Posted by Austin Gorton at 12:00 AM No comments:
AVSEPod Episode 35: Married...With Children - "It's a Bundyful Life"
Whoa Bundy! Our holiday celebration continues as we look at one of the formative shows of the Fox network, Married...with Children, and its season four Christmas episode "Its a Bundyful Life", in which Al (after lots of setup) finds himself in a (brief) It's a Wonderful Life pastiche in which Sam Kinison plays his guardian angel. Along the way, we discuss the show's often-problematic treatment of women, ask pedantic questions regarding just how poor the Bundy's are supposed to be, and learn some useful tips about floating checks.
So withdraw your money from the Christmas Club, then download and listen here, rate & review us on iTunes or listen via Podbean, Stitcher and Google Play. You can follow the show on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and email us via avsepodcast@gmail.com.
Posted by Austin Gorton at 12:00 AM 2 comments:
Labels: 80s, 90s, holiday, podcast, TV
Our holiday marathon continues as we rock our way into the more recent past to discuss the Metalocalypse Christmas episode, "Dethmas", a very special Christmas episode that plays like a greatest hits of previous TV Christmas specials, but with a coked-up half-naked clown thrown in. This may also be one of our more divisive episodes yet, as one of our hosts quite likes this, while another...does not.
So finished up your Bed, Bath & Beyond shopping spree, then download and listen here, rate & review us on iTunes or listen via Podbean, Stitcher and Google Play. You can follow the show on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and email us via avsepodcast@gmail.com.
Posted by Austin Gorton at 12:00 AM 1 comment:
Labels: 00s, podcast, TV
Today's secret word is "podcast" (Ah! Podcast! Ahhhh!), as we kickoff our 2017 holiday programming by reviewing 1988's "Christmas at Pee Wee's Playhouse", in which Pee Wee hosts a bevy of special guests at his titular Playhouse to celebrate Christmas, from Charo to Whoopi Goldberg to Magic Johnson, and learns an important lesson (several times) about the spirit of the season. Join us as we talk fruitcakes, the Dickensian toiling of Annette Funicello & Frankie Avalon, just who the heck Dinah Shore is.
So turn on Computery, login to Internety and plug in Headphony, then download and listen here, rate & review us on iTunes or listen via Podbean, Stitcher and Google Play. You can follow the show on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and email us via avsepodcast@gmail.com.
Labels: 80s, podcast, TV, TV Special
AVSEPod Episode 32: The Star Wars Extravaganza!
Presenting a very special Very Special Episode, in which four nerds put Star Wars - from the dizzying highs of the binary sunset & dramatic paternal declarations to the lowest Jar Jar Binks-ian lows - on trial.
For the Defense, one die hard Star Wars uber-fan & apologist (Austin). For the Prosecution, a triumvirate of fans running the gamut from the jaded (Carolyn) to the casual (David) to the exuberant-with-reservations (Ryan). Over the course of this (very) long episode (which might just be the longest thing ever recorded by anyone, ever), we will litigate everything from the charred corpses of Luke's family, to Han Solo's spiritual beliefs, to the animate cardboard known as Hayden Christensen, as well as rolling tentacle-vaginas, annoying cameos, and more. So much more.
Will the Defense convince anyone that the Prequels aren't all that bad? Will the Prosecution make the Defense question some of his life choices? Well, grab a cup of Jawa juice, then download this episode in less than twelve parsecs and listen here,
You can also pass your own judgment on the show by rating & reviewing us on iTunes, and you can also listen to the case via Podbean, Stitcher and Google Play. And provide your own expert testimony on the matter on Twitter, our Facebook page, or via email (avsepodcast@gmail.com).
A Very Special Episode is also part of the Rivercity Podcast Alliance Federation, a group of like-minded podcasts from a galaxy far, far away across the internet (but mostly physically in Portland). Check out the other great shows here.
Labels: movies, podcast, Star Wars
AVSEPod Episode 31: Family Ties - "No Nukes is Good Nukes"
Gobble gobble everyone! For the second year in a row, we're spending Thanksgiving in the slammer! This year, we return to Family Ties to discuss the season one episode, "No Nukes is Good Nukes", in which Steven & Elyse spend the holiday protesting the proliferation of nuclear arms and end up in jail, while Alex and one of the Darrin's are insufferable asses about the whole thing.
