Chad Smalley & Brendan Jones

Shows

Prodigious SapsTHUNDERBOLTS reviewHere is our review of Marvel's THUNDERBOLTS. ALSO: weird similarities to SUPERMAN IV and the post-credits scene BOMBSHELL. 00:00:00 — THUNDERBOLTS review 00:23:14 — Superman IV connection #1 00:25:12 — Superman IV connection #2 00:26:12 — "New Avengers" 00:27:05 — The big post-credits scene! There's a much longer version of this review on Patreon and Channel Memberships: PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/posts/thunderbolts-128323873 MEMBERS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjVHqAS7mTw Prodigious Saps: profusive nerdery from Chad Smalley of Blaggards and Brendan Jones of Tesla City Stories. https://linktr.ee/prodigioussaps RELATED LINKS: Blag...2025-05-1035 min

Prodigious SapsWe have FANTASTIC FOUR and SUPERMAN theoriesProdigious Saps No. 58: "Embrace Comics or Go Away" Here is our breakdown of the latest FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS trailer, plus more SUPERMAN speculation. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Faxo_2JnUuw 00:00:00 — Overview 00:03:03 — Why Fantastic Four is so important to MARVEL 00:05:16 — FF trailer breakdown and theories 00:36:05 — When did Hollywood get poisoned with "Comic Book Shame"? 00:40:30 — Metamorpho in SUPERMAN theory 00:43:17 — Why so many superhero characters in James Gunn's SUPERMAN? 00:46:55 — ELSEWORLDS Superman movie set in 1938? 00:48:59 — EARTH 2 in DCU? 00:51:03 — What SUPERMAN comic run would make a good movie? ...2025-04-2758 min

Prodigious SapsSUPERMAN theories and speculationSUPERMAN theories and speculation based on recent interviews with Gunn, Corenswet, Brosnahan, and Hoult. PATREON : https://www.patreon.com/ProdigiousSaps JOIN: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJaU6rw754l-Z0HQ4SB3gwA/join SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@prodigioussaps?sub_confirmation=1 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/IULoJ_gKvBk Here's our latest nerdy discussion on SUPERMAN, based on details revealed in recent interviews. We discuss character motivations of Superman, Lois, and Lex, and get really nerdy with some theories and speculation about where SUPERMAN and the DCU is...2025-04-1746 min

Prodigious SapsFULL breakdown of SUPERMAN Sneak PeekThis is our breakdown of the SUPERMAN Sneak Peek that came out last week. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0bs4uTNOe80 The UNCUT version on Patreon and YouTube channel memberships is almost twice as long: https://www.patreon.com/posts/superman-sneak-125892919 Here are the two interviews referenced in the breakdown: The cast of 'Superman' chats with ET at the CinemaCon https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=by3SyZSSb2o David Corenswet, Nicholas Hoult, Rachel Brosnahan, and James Gunn talk with Fandango at CInemaCon:2025-04-0723 min

Prodigious SapsSEVERANCE is insanely greatHere is our review of SEVERANCE, mostly centered around the season 2 finale. PATREON : https://www.patreon.com/ProdigiousSaps JOIN: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJaU6rw754l-Z0HQ4SB3gwA/join Prodigious Saps No. 58: "The Dumb Person's Smart Show" SEVERANCE is not our usual fodder, but we couldn't pass up the opportunity to talk about this amazing show now that the long-awaited second season has wrapped up. SPOILER WARNING We cannot stress this enough: you do NOT want to get spoiled on any details of this show. If...2025-04-0258 min

Prodigious SapsDAREDEVIL: BORN AGAINProdigious Saps No. 57: "The Devil You Say, The Devil You Know" DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN (Episodes 1-3) | SEVERANCE | SUPERMAN III | SUPERMAN 2025 So far we've only seen the first three episodes of DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN, but we're digging it so much we couldn't wait to start talking about it. ** SPOILER WARNING for the first three episodes of DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN! ** ALSO: SUPERMAN |||, SUPERMAN 2025, and SEVERANCE. Prodigious Saps: profusive nerdery from Chad Smalley of Blaggards and Brendan Jones of Tesla City Stories. https://linktr.ee/prodigioussaps RELATED LINKS: ...2025-03-211h 05

Prodigious SapsCAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLDHere is our review of CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD. It's been getting mixed reviews, but we both dug it... while also acknowledging its faults. Did you see it? What did you think? 00:00:00 — Captain America: BNW Review 00:52:40 — Guy Gardner in Super Bowl teaser 00:53:24 — "A Complete Unknown" 01:00:06 — BATMAN breakdowns are coming 01:02:58 — To our viewers who don't understand sarcasm... Prodigious Saps: profusive nerdery from Chad Smalley of Blaggards and Brendan Jones of Tesla City Stories. https://linktr.ee/prodigioussaps RELATED LINKS: Blaggards https://blaggards.com/ SlapperCas...2025-03-061h 05

Prodigious SapsSUPERGIRL (1984)Here is our breakdown of SUPERGIRL (1984) PATREON : https://www.patreon.com/ProdigiousSaps JOIN: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJaU6rw754l-Z0HQ4SB3gwA/join SUBSCRIBE on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@prodigioussaps?sub_confirmation=1 Prodigious Saps No. 56: "Zip ZAP!" Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5w-wB04kNrk This movie is so weird! Which is something you will hear us say about a dozen times in the episode, honestly due to sheer disbelief and the resultant lack of words. Similar to Brendan never...2025-02-211h 13

