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Two Old Farts Talk Sci-Fi

Two Old Farts

Two Old Farts Talk Sci-Fi will bring you back to when you first fell in love with the speculative genre, which includes science fiction, fantasy, and horror, their mashups and subgenres, whether that be the written word or movies, TV, theatre, comic books and graphic novels. Whatever the format, if it can’t happen in real life, it may be brought up.
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What is it that first brought you to love the things that could not happen?
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What is it about the speculative genre that keeps you reading and watching?
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Listen to Troy and David reminisce mostly about the ’60s and ’70s, and ’80s, but don’t be surprised if Metropolis or the 1933 King Kong movie is referenced, R.U.R., and stuff after the ’80s up to yesterday. And what is happening now. And what may happen in the future. Most episodes will be themed (for example: Universal Classic Monsters; Ray Bradbury's Something Wicked This Way Comes; Stephen King: A Complete Exploration of his Work, Life, and Influences (the new book by Bev Vincent); the 1968 Planet of the Apes film; Shakespeare in Star Trek; to name a few). There will be occasional special guests who are experts in the topic being discussed.
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https://2of.ca/
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Troy Harkin is a Canadian writer who was born in Halifax and raised in Toronto. He has been writing and performing since 1990. His most recent poetry collection is Casting Shadows (ChiZine Publications, 2019).
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David Clink’s latest poetry collection is The Role of Lightning in Evolution (ChiZine Publications, 2016). His poem, “A sea monster tells his story” won the Aurora Award for Best Poem/Song, in 2013. David’s fifth poetry collection will be The Black Ship (CZP, 2021).
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20 episodes
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Avg 1 hr 8 min
English

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S7 · E12
August 31 · 1 hr 21 min
Ape-isode PT.1: Escape from Beneath Lake Dalek
Troy and David return to Lake Dalek, in an undisclosed location in the Muskoka Region, in Ontario cottage country. It is August of 2026 when they settled down into their Muskoka chairs, had a few brewskies, and talked about apes in genre movies. They previously were at the lake when they recorded their Size Matters episode(s) and Shrinkage episode(s). What makes a film, an ape film? Simian Cinema, anyone? Can a gorrilla disco? In this episode, Troy and David, compare their lists of the greatest genre ape films, starting with #10 through #6. PT. 2 of the Ape-isode, Troy and David will reveal their top five. Which movies will appear on both of their lists? Will the obvious #1 genre ape film of all time, be #1 on both Troy and David's lists? Listen to find out. And what are the films that you cannot believe were made, that were so awful, they were good. How about: Bela Lugosi Meets a Brooklyn Gorilla (1952). Rated 3.6 on IMDB. Robot Monster (1953). Rated 3.0 on IMDB. Troy reads the back cover of a VHS copy he has of Robot Monster. Here is some info from a google search:. The back cover of the classic Rhino Home Video VHS release of Robot Monster (1953) features a short synopsis describing the alien invader's mission to wipe out humanity. The Synopsis Summary The Complication: Ro-Man faces a dilemma when he captures the professor's daughter (played by Claudia Barrett) and finds himself hesitating instead of completing his orders. The Invader: An alien creature named Ro-Man—who resembles a gorilla wearing a deep-sea diving helmet—is sent to Earth as the vanguard of an invasion. The Mission: Armed with a destructive "calcinator death ray," Ro-Man has successfully wiped out nearly all human life on the planet. The Conflict: A small handful of survivors, including a professor and his family, remain immune or hidden, and Ro-Man is tasked with hunting them down. = = = CAST OF KING KONG (1933) Fay Wray (Ann Darrow) Robert Armstrong (Carl Denham) Bruce Cabot (Jack Driscoll) Frank Reicher (Capt. Englehorn) Sam Hardy (Charles Weston) Noble Johnson (Native Chief) Steve Clemente (Witch King [as Steve Clemento]) James Flavin (Second Mate Briggs) CAST OF KING KONG (2005) Naomi Watts (Ann Darrow) Jack Black (Carl Denham) Adrien Brody (Jack Driscoll) Thomas Kretschmann (Captain Englehorn) Colin Hanks (Preston) Andy Serkis (Kong/Lumpy) Evan Parke (Hayes) Jamie Bell (Jimmy) = = = We hope you enjoy the show!
