Sci-Fi Graveyard

In this episode of Sci-Fi Graveyard, Joseph, Jeremy, and Josh venture into the darkness to review the 1988 film adaptation of Isaac Asimov's legendary short story, Nightfall. Directed by Paul Mayersberg, the movie attempts to tell the tale of a planet with six suns facing its first night in thousands of years, but the crew debates whether it succeeds as a sci-fi classic or fails as a incoherent mess.

The discussion is filled with disbelief as the hosts break down the film's baffling choices, from the gratuitous and unexplained nudity to the nonsensical plot additions like a snake-charming scene and a love triangle involving the main character's son. They compare the movie to Asimov's original 1941 short story (considered one of the best sci-fi stories ever written), noting how the film stripped away the intellectual dread of the impending darkness and replaced it with generic cultist villains and bad acting. The group also laughs about the terrible special effects, including a "bird eating eyes" scene that used practical effects a little too realistically. Ultimately, the verdict is a unanimous "Let It Die" for the movie, but a "Rise from the Grave" for the original story, which they believe deserves a faithful, big-budget adaptation.

Key Highlights
[02:34] Asimov's Story vs. The Movie: Joseph explains the plot of the original short story, which focuses on scientists in an observatory facing the psychological terror of darkness, contrasting it with the movie's focus on cultists and romance.
[06:40] Director's Quote: A critique of director Paul Mayersberg's quote claiming "film is not a very good medium for science fiction," which the hosts vehemently disagree with, citing Star Wars and Star Trek.
[14:07] The Eye-Pecking Scene: The crew reacts to the gruesome practical effect where a bird pecks out Sarah Douglas's eyes, noting it looked disturbingly real (because it was).
[16:57] The Blind Man: A funny observation about a character who the hosts didn't realize was blind for half the movie because he was just "tapping rocks."
[29:22] No Temperature Drop: Joseph points out a major scientific flaw: despite the suns setting, the characters never react to the temperature dropping until it suddenly snows at the very end.
[40:48] Rise from the Grave (The Story): The hosts agree that while the movie should be forgotten, Asimov's original story is brilliant and deserves a proper, faithful adaptation that focuses on the psychological horror of the event.

In this episode of Sci-Fi Graveyard, Joseph, Jeremy, and Josh finish their fighters to review the 1997 disaster, Mortal Kombat: Annihilation. With the new 2021 reboot just released, the crew looks back at the sequel that famously derailed the film franchise for over two decades.

The discussion highlights the film's baffling choices, from recasting almost every major role (Raiden, Johnny Cage, Sonya Blade) to killing off Johnny Cage in the opening minutes. The hosts critique the horrendous CGI, particularly the Animality transformation at the end, and the overloaded cast of characters that served no purpose other than fan service (looking at you, Mileena and Sheeva). They also share trivia about Ray Park (Darth Maul) doubling for Raiden, the original plan for a third movie, and how the failure of Annihilation impacted the careers of those involved. The group compares it to the new 2021 Mortal Kombat movie, praising the reboot's R-rating and faithful fatalities while still finding some guilty pleasure entertainment in the sheer awfulness of the 1997 sequel.

Key Highlights
[02:00] Recasting Issues: Joseph explains that only two actors returned for the sequel (Robin Shou as Liu Kang and Talisa Soto as Kitana), with Christopher Lambert and Linden Ashby declining due to the poor script.
[02:37] Ray Park Trivia: A fun fact that Ray Park (Darth Maul) was the stunt double for Raiden (James Remar) in the fight scenes, which becomes painfully obvious if you pause the movie.
[04:08] Jax's Arms: The hosts discuss the inconsistency of Jax's metal arms, which are just "implants" in this movie rather than replacements for lost limbs, a detail the new movie corrected.
[13:06] Yellow Ranger Audition: Trivia about Thuy Trang, the original Yellow Power Ranger, auditioning for the role of Jade before her tragic death in 2001.
[31:52] Raiden's Hair: The crew laughs about the nonsensical plot point where Raiden gives up his immortality and gets a bad haircut as a result. [43:08] Animalities: The hosts end the episode by discussing what their own "Animalities" would be, with Joseph hilariously choosing an ordinary house cat that nudges people off ledges.

