Unjustly Maligned
A pop culture show about the sometimes strange things we love, that other people… don’t. Each episode, comics and games writer Antony Johnston asks a new guest to explain why that thing you hate is actually really great.
All Episodes
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September 25, 2017 “Loom”87 “Loom” with Antony Johnston
Ask him about it! Yes, it’s time to turn the tables again, and for his birthday this year, Antony hands the reins to Tony Sindelar. Together they weave an appreciation for the videogame so good, it made Antony want to write them for a living — the classic 1990 Lucasarts adventure “Loom”.
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September 12, 2017 “Ringo Starr”
86 “Ringo Starr” with Andy Ihnatko
Is Ringo the best drummer in the world? Ho ho, he’s not even the best drummer in… no, let’s not go there (Lennon never actually said it anyway). Instead, Andy Ihnatko joins Antony to bang a drum for Ringo Starr’s innovation, charisma, and — yes — talent on the skins.
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August 28, 2017 “Sherlock Holmes (2009 movie)”
85 “Sherlock Holmes (2009 movie)” with Eddy Webb
Was making Sherlock Holmes cool really a good idea? Is Robert Downey Jr simply playing himself? And shouldn’t Watson be a bumbling lapdog? Devoted Sherlockian Eddy Webb joins Antony to discuss all this and more in Guy Ritchie’s 2009 “Sherlock Holmes” movie.
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August 14, 2017 “The Fast & The Furious”
84 “The Fast & The Furious (Franchise)” with Jessica Sliwinski
Fast cars, impossibly skilled drivers, champagne groupies, loud explosions, and a complete disregard for the laws of physics. Sounds like hell? Jessica Sliwinski once thought so, but now she joins Antony to shift her appreciation for the “Fast & Furious” movies up a gear.
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July 31, 2017 “Pluto”
83 “Pluto” with Marcos Huerta
When is a planet not a planet? When it gets downgraded after 75 years, apparently. But was Pluto’s fate a mistake by the IAU, or an example of science in action? Marcos Huerta joins Antony to talk Kuiper belt objects, the New Horizons probe, and arbitrary astronomical definitions.
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July 17, 2017 “Predator 2”
82 “Predator 2” with Ed Brisson
After the success of its gung-ho predecessor, “Predator 2” — which expanded the mythology of the alien hunters, like “Aliens” did for its predecessor — felt like a sure thing, not the flop it turned out to be. Ed Brisson joins Antony to explain why second chances are his specialty.
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July 3, 2017 “Tapeheads”
81 “Tapeheads” with Kelly Guimont
Was it a “Blues Brothers” for the MTV generation, or just a nonsensical movie strung together with songs and bizarre cameos? Or… both?! Kelly Guimont joins Antony to lay down some tape talking about cult movie “Tapeheads”.
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June 19, 2017 “No Man’s Sky”
80 “No Man’s Sky” with Matt Johnston
It promised the Earth — and an almost-infinite universe to play in — but the videogame “No Man’s Sky” launched to scathing criticism and disappointment. Matt Johnston joins Antony to explain why expectations were misguided, why players who quit early are missing out, and why being a space hobo is so relaxing.
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June 5, 2017 “Star Trek: Enterprise”
79 “Star Trek: Enterprise” with Pete Mele
The spirit of Star Trek has seen the franchise reinvented, revisited, and even rebooted, for more than 50 years — but of all its incarnations, perhaps none is so maligned as “Enterprise”. Pete Mele joins Antony to defend Captain Archer from threats on all sides.
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May 22, 2017 “Eyes Wide Shut”
78 “Eyes Wide Shut” with Richard Rouse III
Sold as an erotic thriller, Stanley Kubrick’s least popular film “Eyes Wide Shut” is neither erotic, nor much of a thriller. But Richard Rouse III joins Antony to argue that it wasn’t just mis-sold, it was misunderstood — and has only gotten better with age.