S7 · E11
August 2 · 56 min
Galaxy Quest PT. 2 (Sigourney Weaver PT. 3) with Rachel A. Rosen
Galaxy Quest is the second of two films starring Sigourney Weaver that Troy and David are looking at, with Special guest Rachel A. Rosen. The movie did OK with its original release, back in 1999, but has earned a cult following ever since. It is loved by both the fans of SFFH but also industry professionals. There are a number of powerful, emotional moments in the movie. The movie has a lot of heart. Troy and David and Rachel got so carried away with a discussion of the film, that they had to break the discussion of Galaxy Quest into two episodes. This is the SECOND of the two episodes. They begin episode 1 talking about their first experience seeing the film, and then go into a bit of a history of the production. As with many films, there were a number of different actors or actors that were first considered for various roles. CREW OF THE PROTECTOR Tim Allen - Jason Nesmith / Com. Peter Taggart Sigourney Weaver - Gwen DeMarco / Lt. Tawny Madison Alan Rickman - Andrew Dane / Dr. Lazarus Tony Shaloub - Fred Kwan / Tech Sgt Chen Sam Rockwell - Guy Fleegman / Crewman #6 Daryl “Chill” Miller - Tommy Weber / Lt. Loredo Thermians Enrico Colantoni - Mathesar Missi Pyle - Laliari ( Lolly Ari) Patrick Breen - Quellek Rain Wilson - Lahnk Jed Rees - Teb Robin Sachs - Sarris (the villain) Justin Long - Brandon, lead nerd. = = = Rachel A. Rosen is the guest for this two-part (now three-part) episode that looks at two films starring Sigourney Weaver. PT. 1 Troy and David and Rachel look at the movie Alien, including their first experiences seeing it, their favorite moments, the lasting impact of the movie, and take a close look at some of the more impactful moments in the movie. Please stay until the end of the episode, after our closing music, for some additional content. This episode (episode 9 of season 7) was dropped on May 31st, 2026. PT. 2 This is this episode, episode 10 of season 7, dropped on June 30th, 2026, where we looked at Galaxy Quest, which also starred Sigourney Weaver. Rachel joined Troy and David to look at a film that both fans and non-fans of episodic science fiction series like. PT. 3 This episode was supposed to drop on July 31st, but website issues delayed this. This is our final episode of a 3-episode are that looked at Sigourney Weaver. This is our second part of Galaxy Quest, episode 11 of season 7. Rachel joins Troy and David. By Grabthar's hammer, by the suns of Worvan, what a movie! RACHEL A. ROSEN https://rachelrosen.ca/ From her website: "I’m an activist, graphic designer, and for my sins, a high school teacher. Through magic dark as Vantablack, I have somehow conjured the time to write a book series, The Sleep of Reason. If you’re looking for more disaster wizards, check out my first novel, Cascade. I’m part of the Night Beats artist collective, so if you like my ideas, you can subscribe to my newsletter." Rachel also has the second book in the series, "Blight". https://rachelrosen.ca/index.php/a-homepage-section/ Rachel A. Rosen has been a guest for four shows: "Queer SFFH" LINK [Season 5 Episode 13, April 20, 2024] "Alien (Sigourney Weaver PT.1)" LINK [Season 7 Episode 9, May 31, 2026] "Galaxy Quest PT. 1 (Sigourney Weaver PT.2)" LINK [Season 7 Episode 10, June 30, 2026] "Galaxy Quest PT. 2 (Sigourney Weaver PT.3)" [Season 7 Episode 11, August 08, 2026] We hope you enjoy the show!
S7 · E10
June 30 · 54 min
Galaxy Quest (Sigourney Weaver, PT. 2) with Rachel A. Rosen
Galaxy Quest is the second of two films starring Sigourney Weaver that Troy and David are looking at, with Special guest Rachel A. Rosen. The movie did OK with its original release, back in 1999, but has earned a cult following ever since. It is loved by both the fans of SFFH but also industry professionals. There are a number of powerful, emotional moments in the movie. The movie has a lot of heart. Troy and David and Rachel got so carried away with a discussion of the film, that they had to break the discussion of Galaxy Quest into two episodes. This is the first of the two episodes. They begin episode 1 talking about their first experience seeing the film, and then go into a bit of a history of the production. As with many films, there were a number of different actors or actors that were first considered for various roles. CREW OF THE PROTECTOR Tim Allen - Jason Nesmith / Com. Peter Taggart Sigourney Weaver - Gwen DeMarco / Lt. Tawny Madison Alan Rickman - Andrew Dane / Dr. Lazarus Tony Shaloub - Fred Kwan / Tech Sgt Chen Sam Rockwell - Guy Fleegman / Crewman #6 Daryl “Chill” Miller - Tommy Weber / Lt. Loredo Thermians Enrico Colantoni - Mathesar Missi Pyle - Laliari ( Lolly Ari) Patrick Breen - Quellek Rain Wilson - Lahnk Jed Rees - Teb Robin Sachs - Sarris (the villain) Justin Long - Brandon, lead nerd. = = = Rachel A. Rosen is the guest for this two-part (now three-part) episode that looks at two films starring Sigourney Weaver. PT. 1 Troy and David and Rachel look at the movie Alien, including their first experiences seeing it, their favorite moments, the lasting impact of the movie, and take a close look at some of the more impactful moments in the movie. Please stay until the end of the episode, after our closing music, for some additional content. PT. 2 Our next episode, episode 10 of season 7, to be dropped on June 30th, 2026, will be an episode looking at Galaxy Quest, which also starred Sigourney Weaver. Rachel joins Troy and David to look at a film that both fans and non-fans of episodic science fiction series like. PT. 3 Our following episode will be our second episode to look at Galaxy Quest, episode 11 of season 7, to be dropped on July 31st, 2026., Rachel joins Troy and David. By Grabthar's hammer, by the suns of Worvan, what a movie! RACHEL A. ROSEN https://rachelrosen.ca/ From her website: "I’m an activist, graphic designer, and for my sins, a high school teacher. Through magic dark as Vantablack, I have somehow conjured the time to write a book series, The Sleep of Reason. If you’re looking for more disaster wizards, check out my first novel, Cascade. I’m part of the Night Beats artist collective, so if you like my ideas, you can subscribe to my newsletter." Rachel also has the second book in the series, "Blight". https://rachelrosen.ca/index.php/a-homepage-section/ Rachel A. Rosen has been a guest for two previous shows: "Queer SFFH" LINK [Season 5 Episode 13, April 20, 2024] "Alien (Sigourney Weaver PT.1)" LINK [Season 7 Episode 9, May 31, 2026] We hope you enjoy the show!
