Wonder Woman introduced Lynda Carter as the comic-book heroine. This live-action series ran for three years, and changed from Season 1 to Season 2, when the show switched networks, and was brought to current day, instead of WWII.Here is the cast (and the description we used in the episode):Wonder Woman (Lynda Carter)Carter was just 23 years old at the time she was cast for the role. Though she had done almost no acting she was working professionally as a singer, and had done very well competing in beauty pageants. She won the title of Miss World USA 1972.Major Steve Trevor (season 1)Steve Trevor Jr (seasons 2 & 3)(Lyle Waggoner)In Stanley Ralph Ross’s casting notes on Steve Trevor he wrote: “Get a Lyle Waggoner type.” Douglas Cramer did him one better by getting the actual Lyle Waggoner. Waggoner had been a regular on The Carol Burnett Show. He did a screen test for the 1966 Batman series. He was the first nude centerfold for Playgirl magazine in 1973. He was also elected the mayor of Encino, California in 1976. Waggoner had many guest appearances on television shows such as Fantasy Island, Love Boat, Charlie’s Angels, Happy Days, and Mork & Mindy.Queen Hippolyta(Cloris Leachman in the original pilot)(Carolyn Jones in 3 episodes)(Beatrice Straight in 2 episodes)Straight was a Tony and Oscar award-winning actress who played one of the ghostbusters in the original Poltergeist.General Blankenship(John Randolph in The New Original Wonder Woman pilot)(Richard Eastham throughout season 1)Etta Candy, General Blankenship’s secretary(Beatrice Colen)Beatrice Colen had formerly been on Happy Days as one of the carhops at Arnold’s.The TV Series had a stellar list of Guest Stars, including:Red Buttons, Stella Stevens, POTA alum Roddy McDowall, Eric Braedon and Severn Darden. Debra Winger, John Saxon, John Hillerman, Robert Reed, Eve Plumb, and Tiger the Dog of the Brady Bunch, Roy Rogers, Wolfman Jack, Lance Kerwin, Bubba Smith, Rick Springfield, Leif Garrett, Craig T Nelson, Gary Burghoff, Frank Gorshin, René Auberjonois, and Robby the Robot!Troy and David present their, "How it all ends", by coming up with an ending to the show, as if the show, like MASH, knew it was ending, and had time to be able to end it properly, wrap everything (or most things) up.
Kolchak: The Night Stalker was a series that lasted only one season, the 1974-75 season. Just 20 episodes. Troy and David look at the series, its pilot episode and others, and briefly talk about the two made for TV movies that preceded the TV series: The Night Stalker and The Night Strangler. The TV series, and the two TV movies, influenced a generation of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror fans, including Chris Carter, who brought us The X-Files. Troy and David open the episode with a short tribute to David Lynch, who had passed away recently. Back to Kolchak: The Night Stalker (TV Series) Here is the cast (and the description we used in the episode): Darren McGavin as Carl Kolchak, 20 episodes. The intrepid investigative reporter. McGavin had a long career in film and television working steadily from the 1940s onward. Other than Kolchak he is remembered for his roles in The Natural, A Christmas Story, Millennium and The X-Files. Simon Oakland as Tony Vincenzo, 20 episodes. Kolchak’s crotchety ulcer-ridden editor. Oakland appeared on both The Twilight Zone and The Outer Limits. He was also in Hitchcock’s Psycho, and West Side Story. Jack Grinnage as Ron Updyke, 18 episodes. Another journalist at INS (Carl sometimes calls him “Uptight” instead of Updyke. Updyke looks A LOT like Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, doesn't he? Although this was his biggest recurring role, Grinnage also appeared in Rebel Without A Cause, the Elvis film Kid Creole, as well as on The Twilight Zone. Ruth McDevitt as Emily Cowles, 12 episodes. Although Ruth McDevitt was born in 1895 (!!!) her first on-screen role did not come until 1949. Among her long list of film and TV roles, McDevitt appeared in The Birds, The Shakiest Gun in the West, Mame, and on Room 222, Kojack, McCloud and Gunsmoke, before going on to Kolchak: The Night Stalker. She passed away in 1975 at the age of 80. The TV Series had a stellar list of Guest Stars, including: Carolyn Jones, Scatman Crothers, Phil Silvers, Stella Stevens, Jim Backus, Jamie Farr, Antonio Fargus, Tom Skerrit, Kathy Lee Crosby and Tom Bosley. Troy and David present their, "How it all ends", by coming up with an ending to the show, as if the show, like MASH, knew it was ending, and had time to be able to end it properly, wrap everything (or most things) up.
