“I have degrees in English literature from two Ivy League universities. The doctorate is very nearly complete. That’s a lot of course work, and a lot of guiding students through narratives, so throw some gravity on what I’m about to say:
Adam and Ben manage to really deftly combine thoughtful criticism of Trek with a lively and amiable humor. Their deep knowledge of canon informs and guides that criticism, even as it allows them to exploit episodic flaws for good-natured, if often bawdy, laughs. They ask really grounded and probing questions, and they voice their concerns with erudition and, I think, with consistency. Yet, they remain kind and considerate to the humans undertaking the massive work that Trek entails. Their jokes and really lovely camaraderie replace the digressions into secondary sources and theory that a film course on Trek would have, but otherwise their commentary would often be at home in even graduate-level film courses (if seminars allowed tiki drinks).
Perhaps the most impressive feature of combining serious exegesis with alcohol and the low-brow is that both Adam and Ben, somehow, remain consummate professionals, always looking for ways to improve their product, their brand, and their listeners’ experiences. It’s really no wonder that they’ve done so well in a remarkably crowded space. Honestly, it’s just a real pleasure to listen to them, and I hope you’ll give them a try.”
SWGill via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/31/23