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May 8, 2017 “Eurovision Song Contest 2017”
77 Eurovision Song Contest 2017 pre-show glitterball special!
Dust off your sequins, because once again the Eurovision Song Contest is almost upon us! Rachel Donner, David Loehr, and Liz Myles join Antony to marvel at this year’s contenders and catastrophes, and wonder if a post-Brexit UK will be left with nul points…
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April 17, 2017 “Krull”
76 “Krull” with Carrie Patel
Every kid who came out of the theater from “Krull” wanted a glaive… even if they were in no rush to see the movie itself again. Carrie Patel joins Antony to explain why that’s a shame, as they reminisce about this charming, naive fantasy/sci-fi mashup — plot holes and all.
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April 3, 2017 “Killer Robots”
75 “Killer Robots” with Kent Massey
We all know it’s only a matter of time before the military builds Terminator-style robots, and from there a small leap to Welcoming Our New Robot Overlords… or is it? Robotics engineer Kent Massey joins Antony to ask, what’s the difference between a plant and a rock?
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March 20, 2017 “The Matrix Reloaded”
74 “The Matrix Reloaded” with Filip Selldén
“The Matrix Reloaded” wasn’t the sequel people were expecting, but was swapping bullets for brains really such a bad idea? Filip Selldén joins Antony to explain why making a modern Superman movie was the Wachowski’s best option.
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March 6, 2017 “V For Vendetta” (the film)
73 “V For Vendetta” (the film) with Amal El-Mohtar
Podcasts should not be afraid of their listeners; listeners should be… wait, that makes no sense. Much like the “V for Vendetta” movie! Or so some fanboys would have you believe. Not Amal El-Mohtar, who joins Antony to ensure England Prevails in the face of such authoritarian opinions.
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February 20, 2017 “Babe: Pig in the City”
72 “Babe: Pig in the City” with Warren Frey
Is “Babe: Pig in the City” really a tour de force of magical realism? Or “A New Yorker cartoon on mescaline”? Warren Frey joins Antony to explain why this kids’ movie from George “Mad Max” Miller deserves your renewed attention.
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February 6, 2017 “GURPS”
71 “GURPS” with Monty Ashley
In what must surely be our thinnest premise yet, Monty Ashley joins Antony to ostensibly defend GURPS from its detractors. But it’s basically two old RPG nerds chatting and reminiscing about games for an hour. Roll 3D6 to listen!
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January 23, 2017 “Masters of the Universe”
70 “Masters of the Universe” with Liz Myles
They said it would be bigger than Star Wars. Instead it bankrupted a studio and sank without trace. Yes, in another instalment of our Dolph Lundgren love here on UMP, Liz Myles joins Antony to reassess “Masters of the Universe”, the well-known, uh, Christmas movie. Wait, what?
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January 9, 2017 “Batman Returns”
69 “Batman Returns” with Michael Molcher
After making Batman palatable to the mainstream again with the first movie, Tim Burton’s sequel “Batman Returns” went all-in with his signature fairytale gothic style. Michael Molcher joins Antony to explain why it totally works, and disses the Nolan Batverse along the way. Happy new year!
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December 12, 2016 “Micronauts”
68 “Micronauts” with Jason Snell
Regular Incomparable Network listeners will know of Jason Snell’s oft-thwarted desire to talk about his lifelong love of “Micronauts”; a series of comics, starring characters based on American toys, which were based on Japanese toys. At last, this is our gift to him… and to you. Happy holidays!
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November 28, 2016 “Clue”
67 “Clue” with John Cecil
Was it John Cecil, in the loft, with the microphone? Actually, yes — and that’s more straightforward than anything in the puzzling murder-mystery-comedy-movie-of-the-board-game “Clue”, which John’s here to defend. Would anyone care for fruit, or dessert?