So grab some stuffing and call your bookie, then download and listen here, rate & review us on iTunes or listen via Podbean, Stitcher and Google Play. You can follow the show on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and email us via avsepodcast@gmail.com.
Labels: 80s, Family Ties, podcast, Thanksgiving
AVSEPod Episode 30: Justice League of America
In a shameless attempt to piggyback on the pop cultural word-of-mouth surrounding the upcoming big budget Justice League movie, this week the Aluminum Four assemble to discuss that film's decidedly not-big-budget predecessor, 1997's Justice League of America, a failed attempt to launch a TV series inspired by the sitcom-esque Justice League comics by Keith Giffen & JM DeMatteis. This thing is pretty rough, so we end ranging off-topic a bit (even moreso than usual), as we discuss, amongst other things, David's odd fascination with The Cape, the obscure sitcom George & Leo, and Martian Manhunter's impish sidekick, Zook.
So chew some gum and guard your cat, then download and listen here, rate & review us on iTunes or listen via Podbean, Stitcher and Google Play. You can follow the show on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and email us via avsepodcast@gmail.com.
Labels: 90s, Justice League of America, made-for-TV movie, podcast
AVSEPod Episode 29: Stephen King's It
Hot on the heels of the recent theatrical version and just in time for Halloween, this week Carolyn, Austin & David review the 1990 TV movie adaptation of Stephen King's It, in which a malevolent being in the form of a clown (Tim Curry) menaces a group of kids and their adult selves. Featuring Harry Anderson & John Ritter in the adult section, with Seth Green & Aluminum Four All-Star Jonathan Brandis (!!!) in the kids' section, we talk giant spider puppets, clown kissing, and a really weird scene involving dogs in a mental hospital. And, of course, Jonathan Brandis.
So project your face onto the moon, then download and listen here, rate & review us on iTunes or listen via Podbean, Stitcher and Google Play. You can follow the show on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and email us via avsepodcast@gmail.com.
Labels: Halloween, made-for-TV movie, podcast, Stephen King
AVSEPod Episode 28: Mr. Belvedere - "The Counselor"
AVSE returns to the "very special" topic of our first episode (child molestation) with our first review of one of the many 80s era sitcoms centered around a family with nontraditional live-in domestic help, the season four episode of Mr. Belvedere, specifically, "The Counselor", in which bratty Wesley is sent to summer camp and ends up in a sad "boy who cried wolf" scenario when the titular counselor shows an unhealthy interest in him. Join Ryan, Austin, and special guest Caroline Smith as they do their best to unpack this icky topic (again), as well as suss out Bob Uecker's age and what Mr. Belvedere's whole deal is.
So cover your rear, then download and listen here, rate & review us on iTunes or listen via Podbean, Stitcher and Google Play. You can follow the show on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and email us via avsepodcast@gmail.com.
Also, be sure to check out Caroline on Twitter!
Labels: 80s, Mr. Belvedere, podcast, TV
AVSEPod Episode 27: Mork & Mindy - "The Night They Raided Mind-ski's"
Na-uu na-nu! Our TGIF-athon may be over, but this week's episode once again plunges into the halcyon sitcoms of yesteryear with a discussion of Mork & Mindy's season two episode,"The Night They Raided Mind-ski's", in which alien Mork, played by America's beloved funny man, Robin Williams, falls in with a group of white supremacists. The fact that a sitcom episode from 1980 featuring a plot like that is so relevant today says something not KO, leaving David, Carolyn and special guest, comedian Eric Cash, lots to say about it as well.
So climb out of your egg-shaped ship then download and listen here, rate & review us on iTunes or listen via Podbean, Stitcher and Google Play. You can follow the show on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and email us via avsepodcast@gmail.com.
Also, be sure to check out Eric on Twitter and Facebook!
A Very Special Episode is part of the Rivercity Podcast Federation, a group of like-minded podcasts from across the internet (but mostly physically in Portland). Check out the other great shows here.