S7 · E9
May 31 · 1 hr 22 min
Alien (Sigourney Weaver PT. 1) with Rachel A. Rosen
Back in 1979 the world was introduced to Sigourney Weaver. OK - Sigourney did appear in a non-speaking role, briefly, in the movie Annie Hall two years previously. But the film that launched her incredible career was a little film called "Alien." Most people include Alien in their top ten list of science fiction films. The film is considered a classic, and both Troy and David had Alien in their top ten science fiction films of all time. A lot of the credit can go to the director, Ridley Scott, and to the screenplay, the alien design (thanks to H.R. Giger), the alien effects, the sets, the music, sound design, a whole host of things. But perhaps first among the many things that make this film great is the cast. The cast is incredible. Everyone is brilliant in their roles. Primarily we look to the character Ellen Ripley, a Warrant Officer and second in command of the Nostromo. Ellen Ripley was played by Sigourney Weaver. Rachel A. Rosen is the guest for this two-part episode that looks at two films starring Sigourney Weaver. PT. 1 Troy and David and Rachel look at the movie Alien, including their first experiences seeing it, their favorite moments, the lasting impact of the movie, and take a close look at some of the more impactful moments in the movie. Please stay until the end of the episode, after our closing music, for some additional content. PT. 2 Our next episode, episode 10 of season 7, to be dropped on June 30th, 2026, will be an episode looking at Galaxy Quest, which also starred Sigourney Weaver. Rachel joins Troy and David to look at a film that both fans and non-fans of episodic science fiction series like. By Grabthar's hammer, by the suns of Worvan, what a movie! RACHEL A. ROSEN https://rachelrosen.ca/ From her website: "I’m an activist, graphic designer, and for my sins, a high school teacher. Through magic dark as Vantablack, I have somehow conjured the time to write a book series, The Sleep of Reason. If you’re looking for more disaster wizards, check out my first novel, Cascade. I’m part of the Night Beats artist collective, so if you like my ideas, you can subscribe to my newsletter." Rachel also has the second book in the series, "Blight". https://rachelrosen.ca/index.php/a-homepage-section/ Rachel A. Rosen has been a guest for a previous show: "Queer SFFH" LINK [Season 5 Episode 13, April 20, 2024] We hope you enjoy the show! Note: As mentioned earlier, Rachel will be back for our second Sigourney Weaver episode, on Galaxy Quest, which should drop June 30, 2026.
S7 · E8
April 30 · 1 hr 13 min
Poltergeist, PT.2
Everyone has that film that everyone else assumes you would have seen. This is the film that David somehow missed in his childhood. Troy invited David to his man cave, and he got to see what all the hubbub was about. Sandra Kasturi is the guest for this two-part episode that does a deep dive on: Poltergeist (1982) = PT. 1 Troy and David and Sandra discuss any paranormal or psychic experiences they have had, and then turn to the film Poltergeist, and talk about their first experiences viewing it, and then on to the film itself. PT. 2 The discussion on the film Poltergeist concludes. Troy and David and Sandra talk about the curse, the use of skeletons that were not mock-ups but actual skeletons of people. = Poltergeist did win the Saturn Award for Best Horror or Thriller Film. It was nominated for three Oscars. Jerry Goldsmith was up for Best Score. John Williams won for E.T. Poltergeist was nominated for Best Visual Effects. E.T. won. Poltergeist was nominated for Best Sound Effects. E.T. won. = SANDRA KASTURI https://sandrakasturi.com/ From her website: "I like dinosaurs. Although dinosaurs are definitely awesome, I also write poetry and fiction. I edit those same things, too." Sandra Kasturi has been a guest for three previous two-part shows: > "Something Wicked This Way Comes" PT. 1 LINK "Something Wicked This Way Comes" PT. 2 LINK [S.1 Eps 13-14; Sept 18 + Oct 2, 2021] > ”Folk Horror" PT. 1 - The Wicker Man (1973) LINK ”Folk Horror" PT. 2 - MidSommar LINK [S.3 Eps 2-3; May 14 + May 28, 2022] > "The Thing" PT. 1 LINK "The Thing" PT. 2 LINK [S.4 Eps 11-12; May 27 + Jun 10, 2023] = We hope you enjoy the two shows!