The Planet of the Apes TV Series premiered in 1974. After the success of the Planet of the Apes movies, a TV series was given the go-ahead. The series lasted one year, and just 14 episodes. Roddy McDowell was signed on, but playing a different character, Galen. Here is the cast: Roddy McDowall … Galen = 14 episodes, 1974 Ron Harper … Alan Virdon = 14 episodes, 1974 James Naughton … Pete Burke = 14 episodes, 1974 Mark Lenard … Urko = 11 episodes, 1974 Booth Colman … Zaius = 6 episodes, 1974 Ron Stein … Gorilla Guard / … = 4 episodes, 1974 One of the concerns with the series, and most POTA fans were not happy with, was the appearance of a dog at the beginning of the first episode. From the Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972) there was an interstellar disease that eliminated dogs and cats, and that was when humanity started to have apes as pets. Troy and David look at the pilot episode, and discuss some of the differences in it and the movies, and what are considered its best episodes.
Tory and David recall their favourite genre-related gifts of their childhoods and play some clips of old TV ads because this is TOF's ALL TV season, AKA, TWO OLD FARTS MEET THE GLASS TEAT. Stay tuned to the Secret Santa gift exchange, later in the show. They review some shows they covered this season, and highlight those shows holiday episodes. The Addams Family. The Munsters. Lost in Space. The Six Million Dollar Man. Wonder Woman. Kolchak: the Night Stalker There were two Wonder Woman Xmas episodes (TOF will be covering this series in the new year) (TOF will also be covering Kolchak in the new year) Genre toys of their youth. Troy and David talk about their holiday memories. What their typical Christmas morning was, including the stalkings. Troy and David also look at The Kenner Six Million Dollar Man. Major Matt Mason. Superman & Aquaman & Tarzan & Shazaam. Spiderman and many others. Action Jackson (and his parachute). 7" Spock figure. Robin's little green shoes. Batman's cowl. The Batmobile. The Seaview Troy mentions that if you are a successful show, you were guaranteed to have three things: 1] a lunchbox 2] a viewmaster reel 3] a board game. David mentions that for this Christmas season there is a "Star Wars Against Humanity" - which is the Cards Against Humanity game, but with a Star Wars. At the end of the episode, Troy and David reveal the gift that tghey got for each other.
There were two SF series in the late 1970s that both had theatrical releases: Battlestar Galactica, and Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. Both were produced by Glen A. Larson. Troy and David look at the theatrical films, and compare and contrast these, and how they fit in with the televised series.CAST OF BATTLESTAR GALACTICA:• Richard Hatch as Captain Apollo (Waltons, Love Boat, Kung Fu…)• Dirk Benedict as Lieutenant Starbuck (A Team)• Lorne Greene as Commander Adama (CAN) Bonanza, New Wilderness• John Colicos as Baltar (CAN) (Star Trek, Night Gallery, The Changeling)• Jane Seymour as Serina (Somewhere in Time, Dr Quinn Med. Woman)• Rick Springfield as Zak Adama (Jesse’s Girl song, General Hospital)• Ray Milland as Sire Uri (born 1907! 100s of classic films)• Maren Jensen as Lieutenant Athena• Noah Hathaway as Boxey• Herbert Jefferson Jr. as Lieutenant Boomer• Tony Swartz as Flight Sergeant Jolly• Laurette Spang as Cassiopeia (Emergency, Isis, SMDM, Happy Days)• Terry Carter as Colonel Tigh• Patrick Macnee as The Imperious Leader / The Narrator• Anne Lockhart as Lieutenant Sheba (daughter of June Lockhart)CAST OF BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25TH CENTURY:Gil Gerrard as Buck RogersErin Grey as Wilma DeeringTim O’Connor as Dr. Elias HuerFelix Silla as the body of TwikiMel Blanc as the voice of TwikiPamela Hensley as Princess ArdalaHenry Silva as KaneJoseph Wiseman as King DracoDuke Butler as TigermanCaroline Smith as Delta SectionTroy and David talk a bit about the merchandising.They also do their recurring segment, "How it all ends"where Troy and David come up with their versions of how series end, especially the shows that were not given a chance to end on their own terms.