Prodigious SapsSUPERMAN IV: THE QUEST FOR PEACE (1987)At long last, here is our breakdown of SUPERMAN IV: THE QUEST FOR PEACE. The last time Christopher Reeve portrayed Superman. Yeesh. Needless to say, neither of us like this movie, but we did have a lot of fun talking about it. We also talk about some recent James Gunn/DCU stuff towards the end. 00:00:00 — Overview 00:08:54 — Breakdown 01:24:27 — James Gunn SUPERMAN & DCU news Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/To1R2QiIXaY Prodigious Saps: profusive nerdery from Chad Smalley of Blaggards and Brendan Jones of Tesla City Storie...2025-01-101h 40

Prodigious SapsTalking SUPERMAN with DC Comics artist CHRISTOPHER JONESCHRISTOPHER JONES is perhaps most well-know for his work on YOUNG JUSTICE, but he's also done BATMAN STRIKES!, AVENGERS: EARTH'S MIGHTIEST HEROES, and DOCTOR WHO, among many, many other titles. We talk about his experiences working in the comics industry, and also (of course)... SUPERMAN! We talk about the movies, the radio show, the George Reeves tv series, the animated universe, and of course James Gunn's upcoming SUPERMAN (2025) https://blog.christopherjonesart.com/ https://bsky.app/profile/christopherjones1.bsky.social https://www.facebook.com/christopherjonescomicart/ Prodigious Saps: profusive nerdery from Chad Smalley...2024-12-211h 44

Prodigious SapsTHE PENGUIN and AGATHA ALL ALONGWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-GIoV9LNWSU First up: we touch on a few SUPERMAN-related topics and poke fun at our "It's just a movie" critics in the comments of our YouTube channel. We also wrestle with a couple of technical glitches right at the top, but it made for some funny so I left it all in. Then we move on to our reviews of THE PENGUIN and AGATHA ALL ALONG. SPOILER ALERT: DO NOT watch the second half of this episode until you've seen both of these shows! I mean...2024-12-071h 13

Prodigious SapsSUPERMAN III (1983)Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/EBP1jZH08Qg Well, here we are. The people asked for it, and today we deliver. Brendan has finally watched Superman III. But... he's not happy about it. Our opinions of the movie are fairly similar, only I am much softer on it because I saw it so many times on cable TV when I was a kid, and came to terms with its mediocrity decades ago. Brendan is still reeling from it, as you will see straight away. Brace yourselves. There's a lot...2024-11-261h 36

Prodigious SapsAre we the SUPERMAN channel now?Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TpGSm3C09i4?si=huRxnFH4zTo5sJ61 SORRY for the lateness on this getting this one out! Several clips have been culled from this episode already, but there's still plenty of fun stuff in here that y'all haven't seen yet. Several things on the agenda this time: Following up on the commotion stirred up in the comments section on a recent clip from P-Saps No. 49 about the time travel sequence at the end of SUPERMAN: THE MOVIE (https://youtu.be/d-mrYe1E3Lw)2024-11-0858 min

Prodigious SapsSUPERMAN II & the DONNER CUTWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kpf3hCUpZKc Here is the second installment in our SUPERMAN rewatch series! And this one is a doozy, because we're covering two very different versions of the same movie. If you're unfamiliar with either version of SUPERMAN II, as usual we're spoiling pretty much everything, so be warned! The story of these two cuts is pretty legendary, but in a rambly nutshell: Richard Donner was hired to direct both the first SUPERMAN and SUPERMAN II simultaneously, but midway through production they decided to put...2024-11-011h 38

Prodigious SapsSUPERMAN: THE MOVIE (1978)Prodigious Saps No. 49: "Down the Love Hole" Nitpicks & praise for SUPERMAN: THE MOVIE (1978) SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@prodigioussaps?sub_confirmation=1 JOIN: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJaU6rw754l-Z0HQ4SB3gwA/join PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/ProdigiousSaps This week we have a long, critical discussion about Richard Donner's SUPERMAN: THE MOVIE, a movie we both love dearly... in part to demonstrate that we don't think of it as completely flawless. We did find it hard to only concentrate on nitpicks, because despite all its flaws it is...2024-09-211h 29

Prodigious SapsTerry Gilliam's BRAZIL (1985)Prodigious Saps No. 48: "The International Fund for Interesting Directors" At long last, here is our piece on Terry Gilliam's masterpiece BRAZIL. This was well over a year in the making... not because it literally took that long to finish it, but just in that I was so hellbent on not half-assing the edit that I kept kicking it down the road. It's still not perfect, but tonight, I'm letting it go. If you dig Gilliam's work I think you'll find this to be a fun watch. Please let us know what you think. And...2024-08-2739 min

Prodigious SapsTHE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISELThis one is all about the acclaimed Prime Video series "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel", which completed its fifth and final season last year. SPOILERS ABOUND in this episode about all five seasons of Mrs. Maisel (particularly the last one), so if you've never watched the show you may want to hit pause on this one and come back to it later. You have been warned. Why is this show P-Saps worthy? Well, not only is it EXCELLENT television about an aspiring female stand-up comic in the early 1960s, but the lead role is played by...2024-08-1759 min