S7 · E7
March 31 · 1 hr 2 min
Poltergeist, PT 1
Everyone has that film that everyone else assumes you would have seen. This is the film that David somehow missed in his childhood. Troy invited David to his man cave, and he got to see what all the hubbub was about. Sandra Kasturi is the guest for this two-part episode that does a deep dive on: Poltergeist (1982) = PT. 1 Troy and David and Sandra discuss any paranormal or psychic experiences they have had, and then turn to the film Poltergeist, and talk about their first experiences viewing it, and then on to the film itself. PT. 2 The discussion on the film Poltergeist concludes. Troy and David and Sandra talk about the curse, the use of skeletons that were not mock-ups but actual skeletons of people. = Poltergeist did win the Saturn Award for Best Horror or Thriller Film. It was nominated for three Oscars. Jerry Goldsmith was up for Best Score. John Williams won for E.T. Poltergeist was nominated for Best Visual Effects. E.T. won. Poltergeist was nominated for Best Sound Effects. E.T. won. = SANDRA KASTURI https://sandrakasturi.com/ From her website: "I like dinosaurs. Although dinosaurs are definitely awesome, I also write poetry and fiction. I edit those same things, too." Sandra Kasturi has been a guest for three previous two-part shows: > "Something Wicked This Way Comes" PT. 1 LINK "Something Wicked This Way Comes" PT. 2 LINK [S.1 Eps 13-14; Sept 18 + Oct 2, 2021] > ”Folk Horror" PT. 1 - The Wicker Man (1973) LINK ”Folk Horror" PT. 2 - MidSommar LINK [S.3 Eps 2-3; May 14 + May 28, 2022] > "The Thing" PT. 1 LINK "The Thing" PT. 2 LINK [S.4 Eps 11-12; May 27 + Jun 10, 2023] = We hope you enjoy the two shows!
S7 · E6
February 28 · 55 min
Gremlins, Back to the Future, and Howard the Duck, PT. 2
Troy and David talk about three movies in this two-part episode: Gremlins (1984) Back to the Future (1985) Howard the Duck (1986) PT. 1 looks at Gremlins, and begins the discussion on Back to the Future. PT. 2 finishes the discussion on Back to the Future, and then moves on to Howard the Duck. PART 2: Back to the Future & Howard the Duck Our second episode continues our discussion about Back to the Future, and concludes with Howard the Duck. Troy talks about his love/hate relationship with Back to the Future. He described it as having "a glorified Brady Bunch plot but with some weird incest running through it." Marty has a weird family, with a pervy dad, and he likes to hang out with an older, eccentric man. There are also musical nitpicks that are concerning, especially the Johnny B. Good scene and its cultural appropriation. David goes into how the opening 5-10 minutes sets up the entire film, where things mentioned or shown are then referred to later, like the term, "Chekhov's Gun" which means if a gun is shown in act one, it must be used by act three. David also refers to this as "Sulu's Phaser" and "Peltzer's Sword." David shares his favorite quote from the movie, where Doc Brown lets Marty know how important he has been to him: Dr. Emmett Brown: You know, Marty, I'm gonna be very sad to see you go. You've really made a difference in my life. You've given me something to shoot for. Just knowing that I'm going to be around to see 1985. That I'm gonna succeed in this! [gestures at time machine] Dr. Emmett Brown: That I'm gonna have a chance to travel through time! Troy and David then move on to Howard the Duck. Many consider this a terrible movie. There was an episode on it by the webcast: TMS: This Movie Sucks. It did horribly at the box office, mainly through word of mouth and reviews. Troy mentions that one of the people working in the theatre warned Troy not to watch it. Howard the Duck was #54 in the box office in 1986. But there were notable films that did worse that year!: 57 = Legend; 63 = Little Shop of Horrors; 68 = Labyrinth; 72 = Big Trouble in Little China; 75 = Brazil; 80 = Blue Velvet; 92 = Maximum Overdrive. Troy and David go into the many reasons why the film failed, but also at its endearing qualities. They also summarize the triple bill, the connections between the three films they looked at in this two-episode show. We hope you enjoyed the two shows!
S7 · E5
January 31 · 54 min
Gremlins, Back to the Future, and Howard the Duck, PT. 1
Troy and David talk about three movies in this two-part episode: Gremlins (1984) Back to the Future (1985) Howard the Duck (1986) PT. 1 looks at Gremlins, and begins the discussion on Back to the Future. PT. 2 finishes the discussion on Back to the Future, and then moves on to Howard the Duck. PART 1: Gremlins & Back to the Future Our first episode does cover how the three films are connected, in both screen talent, locations, producers, and directors. Each of the three films were expected to be box office smashes, following on the success of The Empire Strikes Back in 1980, Raiders of the Lost Ark in 1981, E.T. in 1982, and The Return of the Jedi in 1983. Amblin Entertainment produced Gremlins & Back to the Future. In Gremlins, we see Mogwai playing mini-Donkey Kong. The films do not take themselves too seriously. We know, when the rules are mentioned, that these will be broken, and in imaginative, funny ways... Chinese Boy: Look Mister, there’s three rules you've got to follow. Rand Peltzer: Yeah, what kind of rules? Chinese Boy: Keep him out of the light, he hates bright light, especially sunlight, it'll kill him. And, keep him away from water, don’t get him wet. But the most important rule, the rule you can never forget, no matter how much he cries, no matter how much he begs, never, never feed him after midnight. You got it? Rand Peltzer: Sure kid, whatever you say. Hey, listen, thanks! And have a Merry Christmas! Troy and David then move on to Back to the Future, which was originally cast with Eric Stoltz in the lead, and had a working title: Spaceman from Pluto. Stoltz was removed, and the title changed. A connection between the two films, is that both Back to the Future and Gremlins used the "Universal Studios Courthouse Square" backlot. Troy recommends the book Future Boy, penned by Michael J. Fox. In it, Fox mentions that his replacing Stoltz was not welcomed by everyone, especially by Lea Thompson, but that changed. More discussion in part 2
S7 · E4
Dec 31, 2025 · 1 hr 21 min
Troy and David’s Top Ten SFFH TV Shows of the 21st Century
Troy and David come up with their top ten SFFH TV Shows of the 21st century (3rd Millennium). TV shows from the years 2001 - 2025 are considered. How many TV shows will be on both lists? How many will be Science Fiction? Fantasy? Horror? How many will belong to more than one genre? And, will Troy be able to sneak in a Beatles reference? Listen to find out. Season 7 is our ALL MOVIE season. New episodes usually the last day of the month.