In this episode of Sci-Fi Graveyard, Joseph, Jeremy, and Josh bravely venture where no fan really wants to go again: Star Trek V: The Final Frontier. Directed by William Shatner, this 1989 installment is infamous for its budget issues, questionable special effects, and the plot where the crew of the Enterprise-A goes on a quest to find God at the center of the galaxy.

The discussion highlights the film's "so bad it's good" qualities, from the malfunctioning Enterprise (broken doors, no tractor beam) to the bizarre campfire scenes involving "marshmelons" and Spock playing the lyre. The hosts debate Shatner's directorial choices, the introduction of Spock's half-brother Sybok (who "heals" pain), and the controversial decision to have the loyal crew turn against Kirk. They also touch on the behind-the-scenes drama, including Leonard Nimoy and DeForest Kelley refusing to let their characters betray Kirk, the cut "rock man" monster finale, and the film's poor box office performance during the "Summer of Sequels" in 1989. Ultimately, they view it as a guilty pleasure that captures the camaraderie of the original trio, even if the execution was flawed.

Key Highlights
[05:47] Televangelist Inspiration: Joseph explains that the movie was inspired by the televangelist scandals of the 80s, with Sybok acting as a charismatic leader promising salvation to gain followers.
[09:27] Shatner's Direction: A discussion on William Shatner's ego and how it affected the production, noting that George Takei originally refused to be in the film because of him.
[13:04] "Marshmelons": The crew laughs about the odd pronunciation of "marshmallows" in the movie, sharing trivia that it was originally a prank by McCoy in the novelization that made it onto the screen.
[17:13] The Rock Man: Joseph mentions the original finale was supposed to feature rock monsters, but budget cuts and poor costumes forced them to change it to a floating head of "God."
[20:39] Sharing the Pain: A breakdown of the scene where Sybok reveals the hidden pain of McCoy (his father's death) and Spock (his birth), noting it as one of the few genuinely good emotional moments in the film.
[40:29] Marshmallow Dispenser: The hosts discover that the prop marshmallow dispenser used by Spock was actually a real promotional item from Kraft, and they check eBay prices for it live.

In this episode of Sci-Fi Graveyard, Joseph, Jeremy, and Josh assimilate into the collective to review the 1996 fan-favorite film, Star Trek: First Contact. Widely regarded as the best of The Next Generation movies, the crew discusses how this action-packed entry successfully blends time travel, horror elements (via the Borg), and character drama.

The conversation highlights the debut of the sleek USS Enterprise-E and the cameo of the USS Defiant (commanded by Worf). The hosts praise the performances, particularly Patrick Stewart's portrayal of a PTSD-ridden Captain Picard channeling his inner Captain Ahab, and James Cromwell as the surprisingly reluctant hero Zefram Cochrane. They debate the introduction of the Borg Queen, noting how it personified a previously faceless enemy, and enjoy the humor provided by a drunken Deanna Troi and Riker. The group also shares deep-cut trivia, such as Adam Scott's role as a Defiant officer and the original plan to include a cameo by Avery Brooks as Sisko. Ultimately, they agree this is the most cinematic and accessible Trek film, perfect for introducing non-fans to the franchise.

Key Highlights
[02:44] The Enterprise-E: Joseph discusses the debut of the Sovereign-class Enterprise-E, designed to be sleeker and more combat-ready than its predecessor.
[06:44] Commanding the Fleet: An explanation of how Picard took command of the fleet during the Battle of Sector 001, citing Starfleet regulations about tactical superiority.
[11:29] The Borg Queen: A debate on the controversial addition of the Borg Queen, with the hosts agreeing she was necessary to give the heroes a tangible villain to interact with.
[18:14] Soundtrack Love: Joseph praises Jerry Goldsmith's score, calling it his favorite Star Trek overture and a perfect companion to the film's tone.
[30:02] Hero Worship: The crew analyzes the theme of hero worship through Zefram Cochrane, who is revealed to be a drunk looking for money rather than the visionary history remembers him as.
[43:39] The "Line Must Be Drawn" Scene: A breakdown of the iconic scene where Picard loses his temper and smashes his display case, culminating in the famous "The line must be drawn here!" speech.

