January 24, 2014 by Arlo J. Wiley

Listen to the Gobbledygeek Season 5 Premiere, “Geekier on the Inside (feat. Eric Sipple)”

The Gobbledygeek season 5 premiere, “Geekier on the Inside (feat. Eric Sipple),” is available for listening or download right here, and on iTunes here.

Gobbleydgeek has regenerated for a fifth season; no new hosts, alas, but faithful companion Eric Sipple is on hand to guide Paul and AJ through a discussion of the first five seasons of Doctor Who. Yes, the boys have finally succumbed to curiosity, exploring one of their major geek blindspots, starting with the Russell T. Davies “reboot” of the age-old tale of a strange man in a box who travels through time. They discuss the surprising greatness of Christopher Eccleston’s Doctor, the many highs of the David Tennant era, and the very beginning of Matt Smith’s tenure, not to mention just how freaking annoying Dalek voices are. Oh, and AJ tells some wonderful jokes. Plus, the gang updates you on The Deli Counter of Justice and talks about whatever passes for New Year’s resolutions.

Next: lovely young Britisher Wesley “Wezzo” Mead makes his triumphant return.

(Show notes for “Geekier on the Inside.”)

January 21, 2014 by Arlo J. Wiley

Paul & AJ’s Top 10 New & Returning TV Series of 2013

Last week, we brought you our favorite movies of last year (finally saw Inside Llewyn Davis, by the way, and yes, it would have made the cut). This week, we change channels to focus on TV. We’re doing things a little differently this time out, with separate top 10 lists for new shows and returning favorites. Though there were a lot of new shows I enjoyed over the past year, I’ll admit I couldn’t stretch them to 10; instead, I’ve got 8, while Paul’s just crazy enough to have a full 10.

As always, there are shows we couldn’t get around to: I haven’t seen Rectify, Top of the Lake, Broadchurch, or The Wrong Mans, all of which I’d hoped to see in time for this list. Oh, and to absolve him of all guilt, I should mention that Paul has never seen Breaking Bad. Wait, I don’t think that absolves him.

NEW SERIES

PAUL: 10. HANNIBAL (NBC)

I wasn’t particularly interested in a television adaptation of the Thomas Harris characters. But names like Hugh Dancy, Mads Mikkelsen, and Bryan Fuller pulled me in. It’s one of the most visually stunning and hauntingly…haunting shows ever to make it to network television. It’s also one of the most shockingly violent and grotesque. All positives in my book. But I can’t put it any higher on my list because it’s crushingly depressing.

Continue reading →

June 24, 2013 by Arlo J. Wiley

Listen to the Super Delayed Episode 144, “Two Robin Hoods and a Van Alden (feat. Eric Sipple)”

Note: This episode has been available on iTunes since Friday, and should have been up on the blog sooner. However, one of your friendly neighborhood geeks–the one whose byline is directly above this–is a lazy good-for-nothin’ (who was also in a wedding this weekend). So, with that out of our way…

Gobbledygeek episode 144, “Two Robin Hoods and a Van Alden (feat. Eric Sipple),” is available for listening or download right here, and on iTunes here.

A rocket hurtles from the doomed planet Krypton, crashing to Earth and delivering the child that would one day save us all. But first, he has to break stuff. Lots of stuff. And our fearless co-hosts, and returning champion guest Eric Sipple, talk smack about him behind his back as they review the explosive Zack Snyder film Man of Steel. Also, kind words are exchanged about the new series Orphan Black, and Neil Gaiman has written another book. Is it good? If you don’t know the answer to that, you’ve probably been living in the Phantom Zone.

Next: another “we don’t have a plan so we’re just going to improvise and mug for the mics” episode. Good times.

(Show notes for “Two Robin Hoods and a Van Alden.”)

December 31, 2012 by Arlo J. Wiley

Paul & AJ’s Top 10 TV Series of 2012

On this, the eve of 2013, Paul and I begin to look back at some of our favorite things of 2012. First up, our ten favorite TV series.

Also, let’s give a slow clap to Paul, who struggled through severe illness just to get these words to you, dear reader. A speedy recovery to you, sir!

– AJ

PAUL: 10. PARKS AND RECREATION (NBC)

Season 5 gets out of the office a little bit, with Ben and April in Washington D.C. (with an evil robot congressman). Ron gets a new love interest (the always lovely Lucy Lawless). Tom starts a new business. And Andy finds a new career.

AJ: 10. GAME OF THRONES (HBO)

What Game of Thrones did in its first season was nothing short of exceptional, a 10-episode narrative that goes down as one of the finest accomplishments the medium has seen thus far. And while the second season struggled at times to recapture that majesty, it certainly wasn’t for lack of trying. The scope and breadth of George R.R. Martin’s world remains impressive; the cast, especially Peter Dinklage as the kind of noble imp Tyrion Lannister, continues to knock out high fantasy material that would crush lesser actors; and thrilling hours like “Blackwater” remind us that this is the closest thing we have to a Lord of the Rings on TV. And it’s a whole lot nastier and sexier, too.

Continue reading →