Posted by Austin Gorton at 3:00 AM No comments:
Labels: 70s, Mork & Mindy, podcast, TV
AVSEPod Episode 26: Full House - "The Apartment"
Our TGIF marathon concludes with the show that started our little pop culture coffee klatch, Full House, and the season seven episode "The Apartment", in which DJ doesn't have sex with Steve in his swanky (?) new apartment, but gets the same level of shit from her dad as if she did. And no, this isn't the Papouli episode or the DJ eating disorder one, but more importantly, it is the episode that lured Ryan back to discuss this show once again. Along the way, the Aluminum Four play a game of eff/marry/kill (with surprising results), heap praise on Kimmie Gibbler's bedroom, and emphasize again and again how Joey is The Worst.
So get off your coffee table, put away your vanilla ice cream dinner and turn down that "rock" music, then download and listen here, rate & review us on iTunes or listen via Podbean, Stitcher and Google Play. You can follow the show on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and email us via avsepodcast@gmail.com.
And if you haven't already checked out Ryan's website, Full House Reviewed, in which he reviewed every single episode of the show (and lived to tell about it), you can do so here.
Also, A Very Special Episode is part of the Rivercity Podcast Federation, a group of like-minded podcasts from across the internet (but mostly physically in Portland). Check out the other great shows here.
Labels: 80s, Full House, podcast, TGIF, TV
AVSEPod Episode 25: Perfect Strangers - "This Old House"
Our TGIF-athon continues with one of the block's oldest shows, Perfect Strangers, as we review season five, episode twenty-one, "This Old House", in which Larry decides to get in on the ground floor of that sweet HGTV money by flipping a house, and in the process, learns an important lesson about...greed...and...chandeliers, and, well, we'll be honest: there's not much "very special" about this particular TV episode, but it does give us a chance to talk about Cousin Balki, and the history of TGIF, and chandeliers, so it's all good.
So do the Dance of Joy, then download and listen here, rate & review us on iTunes or listen via Podbean, Stitcher and Google Play. You can follow the show on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and email us via avsepodcast@gmail.com.
Labels: 80s, Perfect Strangers, podcast, TGIF, TV
AVSEPod Episode 24: Step by Step - "Video-Mania"
Join us as we once more endeavor to convince ourselves that the Friday nights of our youth weren't entirely wasted. That's right, it's part two of our AVSE TGIF series!
This week we're discussing "90s Brady Brunch", aka Step by Step, season three, episode six, "Video-Mania", in which OCD Mark trades his addiction to good grades for that scourge of youth, video games. It sort of addresses the issue of video game addiction, but it's also hard to tell how earnestly the issue is regarded by the show's creators. Plus, the glaring marital issues that Suzanne Somers and Patrick Duffy are struggling with are only slightly addressed as well, and the personality disorders running rampant through their excessive gaggle of children is virtually ignored. But helping Ryan and David sort all this out is very special guest, podcaster and admitted video game addict Gary Butterfield. If his life hadn't already been ruined by that damn computer box, then watching this episode would've gotten the job done for sure.
So put down your controller then download and listen here, rate & review us on iTunes or listen via Podbean, Stitcher and Google Play. You can follow the show on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and email us via avsepodcast@gmail.com.
Be sure to follow Gary on Twitter @GaryBuh, and check out his podcast, Watch Out for Fireballs!
Posted by Austin Gorton at 12:00 AM 23 comments:
Labels: podcast, Step by Step, TGIF, TV
AVSEPod Episode 23: Family Matters - "Good Cop Bad Cop"
This week, the Aluminum Four return to the halcyon days of TGIF to discuss "Good Cop Bad Cop", a season five episode of Family Matters in which Eddie (Darius McCrary) is pulled over for driving while black, much to the dismay of his police officer father (also, Urkel goes to the dentist). Not surprisingly, things get political in this one, but also personal, as Ryan's deep, abiding love for Urkel is laid bare. Also, Shai guest stars, and if you know who that is already, well, you've got a leg up on all four of the hosts.