In this episode of Sci-Fi Graveyard, Joseph, Jeremy, Josh, and Stephen bridge the gap between two eras to review the 1994 film Star Trek Generations. As the first movie featuring The Next Generation cast, the crew discusses whether it successfully passes the torch from the Original Series or if it feels more like an extended TV episode with a higher budget.

The conversation highlights the controversial death of Captain Kirk (crushed by a bridge, ironically), the emotional arc of Captain Picard dealing with the loss of his family, and Data's often hilarious struggle with his new emotion chip. The hosts debate the logic of the Nexus, the effectiveness of Malcolm McDowell as the villain Soran, and the visual spectacle of the Enterprise-D saucer crash. They also share trivia about the mismatched uniforms (borrowed from DS9), the original plan for the opening scene involving orbital skydiving, and how the film set the stage for the TNG movie franchise.

Key Highlights
[04:06] Enterprise-B Launch: Joseph shares trivia about the opening scene, noting the Excelsior-class model modification and the presence of Alan Ruck as Captain Harriman.
[08:40] Uniform Mishaps: A discussion on the costume department's scramble, resulting in Jonathan Frakes wearing Avery Brooks's Deep Space Nine uniform and LeVar Burton wearing Colm Meaney's.
[10:06] Kirk's Death: The crew critiques the decision to have Kirk die by a falling bridge, mentioning the original ending where he was shot in the back by Soran.
[17:19] Data's Emotion Chip: The hosts laugh about Data's newfound emotions, particularly the scene where he pushes Dr. Crusher into the water and his reaction to scanning for lifeforms.
[25:16] The "Episode" Feel: A debate on whether the movie feels cinematic enough, with some arguing the story scope felt like a two-part TV event, while others appreciated the character-driven narrative.
[38:00] Geordi's VISOR: A nitpick about Geordi being tortured and returned to duty, allowing the Klingons to see the shield frequency through his VISOR, leading to the Enterprise's destruction.

In this episode of Sci-Fi Graveyard, Joseph, Jeremy, and Josh beam down to discuss the 1998 film Star Trek: Insurrection. Directed by Jonathan Frakes (Commander Riker himself), the movie finds Captain Picard and his crew rebelling against Starfleet to protect a peaceful alien race from forced relocation. The hosts debate whether this entry in the franchise feels like a true cinematic event or merely a high-budget, two-part episode of The Next Generation.

The conversation highlights the film's lighter tone compared to First Contact and Nemesis, praising the character interactions—especially the rekindled romance between Riker and Troi and Worf's "second puberty." The crew digs into the behind-the-scenes drama, including Michael Piller's original darker script Stardust (inspired by Heart of Darkness) and the trivia that Arnold Schwarzenegger was considered for the villain role of Ru'afo. They also criticize the CGI, noting it was the first Trek film to use fully digital space effects, which haven't aged particularly well. Despite its flaws and "TV movie" feel, the group generally agrees it's an enjoyable, if safe, entry that captures the spirit of the show better than its successor, Nemesis.

Key Highlights
[02:17] Original Script Concepts: Joseph reveals that the original story, titled Stardust, was much darker, involving Picard hunting down a renegade friend and ending with him being stripped of his rank.
[03:41] Schwarzenegger as Ru'afo: A fun "what if" discussion about Arnold Schwarzenegger being offered the role of the main villain, which would have drastically changed the tone of the character.
[05:39] Worf's Presence: The hosts explain Worf's appearance on the Enterprise (visiting from Deep Space Nine) and clarify that a cut scene explained his "purple space bazooka" line was due to a hangover from Riker's bachelor party.
[09:12] Cinematography & Tone: The crew agrees that the film looks and feels like a TV episode, likely because director Jonathan Frakes was deeply embedded in the show's production style.
[32:48] CGI Firsts: A critique of the special effects, noting this was the first Trek film to use entirely CGI for space shots (no physical models), which results in some scenes looking dated.
[44:17] Riker & Troi: The hosts enjoy the renewed romance between Riker and Troi, noting how the film's "fountain of youth" radiation plot point allowed their feelings to resurface naturally.

In this episode of Sci-Fi Graveyard, Joseph, Jeremy, Josh, and special guest Aaron boldly go where many fans fear to tread: Star Trek: Nemesis. The crew breaks down the 2002 film that was intended to be the grand finale for The Next Generation cast but ended up being a box office disappointment.