Two Old Farts Talk Sci Fi continue to look at The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman. This is the second of a 2-part episode. And stick to the end, where we have a special bionic treat, where Robert J. Sawyer gives his recommendations on his favourite episodes. We begin with a recap of PT. 1. SOME OF THE EPISODES WE LOOK AT The Return of the Bionic Woman (2-part episode) Welcome Home Jaimie (2-part episode) The Secret of Bigfoot (2-part episode) The Return of Bigfoot (2-part episode) Bigfoot 5 (1 episode) Fembots in Las Vegas Kill Oscar (3-part episode) One of Our Running Backs is Missing Sharks A Bionic Christmas Carol Deadly Countdown Bionic Beauty Doomsday is Tomorrow Black Magic Motorcycle Boogie On the Run Troy and David talk about all the merchandising of the shows. They also do their recurring segment, "How it all ends" where Troy and David come up with their versions of how series end, especially the shows that were not given a chance to end on their own terms. Troy and David invited SCI-FI Legend Robert J. Sawyer to close out the episode by mentioning his favourite Six Million Dollar Man episodes and TV movies.
Two Old Farts Talk Sci Fi continues its exploration of SFFH TV shows from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. This episode is the first of a 2-part look at The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman. Many who loved The Six Million Dollar Man enjoyed its iconic look, and also the slow motion. and especially the opening segment. Martin Caiden wrote Cyborg. TSMDM & BW were based on the novel. Caiden TSMDM had a few television movies that were very successful. The series went on from 1974 - 1978. Harve Bennet came in, and became the producer for the show. He made a number of changes to the show. ABC went to the top of the ratings. One of the earlier TV movies had a very James Bond flavour, and this was not what Martin Caiden wanted. Harve Bennet came in and restored the show to what it should have been. EPISODES WE LOOK AT IN DETAIL IN PT. 1: Title: The Six Million Dollar Man "The Moon and the Desert" TV MOVIE from 1973 of The Six Million Dollar Man original air date: Mar 07, 1973 IMDB Rating = 6.5 Title: Day of the Robot season 1 episode 4 of The Six Million Dollar Man original air date: Feb 8, 1974 IMDB Rating = 7.7 Title: Rescue of Athena One season 1 episode 8 of The Six Million Dollar Man original air date: Mar 15, 1974 IMDB Rating = 6.8 Episode synopsis for The Moon and the Desert (from Wikipedia) Steve Austin is an astronaut who has made three Moon landings. In a test flight accident caused by a malfunctioning center stick, his right arm is severed, his left eye is blinded, and both legs must be surgically amputated. Steve Austin’s personal physician, Dr. Rudy Wells, has theorized about the creation of a cyborg through the installation of bionic parts. He is persuaded by an OSI agent to reconstruct his patient/friend with the understanding that Steve Austin will subsequently work for the OSI. Dr. Wells apprises Steve of the plan, but is met with much resistance as Steve Austin mentally struggles to cope with his injuries, the installation of artificial components, and the future obligations that will be involuntarily thrust upon him. Following surgery and lengthy rehabilitation, Steve Austin reluctantly accepts an assignment to rescue a hostage in Saudi Arabia. Episode synopsis for The Day of the Robot (from Wikipedia) In an attempt to steal a top secret anti-missile device, Steve's associate and friend Major Sloan is kidnapped and replaced with a robot. Steve must discover the impostor, and keep the device from being stolen and sold to the highest bidder. Noteworthy Moments: First occurrence of the "fft-tt-tt" sound effect, later used for Steve Austin's bionic legs and arm, used here for some (but not all) of the Fred Sloan robot's powered arm swings. Episode synopsis for The Rescue of Athena One (from Wikipedia) Steve is launched into space to rescue two astronauts stranded in a crippled space capsule. However, when his bionics begin to malfunction due to space radiation, the return trip to Earth becomes endangered. Note: The first of four appearances that Lee Majors' then-wife, Farrah Fawcett Majors, made on the show. She appeared in each season except the final one, playing a different character each time. = = = The cast (by order of appearances) of...