Prodigious SapsDEADPOOL & WOLVERINEProdigious Saps No. 46: "My Zing-Zang Heart" PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/ProdigiousSaps PODCAST: https://prodigioussaps.fireside.fm/ We've both seen the highly anticipated DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE. We will be spoiling the bejesus out of this movie today. You've been warned. BUT FIRST... we react to the big bombshell from SDCC. The bombshell that has shocked and befuddled the nerd world, raising nerd eyebrows, gaping nerd jaws and curling nerd toes across the globe. We are of course referring to the deeply weird news that none other than ROBERT DOWNEY JR. will be...2024-08-021h 02

Prodigious SapsSTOP! Superman TimeWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7DSH7Jc6cjs?si=lu1mP40Sa0FR6RFD You'll have to excuse our rampant enthusiasm for these SUPERMAN set photos, because there is still quite a bit to talk about. This time we geek out about the potential reveals of Krypto, Ultraman, and Supergirl, and try valiantly to piece together bits of storyline from everything we've seen unfolding on streets of Cleveland, Ohio. 00:00:00 — Intro 00:00:17 — Overview 00:00:52 — Final thoughts on Clark's hair 00:04:05 — Krypto theories 00:09:20 — Krypto's classic origin 00:10:45 — Supergirl's classic origin 00:12:07...2024-07-1238 min

Prodigious SapsSuper Twirly PowersWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TA9jIpDek8k Last week, James Gunn's SUPERMAN began shooting on location in Superman's birthplace of Cleveland, Ohio. And as many people predicted, the leaked photos are JUMPIN' and the nerddom is high. So in this episode, we excitedly discuss the absolutely thrilling photos that appeared on Twitter during the first two days of shooting. We have now a REALLY great look at Superman's new costume, as well as characters like Mr. Terrific, Lois Lane, Perry White, Jimmy Olsen, Ron Troupe, Cat Grant etc. ...2024-07-0143 min

Prodigious SapsPLANET OF THE APES (1968-1973)Here is the EXTENDED version of our nitpicky deep dive into a classic nerdy franchise (made before Hollywood really had any idea how to handle nerdy franchises), which has inspired a truly remarkable reimagining in the newer films. A shorter version focusing on the original films is on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2UTXOZPjabQ Are you familiar with the original PLANET OF THE APES? The four sequels that followed? And are you a fan of the recent films (featuring Andy Serkis)? Let's talk about it! Prodigious Saps: profusive nerdery from Chad Smalley of Blaggards...2024-06-101h 01

Prodigious SapsMADAME WEBProdigious Saps No. 42: "Where's my Spider?" (Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/k9heUvea93Q) In this episode: the phenomenal failure of MADAME WEB... will Sony ever get their shit together? ALSO: FANTASTIC FOUR casting and plot speculation Excitement for DEADPOOL 3 James Gunn's visual esthetic for SUPERMAN 00:00:00 — Preview 00:00:30 — It’s bad 00:02:30 — Madame Web in the comics 00:03:00 — Madame Web origin in movie 00:04:41 — The problem at SONY 00:15:11 — Sam Raimi's Spider-Man movies 00:16:00 — What went wrong with SPIDER-MAN 3 00:18:09 — What went wrong with AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 00:20:16 — SONY's lack of quality control 2024-04-1850 min

Prodigious SapsElsewordsAn extended version of this episode is available on our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ProdigiousSaps This is a very Superman-heavy episode of P-Saps... so much news has been dropping about James Gunn's upcoming SUPERMAN (previously titled SUPERMAN: LEGACY) that it's hard to keep up with, and we couldn't be more excited. Lots of other stuff to talk about as well.. SUPERGIRL casting news SUPERMAN casting and plot speculation Why a Superman "Elseworlds" story set during WWII is probably not a good idea What TED LASSO might have in common with James Gunn's...2024-04-1051 min

Prodigious SapsHow STAR WARS blew our minds in 1977Prodigious Saps No. 40: "I Want a Wookiee Pal" Star Wars Fandom: the First Generation FINALLY, as long promised, today we're joined by our friend Jerry Chrisman to talk STAR WARS... our memories of seeing it for the first time, the seismic impact it had on us and the world around us, and what it was like growing up while the Original Trilogy was unfolding. We also talk a bit about the Special Editions and Prequels. Just to give a little bit of context... Brendan and Jerry went to high school together, were in the...2024-03-221h 02

Prodigious SapsMarvel's ECHOThis week on P-Saps: Marvel's ECHO series and the reaffirmed Netflix Daredevil canon Elvis Presley was a cosplay nerd Fantastic Four casting ...and lots of other wacky crap. 00:00:00 — Intro 00:00:19 — Monarch: Legacy of Monsters 00:01:27 — Elvis Presley & Captain Marvel Jr. 00:03:36 — Marvel's ECHO 00:17:20 — Netflix Daredevil is officially canon 00:22:04 — 3 examples of PERFECT casting in MCU 00:23:11 — Hopes for Daredevil: Born Again 00:28:25 — Paste Pot Pete 00:29:41 — Tomb of Dracula 00:31:58 — Fantastic Four Casting? 00:34:40 — Rebel Moon vs Star Wars 00:37:57 — Ghost Busters: Frozen Empire 00:39:49 — Brendan Recommendans 00:44:13 — Next episode: Old School STAR WARS memories Prodigious Saps: profusive...2024-01-2946 min

