The Incomparable Superfeed

We watch Billy Wilder’s story of a silent film queen’s life in middle age and the screenwriter who stumbles into her world. Noir, melodrama, dark humor, horror. It’s all here in this classic, staring Gloria Swanson. She’s all of 46 when she made this movie, but a has-been like her character. This episode is full of excellent trivia and unexpected connections made by our super-smart panel. - Shelly Brisbin with David J. Loehr, Randy Dotinga and Micheline Maynard.

You might love this episode, or it might leave you causing a racket when you say, “What the deuce?” Is it a net win or a net loss? Anyway, when you’re trying to run someone over, drive Volvo. Visit tinyurl.com/mauimagnum to join us and donate for Maui relief. - Jason Snell, Philip Michaels and David J. Loehr.

Welcome to our first official Squee! We’re keeping it short and sweet in our debut episode. Stacy puts San Diego Comic-Con on the couch, wondering if the single unlocked door opening morning indicates an ADHD diagnosis or if the Con is just stuck in perpetual adolescence. Heather dishes about attending a summer concert by little known singer/song-writer, Taylor Swift. - Stacy Watnick and Heather Berberet.

Lex and Brian finished reviewing all of Sorkin’s movies. You may find yourself sad, disappointed, and wanting more. Well, turn those frowns upside down, folks! Lex and Brian looked into it, and here’s some breaking news: Aaron Sorkin doesn’t just write movies, but he does TV, too. Season 2 starts soon, and here’s the trailer. We’re diving deep on The Newsroom. - Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

In this week’s Ahsoka episode a lot of what happens is things…not happening. Your Star Wars pals Dan, Kat, and Tony return to discuss the most recent installment, including the democratization of the Force, pacing in animation vs. live action, and the latest edition of This Week in Marrok. Plus…outtakes? - Dan Moren, Tony Sindelar and K Benesh.

It’s the return of the vintage board game version of Family Feud from 1978! And since the internet didn’t exist in 1978, we flew in all the contestants to an undisclosed location to play in person! Just like in the 1970s! - Monty Ashley with Jason Snell, Lauren Snell, Shelly Brisbin, Erika Ensign, Steven Schapansky and Dan Moren.

Wereravens? There ravens! - Tony Sindelar with Aleen Simms, Annette Wierstra, James Thomson, Monty Ashley and Nick Scott.

A brand new Star Wars series brings new heroes and new villains, but your same old Star Wars pals. Dan, Tony, and Kat reconvene to discuss Ahsoka. Is it just Rebels season 5? Can we even get past the opening crawl? And who do we think Marrok is, really? - Dan Moren, Tony Sindelar and K Benesh.

Celluloid circle-jerk - Joe Rosensteel and Dan Sturm.

Finally, a movie musical that tells the truth: dentists are jerks. Lex Friedman sits down Dan Moren to watch 1986’s Little Shop of Horrors, a movie based on a musical based on a movie (that wasn’t a musical). Hot topics include: Can a puppet be both impressive and unsettling? Has Rick Moranis ever been more Rick Moranis? And how do you ride that line between too weird and not weird enough? Programming Note: In addition to this capsule episode, which contains our discussion before and after the film, members can watch along with Lex and Dan in a full-length commentary track, available in the members-only First Class feed. If you’re not already a member, why not sign up? And if you are, now’s a great time to update your membership allocations and maybe throw a little support in the direction of Not Playing. Thanks! - Lex Friedman and Dan Moren.