Grab a shotgun, climb on a stolen motorcycle, and get out your 90s slang phrasebook, because it’s time to watch one of the definitive summer blockbusters, “Terminator 2: Judgment Day.” We marvel at Arnold Schwarzenegger’s perfectly robotic demeanor, Robert Patrick’s steely stare and creepy walk, and Linda Hamilton’s—well, pretty much everything. Hasta la vista, baby.

"Terminator 2: Judgment Day"

Jason Snell with Aleen Simms, Annette Wierstra, Brian Hamilton and Kelly Guimont

Edited by Brian Hamilton.

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Hop a flight piloted by a Dodo and leave behind the world you know! Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the perfect escape. Journey to a deserted island to do digital equivalents of chores you’re avoiding doing in the real world! One of the most subjective experiences in all of gaming turned out to be just what millions of us needed this summer. Guest host Moisés Chiullán and his six panelists are proof that “the friends you make along the way” really is the whole point after all. Well, that and draft-format podcasts.

"Animal Crossing: New Horizons"

Moisés Chiullán with Brian Hamilton, Tiff Arment, Kathy Campbell, James Thomson, Allison Truj and Kelly Guimont

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Grab a wad of counterfeit cash and get ready to swim up a waterfall! Our Miyazaki Club goes back to the beginning, to the great animation director’s first feature, “The Castle of Cagliostro.” It’s a franchise work-for-hire being executed by a budding genius, which is a fascinating combination. The film mixes cartoony action and heist-movie tropes with clouds and landscapes and flying machines that come straight from Miyazaki’s brain.

"Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro"

Jason Snell with John Siracusa, Monty Ashley, Aleen Simms, Tony Sindelar and Steve Lutz

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Ten years ago today, The Incomparable began. To celebrate a decade of whatever this is, Jason gathered a dozen of the podcast’s top panelists for a round of toasts.

Our tenth anniversary!

Jason Snell with Dan Moren, David J. Loehr, John Siracusa, Steve Lutz, Scott McNulty, Erika Ensign, Monty Ashley, Glenn Fleishman, Serenity Caldwell, Moisés Chiullán, Tony Sindelar, Aleen Simms and Chip Sudderth

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Inflate your pool floaties, prepare a wedding speech, and whatever you do, don’t go in the glowing red cave, because we’re discussing the delightful film “Palm Springs,” starring Andy Samberg, Cristin Milioti, and J.K. Simmons, and currently available (to Americans, anyway) on Hulu. It’s the kind of movie we’ve seen before, but with so many interesting twists on the concept that it always feels fresh. In addition to pointing out what makes the movie work, we’ve got a bunch of nerdy questions about its premise, the multiverse, where you can find C4 and a policeman’s uniform on short notice, and the ultimate disposition of one very strange goat.

"Palm Springs"

Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Sage Young, Shelly Brisbin and James Thomson

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Want to pick up a comic book or graphic novel and don’t know where to start? Our panel has a bunch of very different ideas for you to choose from! We’ve made a list of nearly two dozen for you to try—all available in collections, all ready to pick up without knowing anything about history or backstory or continuity or anything.

Comic book reading list

Jason Snell with Chip Sudderth, David J. Loehr, Lisa Schmeiser, John McCoy and Nathan Alderman

Here’s the list:

Episode edited by Steven Schapansky.

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It’s our annual read of the annual science fiction and fantasy shortlist, the Hugo Awards nominees! Our panelists catch up on the three books that weren’t covered in our Nebula Awards episode, and then Jason and Erika spend a little time on the short fiction nominees. And the raging debate on whether a planet is space or not continues!

2020 Hugo Award nominees

Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Aleen Simms, Scott McNulty and Dan Moren

Our panel’s final consensus ranking:

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Alex Garland has followed up his film “Ex Machina” with another philosophical drama about technology, the miniseries “Devs.” It’s unique, beautiful, thought provoking, and doesn’t remotely stick the landing. We spend a lengthy pre-Spoiler Horn slot discussing why you might want to watch it (and why you might not), and then we break down the strengths and weaknesses of the show overall and the final episode in particular.

"Devs"

Jason Snell with Aleen Simms, Brian Hamilton, James Thomson and Glenn Fleishman

Edited by Brian Hamilton.

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It’s time to take a trip back to Vietnam and discuss Spike Lee’s new film, “Da 5 Bloods”! We discuss Netflix’s decision to release the movie right now, the plot’s many twists and turns, and all of the ways Spike Lee incorporates references to other genres and directors. Plus, heaps and heaps of praise for the cast.

"Da 5 Bloods"

Cicero Holmes with Philip Michaels, Brian Hamilton, Moisés Chiullán and Shareef Jackson

Edited by Brian Hamilton.

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They should have sent a poet, but instead we sent ourselves to celebrate the 23rd (it’s a prime number, as any alien would know) anniversary of the Robert Zemeckis film “Contact”, starring Jodie Foster in an adaptation of the novel by Carl Sagan. How do we reconcile the film’s debate about science and religion? Is this really two movies in one? How showy are the film’s set pieces and special effects? We’re ok to go—otherwise this podcast would be an awful waste of space.

"Contact"

Jason Snell with John Siracusa, Jean MacDonald, Glenn Fleishman and David J. Loehr

Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.