Two Old Farts Talk Sci Fi celebrates Halloween by looking at two horror comedies from the 1960s, The Addams Family and The Munsters. In fact, they look specifically at episodes that are the "Halloween episodes" of the two series: Halloween with the Addams Family season 1 episode 7 of The Addams Family original air date: October 30, 1964. IMDB Rating = 7.8 Munster's Masquerade season 1 episode 1 of The Munsters. original air date: May 6, 1965 IMDB Rating = 7.5 As mentioned in the episode, here are the descriptions from wikipedia for the two episodes. Episode synopsis for Halloween with the Addams Family from Wikipedia: Marilyn's boyfriend, Tom Daily, invites the Munster clan to a masquerade. Eddie remains at home with Mrs. Morton as his sitter. Marilyn goes as Priscilla, Lily is Little Bo Peep, Grandpa is Napoleon and Herman is King Arthur in a suit of shining armor. At the party Mr. Daly is dressed and made up as Frankenstein's monster. Herman tells him that he reminds him of someone and adds that it's unfortunate that he isn't wearing a costume at his own masquerade party, angering Mr. Daly. When it is time for the best costume award Herman is asked to take off his helmet. One man says that Herman should win for wearing one mask over another. Lily is insulted and Marilyn as well is angry with Tom's family. Tom takes Marilyn home, where he finally sees Herman and Lily without their costumes. Tom runs away, but Marilyn is relieved. Episode synopsis for Munster's Masquerade from Wikipedia: Mistaking two robbers named Claude (Don Rickles) and Marty (Skip Homeier) for trick-or-treaters, the family takes them in for a Halloween celebration. The robbers agree because they are hiding out from the police and their car has run out of gas in front of the Addams’ house. They put up with the creepy household's holiday festivities as best they can, because they spot Gomez' desk full of loose cash. Unbeknownst to all, Thing is on to them and ready to take matters “in hand”. When they finally manage to escape the house, it's only into the waiting arms of the police. The cast of The Munsters: Fred Gwyne as Herman Munster Al Lewis as Grandpa Munster Yvonne De Carlo as Lily Munster (Herman’s wife) Butch Patrick As Eddie Munster (the son) Marilyn (the adopted daughter) played by three actresses: Beverly Owen as Marilyn #1 Pat Priest as Marilyn #2 (took over midway thru season 1). Debbie Watson as Marilyn #3 in the film Munster, Go Home. The cast of The Addams Family: John Astin as Gomez Addams Carolyn Jones as Morticia Frump Addams. Ted Cassidy as Lurch the Butler. Felix Sila as Cousin ITT. Lisa Loring as Wednesday Addams Ken Weatherwax as Pugsley (Pubert!) Jackie Coogan as Uncle Fester Blossom Rock as Grandmama.
We continue our all-TV season, and recognize Harlan Ellison, who wrote a series of essays on TV, referring to TV as a 'glass teat'. Two Old Farts Talk Sci Fi looks at Richard Matheson, and since this season is the TV season, we look at the stories he wrote that became part of the ABC Movie of the Week. We do a deep dive on the history of TV movies, the ABC Movie of the Week, and specifically the movies that Richard Matheson wrote, which were: "Duel" and "The Trilogy of Terror" and also "The Night Stalker (1972 film)". The movies, the theatrical ones, back in the day, that played on TV, cost a lot for the TV stations to play, the rights owner, representative or distributor charged a premium on recent films, for them to appear on TV, and in some cases the networks would bid against each other for the rights to have a movie played on their station, so most films that appeared on TV were older films. There were, occasionally, made for TV movies, but by the late 1960s, TV studios decided to produce, on a regular basis, original TV movies, more as a cost-saving measure. They controlled production costs, and did not have to bid against other networks. Often these movies were shot in 14 days or fewer. DUEL Troy and David first look at DUEL. a 1971 movie, written by Richard Matheson, and directed by Steven Spielberg. They look at the sound, Dennis Weaver's acting, the diner, the reptiles. The decision by Spielberg not to have a big explosion at the end. The great first line (and following lines) in the story that appeared in Playboy: At 11:32 am Mann passed the truck. Here are the first two camera shots of the shooting script from DUEL: THE NIGHT STALKER The second ABC Movie of the Week that Troy and David look at is The Night Stalker. This is the first of two TV movies that preceded the TV Series, the other is The Night Strangler. The Night Stalker influenced a generation, included Chris Carter, who created The X-Files. There was something about the shouting matches between Carl Kolchak (Darren McGavin) and Tony Vincenzo (Simon Oakland). The heartbreaking ending, where Gail Foster (Carol Lynley) and Kolchak are separated. David, in a senior moment, says "Jason" instead of Janos Skorzeny. (ya-noss score-zen-knee). Troy mentions the unusual choice of free-form jazz music that is used in the fight scenes. THE TRILOGY OF TERROR The third ABC Movie of the Week that Troy and David look at is The Trilogy of Terror. This is a movie that has three separate horror stories, the third of which is the one that we all know and love. Richard Matheson wrote all three stories, but other writers wrote the screenplays for the first two stories, and Matheson insisted on writing the screenplay for the third segment. Karen Black played the lead role(s) in all three segments.
