20 Minutes Into The Future

08.) Sparks FX (ABC S1E4, “Security Systems”)

In this episode we discuss the ABC TV Transmission from 21 April 1987, “Security Systems,” how artificial intelligences seem to like working blue, and how this particular storyline hits a little too close to home.

Heather noticed some… interesting… lobby decor.

Austin seems to enjoy Max’s music selections this episode.

In our next episode, we will be interviewing writer Michael Cassutt, who was one of two primary writers that worked on the program, and helped shape it into what it became. You won’t want to miss this one, and don’t forget to check out our YouTube Channel, as it will have a video version of the episode, that you can watch along with the show.

07.) Big Into Blankets (ABC S1E3, “Body Banks”)

In this episode we discuss the ABC TV Transmission from 14 April 1987, “Body Banks,” why it’s not cool to make people work after you start a party (at work), why the point of view of this show is still not very considerate of non-cis-male viewers, and how so many characters in this episode have got, “The Look.”

Heather is very concerned about the appearance of Fang in this episode.

Austin has quite a bit of evidence for why this one is out of order.

In our next episode, we will be discussing S1E4 of the US TV Program, “Max Headroom,” originally aired 21 April 1987. Titled “Security Systems,” it is currently available on DVD through Shout Factory, and comes with a number of excellent bonus features. If you are a l33t hax0r, then this link will serve your needs. 

Smart Sewers

In a recent episode of 99 Percent Invisible, there was a discussion of Smart Sewers. (Taking our old, ancient, non-networked and non-electrical sewer systems, and adding modern upgrades to them, so we can use technology to diagnose and interact with sewers in ways that were never possible before.) Since this actually offers a real-world example of how Max Headroom came true, we discuss this new technology. Plus, we announce our next Zoom Party, review some recent mail, remind people to sign up for the Lemonade Stand, and encourage people to attend the Rich Treasures DIY Pop-Up, coming later this month.

Heather sends a wonderful, wide-eyed gift to Austin.

Austin pushes his musical postcards with an obscure Headroom reference.

06.) Big Time Television #1

In this episode we discuss six songs from the ’80s, our continued interest in the developing Max Headroom Sitcom, and we delve a little more into Heather’s impressions, as she continues to be exposed to a 30 year old TV show that she knows little about.

Heather reveals that she was a pre-teen proto-goth.

Austin gets predictably academic with his music selections.

In our next episode, we will be discussing S1E3 of the US TV Program, “Max Headroom,” originally aired 14 April 1987. Titled “Body Banks,” it is currently available on DVD through Shout Factory, and comes with a number of excellent bonus features. You can make a withdrawal from this link, at this point.

ZOOM PARTY THREE: Friday, 28 May at 6 PM PST, 9 PM EST.

In case you missed it: here is the correct information for the Zoom Party. We would love to see you there.

A Peek Behind The Curtain

With another Zoom Party on the way, and the Patreon up and running (what Austin affectionately refers to as, “The Lemonade Stand,”), we take this opportunity to thank our supporters, discuss some of the cool gifts that listeners have sent in, and have a bit of a casual “hang” before we move on to the next episode.

Heather is fairly confident she doesn’t need to retake any lines.

Austin remixes a stone cold classic about the MaxHeads in your life.

05.) A Raking Session (ABC S1E2, “Rakers”)

In this episode we discuss the ABC TV Transmission from 7 April 1987, “Rakers,” the future of underground sports, David Bowie’s continued connection with the program, and why it’s not cool to order a drink for someone who has turned it down three times.

Heather purchases some friends for Mitch.

Austin’s dog-like behavior eventually becomes infectious.

In our next episode, we will be discussing six songs that were popular during the era that “Max Headroom” was on television, selected by the hosts. You can watch the music videos for these songs in this playlist:

The Return of SipComs w/ Luc Thiers

Heather is starting to take this Sitcom idea with “It’s Max!” very seriously, and we decided that there was no better way to get some real advice than to speak with Sitcom expert (and the host of SipComs), Luc Thiers. (Whom you can find online by visiting: @thiersofaclown on Instagram.) Luc joins us to talk about what it is that they find appealing about the format, their particular road into comedy, and some of the shows that they think are good examples of the modern changes that has happened with Sitcoms.

Heather is very curious about Pops.

Austin demands that Luc pitch an idea, NOW!

04.) Writing & Producing The Future: “THAT’S What They Want To Do?” (A Conversation With Brian Frankish, Steve Roberts & Michael Cassutt)

In this episode we are given some rare insight into the making of our favorite program, when Brian Frankish, Steve Roberts & Michael Cassutt offer to convert their own visages into Headroom-style presentations, and share an hour of stories, memories, and other bits and bobs about what it was like to make this show. As we discovered: this was a bit of a reunion for these three, and it was a pleasure to have made it happen, while also getting a little Hollywood gossip on what happened behind the scenes. (We’ll give you a hint: it was a lot of drinking.)

Heather needs to know about the car in Theora’s bedroom.

Austin probably gushes a little too much toward our guests.

(We encourage you to enjoy the video version, as there are charming details that don’t translate quite as well to an audio podcast, namely Brian producing props at various times. The video is a more “raw” representation of the conversation, and does not contain all the audio editing and production that you will find in the podcast. This is the “meat & potatoes” version, as they as; just as good as the audio version, but a little rougher around the edges, and without all the filigree.)

In our next episode, we will be discussing S1E2 of the US TV Program, “Max Headroom,” originally aired 7 April 1987. Titled “Rakers,” it is currently available on DVD through Shout Factory, and comes with a number of excellent bonus features. This link could help you skate through to the next show.

03.) [keyboarding] (ABC S1E1, “Blipverts”)

In this episode we discuss the ABC TV Transmission from 31 March 1987, “Blipverts,” hiring children to work in tech offices, and how the few diverse and progressive elements in the show still managed to avoid naming characters, giving them dialog, or passing the Bechtel Test.

Heather experiences a strange sense of déjà vu… again.

Austin posits that cyberpunk is secretly a Christmas genre.

Next Episode: We take a break from reviewing Max, and would ask that you Join us for a conversation with Brian Frankish, Steve Roberts and Michael Cassutt, as they discuss what it was like to be “Writing & Producing The Future: THAT’S What They Want To Do?”

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