The discussion explores the film's darker tone, the introduction of Tom Hardy as Shinzon (a young clone of Picard), and the controversial decision to kill off Data. The hosts debate whether director Stuart Baird's lack of Star Trek knowledge hurt the film, noting how it often feels like an extended TV episode rather than a cinematic event. They also touch on the deleted scenes that would have added much-needed character depth, the awkward B-4 subplot, and the impressive (if underutilized) space battle. Despite its flaws, the group finds redeemable qualities in the performances and the story's potential, ultimately deciding it should "Rest in Peace" rather than be rebooted.

Key Highlights
[01:38] Plot Setup: Joseph sets the stage: 15 years after the show began, the crew faces a new threat from the Remans and a clone of Picard, Shinzon.
[02:54] Director Troubles: A discussion on director Stuart Baird, who admittedly didn't know the characters, and how Jonathan Frakes (Riker) would have been a better choice.
[08:11] Resident Evil Connection: Trivia about how the failure of this movie forced the Resident Evil sequel to change its subtitle from Nemesis to Apocalypse.
[12:31] Deleted Scenes: The crew laments the cut scenes that would have fleshed out the characters, including a hungover Worf and Wesley Crusher's return to Starfleet.
[30:48] Tom Hardy's Performance: Praise for a young Tom Hardy, whose portrayal of Shinzon was a highlight, even if the character's baldness caused a continuity error with Picard's history.
[41:04] Box Office Competition: A look at the brutal release window that pitted Nemesis against Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, The Two Towers, and Die Another Day.

In this episode of Sci-Fi Graveyard, Joseph, Jeremy, and Josh revisit the 1983 sci-fi miniseries V. Created by Kenneth Johnson, this two-part event captivated audiences with its story of aliens arriving on Earth with seemingly peaceful intentions, only to reveal a sinister agenda. The hosts discuss the show's clear allegory to fascism and the Holocaust, noting the swastika-like emblem of the Visitors and the "Friends of the Visitors" youth program mirroring the Hitler Youth.

The conversation highlights the shock of the big reveal—that the Visitors are actually reptilian humanoids disguising themselves as humans to steal Earth's water and harvest humans for food. The crew praises the practical effects (for the time), the ensemble cast including Marc Singer (Mike Donovan), Faye Grant (Juliet Parish), and Robert Englund (Willie), and the iconic villainy of Diana (Jane Badler). They compare it to the less successful 2009 reboot and debate whether the franchise deserves a modern sequel or should "Rest in Peace." The general consensus is that while a reboot is unnecessary, a direct sequel continuing the original story would be welcomed by fans.

Key Highlights
[02:11] Fascist Allegory: Joseph explains that the show was inspired by the anti-fascist novel It Can't Happen Here and was originally titled Storm Warnings, intending to depict an American fascist takeover before executives demanded aliens to capitalize on Star Wars.
[04:00] The Bernstein Family: A discussion on the Jewish family subplot, particularly Abraham Bernstein, a Holocaust survivor who recognizes the signs of fascism and teaches kids that the "V" symbol stands for Victory.
[11:17] Reptile Reveal: The hosts react to the shocking twist that the human-looking Visitors are actually reptiles underneath, a concept that was groundbreaking and terrifying for audiences in 1983.
[14:13] The "Poltergeist" Connection: Trivia about Dominique Dunne, the actress from Poltergeist who was originally cast as Robin Maxwell but was tragically murdered during production, leading to her role being recast (though the back of her head is still visible in one scene). [20:36] Robert Englund as a Good Guy: The crew expresses amusement at seeing horror icon Robert Englund (Freddy Krueger) playing Willie, a gentle and lovable alien who joins the resistance.
[30:12] Sequel Wish: The hosts debate the future of the franchise, with Joseph strongly advocating for a direct sequel to the original series rather than another reboot, citing the surviving original cast members.

In this special episode of Sci-Fi Graveyard: Outside the Cemetery, Joseph, Jeremy, and Josh are joined by a special guest, Brandy, to review the 1942 cinematic masterpiece Casablanca. This episode is dedicated to Joseph’s grandmother, who passed away due to COVID-19 complications, as Casablanca was a film they bonded over.