Two Old Farts Talk Sci Fi has reached a milestone. 75 episodes. Troy Harkin and David Clink hosted a live show, that was recorded on Wednesday, September 18th. David runs a trivia game on TV Superheroes / Supervillains. We hope you enjoy! Listen to the 2of podcast online, or download the episode to your computer using the Download icon! 2of-S06-E05-The-Big-75th-Episode-Bash-LIVE-SHOW-FINAL-EDITDownload
Two Old Farts Talk Sci Fi takes a look at the great television theme songs that are SFFH (science fiction, fantasy, and horror). We have a special guest. Lee McCormack joins us. He was our guest for our 3-part "Galactic Rock" episodes from a few seasons ago. Troy and David and Lee each came up with their own top ten list of theme songs. We hope you enjoy!
Welcome to Two Old Farts Talk Sci Fi. And welcome to... Prisoners of Gravity: The Reunion. Five people joined Troy and David for this 35th anniversary show... Host / Co-Creator: Rick Green Producer / Co-Creator: Mark Askwith Producer / Director: Gregg Thurlbeck Associate Producer: Shirley Brady Most Frequent Guest: Robert J. Sawyer We hope you enjoy! BIOS = = = RICK GREEN People may know Rick Green from his days with The Frantics comedy troupe, and as ‘Bill’ on The Red Green Show, which he co-created. Rick also created History Bites. And, of course, he was ‘Commander Rick,’ host of Prisoners of Gravity. He is a member of the Order of Ontario and The Order of Canada for his contribution to Canadian culture and mental health. Rick’s most recent work on his YouTube channel is, ‘Rick Has ADHD.’ = = = MARK ASKWITH Mark Askwith is a writer, interviewer, and Television Producer. After graduating from the University of Toronto, he worked at Coach House Press. From 1982-87 he managed Silver Snail Comics. He left to write comics, and to work on the award-winning documentary Comic Book Confidential. In 1989 he approached Daniel Richler, tv Ontario’s Head of Arts, and pitched a popular culture show, and Prisoners of Gravity was the result. In 1997 he became a Founding Producer of SPACE, Canada’s National Science Fiction Channel. = = = GREGG THURLBECK Since retiring from TVO's The Agenda with Steve Paikin, back in 2019, Gregg Thurlbeck has focused on a range of interests including swim coaching and photography. Gregg was an exhibitor in the Contact Photography Festival and contributes to the international photography site, 52Frames.com. Gregg is also a coordinator with the Life Institute Photo Club, associated with Toronto Metropolitan University. Gregg coaches the Alderwood Masters, is the VP of Masters Swimming Ontario and was Meet Manager for the 2024 MSO Masters Provincials swim meet in Markham. = = = SHIRLEY BRADY Shirley Brady (Story Editor, Associate Producer, and NanCY!) joined Prisoners of Gravity (POG for short) in season one, with roles including book wrangling, bookcase building, research, booking guests, interviewing and sneaking puns into scripts. After POG’s untimely demise she moved to Hong Kong, working for Discovery Channel and TIME, and then continued her career as a writer / editor / producer in New York, where she still lives with her family. She adds: R.I.P. to Lorna Toolis and Sally Millar! = = =
Welcome to Two Old Farts Talk Sci Fi. This is our second episode of Season 6. This season is "Two Old Farts Meet the Glass Teat" The late great Harlan Ellison wrote a series of essays about TV for the LA Free Press. He referred to TV as a "Glass Teat." This is our all-TV season. We will look at shows from the 60s, through the 80s and beyond. The shows and the showrunners. PT 1 of Irwin Allen looked primarily at Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, and, Lost in Space PT 2 of Irwin Allen will look primarily at The Time Tunnel, and, Land of the Giants Troy presents a history of Irwin Allen, and the second two series we are looking at. Here are some of the things that appear in most Irwin Allen TV shows. These are his trademark elements that Troy mentions: On set explosions On set smoke and fires Actors throwing themselves to-and-fro to simulate turbulence and/or being under attack. Being lost or stranded Cool vehicles Female hotties Child actors Animal companions Nefarious villains Walking vegetables Use of stock footage Great merchandise And a similar design look / opening credits The Time Tunnel only lasted one season, 30 - episodes. How it all ends... Troy and David come up with their own versions of how the Land of the Giants ended.. A lot of series, back in the day, never had an opportunity to plan their end. MASH was able to, and FRIENDS and SEINFELD and BIG BANG THEORY. What did happen to the crew of the Spindrift, according to Troy and David? Listen and find out.