S7 · E3
Dec 25, 2025 · 1 hr 14 min
Troy and David’s Top Ten SFFH Movies of the 21st Century
Troy and David come up with their top ten SFFH films of the 21st century (3rd Millennium). Films from the years 2001 - 2025 are considered. How many films will be on both lists? How many will be Science Fiction? Fantasy? Horror? How many will belong to more than one genre? And, will Troy be able to sneak in a Beatles reference? Listen to find out. Season 7 is our ALL MOVIE season. New episodes usually the last day of the month.
S7 · E2
Nov 30, 2025 · 1 hr 14 min
Yellow Submarine (1968)
Yellow Submarine was an animated film featuring The Beatles. It was released in 1968, to fulfill a 3-picture deal, that included A Hard Days Night (1964); Help! (1965). And like the first two films, this was, in essence, a music-delivery device. It was agreed that the band would supply 4 new songs - All Together Now, Hey Bulldog, It’s All Too Much, and Only A Northern Song - for the film. These new songs would be heard in the film along with 12 other recently released songs, including Nowhere Man, Eleanor Rigby, Yellow Submarine, Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds, When I’m 64, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, With A Little Help From My Friends, and All You Need Is Love . Beatles producer George Martin would provide the score. "And what was that story? In a nut shell, Pepperland, an open, peace-loving land, comes under attack by a fascist, militaristic group known as the Blue Meanies. Fred, is sent by the Lord Mayor, in the Yellow Submarine to enlist help. The Sub ends up in Liverpool England where Fred finds Ringo and the other Beatles. After travelling over various psychedelic lands and seas The Band returns to Pepperland (with Jeremy, a Boob they’ve picked up along the way) to confront the Blue Meanies. All told, over 200 animators worked on the film in the TVC offices in Soho." Please listen to hear the rest of the story, and Troy and David's reactions to their latest re-watch. Season 7 is our ALL MOVIE season. New episodes usually the last day of the month.
S7 · E1
Oct 31, 2025 · 1 hr 13 min
Evil Dead Rise
The Evil Dead movie franchise is near and dear to the hearts of many horror aficionados. And, you do not have to be a horror fan to like the movies. You can like humour, slapstick, comedy, magic realism and surrealism, abstraction, irrationality, and cabins. And woods. And things in the basement. And in the case of Evil Dead Rise, an urban landscape where people like to park woodchippers in parking garages, you know, just in case. You never know, right. Our Halloween episode is our first episode of season 7, our first episode since our Wonder Woman episode, back in the Spring of 2025. Season 7 is our ALL MOVIE season. And what better movie franchise to begin with than the Evil Dead franchise.
S6 · E14
Mar 1, 2025 · 1 hr 16 min
Wonder Woman (TV series)
Wonder Woman introduced Lynda Carter as the comic-book heroine. This live-action series ran for three years, and changed from Season 1 to Season 2, when the show switched networks, and was brought to current day, instead of WWII. Here is the cast (and the description we used in the episode): Wonder Woman (Lynda Carter) Carter was just 23 years old at the time she was cast for the role. Though she had done almost no acting she was working professionally as a singer, and had done very well competing in beauty pageants. She won the title of Miss World USA 1972. Major Steve Trevor (season 1) Steve Trevor Jr (seasons 2 & 3) (Lyle Waggoner) In Stanley Ralph Ross’s casting notes on Steve Trevor he wrote: “Get a Lyle Waggoner type.” Douglas Cramer did him one better by getting the actual Lyle Waggoner. Waggoner had been a regular on The Carol Burnett Show. He did a screen test for the 1966 Batman series. He was the first nude centerfold for Playgirl magazine in 1973. He was also elected the mayor of Encino, California in 1976. Waggoner had many guest appearances on television shows such as Fantasy Island, Love Boat, Charlie’s Angels, Happy Days, and Mork & Mindy. Queen Hippolyta (Cloris Leachman in the original pilot) (Carolyn Jones in 3 episodes) (Beatrice Straight in 2 episodes) Straight was a Tony and Oscar award-winning actress who played one of the ghostbusters in the original Poltergeist. General Blankenship (John Randolph in The New Original Wonder Woman pilot) (Richard Eastham throughout season 1) Etta Candy, General Blankenship’s secretary (Beatrice Colen) Beatrice Colen had formerly been on Happy Days as one of the carhops at Arnold’s. The TV Series had a stellar list of Guest Stars, including: Red Buttons, Stella Stevens, POTA alum Roddy McDowall, Eric Braedon and Severn Darden. Debra Winger, John Saxon, John Hillerman, Robert Reed, Eve Plumb, and Tiger the Dog of the Brady Bunch, Roy Rogers, Wolfman Jack, Lance Kerwin, Bubba Smith, Rick Springfield, Leif Garrett, Craig T Nelson, Gary Burghoff, Frank Gorshin, René Auberjonois, and Robby the Robot! Troy and David present their, "How it all ends", by coming up with an ending to the show, as if the show, like MASH, knew it was ending, and had time to be able to end it properly, wrap everything (or most things) up.
