The Tape Store

The Tape Store continues the search for The Truth with another episode dedicated to The X-Files.  This week we follow Mulder and Scully in "Deep Throat" (S1 E2) as they go to southwest Idaho to investigate the mysterious disappearance of Air Force test pilot Robert Budahas.  We discuss FINALLY getting to see and hear the show's iconic intro and haunting theme song, the dichotomy of Mulder's intuitiveness and recklessness in his search for The Truth, the mystery surrounding alleged events in Roswell, New Mexico, Scully's fierce response when her partner falls into peril, and the mysterious new "specter" we meet:  Deep Throat.  

We also talk about Toby's own obsession with UFO's as a young high school student and his favorite UFO Book:  "Mysteries of the Unknown:  The UFO Phenomenon" (1987).

This week on The Tape Store, Toby and Brooke re-open The X-Files as they talk about the pilot episode of one of the best shows of all time.  We delve into the characters of Agent Fox Mulder (David Duchovny):  the brilliant, impassioned, and idealistic true believer, and Agent Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson):  the equally brilliant skeptic guided by her determination, conviction, and honesty.  Suspense and mystery abound as the unlikely duo learn each other during their first outing to investigate a series of mysterious deaths in Northwest Oregon.  Other topics include the ominous Cigarette Smoking Man (William B. Davis), Brooke's theory on similarities between Scully and another well known driven female FBI Agent in popular culture: Clarice Starling, and Toby's early childhood obsession with the unexplained.  The Truth is out there...

This week on The Tape Store we wrap up our 2-part discussion on Galaxy Quest.  We cover the individual character arcs of the Galaxy Quest crew and how they went from washed-up actors to real-life heroes as they found true courage in themselves.  This was of course, only made possible by the pure-hearted Thermians like the brave and benevolent Mathasar (Enrico Colantoni), and the loyal Quellek (Patrick Breen).  We also discussed how the "pretending" in acting and theatre creates real and tangible feelings and inspiration for fans and followers, and how the power of the things we do to help others should never be underestimated.

This week Toby and Brooke begin a two-part series on the 1999 sci-fi comedy Galaxy Quest.  We talk about the initial character arc of the film's protagonist, TV actor Jason Nesmith (Tim Allen), his virtues, his vices, and his hilarity.  We also introduce Jason's fellow Galaxy Quest cast members: Gwen (Sigourney Weaver), Alex (Alan Rickman), Tommy (Daryl Mitchell), Fred (Tony Shaloub), and Guy (Sam Rockwell), and how they struggle with both being in Jason's self-centered shadow as supporting characters but also with their own very flawed perception of themselves as former stars of a sci-fi TV show with a cult following.  Other topics include the brilliance of Alan Rickman, the film's homage to Star Trek actors and fans, what a "redshirt" is, and how much we love the kindhearted and benevolent character of Mathesar (Enrico Colantoni).  We even mention Bob Ross.  Never give up!  Never surrender!

This week on The Tape Store Podcast, Toby & Brooke return to 1993 and Angel Grove to talk about the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers episode "High Five" (Season 01 Episode 02).  This episode focuses particularly on Trini's (Thuy Trang) struggle with a particular fear.  We also talk about Rita's inexplicable three-point plan that she ends up sabotaging herself even without the help of her incompetent band of ne'er-do-wells, the significance of the Rangers tackling problems without using their powers, and Trini's savage moment in combat.

Toby and Brooke discuss Disney's 1997 masterpiece Hercules.  Where to begin?  This film is full of iconic stuff.  We talk about Hades (James Woods), a Disney villain that's entertaining, hilarious, cruel, yet strangely sympathetic.  We also touch on Zeus (Rip Torn), who while benevolent, is rather flawed as the chief god of Olympus.  Who can forget the Muses, who take this good story and make it exceptionally phenomenal with their unmatched musical exposition?  On a more serious note, we address the layered characters of Meg (Susan Egan) and Phil (Danny DeVito), the difference between a "father" and a "dad", and the powerful message central to the journey of Hercules (Tate Donovan):  What does it really mean to be a hero?

This week on The Tape Store Podcast, Toby, Brooke, and Jeff talk about the second half of the 1988 epic fantasy adventure Willow.  We revisit the outrageous "Not A Woman!" scene one last time because we couldn't resist then move on to the film's climax and conclusion.  We discuss the development of the characters of Willow, Madmartigan, and Sorsha as they become the heroes they were destined to be, and the film's rather too-rapid but nonetheless effective resolution and powerful message.  Other topics we touch on include Lootcrates, Roger Ebert, and the novelization of Willow's continued story after the film (The Shadow War Chronicles).

This week on The Tape Store Podcast, Toby and Brooke, along with guest host Jeff, discuss 1988's fantasy epic Willow in part one of a two-part podcast series.  We talk about the years-long process to make George Lucas's Willow story a reality and delve into the first half of the film.  Topics include Jean Marsh's commanding presence as evil Queen Bavmorda, the unlikely Nelwyn hero Willow (Warwick Davis) and his sweet wife Kaiya, Val Kilmer as the hilarious but brave knight Madmartigan, the "NOT A WOMAN!" scene (If you know, you know), and more.  

"Buddy Bands.  Buddy Bands.  Buddy Bands.  Hey...they work..."

This week at The Tape Store we go back to Bayside High in 1989 to talk about the Saved By The Bell episode "The Friendship Business" (Season 1, Episode 11).  We talk about the legendary Buddy Bands commercial, Mr. Tuttle as a very capable and competent teacher, Jessie and Slater as a cutthroat duo, and more.