Welcome to Two Old Farts Talk Sci Fi. This is our first first episode of Season 6. This season is "Two Old Farts Meet the Glass Teat" The late great Harlan Ellison wrote a series of essays about TV for the LA Free Press. He referred to TV as a "Glass Teat." This is our all-TV season. We will look at shows from the 60s, through the 80s and beyond. The shows and the showrunners. PT 1 of Irwin Allen will look primarily at Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, and, Lost in Space PT 2 of Irwin Allen will look primarily at The Time Tunnel, and, Land of the Giants Troy presents a history of Irwin Allen, and the first two series we are looking at. Some beautiful ships in the first two series. Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea became a monster-of-the-week. Including a werewolf and a mummy episode. With Lost and Space. it aired from 1965-1968. It aired during family hour. It never finished in the top 25 in the years that it ran. Great themes for the shows, as well. How it all ends... Troy and David come up with their own versions of how Lost & Space ended.. A lot of series, back in the day, never had an opportunity to plan their end. MASH was able to, and FRIENDS and SEINFELD and BIG BANG THEORY. What did happen to the crew of the Jupiter 2, according to Troy and David? Listen and find out.
Spaceballs The Star Wars parody (with a bit of Star Trek and Lawrence of Arabia thrown in) may not be Mel Brooks' best film, or his funniest comedy, but it is a film that grows on you with each successive viewing. This episode is released in 2024 on Star Wars day, May the 4th, as in, May the 4th be with you. Dan Miwa joins Troy Harkin and David Clink. Dan, being a first-time guest, is asked about his earliest genre memories, and his first genre love. He is then asked the standard 6 questions for first-time guests: Fave Author; Fave Novel; Fave Shorter Work; Fave Movie; Fave TV Series; and, Fave TV episode. Troy presents a history of the film. Troy and David and Dan do their Dream Cast and their Schrödinger's Cast for the following 6 roles: Lone Starr (Bill Pullman) Barf (John Candy) Princess Vespa (Daphne Zuniga) Dot Matrix (Joan Rivers) (voice) Dark Helmet (Rick Moranis) Skroob / Yogurt (Mel Brooks) = = = Dan Miwa Dan Miwa, lover of all things science fiction and psychological fiction, merged his two favourite genres into his novel "Ret". The story takes place on a distant planet, within an alien civilization and follows the life of a little alien through a journey of self transformation. Much of the charm in Ret is how a story with a wild imaginative alien setting can be so relatable at its core. Ret is not only a powerful coming of age story, it's a depiction of human life that holds a mirror to the social challenges we face as a society today. Ret reached #1 in Hot New Release and #2 Best Seller in all his sci fi categories on Amazon. The push for his novel doesn't stop with the written word. Dan is currently working on converting Ret to a graphic novel and screenplay, as well, he is in the beginning stages of writing a prequel to Ret. Ret 2 Zombie Invasion… just kidding.
