movie that shows Great Truths Hidden Under the Fantastical. On the surface, this is a movie about two married spies flirting by trying to kill each other. Underneath the fantasy, this movie is about the safety of expressing your feelings and true self to your partner. Grab your hidden stash of weapons, it’s about to get dangerous-metaphorically. Don’t blow up your house, Agents. This mission includes a bit of a discussion about the Mr. & Mrs. Smith TV show, but we hold on to those thoughts until Mr. & Mrs. Smith (Part 2) comes to a mission near you soon. Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005) Annette Wierstra with Heather Berberet Referenced Works Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005) Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

We are back with a classic Romance in Action from 1986: The Big Easy. We have Dennis Quaid practicing the art of seduction with Ellen Barkin amid a murder investigation. With a seedy 80s vibe, they follow a trail of clues that lead them deeper into a corrupt mess in New Orleans. The investigation keeps pulling them apart making us wonder: Will they or won’t they? The Big Easy Annette Wierstra with Deborah Stanish and Shelly Brisbin Referenced Works The Big Easy Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

Our Director Annette Wierstra interviews playwright and writer Reina Hardy in advance of the release of her Hallmark movie Paging Mr. Darcy. They discuss Jane Austen, conferences, Regency dancing, and casting Austen heroes. They also dive into how one gets into writing a Hallmark movie, the logistics of writing a screenplay, and the experience of having your script come to life. Paging Mr. Darcy: Writer Interview Annette Wierstra with Reina Hardy Referenced Works Paging Mr. Darcy Show Notes & Links Reina’s website: www.reinahardy.com Paging Mr. Darcy trailer Shitty Boyfriends of Western Literature Essay Other things we discuss Jane Austen Society of North America Conferences and Events Lost in Austen Among the Janeites: A Journey Through the World of Jane Austen Fandom by Deborah Yaffe Die for Love by Elizabeth Peters Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

I’m freeing my squee about this new podcast on the Incomparable. Drs. Stacy Watnick and Heather Berberet asked me to join them on Free The Squee for their holiday episode about Round and Round, the time loop Hanukkah movie. We loved it. And we are sure you will too. To get more Free the Squee, subscribe on your favourite podcatcher, or find them on the Incomparable website: https://www.theincomparable.com/fts/ Free the Squee: Round and Round Heather Berberet and Stacy Watnick with Annette Wierstra Referenced Works Round and Round Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

It’s time for our annual holiday movie marathon. Don your Christmas PJs, gather your festive snacks, and get out the Holiday Bingo Cards. Our Agents watched three Christmas movies of varying quality and enjoyed every minute of it. We watched: A Biltmore Christmas Christmas in Notting Hill Where Are You, Christmas? We also discuss other movies we have watched this holiday season: Must Love Christmas Checkin’ it Twice Fit for Christmas Ex-mas Mystery at Mistletoe Lane Merry Mystery Christmas Join us to find out who made “the stupidest peanut butter cookies I’ve ever seen” and a surprising amount of sports talk. *Note that we are ending Season 4 here and we will be back for Season 5 in time for Valentine’s Day. * Annual Christmas Movie Marathon Annette Wierstra with Erika Ensign, Kirsten Goruk and Steven Schapansky Referenced Works A Biltmore Christmas Christmas in Notting Hill Where Are You, Christmas? Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

It’s time for the holidays! And what better way to celebrate than with the Christmas action movie Long Kiss Goodnight with Geena Davis and Samuel L. Jackson? You might think this movie is the antithesis of a Hallmark holiday movie, but it is the struggle between the two sides of amnesiac Samantha/Charlie. Will she stick with the idyllic small-town family life she created or return to the life of an international spy? Long Kiss Goodnight Annette Wierstra with Erika Ensign and Brian Warren Referenced Works Long Kiss Goodnight Show Notes & Links Find Brian on his Sorkin it podcast with a special shout-out to the American President episode. Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.