So take a couple pulls of laughing gas, then then download and listen here, rate & review us on iTunes or listen via Podbean, Stitcher and Google Play. You can follow the show on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and email us via avsepodcast@gmail.com.
Labels: Family Matters, podcast, TGIF, TV
AVSEPod Episode 22: Community - "Mixology Certification"
Mix yourself up a Seven & Seven, as Carolyn, Austin, Aaron and special guest Kyle McCormick attempt to get their "Mixology Certification" by discussing an atypically-morose episode of Community, in which Troy (Donald Glover) turns 21 only to discover adulthood isn't all it's cracked up to be when the study group takes him out drinking.
So pour yourself some extra credit, then download and listen here, rate & review us on iTunes or listen via Podbean, Stitcher and Google Play. You can follow the show on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and email us via avsepodcast@gmail.com.
And be sure to follow Kyle on Twitter @Kyle_McCormick, and check out his podcast, Reboot, Reuse & Recycle!
Labels: Community, podcast, TV
AVSEPod Episode 21: Amazing Spider Man #96-98 - "Green Goblin Reborn!"
Hey there, True Believer! This week, we stretch the format of our show once again as we review a trio of "very special" comic books, Amazing Spider-Man #96-98 from 1971, which somewhat famously were published without the seal of the Comics Code Authority due to their depiction of drug use, despite having been commissioned at the request of the federal government to serve as an anti-drug story. Join Austin, Ryan, David and special guest, podcaster, author and Spider-Man expert Mark Ginocchio, as they tackle the import issues, such as who the definitive Spider-Man artist is, the difference between "slinging" and "swinging", and the importance of strong thighs to crime fighting.
So pull on a tasseled deerskin shirt and a chunky necklace, then download and listen here, rate & review us on iTunes or listen via Podbean, Stitcher and Google Play. You can follow the show on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and email us via avsepodcast@gmail.com.
And be sure to check out Mark's book, 100 Things Spider-Man Fans Should Know and Do Before They Die, as well as his website, Chasing Amazing, and his podcast, Amazing Spider-Talk. And follow him on Twitter @ChasingASMBlog. Excelsior!
Labels: comic books, podcast, Spider-Man
AVSEPod Episode 20: RuPaul's Drag Race - Season 9 Recap
Hayyyyyyy, squirrel friends! This week, we stretch the boundaries of our show once again, as we tackle an actual current, still-on-the-air show by discussing the entirety of the ninth season of Ru Paul's Drag Race! Join Ryan and Carol as they spend the entire episode arguing over who's the Ru and who's the Michelle Visage, while All Star and Fan Favorite guest judge Terry Blas returns to the podcast to lend his expertise! Spill the tea with us as we review every queen from the season, and, in a nod to the rare topicality of this episode, hear our speculations about who will be America's next Drag Superstar, before the winner is announced!
Download and listen here, rate & review us on iTunes or listen via Podbean, Stitcher and Google Play. You can follow the show on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and email us via avsepodcast@gmail.com. Drop us a line and let us know what you think of the show, or give us suggestions for future episodes!
And be sure to check out Terry's website, and follow him on Twitter @TerryBlas
Labels: podcast, reality TV, TV
AVSEPod Episode 19: Family Ties - "A, My Name is Alex"
This week, we finally confront one of life's eternal questions: what would we do, baby, without us?
That's right, it's time to tackle one of the seminal sitcoms of the 80s, Family Ties! Join Ryan, David and special guest Jess Tholmer as they discuss "A, My Name is Alex", in which Alex grapples with grief in the wake of his friend's sudden death, and the show stretches beyond its normal confines in the process. Do the gimmicks add to the impact of the episode, or does the whole thing just come across as forced and overwrought? You'll have to listen to find out!
So dim the lights and enter a minimalist representation of reality, then download and listen here, rate & review us on iTunes or listen via Podbean, Stitcher and Google Play. You can follow the show on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and email us via avsepodcast@gmail.com. Drop us a line and let us know what you think of the show, or give us suggestions for future episodes!