S6 · E13
Feb 15, 2025 · 1 hr 14 min
Kolchak: The Night Stalker (TV Series)
Kolchak: The Night Stalker was a series that lasted only one season, the 1974-75 season. Just 20 episodes. Troy and David look at the series, its pilot episode and others, and briefly talk about the two made for TV movies that preceded the TV series: The Night Stalker and The Night Strangler. The TV series, and the two TV movies, influenced a generation of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror fans, including Chris Carter, who brought us The X-Files. Troy and David open the episode with a short tribute to David Lynch, who had passed away recently. Back to Kolchak: The Night Stalker (TV Series) Here is the cast (and the description we used in the episode): Darren McGavin as Carl Kolchak, 20 episodes. The intrepid investigative reporter. McGavin had a long career in film and television working steadily from the 1940s onward. Other than Kolchak he is remembered for his roles in The Natural, A Christmas Story, Millennium and The X-Files. Simon Oakland as Tony Vincenzo, 20 episodes. Kolchak’s crotchety ulcer-ridden editor. Oakland appeared on both The Twilight Zone and The Outer Limits. He was also in Hitchcock’s Psycho, and West Side Story. Jack Grinnage as Ron Updyke, 18 episodes. Another journalist at INS (Carl sometimes calls him “Uptight” instead of Updyke. Updyke looks A LOT like Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, doesn't he? Although this was his biggest recurring role, Grinnage also appeared in Rebel Without A Cause, the Elvis film Kid Creole, as well as on The Twilight Zone. Ruth McDevitt as Emily Cowles, 12 episodes. Although Ruth McDevitt was born in 1895 (!!!) her first on-screen role did not come until 1949. Among her long list of film and TV roles, McDevitt appeared in The Birds, The Shakiest Gun in the West, Mame, and on Room 222, Kojack, McCloud and Gunsmoke, before going on to Kolchak: The Night Stalker. She passed away in 1975 at the age of 80. The TV Series had a stellar list of Guest Stars, including: Carolyn Jones, Scatman Crothers, Phil Silvers, Stella Stevens, Jim Backus, Jamie Farr, Antonio Fargus, Tom Skerrit, Kathy Lee Crosby and Tom Bosley. Troy and David present their, "How it all ends", by coming up with an ending to the show, as if the show, like MASH, knew it was ending, and had time to be able to end it properly, wrap everything (or most things) up.
S6 · E12
Feb 1, 2025 · 1 hr 22 min
The Planet of the Apes TV Series
The Planet of the Apes TV Series premiered in 1974. After the success of the Planet of the Apes movies, a TV series was given the go-ahead. The series lasted one year, and just 14 episodes. Roddy McDowell was signed on, but playing a different character, Galen. Here is the cast: Roddy McDowall … Galen = 14 episodes, 1974 Ron Harper … Alan Virdon = 14 episodes, 1974 James Naughton … Pete Burke = 14 episodes, 1974 Mark Lenard … Urko = 11 episodes, 1974 Booth Colman … Zaius = 6 episodes, 1974 Ron Stein … Gorilla Guard / … = 4 episodes, 1974 One of the concerns with the series, and most POTA fans were not happy with, was the appearance of a dog at the beginning of the first episode. From the Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972) there was an interstellar disease that eliminated dogs and cats, and that was when humanity started to have apes as pets. Troy and David look at the pilot episode, and discuss some of the differences in it and the movies, and what are considered its best episodes.
S6 · E11
Dec 21, 2024 · 51 min
Holiday Extravaganza – TOYS!
Tory and David recall their favourite genre-related gifts of their childhoods and play some clips of old TV ads because this is TOF's ALL TV season, AKA, TWO OLD FARTS MEET THE GLASS TEAT. Stay tuned to the Secret Santa gift exchange, later in the show. They review some shows they covered this season, and highlight those shows holiday episodes. The Addams Family. The Munsters. Lost in Space. The Six Million Dollar Man. Wonder Woman. Kolchak: the Night Stalker There were two Wonder Woman Xmas episodes (TOF will be covering this series in the new year) (TOF will also be covering Kolchak in the new year) Genre toys of their youth. Troy and David talk about their holiday memories. What their typical Christmas morning was, including the stalkings. Troy and David also look at The Kenner Six Million Dollar Man. Major Matt Mason. Superman & Aquaman & Tarzan & Shazaam. Spiderman and many others. Action Jackson (and his parachute). 7" Spock figure. Robin's little green shoes. Batman's cowl. The Batmobile. The Seaview Troy mentions that if you are a successful show, you were guaranteed to have three things: 1] a lunchbox 2] a viewmaster reel 3] a board game. David mentions that for this Christmas season there is a "Star Wars Against Humanity" - which is the Cards Against Humanity game, but with a Star Wars. At the end of the episode, Troy and David reveal the gift that tghey got for each other.