The discussion explores why this film is consistently ranked as one of the greatest movies of all time. The crew analyzes the iconic performances of Humphrey Bogart (Rick) and Ingrid Bergman (Ilsa), noting the on-set tension caused by Bogart's jealous wife. They debunk the famous misquote "Play it again, Sam" (it's actually "Play it, Sam") and discuss the film's production history, including the real-life refugees cast as extras. The hosts debate whether the film's lack of modern tropes makes it refreshing or if it feels dated to a younger audience. Despite diverging from their usual sci-fi/horror fare, the group unanimously agrees that Casablanca is a must-watch classic that stands the test of time, praising its dialogue, pacing, and the bittersweet ending where the guy doesn't get the girl.

Key Highlights
[01:05] A Tribute to Grandma: Joseph dedicates the episode to his late grandmother, sharing fond memories of watching classic movies like Casablanca with her on TCM.
[03:39] "Play It Again, Sam" Myth: The hosts debunk the famous line, explaining that no one in the movie actually says "Play it again, Sam." Rick actually says, "You played it for her, you can play it for me... If she can stand it, I can play it. Play it!"
[05:33] Real Refugees as Extras: A discussion on the powerful fact that many of the extras playing refugees (and even some Nazis) were actual German Jews who had escaped Nazi Germany, adding emotional weight to the "La Marseillaise" scene.
[21:13] On-Set Tension: Joseph shares trivia about the lack of chemistry off-screen between Bogart and Bergman, exacerbated by Bogart's wife constantly accusing him of having an affair with his co-star.
[23:56] The "Greatest" Debate: Jeremy questions whether Casablanca is truly the second-greatest movie ever made (behind Citizen Kane), sparking a debate about how historical context influences film rankings.
[42:33] Breaking the Formula: Josh praises the film for defying the typical romantic comedy structure where the couple ends up together, appreciating the more realistic and sacrificial ending.

 In this Christmas special of Sci-Fi Graveyard, the crew (Joseph, Jeremy, Josh, and Stephen) gathers to unwrap the infamous lump of coal that is the Star Wars Holiday Special. Aired only once in 1978, this variety show disaster is legendary for its bizarre plot involving Chewbacca's family (Malla, Itchy, and Lumpy) trying to celebrate "Life Day" while waiting for Han and Chewie to arrive.

The discussion is filled with disbelief as the hosts break down the special's most surreal moments: the cooking show with a four-armed Gormaanda (Harvey Korman), the "fantasy" sequence with Diahann Carroll, and the uncomfortable scene where Itchy watches VR porn. They also touch on the musical numbers by Jefferson Starship and Bea Arthur, which feel completely out of place in the Star Wars universe. However, the crew unanimously praises the animated segment that introduced Boba Fett, citing it as the only redeeming quality of the entire production. They share trivia about George Lucas's desire to destroy every copy with a sledgehammer and Harrison Ford's disdain for the project. Ultimately, the verdict is a resounding "Let It Die," with the hosts advising viewers to avoid it at all costs unless they want to clear out a party.

Key Highlights
[02:00] Career Killer: A look at the impressive cast list (Bea Arthur, Art Carney, Harvey Korman) whose careers were "almost ruined" by this special, along with the main Star Wars cast who were contractually obligated to appear.
[04:30] Boba Fett's Debut: The hosts discuss the animated segment, noting it was the first appearance of Boba Fett and his signature Amban sniper rifle (later used in The Mandalorian), marking the only watchable part of the show.
[10:37] Wookiee Family Life: A breakdown of the excruciatingly long scenes featuring Chewbacca's family speaking untranslated Wookiee, including Lumpy's tantrums and Malla's cooking show disaster. \
[15:31] Itchy's "Fantasy": The crew reacts to the creepy scene where Art Carney gives Itchy a VR headset for a "mind evaporator" experience that is heavily implied to be adult entertainment.
[18:19] Bea Arthur's Song: A discussion on the bizarre musical number in the Mos Eisley Cantina where Bea Arthur sings "Good Night, But Not Goodbye" while closing down the bar during an Imperial curfew.
[23:56] George Lucas's Regret: Trivia about Lucas's hatred for the special, famously stating he would smash every copy with a sledgehammer if he could.