And be sure to follow Jess on Twitter and Instagram @tholmz, then check out her Tumblr and her writing for Hello Giggles
Labels: Family Ties, podcast, TV
AVSEPod Episode 18: Roseanne - "Crime and Punishment"/"War and Peace"
This week, David, Carolyn & Austin are joined by David's girlfriend, Lauren Paulson, as they tackle one of the greatest sitcoms of the nineties (and all time), Roseanne, by discussing the two-part "Crime and Punishment" & "War and Peace", aka the ones where Fisher beats up Jackie. Join us as we talk about how great Laurie Metcalf is, how sexy John Goodman is, and how very funny these episodes manage to be while also being very special.
So pick up a bucket of chicken (skin only), then download and listen here, rate & review us on iTunes or listen via Podbean, Stitcher and Google Play. You can follow the show on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and email us via avsepodcast@gmail.com. Drop us a line and let us know what you think of the show, or give us suggestions for future episodes!
Posted by Austin Gorton at 3:26 PM No comments:
Labels: podcast, Roseanne, TV
AVSEPod Episode 17: Leave it to Beaver - "Beaver and Andy"
Don't be a-scared by the lack of color, we've just gone back to an allegedly-simpler time to discuss Leave it to Beaver's "Beaver and Andy"! Join Ryan, Carolyn & Austin as they discuss an episode NOT about child molestation, but instead, one about the surprisingly-sophisticated question of how much information is too much information to share with kids. We also offer up our own theory as to the origin of Beaver's nickname, marvel at Ward's suits, and make fun of Wally.
So put aside that untied Monkey's Knuckle, then download and listen here, rate & review us on iTunes or listen via Podbean, Stitcher and Google Play. You can follow the show on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and email us via avsepodcast@gmail.com. Drop us a line and let us know what you think of the show, or give us suggestions for future episodes!
Labels: Leave it to Beaver, podcast, TV
AVSEPod Episode 16: World War II Cartoon Theater LIVE
It's another very special episode of "A Very Special Episode", as Carolyn first leads the Midwest boys in a discussion of "Booby Traps", one of the infotainment cartoons starring Private Snafu ordered by the US Army in World War II and created by some of the finest minds working in Warner Bros. animation, including Mel Blanc and Dr. freaking Seuss. Then, she and Ryan are joined by special guest (and SbtB Reviewed favorite) Terry Blas to discuss the World War II-era, Academy Award-winning, Donald Duck cartoon "Der Fuehrer's Face" in our first ever LIVE episode, recorded at the Alberta Street Pub as part of the Rivercity Podcast Federation launch show.
So bone up on fascism and set your Rube Goldbergian deathtraps, then download and listen here, rate & review us on iTunes or listen via Podbean, Stitcher and Google Play. You can follow the show on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and email us via avsepodcast@gmail.com. Drop us a line and let us know what you think of the show, or give us suggestions for future episodes!
Also, be sure to check out Terry's website, and follow him on Twitter @TerryBlas
And of course, A Very Special Episode is part of the Rivercity Podcast Federation, a group of like-minded podcasts from across the internet (but mostly physically in Portland). Check out the other great shows here.
Labels: cartoons, Disney, Donald Duck, podcast, Private Snafu, Warner Bros.
AVSEPod Episode 15: The Mary Kay Letourneau Extravaganza!
It's time for another very special episode of A Very Special Episode, as Ryan leads Austin and special guest Alex Falcone in a discussion of Mary Kay Letourneau, the infamous teacher who had sex with her sixth grade pupil, got pregnant by him, went to jail, had sex with him again, got pregnant again, went back to jail, then eventually married him. We discuss All-American Girl, the made-for-TV movie about her story, and a 20/20 special, in which Mary Kay, her husband Villi Fulaau. and their teenage daughters are interviewed by Barbara Walters in honor of their tenth wedding anniversary. Along the way, we debate whether it's okay for a teacher to have sex with her student if they're in love (it's not), whether Barbara Walters is still a good interviewer (she's not great), and how to talk like a convincing couple-in-love (Mary Kay & Villi aren't great at this, either).