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November 14, 2016 “General Hospital”
66 “General Hospital” with Rachael Noel Fox
Mah stories are on! And when they include aliens, vampires, weather machines, movement suits, and more, how can you resist? Rachael Noel Fox can’t, and says those of us who appreciate wild creative imaginations should be watching that soapiest of soaps, “General Hospital.”
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October 31, 2016 “Alien 3”
65 “Alien 3” with Moisés Chiullan
Forget corny spooks and campy monsters; for this Halloween edition, Moisés Chiullan joins Antony to delve into the murky horror of “Alien 3”, and explain why this most maligned entry in the movie franchise deserves a chance at parole.
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October 10, 2016 “Pretty Woman”
64 “Pretty Woman” with Regie Rigby
Let’s be honest; it’s not every day you hear a middle-aged cis/het man tell you “Pretty Woman” is his favourite movie ever. Meet Regie Rigby, who’s here to explain why he thinks Garry Marshall’s quintessential ’80s rom-com deserves another look.
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September 26, 2016 “Armageddon”
63 “Armageddon” with Alison Baker
Drills! In! Spaaaaaace! Alison Baker throws scientific accuracy to the (solar) wind, jumps a canyon in low-g, and revels in NASA’s afterburn as she rockets through the joys of Michael Bay’s “Armageddon”.
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September 12, 2016 “BioShock 2”
62 “BioShock 2” with Shaline Lopez
“BioShock” is widely regarded as one of the best video games of all time. “BioShock 2”, though… not so much. Podcaster Shaline Lopez joins Antony to discuss Big and Little Sisters, story twists, feminist gaming, and more.
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August 29, 2016
61 “Dark City” with Antony Johnston
It’s Antony’s birthday again, and this time he’s gatecrashing his own podcast to enthuse about “Dark City”, Alex Proyas’ cult noir sci-fi movie filled with twists, turns, and Richard O’Brien.
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August 15, 2016 “The Punisher (1989)”
60 “The Punisher (1989)” with Clayton McCormack
He punishes the guilty… when he’s not meditating naked in the sewers, that is. Clay McCormack joins Antony to defend the first movie of Frank castle, starring Dolph Lundgren. Is it the best version? Maybe. Is it the most batcrap insane? Oh, definitely.
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August 1, 2016 “Hard listening”
59 “Hard listening” with Glenn Fleishman
Reich. Stockhausen. Zorn. Anderson. Glass. Weill. Henze. Stravinsky! Johnston, Fleishman, digressions. Aural : oral : visual : performance. Art?
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July 18, 2016 “Cars”
58 “Cars” with Brian Ashe
It’s not as bad as “Cars 2”, but Pixar’s original “Cars” gets a bad rap from fans for being too childish, too simple, too boring. Educator Brian Ashe joins Antony to signal his objections, and drive home its virtues.
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July 4, 2016 “Superman III”
57 “Superman III” with Jonathan Penn
It’s the Fourth of July! And what could be more American than Big Blue himself? Jonathan Penn joins Antony to defend “Superman III”, famously derided as a slapstick comedy, and argue that beneath the surface it’s full of heart, humanity, and hope. Up, up, and away!
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June 20, 2016 “The Avengers (1998)”
56 “The Avengers (1998)” with Cecilee Linke
Mrs Peel, we’re needed — to defend what some critics called “the worst movie ever” from… a spot of bad weather? Hey, it makes about as much sense as the film. Writer and musician Cecilee Linke joins Antony to judo chop her way through the 1998 flop “The Avengers”.
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June 6, 2016 “Great White Sharks”
55 “Great White Sharks” with Chris Mitchell
Great white sharks are feared the world over, with shark attacks on humans still guaranteed to make the news. As “Finding Dory“‘s release approaches, writer and scuba diver Chris Mitchell joins Antony to dive into the churning waters around this widely misunderstood predator.
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May 23, 2016 “The Village”
54 “The Village” with Georgia Dow
Roger Ebert gave it one star, and called it one of his ‘most hated’ movies. But was he just expecting the wrong kind of story? Georgia Dow joins Antony to stay within the boundaries of M Night Shyamalan’s “The Village”.