Prodigious SapsAQUABROBrendan's disappointment in Aquaman II prompts a discussion of why it's often a problem when studios wind up "bending the character around the actor". Also look back at the failed DCEU and the incoming DCU. Also: the Doctor Who Christmas Special, Slow Horses Season 3, Batman... and more! Our Patreon has an uncut version of this episode containing 20 minutes of extra material, including Netflix's "Cunk on Earth", season 2 of Marvel's "What If?", and the recent news about Marvel embracing Netflix's Daredevil continuity: https://www.patreon.com/posts/prodigious-saps-96203780 00:00:26 — AQUAMAN 2 and Why the DCEU failed 00:18:51 — Solo: A St...2024-01-2152 min

Prodigious SapsMaybe He Just Never Puts on PantsIn this one we talk about the 60th Anniversary DOCTOR WHO specials featuring the return of David Tennant and show runner Russell T. Davies, and the introduction of Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor. ALSO: SUPERMAN: LEGACY casting news, GODZILLA: MINUS ONE, AQUAMAN, and BLUE BEETLE. Available on Patreon NOW: our review of Ncuti Gatwa's first full episode as the Doctor, the Christmas special "The Church on Ruby Road": https://www.patreon.com/posts/prodigious-saps-96203780 00:00:00 — Intro 00:00:51 — SUPERMAN: LEGACY casting 00:03:28 — "MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios" 00:04:32 — BLUE EYE SAMURAI 00:05:04 — GODZILLA MINUS ONE...2024-01-161h 26

Prodigious SapsTHE MARVELS and LOKI Season 2As promised last week, in this episode we dig deep into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. We review THE MARVELS and LOKI Season 2, and talk about the recent wild news about the upcoming Disney Plus series DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN. Also discussed: Madame Web, Spider-Man, Juggernaut, Fantastic Four, X-Men, and a few vintage selections from Chad's comic book collection. Beyond Marvel, we talk about recent trailers for AQUAMAN II and GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE... the latter prompting a belated review of 2021's GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE. Prodigious Saps: profusive nerdery from Chad Smalley of Blaggards and Brendan Jones...2023-11-241h 32

Prodigious SapsThe Beatles "Now and Then"P-Saps No. 35: ""This Little Portal to an Alternate Universe" We are both huge Beatles fans, so with the recent release of their new single "Now and Then" (advertised as "the last Beatles song"), we decided to do a whole episode about the Beatles. Among the topics discussed: what the Beatles mean to us how we first were introduced to the Beatles as kids, memories of the two of us geeking out over them in our early 20s, why they're so important historically, and of course... what we think of the new song. Also...2023-11-161h 15

Prodigious SapsInto the Fonzie-VerseThis week we weave an odd but surprisingly coherent path from Happy Days and Mork & Mindy through to Jerry Lewis, Walter Matthau, Jerry Reed and Jackie Gleason... eventually winding up talking about the Marx Brothers again, because OF COURSE. The highlight of this episode, though, is Brendan's passionate solo vocal performance that followed Chad's computer suddenly shutting off (the full performance and more bonus material is available on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ProdigiousSaps). 00:00:00 — The Fonzie-Verse 00:01:27 — Out of the Blue 00:02:35 — Love: American Style 00:05:05 — AfterMASH 00:06:06 — More on OUT OF THE BLUE 00:07:11 — MORK & MINDY...2023-10-281h 03

Prodigious SapsThe Sculler (Kolchak: the original Sculley & Mulder)Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1eO2ufT4Vuo This week we welcome our very first guest JOHN CAMPBELL, Brendan's fellow cast member of Tesla City Stories and also a very prolific podcaster himself. Among many other shows, John does two podcasts with Brendan: the ongoing "Campbell & Jones Meet the Monsters" and the patron-exclusive "Nights Talking" about the cult classic 1970s tv show KOLCHAK: THE NIGHT STALKER, which was famoustly a direct influence on THE X-FILES. We talk about KOLCHAK quite a bit, and also do a rundown of all the major...2023-09-261h 37

Prodigious SapsDavid Byrne Stepping on Jabba the Hut's TailOn the docket this week: Chad's rant about the remixed soundtrack of STOP MAKING SENSE (the legendary Talking Heads concert film directed by Jonathan Demme) with comparisons to the original 1984 mix and how it reminds him of George Lucas's revisions to his original Star Wars trilogy. Brendan's discovery of a deeply weird and hilarious SUPERMAN comic strip in his copy of SUPERMAN: THE SILVER AGE DAILIES, 1959–1961 Chad's review of THE CENTER SEAT: 55 YEARS OF STAR TREK, a really engaging documentary series currently available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. Watch this ep...2023-09-131h 17

Prodigious SapsBuck Henry's QUARK (1977)SUBSCRIBE on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@prodigioussaps?sub_confirmation=1 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/ProdigiousSaps An extended, unedited version of this episode is available on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/prodigious-saps-87922804 In this episode: QUARK, the short-lived 1977 sci-fi comedy series starring Richard Benjamin, created by Buck Henry DARK STAR, John Carpenter's cult classic 1974 sci-fi comedy film Our favorite war films (thank you Manasven for the question!) Jerry Lewis's THE DAY THE CLOWN CRIED The Marx Brothers 00:00:00 — Intro 00:00:22 — QUARK 00:16:42 — DARK STAR & HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY 00:19:02 — MEMOIRS OF AN IN...2023-08-2558 min