So break parole, then download and listen here, rate & review us on iTunes or listen via Podbean, Stitcher and Google Play. Also, follow the show on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and email us via avsepodcast@gmail.com. Drop us a line and let us know what you think of the show!
And be sure to check out Alex's website, follow him on Twitter, and buy his book, Unwrap My Heart!
A Very Special Episode is now part of the Rivercity Podcast Federation, a group of like-minded podcasts from across the internet. Check out our esteemed company here.
Labels: made-for-TV movie, podcast, TV, TV news magazine
AVSEPod Episode 14: Dinosaurs - "Steroids to Heaven"
Join the Aluminum Four as they travel back in time 65 million years/the early 90s, to a time when dinosaurs ruled the Earth/airwaves, via Dinosaurs, ABC's Jim Henson-produced sitcom featuring pantsless dinosaur puppets tackling the issues of the day via prehistoric-themed puns. Steroids are on the menu in the season three episode "Steroids to Heaven", in which teenage Robbie pops some "thornoids" in order to bulk up and impress a girl, but the Aluminum Four, in true meandering fashion, also take on the Friend Zone, Skype etiquette, and what kind of food they'd still eat if the food talked back to them.
So put down your refrigerator, then download and listen here, rate & review us on iTunes or listen via Podbean, Stitcher and Google Play. Also, follow the show on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and email us via avsepodcast@gmail.com. Drop us a line and let us know what you think of the show!
Labels: Dinosaurs, podcast, TV
AVSEPod Episode 13: The Oprah Winfrey Show - "Cowabunga, It's the Ninja Turtles"
Who is ready for a pizza party? In this week's episode, Carolyn & David are joined by special friends Mel Heywood & Mendi Menefee to discuss the episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show in which Oprah interviews the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (no, really) and "April O'Neil" (no, really) in a shameless hour-long promotion of their concert tour (no, really).
So tune up your key-tar and sharpen your sais, then download and listen here, rate & review us on iTunes or listen via Podbean, Stitcher and Google Play. Also, follow the show on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and email us via avsepodcast@gmail.com. Drop us a line and let us know what you think of the show!
And be sure to check out the Facebook page and website for Lez Stand Up, the comedy event in which Mel is participating!
Labels: podcast, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Oprah Winfrey Show, TV
AVSEPod Episode 12: Boy Meets World - "Cult Fiction"
Bah Weep Granah Weep Nini Bong! This week, the Aluminum Four tackle an episode from the fourth season of that 90s TGIF staple, Boy Meets World, "Cult Fiction", in which Sean (Rider Strong) gets seduced into joining a surprisingly-robust cult ridiculously fast, much to the dismay of Corey (Ben Savage) and his ready-to-kill dad. Along the way, we learn the most important lesson of all: that hot chicks and bad dudes make for the best cults!
So put on your creepiest serene smile and invite all the local teens to live in your warehouse in clear violation of at least several laws, then download and listen here, rate & review us on iTunes or listen via Podbean, Stitcher and Google Play. Also, follow the show on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and email us via avsepodcast@gmail.com. Drop us a line and let us know what you think of the show!
And A Very Special Episode is now part of the Rivercity Podcast Federation, a group of like-minded podcasts from across the internet. Check out our esteemed company here.
Labels: Boy Meets World, podcast, TV
AVSEPod Episode 31: Family Ties - "No Nukes is Goo...
AVSEPod Episode 27: Mork & Mindy - "The Night They...
AVSEPod Episode 25: Perfect Strangers - "This Old ...
AVSEPod Episode 23: Family Matters - "Good Cop Bad...
AVSEPod Episode 22: Community - "Mixology Certific...
AVSEPod Episode 21: Amazing Spider Man #96-98 - "G...
AVSEPod Episode 20: RuPaul's Drag Race - Season 9 ...
AVSEPod Episode 19: Family Ties - "A, My Name is A...
AVSEPod Episode 18: Roseanne - "Crime and Punishme...
AVSEPod Episode 17: Leave it to Beaver - "Beaver a...
AVSEPod Episode 15: The Mary Kay Letourneau Extrav...
AVSEPod Episode 13: The Oprah Winfrey Show - "Cowa...