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May 9, 2016 “The Eurovision Song Contest”
53 “The Eurovision Song Contest” with Rachel Donner
Every year, millions of Americans are baffled by an outburst of snarky comments about cheesy European pop music on Twitter. Eurovision Song Contest uberfan Rachel Donner joins Antony to explain what on earth is going on, and why they should tune in.
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April 25, 2016 “Reed Richards”
52 “Reed Richards” with Andy Ihnatko
He can stretch and change his body in “Fantastic” ways, but to many comic readers, he’s anything but a role model. Journalist Andy Ihnatko joins Antony to defend the honor of the Fantastic Four’s Reed Richards.
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April 11, 2016 “Cricket”
51 “Cricket” with Paul Cornell
As St George’s Day approaches, gentlemen in England’s green and pleasant land take to the field for a game that can last five days, yet still somehow end in a draw…! Author Paul Cornell goes to bat to spread the good word of cricket.
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March 28, 2016 “Pretty Little Liars”
50 “Pretty Little Liars” with Katy Rex
What happens when a show with a ridiculous premise, created by management, and aimed firmly at young girls… actually takes its female characters seriously? Katy Rex joins Antony to divulge all the secrets of “Pretty Little Liars”.
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March 14, 2016 “Big Trouble in Little China”
49 “Big Trouble in Little China” with Michael Palmer
It should have been the biggest action movie of 1986… instead, it was the flop that drove John Carpenter out of Hollywood. Michael Palmer joins Antony to explain how it’s all in the reflexes.
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February 29, 2016 “R.E.M., early”
48 “R.E.M., early” with Merlin Mann
On a day that shouldn’t exist comes a podcast equally paradoxical. Merlin Mann joins Antony to sit still, garden at night, and talk about the passion of rock band R.E.M.’s early work.
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February 15, 2016 “True Detective Season 2”
47 “True Detective Season 2” with Erik Aho
Everybody loved “True Detective” Season 1… but not so much Season 2. Musician and LA native Erik Aho joins Antony to stand up for the show, and elaborate on its appeal to noir lovers everywhere.
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February 1, 2016 “Lady in the Water”
46 “Lady in the Water” with Dan Moren
Few directors divide opinion so much as M Night Shyamalan, but writer Dan Moren dives in headfirst to attempt a rescue of his fairy-tale movie “Lady in the Water”.
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January 18, 2016 David Bowie’s “Tin Machine”
45 David Bowie’s “Tin Machine” with Chris Mitchell
To celebrate the late David Bowie’s extraordinary life and body of work, writer Chris Mitchell joins Antony to defend the artist’s short-lived and drastically misunderstood “Tin Machine” project.
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January 4, 2016 “Andromeda”
44 “Andromeda” with Lisa Schmeiser
Happy new year! And to begin 2016, writer and SF lover Lisa Schmeiser joins Antony to discuss the all-but-forgotten “Andromeda”, and wonder just how much of it actually came from Gene Roddenberry’s pen…
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December 21, 2015 “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”
43 “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” with David Loehr
Ho Ho Seven! For Brits, Christmas means a traditional dose of 007 on the TV. So in this festive episode, playwright David J Loehr joins Antony to talk about the most misunderstood Bond movie of all, “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”.
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December 14, 2015 “Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith”
42 “Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith” with Brianna Wu
Just ahead of “The Force Awakens” release, game designer and podcaster Brianna Wu joins Antony to round off our very own “prequel trilogy” with a defense of “Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith”!
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December 7, 2015 “Robotech”
41 “Robotech” with Chip Sudderth
Sci-fi podcaster Chip Sudderth joins Antony to defend (though not three times)”Robotech”, the 1980s anime series maligned by purists everywhere.
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November 30, 2015 “Napoleon”
40 “Napoleon” with Nick Friederich
Veteran and Napoleon buff Nick Friederich joins Antony to explain why the Emperor is unjustly maligned, why his military genius is overlooked, and how this complex figure birthed modern Europe.