S6 · E10
Dec 7, 2024 · 1 hr 10 min
Battlestar Galactica and Buck Rogers in the 25th Century
There were two SF series in the late 1970s that both had theatrical releases: Battlestar Galactica, and Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. Both were produced by Glen A. Larson. Troy and David look at the theatrical films, and compare and contrast these, and how they fit in with the televised series. CAST OF BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: • Richard Hatch as Captain Apollo (Waltons, Love Boat, Kung Fu…) • Dirk Benedict as Lieutenant Starbuck (A Team) • Lorne Greene as Commander Adama (CAN) Bonanza, New Wilderness • John Colicos as Baltar (CAN) (Star Trek, Night Gallery, The Changeling) • Jane Seymour as Serina (Somewhere in Time, Dr Quinn Med. Woman) • Rick Springfield as Zak Adama (Jesse’s Girl song, General Hospital) • Ray Milland as Sire Uri (born 1907! 100s of classic films) • Maren Jensen as Lieutenant Athena • Noah Hathaway as Boxey • Herbert Jefferson Jr. as Lieutenant Boomer • Tony Swartz as Flight Sergeant Jolly • Laurette Spang as Cassiopeia (Emergency, Isis, SMDM, Happy Days) • Terry Carter as Colonel Tigh • Patrick Macnee as The Imperious Leader / The Narrator • Anne Lockhart as Lieutenant Sheba (daughter of June Lockhart) CAST OF BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25TH CENTURY: Gil Gerrard as Buck Rogers Erin Grey as Wilma Deering Tim O’Connor as Dr. Elias Huer Felix Silla as the body of Twiki Mel Blanc as the voice of Twiki Pamela Hensley as Princess Ardala Henry Silva as Kane Joseph Wiseman as King Draco Duke Butler as Tigerman Caroline Smith as Delta Section Troy and David talk a bit about the merchandising. They also do their recurring segment, "How it all ends" where Troy and David come up with their versions of how series end, especially the shows that were not given a chance to end on their own terms.
S6 · E9
Nov 23, 2024 · 1 hr 16 min
The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman PT 2
Two Old Farts Talk Sci Fi continue to look at The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman. This is the second of a 2-part episode. And stick to the end, where we have a special bionic treat, where Robert J. Sawyer gives his recommendations on his favourite episodes. We begin with a recap of PT. 1. SOME OF THE EPISODES WE LOOK AT The Return of the Bionic Woman (2-part episode) Welcome Home Jaimie (2-part episode) The Secret of Bigfoot (2-part episode) The Return of Bigfoot (2-part episode) Bigfoot 5 (1 episode) Fembots in Las Vegas Kill Oscar (3-part episode) One of Our Running Backs is Missing Sharks A Bionic Christmas Carol Deadly Countdown Bionic Beauty Doomsday is Tomorrow Black Magic Motorcycle Boogie On the Run Troy and David talk about all the merchandising of the shows. They also do their recurring segment, "How it all ends" where Troy and David come up with their versions of how series end, especially the shows that were not given a chance to end on their own terms. Troy and David invited SCI-FI Legend Robert J. Sawyer to close out the episode by mentioning his favourite Six Million Dollar Man episodes and TV movies.
S6 · E8
Nov 9, 2024 · 52 min
The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman PT 1
Two Old Farts Talk Sci Fi continues its exploration of SFFH TV shows from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. This episode is the first of a 2-part look at The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman. Many who loved The Six Million Dollar Man enjoyed its iconic look, and also the slow motion. and especially the opening segment. Martin Caiden wrote Cyborg. TSMDM & BW were based on the novel. Caiden TSMDM had a few television movies that were very successful. The series went on from 1974 - 1978. Harve Bennet came in, and became the producer for the show. He made a number of changes to the show. ABC went to the top of the ratings. One of the earlier TV movies had a very James Bond flavour, and this was not what Martin Caiden wanted. Harve Bennet came in and restored the show to what it should have been. EPISODES WE LOOK AT IN DETAIL IN PT. 1: Title: The Six Million Dollar Man "The Moon and the Desert" TV MOVIE from 1973 of The Six Million Dollar Man original air date: Mar 07, 1973 IMDB Rating = 6.5 Title: Day of the Robot season 1 episode 4 of The Six Million Dollar Man original air date: Feb 8, 1974 IMDB Rating = 7.7 Title: Rescue of Athena One season 1 episode 8 of The Six Million Dollar Man original air date: Mar 15, 1974 IMDB Rating = 6.8 Episode synopsis for The Moon and the Desert (from Wikipedia) Steve Austin is an astronaut who has made three Moon landings. In a test flight accident caused by a malfunctioning center stick, his right arm is severed, his left eye is blinded, and both legs must be surgically amputated. Steve Austin’s personal physician, Dr. Rudy Wells, has theorized about the creation of a cyborg through the installation of bionic parts. He is persuaded by an OSI agent to reconstruct his patient/friend with the understanding that Steve Austin will subsequently