Prodigious SapsShe-Wee HulkwomanThis week we celebrate the life of our recently departed hero of comedy: PAUL REUBENS (a.k.a. Pee Wee Herman), and pay our respects to and the late great ALAN ARKIN. ALSO: Marvel's Secret Invasion and the status of the MCU in general right now Superman II and "the Donner Cut" Our favorite superhero origin story movies Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UNqAA91Ui30 An extended version of this episode is available on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ProdigiousSaps 00:00:00 — Intro 00:00:15 — Paul Reubens 00:16:28 — Alan Arkin 00:22:40 — Other he...2023-08-161h 03

Prodigious SapsDr. Goddamn JonesJoin us on PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/ProdigiousSaps Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nuvrqwbpjMA FINALLY! Brendan has seen INDIANA JONES & THE DIAL OF DESTINY, so we spend most of this episode talking spoilers from the film (which we both LOVED), while trying to figure out why critics have reacted so weirdly to it. Also in this episode: UNCLE CROC'S BLOCK, Charles Nelson Reilly's short-lived kids TV show Chad's brief review of OPPENHEIMER Problems shared by THE DARK KNIGHT RISES and THE LAST JEDI Similarities between THE TIME MACHINE, PLANET OF THE...2023-08-091h 33

Prodigious SapsI Love When Genres Blend!This week we answer questions from Patreon supporters, leading us into a discussion of recent casting news for James Gunn's SUPERMAN: LEGACY, speculation on what this means for the DCU, and our thoughts on Matt Reeves' THE BATMAN and what we hope to see in the sequel. Brendan then takes us on another nostalgic nosedive into 1970s primetime television with the classic one-season wonder CLIFFHANGERS... with many thanks to Vincent Dawn's Pilot Showcase, whose impressive collection of forgotten TV shows made this discussion possible. Watch this episode of P-Saps on YouTube: https://youtu.be...2023-07-271h 04

Prodigious SapsJules Verne WinkIn this episode of P-Saps: Chad has a bone to pick with critics of Indiana Jones & the Dial of Destiny Filmation's ARK II and Jason of Star Command Irwin Allen's classic THE TIME TUNNEL How advanced special effects have "spoiled" us Superman: Legacy casting announcements and more! Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HX61wTdjL58 Support TESLA CITY STORIES: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-tesla-city-stories-help-us-boost-the-signal#/ ALSO: We here at Prodigious Saps now have a Patreon account: https://patreon.com/ProdigiousSaps We here at P-Saps thrive on your feedback...2023-07-1054 min

Prodigious SapsThese Are Things You Shouldn't WatchWe're BACK! This week we respond a bunch of your comments on our recent videos, and man, do the rabbit holes run DEEP in this episode. Topics follow in the timecode bookmarks. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/d239idqHRns 00:00:00 — Intro / updates 00:02:54 — LOST SAUCER / FAR OUT SPACE NUTS 00:06:04 — Dusty's Trail 00:07:19 — The Good Guys 00:08:14 — Gilligan's Island - Why it got cancelled 00:09:04 — Rescue from Gilligan's Island 00:11:32 — The GHOST BUSTERS (1975) 00:13:00 — Legal issues with GHOST BUSTERS name 00:17:07 — Exo-Man 00:19:43 — THE PHOENIX (1982) 00:20:22 — Judson Scott as Adam Warlock? 00:21:24 — Judson Scott as Valentin...2023-07-051h 11

Prodigious SapsSid & Marty Krofft: Still KickingIn this episode, we respond to our first big batch of listener comments since our YouTubre channel suddenly starting blowing up in mid-May 2023. Thank you everyone for watching and commenting! Your feedback means the world to us and you're helping to shape the future of this channel. 00:00:00 — Intro and channel updates 00:01:46 — SALVAGE 1 00:02:21 — SID & MARTY KROFFT 00:08:25 — LIDSVILLE, BUTCH PATRICK and CHARLES NELSON REILLY 00:12:17 — 2000 AD 00:17:36 — JUDGE DREDD 00:20:57 — Wrap-up and THANK YOU Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mwd2dAtR5o4 Amazing Colossal Podcast: Gilbert Gottfried talks with Sid and Marty Krof...2023-07-0522 min

Prodigious Saps"Funk Skull Brother" — Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3We're here this week primarily to talk about James Gunn's parting gift to the MCU: GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3. But first, Brendan tells us about his recent rediscovery of BI-BEAST, one of Marvel's most batshit characters. BI-BEAST reminded Brendan why he loves comics so much, and in a way also speaks to Gunn's brilliant approach to adapting comics to the big screen. We then dig into Guardians Vol. 3, with Brendan sharing many deep cut details from the original comics along the way. Chad then shares his spoiler-free enthusiasm for two excellent sci-fi...2023-05-181h 10