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November 23, 2015 “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull”
39 “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” with Clara Fernandez-Vara
NYU game professor Clara Fernández-Vara joins Antony to confess her love of all things Indiana Jones, even including the infamous fridge contained within the Crystal Skulls.
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November 16, 2015 “Batman: The Dark Knight Strikes Again”
38 “Batman: The Dark Knight Strikes Again” with Moisés Chiullan
Podcaster and comic aficionado Moisés Chiullan joins Antony on the eve of “Dark Knight 3“‘s release to stand up for the iconoclastic Frank Miller’s Batman sequel, “The Dark Knight Strikes Again”.
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November 9, 2015 “Dune”
37 “Dune” with Meredith Yayanos
Musician and writer Meredith Yayanos joins Antony to walk (without rhythm) through her love of David Lynch’s “Dune”, from weirding modules to suggestive navigators to heart plugs, and so much more.
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November 2, 2015 “Sunshine”
36 “Sunshine” with Matthew Weise
Game designer and writer Matthew Weise joins Antony to explain how Danny Boyle’s “Sunshine” is unjustly maligned, and why in fact it belongs in the same conversation as “2001”.
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October 26, 2015 “Mighty Like A Rose (Elvis Costello)”
35 Elvis Costello’s “Mighty Like A Rose” with Danielle Henderson
Author and cultural critic Danielle Henderson joins Antony to expound on her love of England’s pop troubadour, and his evolution as a Serious Artiste with 1991’s “Mighty Like A Rose”.
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October 19, 2015 “Repo! The Genetic Opera”
34 “Repo! The Genetic Opera” with Brian Hamilton
Podcaster and film lover Brian Hamilton joins Antony on a journey into the ultra-gothic future world of organ repossession, weird musicals, and, um, Paris Hilton…?!
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October 12, 2015 “Cutthroat Island”
33 “Cutthroat Island” with Juliette Capra
Swashbuckling comic-slinger Juliette Capra joins Antony to convince him “Cutthroat Island” isn’t the disaster popular consensus would have you believe. Strap on your boots and hoist the mainsail!
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October 5, 2015 “Big Brother”
32 “Big Brother” with Philip Mozolak
Videographer and podcaster Philip Mozolak joins Antony to explain his love of reality TV shows, and Big Brother in particular. What do they say about society, celebrity, and human nature?
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September 28, 2015 “X-Men: The Last Stand”
31 “X-Men: The Last Stand” with Josh Centers
Tech writer and old school mutant lover Josh Centers joins Antony to explain why “X-Men: The Last Stand” is not only unjustly maligned, but probably the movie most faithful to the comics…!
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September 21, 2015 “Star Cops”
30 “Star Cops” with Steven Schapansky
Podcaster and mega-nerd Steven Schapansky joins Antony to discuss an old, obscure British sci-fi TV show he loves. How unusual! Can he convince everyone it’s unjustly maligned? It won’t be easy.
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September 14, 2015 “Buffy the Vampire Slayer (the movie)”
29 “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” with Shannon Sudderth
Podcaster Shannon Sudderth knows a thing or two about high school, and joins Antony to put a stake through the immortal fools who malign Buffy the Vampire Slayer - the movie. Oh, yes.
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September 7, 2015 “Garfield”
28 “Garfield” with Scott Kurtz
Bestselling cartoonist Scott Kurtz joins Antony to explain why the cat everyone loves to hate is unjustly maligned, how Jim Davis inspired his own career, and why topical gags are overrated.
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August 31, 2015 “Constantine”
27 “Constantine” with Helene Wecker
Nebula and World Fantasy Award-nominated author Helene Wecker joins Antony to talk Constantine’s unjustly maligned visual feast, the angelic Tilda Swinton, and the size of Keanu’s hands.