work for the OSI. Dr. Wells apprises Steve of the plan, but is met with much resistance as Steve Austin mentally struggles to cope with his injuries, the installation of artificial components, and the future obligations that will be involuntarily thrust upon him. Following surgery and lengthy rehabilitation, Steve Austin reluctantly accepts an assignment to rescue a hostage in Saudi Arabia. Episode synopsis for The Day of the Robot (from Wikipedia) In an attempt to steal a top secret anti-missile device, Steve's associate and friend Major Sloan is kidnapped and replaced with a robot. Steve must discover the impostor, and keep the device from being stolen and sold to the highest bidder. Noteworthy Moments: First occurrence of the "fft-tt-tt" sound effect, later used for Steve Austin's bionic legs and arm, used here for some (but not all) of the Fred Sloan robot's powered arm swings. Episode synopsis for The Rescue of Athena One (from Wikipedia) Steve is launched into space to rescue two astronauts stranded in a crippled space capsule. However, when his bionics begin to malfunction due to space radiation, the return trip to Earth becomes endangered. Note: The first of four appearances that Lee Majors' then-wife, Farrah Fawcett Majors, made on the show. She appeared in each season except the final one, playing a different character each time. = = = The cast (by order of appearances) of The Six Million Dollar Man: Lee Majors as Col. Steve Austin… [99 episodes] Richard Anderson as Oscar Goldman [99 episodes] Martin E. Brooks as Dr. Rudy Wells [45 episodes] Lindsay Wagner as Jaime Sommers… [9 episodes] Alan Oppenheimer as Dr. Rudy Wells… [9 episodes] Quinn K. Redeker as Frank… [6 episodes] Than Wyenn as Ambassador Mahmound… [5 episodes] John de Lancie as Diver… [5 episodes] The cast (by order of appearances) of The Bionic Woman: Lindsay Wagner as Jaime Sommers… [58 episodes] Richard Anderson as Oscar Goldman [58 episodes] Martin E. Brooks as Dr. Rudy Wells [46 episodes] Ford Rainey as Jim Elgin [9 episodes] Sam Chew Jr. as Mark Russell [8 episodes] Jennifer Darling as Peggy Callahan [7 episodes] Martha Scott as Helen Elgin [6 episodes] Lee Majors as Col. Steve Austin [6 episodes]
S6 · E7
Oct 26, 2024 · 1 hr 6 min
Spending Halloween with The Addams Family & The Munsters
Two Old Farts Talk Sci Fi celebrates Halloween by looking at two horror comedies from the 1960s, The Addams Family and The Munsters. In fact, they look specifically at episodes that are the "Halloween episodes" of the two series: Halloween with the Addams Family season 1 episode 7 of The Addams Family original air date: October 30, 1964. IMDB Rating = 7.8 Munster's Masquerade season 1 episode 1 of The Munsters. original air date: May 6, 1965 IMDB Rating = 7.5 As mentioned in the episode, here are the descriptions from wikipedia for the two episodes. Episode synopsis for Halloween with the Addams Family from Wikipedia: Marilyn's boyfriend, Tom Daily, invites the Munster clan to a masquerade. Eddie remains at home with Mrs. Morton as his sitter. Marilyn goes as Priscilla, Lily is Little Bo Peep, Grandpa is Napoleon and Herman is King Arthur in a suit of shining armor. At the party Mr. Daly is dressed and made up as Frankenstein's monster. Herman tells him that he reminds him of someone and adds that it's unfortunate that he isn't wearing a costume at his own masquerade party, angering Mr. Daly. When it is time for the best costume award Herman is asked to take off his helmet. One man says that Herman should win for wearing one mask over another. Lily is insulted and Marilyn as well is angry with Tom's family. Tom takes Marilyn home, where he finally sees Herman and Lily without their costumes. Tom runs away, but Marilyn is relieved. Episode synopsis for Munster's Masquerade from Wikipedia: Mistaking two robbers named Claude (Don Rickles) and Marty (Skip Homeier) for trick-or-treaters, the family takes them in for a Halloween celebration. The robbers agree because they are hiding out from the police and their car has run out of gas in front of the Addams’ house. They put up with the creepy household's holiday festivities as best they can, because they spot Gomez' desk full of loose cash. Unbeknownst to all, Thing is on to them and ready to take matters “in hand”. When they finally manage to escape the house, it's only into the waiting arms of the police. The cast of The Munsters: Fred Gwyne as Herman Munster Al Lewis as Grandpa Munster Yvonne De Carlo as Lily Munster (Herman’s wife) Butch Patrick As Eddie Munster (the son) Marilyn (the adopted daughter) played by three actresses: Beverly Owen as Marilyn #1 Pat Priest as Marilyn #2 (took over midway thru season 1). Debbie Watson as Marilyn #3 in the film Munster, Go Home. The cast of The Addams Family: John Astin as Gomez Addams Carolyn Jones as Morticia Frump Addams. Ted Cassidy as Lurch the Butler. Felix Sila as Cousin ITT. Lisa Loring as Wednesday Addams Ken Weatherwax as Pugsley (Pubert!) Jackie Coogan as Uncle Fester Blossom Rock as Grandmama.

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