Prodigious SapsHere Goes NothingThis week we review the season 3 finales of two of our favorite shows: THE MANDALORIAN and PICARD. What made them great, and what could have been better? What's coming next for both franchises? What distinguishes intelligent "fan service" from gratuitous drivel? In other words, what could JJ Abrams learn from Terry Matalas? ALSO: our lyrics for THE MANDALORIAN theme, a quick wrap-up of HELLO TOMORROW!, some great show recommendations from Brendan, and Chad's recent visit to The Daily News Building in New York City, which served as the Daily Planet when our much beloved SUPERMAN: THE MOVIE...2023-04-271h 09

Prodigious SapsGhost BuddiesWhat's the future of Star Wars looking like right now? Should we be excited... or cautiously optimistic? This week we geek out over the recently uncovered archival ADR session of the legendary "Wilhelm" scream before diving into the recent news from Star Wars Celebration. We talk about the trailer for AHSOKA, announcements for James Mangold's THE ACOLYTE, Dave Filoni's upcoming "Mandoverse" film, and the Rey Skywalker film. ALSO: looking back at RETURN OF THE JEDI, the new trailer for THE MARVELS, James Gunn's SUPERMAN: LEGACY, James Mangold's SWAMP THING, the state of the MCU, predictions...2023-04-191h 13

Prodigious SapsAvast, Mandalorian!Prodigious Saps No. 21: "Avast, Mandalorian!" Mandalorian Season 3 | Spider-Verse Trailer | Blue Beetle Trailer This week we discuss the strengths and flaws of MANDALORIAN Season 3. Was Grogu really supposed to be part of this season? Did BOOK OF BOBA FETT throw everything out of whack? Does the looming future of the Sequel Trilogy present a problem for the Mandoverse? ALSO: the recently announced STOP MAKING SENSE reissue, trailers for SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE, BLUE BEETLE, SECRET INVASION... and yes, BARBIE. FINALLY: Chad has a revised Jack Crusher theory for PICARD SEASON 3 (and just to...2023-04-071h 18

Prodigious Saps"Chunky Kirk on a Horse" — PICARD Season 3This week we catch up with Season 3 of STAR TREK: PICARD, which we both agree is not the only best season of the series, but also some of the best Star Trek we've ever seen and certainly better than most of the movies. We breakdown some of the most amazing moments in the show so far, and why it's better than what's come before. We also trip down memory lane with our childhood memories of TOS and TNG, and talk about theories about where this (supposedly) final season of PICARD is going. Is Jack Crusher human or...2023-03-311h 22

Prodigious SapsFates Be DamnedIn this episode we look back at two of the greatest time travel films ever made: George Pal's masterpiece "The Time Machine" (1960) starring Rod Taylor, and Nicholas Meyer's brilliant "Time After Time" (1979) starring Malcolm McDowell, David Warner, and Mary Steenburgen. Both films feature one H. G. WELLS traveling in a time machine of his own construction and address his utopian vision of the future, albeit in very different ways. Along the way we also revisit the 2002 remake of "The Time Machine" directed by Simon Wells (great grandson of H. G. Wells), Back to the Future, Doctor Who...2023-03-241h 20

Prodigious SapsGorilla Wearing a Wacky HatProdigious Saps No. 18: "Gorilla Wearing a Wacky Hat" This week we look back at THE GHOST BUSTERS... no, not that one! We're talking about the original 1975 Filmation sitcom, a delightfully absurd show made for kids by some very talented and peculiar adults. Also: Charles Nelson Reilly's THE LIFE OF REILLY, the new Apple TV+ show HELLO TOMORROW!, and a non-spoiler review of LINOLEUM starring Jim Gaffigan and Rhea Seehorn. 00:00:00 — Intro 00:00:57 — The Ghost Busters (1975 Filmation Show) 00:02:48 — The Monster Squad 00:06:31 — More on the Ghost Busters 00:18:33 — Charles Nelson Reilly 00:21:21 — Save It for the Stag...2023-03-0258 min

Prodigious SapsANT-MAN and the WASP: QUANTUMANIAProdigious Saps No. 17: "I Want Weird" This week on Prodigious Saps: Brendan and Chad venture beyond the yellow brick road into the much anticipated ANT-MAN and the WASP: QUANTUMANIA. Did we like it? Why do critics hate it? Was MODOK too weird for general audiences? ALSO: Our thoughts on the first episode of PICARD Season 3, and excitement for THE MARVELS Prodigious Saps: profusive nerdery from Chad Smalley of Blaggards and Brendan Jones of Tesla City Stories. https://linktr.ee/prodigioussaps RELATED LINKS: Blaggards https://blaggards.com/ 2023-02-231h 01

Prodigious SapsBatnipple UniverseThis week we break down the new trailers for THE FLASH and INDY 5 while navigating the usual goofy labyrinth of pop culture in our middle-aged brains. Also on the menu: Jim Gaffigan and LINOLEUM, Billy Crudup and HELLO TOMORROW!, PICARD season 2, Star Trek prequel series, Grant Morrison's BATMAN AND SON, Snyder's WATCHMEN, old Atari games, Sid & Marty Krofft, and MUCH more. Prodigious Saps: profusive nerdery from Chad Smalley of Blaggards and Brendan Jones of Tesla City Stories. https://linktr.ee/prodigioussaps RELATED LINKS: Blaggards https://blaggards.com/ ...2023-02-161h 27