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August 24, 2015 “Genesis”
26 “Genesis” with… Antony Johnston?!
For one week only, the tables are turned as guest host Jason Snell welcomes Antony to rant about the genius of Genesis (!) Look, we tried to stop him, but it’s his birthday.
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August 17, 2015 “Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones”
25 “Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones” with Mike Klimo
Film critic and controversial prequel fan Mike Klimo joins Antony to explain his unorthodox Ring Theory, and how he believes it proves “Episode II: Attack of the Clones” is unjustly maligned. It’s kind of intense.
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August 10, 2015 “Monopoly”
24 “Monopoly” with Cory Casoni
Marketing guru and board game nerd Cory Casoni joins Antony to roll the dice and move his mice, while explaining that everyone who unjustly maligns “Monopoly” is simply playing it wrong.
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August 3, 2015 “Romance Novels”
23 “Romance Novels” with Maya Rodale
Bestselling romance author Maya Rodale joins Antony to convince him her chosen field is unjustly maligned, explain how romance is a feminist genre, and ask just what is up with all the dukes, anyway?
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July 27, 2015 “Face/Off”
22 “Face/Off” with Neven Mrgan
Programmer and game designer Neven Mrgan joins Antony to defend John Woo’s “Face/Off”, lament the march of realism in action movies, and wonder why anyone would own a double-sided mirror.
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July 20, 2015 “Gremlins 2”
21 “Gremlins 2” with Rich Dansky
Game writer and novelist Rich Dansky joins Antony in a fun, but in no sense civilized, tribute to the late Sir Christopher Lee as they get wet, stare at bright lights, and feast after midnight on the unjustly maligned “Gremlins 2”.
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July 13, 2015 “Jupiter Ascending”
20 “Jupiter Ascending” with Serenity Caldwell
Journalist and podcaster Serenity Caldwell joins Antony to revel in one of the most unjustly maligned movies of 2015, “Jupiter Ascending”. We love dogs!
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July 6, 2015 “Dragon Age II”
19 “Dragon Age II” with Liz Myles
Writer and podcaster Liz Myles joins Antony to complain that “Dragon Age II” is unjustly maligned, how saving the world yet again simply isn’t that exciting, and why you just can’t trust a wizard.
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June 29, 2015 “Dave Matthews Band”
18 “Dave Matthews Band” with Casey Liss
Whoever the hell Casey Liss is, he joins Antony to persuade him the Dave Matthews Band is unjustly maligned, that you can’t beat a good drummer, and just what is a jam band, anyway?
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June 22, 2015 “Buckaroo Banzai” (the novelisation)
17 “Buckaroo Banzai” (the novelization) with David Loehr
Playwright and theatre producer David Loehr joins Antony to convince him the novelisation of “Buckaroo Banzai” is unjustly maligned, mainly due to its association with a terrible movie, and how they threw away all the best bits.
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June 15, 2015 “Star Trek: Voyager”
16 “Star Trek: Voyager” with Brianna Wu
Game designer Brianna Wu joins Antony to convince him “Star Trek: Voyager” is unjustly maligned, explain why the world just wasn’t ready for feminist Trek, and why Seven of Nine is actually the best character in the whole franchise.
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June 8, 2015 “Watchmen”
15 “Watchmen” with Merlin Mann
Writer and podcaster Merlin Mann joins Antony to stand up (mostly) for the “Watchmen” movie, discuss the difficulty of separating source material from its adaptation… and then there’s that ending.
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June 1, 2015 “Dragonriders of Pern”
14 “Dragonriders of Pern” with Lisa Schmeiser
Writer and bookworm Lisa Schmeiser joins Antony to defend the “Dragonriders of Pern” novels from being unjustly maligned, discuss her changing views of them over the years, and muse their suitability for young girls today.
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May 25, 2015 “Popeye”
13 “Popeye” with Monty Ashley
TV critic and podcaster Monty Ashley joins Antony to explain why the “Popeye” movie is unjustly maligned, that the story of its making is more unlikely than the movie itself, and just how many times you should watch a movie to recognise its genius.