Queer SFFH (Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror) has been with us for a very long time. One of the first English-language science fiction novels is Frankenstein, 1818, and it was written by bisexual author Mary Shelley. And representation has recently reached new heights, in both how many queer creators there are, but also the number of queer characters appearing in SFFH, in books and media, but also in the quality and impact they have in storylines. Rachel A. Rosen joins Troy and David, to discuss the topic. Rachel, being a first guest, is asked about her earliest genre memories, and her first genre love. She then is asked the standard 6 questions for first time guests: Fave Author; Fave Novel; Fave Shorter Work; Fave Movie; Fave TV Series; and, Fave TV episode. Troy presents an overview of queer representation in science fiction, fantasy, and horror, as part of his history segment. Rachel mentions the influence of the character Dax from DS9, and other queer creators, including Francesca Lia Block, Clive Barker, and Mary Shelley. The "Bury Your Gays" trope is discussed. Is Hollywood getting better at depictions of queer characters? Doctor Who and queer culture is discussed. Many queer Doctors, and queer companions have been featured. Russell T. Davis is openly gay, and he has brought in queer characters and trans characters, more than any other showrunner. The 15th doctor is openly gay. Bill Potts (played by Pearl Mackie) was the first openly gay companion. Xena and Gabrielle as gay icons is covered. Is Dr. Frank-N-Furter a gay icon or a caricature? Rachel and Troy and David spend time talking about the third episode of The Last of Us. Troy does a history, for this episode. = = = RACHEL A. ROSEN lives and makes trouble in Tkaronto (Toronto) in the country currently known as Canada. A genre strumpet with an outlook darker than VantaBlack, she straddles urban fantasy, cosmic horror, dystopian futures, and eco-fiction. Her stone-cold bummer of a first novel, Cascade (The Sleep of Reason Book 1), was published by The BumblePuppy Press in 2022, and with Zilla Novikov, she’s the co-author of The Sad Bastard Cookbook: Food You Can Make So You Don’t Die.
CSFFA, the Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy Association, is the organization that is tasked with running the Aurora Awards and the Hall of Fame.Troy and David invite to the show Clifford Samuels, who is the Aurora Awards administrator.This is Clifford's first appearance on the show, and as with all new guests, Troy and David ask Clifford about his first experiences in the speculative genre, and what was his first genre love.Clifford is also asked about his all-time speculative genre faves, which includes his favourite novel, shorter work, author, and also his favourite movie, TV series, and TV episode.The show will look at the Aurora Awards, and also the Hall of Fame.The Aurora Awards recognize excellence, by Canadian creatives (Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and landed immigrants), in the field of science fiction, fantasy and horror, in 10 categories, eight of which are professional, and two are fan / volunteer:Professional Categories in EnglishBest NovelBest YA NovelBest Novelette/NovellaBest Short StoryBest Poem/SongBest Graphic Novel/ComicBest Cover Art/Interior IllustrationBest Related WorkFan/Volunteer CategoriesBest Fan Writing and Publication:Best Fan Related Work:When it comes to the Hall of Fame, here is the description from the CSFFA site...The Canadian Science Fiction & Fantasy Association Hall of Fame was created to honour people who have over the past number of decades made a great contribution to the genre of Science Fiction and Fantasy. These would include not just people who write but includes people who have made a contribution either professionally or as a fan. We include artists, musicians, scientists, publishers, editors, organizers and fans.= = =Clifford Samuels has been collecting Science Fiction and Fantasy books for over 40 years. It can be said that even if he stopped buying new books he would never be able to read what he has, but that will never happen.He has founded, chaired and run numerous genre conventions in Alberta. He was on the board for Calgary’s When Words Collide festival as guest liaison for 12 years.As a board member of CSFFA (The Canadian Science Fiction & Fantasy Association), he has held the positions of president, media liaison and treasurer, but for the past 14 years he has administered the Aurora Awards.Clifford was inducted into the CSFFA Hall of Fame in 2023.