Prodigious SapsChewbacca SocksThis episode almost didn't happen because of Brendan's hiccups, but it turned into the wackiest conversation we've ever had on the show. With no main topic this week, we geek out about Chad's newly reorganized nerd shelf, winding through Brazil, #StarWars, #theBeatles, Disney's animated "Robin Hood", random encounters with famous people, and eventually find ourselves talking about our bizarre personal connections to the 1994 film #RealityBites. 00:00:00 — Intro WTH? 00:00:15 — Brendan's hiccups disclaimer 00:00:54 — Chad's BRAZIL Criterion DVD set 00:02:02 — Letterboxd.com 00:06:15 — Beatles "Get Back" Book 00:07:15 — Story of Star Wars LP 00:10:15 — Roscoe Lee Brown 00:11:14 — Malachi Throne 00:11...2023-02-101h 02

Prodigious SapsTurns Out I'm the ChoirToday we bring you a thorough rundown of James Gunn's new DCU slate, recorded several hours after his announcement on Tuesday, January 31st. Some of it we're very excited about, some of it has us a bit befuddled. All we know is it's all very James Gunn, and we can't wait to see how it all shakes out. Oh, and towards the end we somehow wind up arguing about the origin of Composite Superman. Never a dull moment on P-Saps! 00:00:00 — Intro 00:01:47 — Creature Commandos 00:05:50 — Elseworlds 00:06:25 — Blue Beetle, the Flash, and Aquaman 00:12:48 — Waller 00:16...2023-02-021h 07

Prodigious SapsI Fought For the TrunksThis week we talk about the Last of Us as a video game adaptation (even though neither of us have played the game), and wax nostalgic about the classic arcade and PC games we grew up with. ALSO: Why is James Gunn teasing Grant Morrison's "All Star Superman" on Twitter? 00:00:00 — Intro 00:00:42 — Why is Pewdiepie so popular? 00:06:56 — The Phoenix (80s TV show) 00:07:59 — The Phoenix playing "Phoenix" arcade game 00:10:30 — “The Last of Us” as a video game adaptation 00:15:10 — Last of Us compared to Walking Dead 00:23:38 — Jon Bernthal's De Niro-esque acting 00:34:07 — Classic video games 00:38:16 —...2023-01-291h 37

Prodigious SapsHurray, Hurray SweethavenThis week on P-Saps No. 12: Speculation about how the FANTASTIC FOUR will be introduced to the MCU Why Robert Altman's "POPEYE" is one of the greatest adaptations of comics to film ever made. Much love for the brilliant HARRY NILSSON, who wrote the songs for POPEYE and did a ton of amazing, legendary stuff before that. ALSO: New Quantumania trailer and Paul McCartney's collaboration with Elvis Costello. SHOW NOTES Tesla City Stories Podcast https://luminarypodcasts.com/listen/the-tesla-city-stories/the-tesla-city-stories-podcast/d38a3b45-c2a6-4230-8af4-9f4fa808a047 2023-01-191h 09

Prodigious SapsBeatles, VHS Tapes and FartsProdigious Saps No. 11: "Beatles, VHS Tapes and Farts" The Beatles Anthology, Peter Jackson's "Get Back", VHS Nostalgia & Everything Everywhere All at Once This week we pluck a few gems from our cornucopia of nerdy artifacts, including Chad's ornately decorated VHS tapes of #thebeatles Anthology's original broadcast, before talking about probably the best movie of 2022, and one of the greatest movies ever made: #EverythingEverywhereAllatOnce. 00:00 — Intro 00:47 — Nerdy Stuff 04:01 — The Beatles Anthology 07:06 — Free As A Bird & Real Love 08:56 — Band arguments 09:45 — Peter Jackson's "Get Back" 13:45 — Aging singing voices 17:14 — VHS & DVD nostalgia 31:44 — Ever...2023-01-051h 02

Prodigious SapsHi, I'm the DC UniverseProdigious Saps No. 10: "Hi, I'm the DC Universe" James Gunn DCU News | Green Lantern series? | Doom Patrol? | The Sandman Netflix Review | Jon Schnepp's "Death of Superman Lives" PLEASE NOTE: We totally screwed up Grant Morrison's non-binary pronouns in this episode. Sorry for that! We'll get it right next time. We love you, Grant. THIS WEEK on P-SAPS: the latest news concerning James Gunn's new DCU, Grant Morrison & DC Comics: should his work be adapted into film, Neil Gaiman's "The Sandman" Netflix series review, Jon Schnepp's "The Death of Superman Lives: What Happened?" and tons...2022-12-301h 14

Prodigious SapsJimbo GunnProdigious Saps No. 9: "Jimbo Gunn" James Gunn's DC Universe: the Thrilling Possibilities This week, we catch up on the latest drama surrounding James Gunn's new DC Universe, including the departure of Henry Cavill as Superman. We try to parse the cryptic scraps of info Gunn has offered on Twitter about what he and Co-CEO Peter Safran are planning. What will Gunn's take on Superman be like? Why exactly was Cavill dismissed? Is Gal Gadot staying on as Wonder Woman? Will any of the old Snyderverse canon be preserved? We then gleefully follow the nerdy...2022-12-221h 15