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May 18, 2015 “Murder, She Wrote”
12 “Murder, She Wrote” with Scott McNulty
Writer and podcaster Scott McNulty joins Antony to explain why “Murder, She Wrote” is unjustly maligned, how it changed the TV landscape, and why it’s basically a proto-“Castle”.
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May 11, 2015 “Hudson Hawk”
11 “Hudson Hawk” with Dan Moren
Tech journalist and podcaster Dan Moren joins Antony in a celebration of what may be the ultimate Unjustly Maligned movie, “Hudson Hawk”. It’s so much better than you realize, and they’re going to tell you why.
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May 4, 2015 “Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace”
10 “Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace” with Erika Ensign
Podcaster and handwavium aficionado Erika Ensign joins Antony to explain why “Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace” is unjustly maligned, that audiences should judge a movie in what it’s trying to be rather than what it’s trying to live up to, and how George Lucas never grew up.
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April 27, 2015 “Risk (Megadeth)”
9 Megadeth’s “Risk” with Brian LeTendre
Writer and metalhead Brian LeTendre joins Antony to persuade him that Megadeth’s 1999 album “Risk” is unjustly maligned, why nerdy is state of the art, and why Metallica owes it all to Mustaine.
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April 20, 2015 “Kim Possible”
8 “Kim Possible” with Glenn Fleishman
Writer and podcaster Glenn Fleishman joins Antony to convince him that kids’ cartoons like “Kim Possible” aren’t just for children, explain why good stories don’t need recaps, but everyone in the ’90s did need all those pockets.
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April 13, 2015 “Doctor Who: The Movie”
7 “Doctor Who: The Movie” with Al Kennedy
Geek critic and podcaster Al Kennedy joins Antony to bemoan the unjust maligning of the 1996 “Doctor Who” movie, explain how Paul McGann was a great Doctor, and why he always drezzzzzes for the occasion.
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April 6, 2015 “Italian cartoon theme tunes”
6 “Italian cartoon theme tunes” with Emma Vieceli
Comic writer and artist Emma Vieceli joins Antony to convince him her favourite cheesy Italian theme tunes to 1980s anime are unjustly maligned, how theme songs learnt as children can unite people across borders, and why Oscar isn’t a real Lady.
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March 30, 2015 “Last Action Hero”
5 “Last Action Hero” with Alison Baker
Comics podcaster and Charles Dance fangirl Alison Baker joins Antony to convince him the existential 1993 Schwarzenegger movie “Last Action Hero” is unjustly maligned, how the movie was sadly ahead of its time, and why Dance should thank Alan Rickman’s agent.
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March 23, 2015 “Tron”
4 “Tron” with Wil Wheaton
Actor and supergeek Wil Wheaton joins Antony to protest that the original “Tron” movie from 1982 is unjustly maligned, to explain how its very existence created a rift among animators, and why he’d happily go on the game grid.
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March 16, 2015 “The Wizard”
3 “The Wizard” with Moisés Chiullan
Arthouse cowboy and podcasting wunderkind Moisés Chiullan joins Antony to convince him the 1989 videogame movie “The Wizard” is unjustly maligned, how the movie has a surprising personal connection to him, and why he loves the power glove — it’s so bad.
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March 9, 2015 “Twilight”
2 “Twilight” with Leigh Alexander
Games journalist and feminist critic Leigh Alexander joins Antony to stand up for the “Twilight” books, explain how it’s OK to indulge in fantasy, and why separating fiction from reality is not a gender-specific trait.
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March 2, 2015 “Stargate SG-1”
1 “Stargate SG-1” with Jason Snell
Tech writer and geek podcaster Jason Snell joins Antony to explain why “Stargate SG-1” is unjustly maligned, how this long-running TV show seems to have been erased from the cultural conversation, and why fun is underrated.