NEUROMANCER Stephen Humphrey joins Troy and David on this episode where the novel Neuromancer is discussed. It looks like they are finally going to be bringing the book to the small screen, after a number of attempts. Apple TV+ announced they are bringing Neuromancer to the small screen... https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/news/2024/02/apple-tv-announces-neuromancer-new-drama-based-on-the-multi-award-winning-science-fiction-novel-by-william-gibson/ = = = 'The sky above the port was the color of television, tuned to a dead channel.' The opening line says it all. Neuromancer was a game changer, a classic of the genre. This is Stephen's first guesting on the podcast, so Troy and David ask him what was his first childhood genre memory, and first genre love. They also ask him his favorite author, novel, shorter work, movie, TV series, and TV episode. Neuromancer won the Hugo, Nebula, and Philip K. Dick award. There is a William S. Burroughs influence / stream of consciousness in the novel. Almost like cut up poetry that tells a story. Gibson has said that Naked Lunch was an influence. There is also an influence of music in the writing. Should you assist A.I. in becoming sentient? Gibson coined the term Cyberspace. Would the movie, The Matrix, existed without Gibson? Is Neuromancer a conversation about a world that we cannot see? As a novel of prediction, how accurate was it? Can we really see beyond the now? Would we miss WW3 if we blinked? Is everyone psychologically wounded in Neuromancer? Would a supermind care about humanity? Would they prefer to communicate with A.I. from the Centauri system? And what are the traits of cyberpunk? Here are some of the things that exist in a lot of these stories... DEFINING CYBERPUNK (from various sources) = a sub-genre of science fiction = a dystopian world = THINK BLADE RUNNER = features hackers and mercenaries = power lies with big corporations and technology = how people navigate the physical and cyber world = technology evolves = about the fragility of the human mind and body = about the loss of control over decision-making = often features addiction, which allows some to cope. = Animals gone? (robot owl in B-R; horses in N) = = = Stephen Humphrey Stephen Humphrey is a writer and radio presenter. He recently published a science/ecology book, ‘Paths of Pollen’ with McGill-Queens University Press. His nonfiction often explores science’s intersection with science fiction. As a result, he’s interviewed Gregory Benford, Robert J. Sawyer, Kim Stanley Robinson and Naren Shankar, showrunner for The Expanse—and, to date, three astronauts. He’s currently developing the science fiction serial Zone Boy and the Worm of Incidence, which has led to teaching himself electronic music. He’s performed his weird tunes around Toronto at Exit Points, Frequency Freaks and TEMOM (Toronto Electronic Music Open Mic). And then there’s the novel. Always the novel. Paths of Pollen website: http://pathsofpollen.stephenhumphrey.ca/ Zone Boy stories:a...
Our Valentine's Day Special, pt. 2, continues to look at love in the Stephen King Universe. Our guests from part 1 return, the same guests that joined us for our Halloween Special, the two who run SK Tours (Stephen King Tours), Jamie Tinker and Jennifer Millar. This is a 2-part episode. PT1 was be broadcast on Saturday, Feb 10, 2024. PT2 will be broadcast on Saturday, Mar 09, 2024. In between, on Feb 24, was our Black Superheroes episode with special guest Wayne Brown. As mentioned in pt. 1, when it comes to love in the Stephen King Universe, there are all kinds of love. First loves. The love of family. Unrequited love. Adolescent love. Love in the apocalypse. The love of a parent for their child. The love of a fan for her favorite writer. Troy and David and Jennifer and Jamie go through the books, look at the different kinds of love that exist. = = = Jamie Tinker and Jennifer Millar own and operate SK Tours of Maine out of Bangor. The three hour long tours are an authoritative celebration of Stephen King in general, as well as his fictional town of Derry.
Black Superheroes have been around for a very long time. Troy and David welcome Wayne Brown, and they discuss some of the great and not-so-great black superheroes. This is Wayne's first appearance on the show, and as with all new guests, Troy and David ask Wayne about his first experiences in the speculative genre, and what was his first genre love. Wayne is also asked about his all-time faves, which includes his favourite novel, shorter work, author, and also his favourite movie, TV series, and TV episode. Some of the Black Superheroes mentioned in this episode include (please click on the Wikipedia links, for more info): Black Lightning, 1997 -, DC Comics. Superman's Girlfriend Lois Lane, Issue #106 (Nov 1970) = Lois becomes black for a day! Blade (comics) Name = Eric Cross Brooks. Blade (New Line franchise character) Name = Eric Brooks. Blade (Marvel Cinematic Universe) John Shaft (from the 1971 film, Shaft) = you don't have to have super powers to be a superhero) Luke Cage (character) Luke Cage (TV Series) Valerie the Librarian... Link to an article about "Valerie the Librarian" by Nicholas Hunter, from Screen Rant, Jan 29, 2022: "Marvel's Forgotten Original Spider-Woman Was A Black Librarian" All Negro Comics. Published in 1947. Lothar, Mandrake the Magician's best friend and crime fighting companion. Lothar is often referred to as the strongest man in the world. He was Prince of the Seven Nations, a federation of Tribes. Black Panther, film starring Chadwick Boseman. Falcon (comics). First appeared in comics in 1969. a...