Prodigious SapsJump On J.J.Prodigious Saps No. 8: "Jump On J.J." James Gunn's DCU Reboot | Star Wars Sequel Trilogy Retcon? We wrapped this episode Tuesday afternoon, literally minutes before Patty Jenkins released her statement about Wonder Woman III being scrapped, and a full day before last night's stunning announcement from #HenryCavill. Since then #JamesGunn has finally confirmed what you've heard us arguing for since we launched this show: the #DCU is being #rebooted. So in this episode you hear us getting excited for what's coming, while still being cautiously speculative… and respectful of #Snyderverse fans who are upset ov...2022-12-151h 14

Prodigious SapsNo DookuProdigous Saps No. 7: "No Dooku" indianajones5 l #Andor | #wakandaforever Brendan has recovered from COVID and Prodigious Saps is BACK! This week, we discuss the new trailer for Indiana Jones & the Dial of Destiny, deliver our reviews of Andor Season 1 and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and as usual, dig DEEP into a lot of nerdy subtopics along the way (chapter markers galore). 00:00 — Intro 00:22 — Brendan's COVID experience 06:10 — Indiana Jones 5 Trailer 10:49 — James Bond - No Time to Die 12:38 — Speculation on future of Indy franchise 13:02 — Brendan's old Indy spin-off script idea 17:48 — Solo: A Star W...2022-12-081h 32

Prodigious SapsHey StevieThis week we take a hazy look back at Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, talk about the oddities of Rogue One, and rhapsodize about Andor. And as usual, a few Superman-related things... because we care. Also: Brendan's hilarious encounter with Steven Spielberg. Paul Roman Martinez prints: https://www.storenvy.com/products/2209092-siegel-shuster-superman-print https://twitter.com/prmartinez19xx/status/462293855971209218 Prodigious Saps: profusive nerdery from Chad Smalley of Blaggards and Brendan Jones of Tesla City Stories. https://linktr.ee/prodigioussaps RELATED LINKS: Blaggards ...2022-11-171h 06

Prodigious SapsBig News in the Super WorldThis week we talk about James Gunn and Peter Safran heading the new DC Studios and what we think might happen with the DCU going forward. Also: Fan disatisfaction about Chris Pratt voicing Mario, Black Adam, Thor: Love & Thunder, Doctor Who, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania trailer, and She-Hulk. Prodigious Saps: profusive nerdery from Chad Smalley of Blaggards and Brendan Jones of Tesla City Stories. https://linktr.ee/prodigioussaps RELATED LINKS: Blaggards https://blaggards.com/ SlapperCast: a weekly podcast/road diary from Blaggards: https://linktr.ee/slappercast 2022-11-101h 08

Prodigious SapsBelieve It or NotWatch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9wEcMCVphI4 This week we begin with the long lost Superman poem by Vladimir Nabokov that gave this podcast its name. It's a remarkable story that almost seems too wonderfully nerdy to be true. We then talk about the atrocious Superman IV for a bit before digging into the classic 1980s TV series "Greatest American Hero". The discussion includes: The impact it had on us as kids What we think of it now Why is it still popular The theme song Should it be rebooted, and how? Along...2022-11-031h 07

Prodigious SapsWe Have Words For Mr. SnyderThis week, as Brendan said towards the end of last week's show, we have words for Mr. Snyder. After this... it's time to move on (maybe). We begin with a brief review of the delightful SUPERMAN ‘78 comic book series before getting into it. Once and for all, we detail everything we didn't like—and to be fair, some things that we did like—about the Man of Steel, Batman v Superman, Justice League, the Snyder Cut, etc. Also: Wonder Woman 1984, James Gunn's The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker, Velvet Goldmine, and Chad's old Ziggy Stardust broadway musica...2022-10-2754 min

Prodigious SapsCaped Wonder Stuns CityIn our second episode, Brendan and Chad revisit Superman Returns, analyze its strengths and many flaws, and compare it to other portrayals of Superman. Who got it right? Who got it oh so wrong? How could it be done better? Our other main topic: should Matt Reeves' "The Batman" serve as the foundation for a new DCEU? Also discussed: McCartney 3,2,1 Marvel: Then & Now - A Night With Stan Lee, Joe Quesada, Hosted by Kevin Smith Superman: the Movie Superman II Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut Man of Steel Batman v Superman Batman '66...2022-10-161h 34

SlapperCastBlind Guy in a BrothelSlapperCast Episode 191 was recorded in a leisurely manner this past Sunday night in Patrick's living room, which we haven't done in awhile. After Patrick tells us how his laptop got destroyed by a falling mirror, we touch on our latest bit of big news: we're FINALLY going back to Ireland next Fall, and we hope you'll join us. It's going to be a blast. Also for the first time in a long while, we have a couple shows coming up at two Molly's Pub locations (Molly Maguire's and Molly's Conroe). This prompts Patrick and Chad to talk...2022-10-1149 min

Prodigious SapsOpening ScrawlIn our debut episode, Brendan and Chad reminisce about the early '90s Houston music & arts scene before diving into a broad array of nerdy dissections. Batman, Superman, the Arrowverse, Star Wars prequels, sequels and Disney+ shows, and tons more. Watch/Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtu.be/fx79Dqwu0Ao Blaggards https://blaggards.com/ SlapperCast: a weekly podcast / road diary from Blaggards: https://linktr.ee/slappercast Tesla City Stories https://www.teslacitystories.com Breakfast of the Gods https://www.indyplanet.com/breakfast-of-the-gods 2022-10-091h 53