Having survived the encounter with nosy Soviet astronomers, we find our hero safely ensconced in an official PanAm blanket, hurtling off to the plague-infested moon base. Chris and Rudi settle in for the trip, chit-chatting about Bruce Lee, forged wills, and the contents and style of the food tray. Weird meal!

Elena heroically changes gears and ends this awkward conversation, but Chris and Rudi continue to belabor topics from this minutes including: tennis terminology, the IAC Conference, and how you should watch this scene the way you should watch hockey. "They must be having a very hard time."

As Dr Smyslov (bless you!) continues to press on a point our hero is reticent to discuss, Chris and Rudi press on points they love to discuss, such as: the use of cover stories in science fiction and in real life, the potential for a Heywood Floyd presidential run, and how the catchphrase "I'm not at liberty to discuss this" took the nation by storm. INTRIGUE!

As Heywood Floyd is badgered about "The Great Big Mystery" happening on the Clavius base, Chris and Rudi consider the goofiness of the term "rocket bus" and also dive into some very well-written reviews, by kids, of 2001.

As Heywood Floyd enters the Lion's Den of inquisitive Soviet scientists, Chris and Rudi deliberate on false endings in rock songs, weird handshake angles, and what it means to "regard" someone. Plus, we get to hear the story of Hardy Amies, the original international man of mystery.

Future podcaster Kieran Black (SuperLunch)drops by the podcast one more time to hear Chris and Rudi prattle on about long distance rates, bass player jokes, and the life and work of Leonard Rossiter. Plus, we debut a new segment on the show called "...what if we add a laugh track to that?"

Future podcaster and Kubrick enthusiast Kieran Black (Superlunch) joins the show to tackle one probably the most adorable and charming scene in the film. We discuss Vivian Kubrick, Shelly Duvall, towel-based furniture, and premier a new segment called "Bush Baby Facts!"

Jack Stovold (Re-Opening the Wormhole, The Ape Cast) finishes his tour of duty on the show with a discerning look at the set design, and weighs in on the debate that will tear 2001 fandom asunder: are the chairs red or pink?

Jack Stovold (Re-Opening the Wormhole, The Ape Cast) joins the show from Japan to examine issues regarding voiceprint identification, station security, and pleasantly official speech patterns.

Jack Stovold (Ape Cast, Re-Opening the Wormhole) calls in from THE FUTURE! to discuss the minute where we actually get our first line of actual dialog! Along the way Chris and Jack opine about the half-completed Space Station 5, the Kubrick method of shooting on multiple sets, and the retro future style in the movie.

Rudi will return in Episode 29!

Break music: "Music is My Jam" by Super Public