The 'Verse!

The Squad continues coverage of Disney+’s Ahsoka, and we’ve finally reached the episode that makes this solidly an Ahsoka show and not a Sabine show! Not that we were complaining. There’s lots of discussion about Rebels and the Clone Wars for seasoned Star Wars masters, but no spoilers for any budding Padawans.

Next we spin off back to the Doctor Who-iverse to finish our collective NuWho series one blindspot. Emilia is here to shepherd the squad into the Tenth-nant era #thatsmydoctor, and everyone’s loving it! Well, most of the Squad.

The squad continues their coverage of Disney+’s Ahsoka, including that reveal and we once again all align around the indisputable fact that well, light sabers are cool.

As are fezzes and Stetsons and fish fingers and custard…The rest of the squad will understand that reference soon enough because we’ve begun filling in our Doctor Who blindspot! Our resident Whovian Emilia (and Filmsnork behind the scenes!) invites the squad and audience to step into the TARDIS beginning with a retrospective on NuWho. We cover the must-see episodes of series one of the revived series with the 9th doctor, Christopher Eccleston. 

To round out our tour of cinematic universes for this episode, we also revisit Star Trek: Lower Decks for the season four premiere. If you’re curious about Star Trek but don’t know where to start, the squad would prescribe a healthy dose of the animated series Lower Decks, plus Strange New Worlds, and then thank us in the morning!

We begin our coverage of the latest Disney+ Star Wars series, Ahsoka, by discussing episodes 1-3. We have some big Clone Wars and Rebels fans on the squad, and Emilia’s here too. Tune in to hear us discuss the Star Wars context you need to know to watch Ahsoka, our favorite moments of the show so far, and how well we think the live action series translates from animation!

We also revive our long-suffering news segment for this episode to catch up on some of the latest cinematic universe updates from the last few weeks.

The squad wraps up coverage of season two of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, and yes, that includes the musical episode. We also cover the hotly anticipated Lower Decks crossover episode, the Emilia-named “PTSD episode,” and of course, the season finale.

Tune in to hear our wide-ranging views on musical specials, cliffhangers, and more. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed this season and can’t wait for season three!

In other news, the Squad finds a solution to their space-recession! Or at least, we thought we did…

We're back! We have been MIA for a few weeks and have now returned to cover some great entertainment. Believe it or not, The 'Verse! squad has completed 100 standard full-length episodes. In addition, they have nearly 20 interview episodes which include conversations with many very talented (and cool) industry pros, the cast of The Boys, top showrunners, composers, writers, VFX teams, and more. It has been an exceptional run where we have not just discussed the best of TV and film, but also met some unique new friends along the way - robots, aliens, sentient doors, and more. 
If you have not listened yet we recommend you do. The 'Verse! covers many of the cinematic universes through in-depth reviews, previews, games and more. In addition, we explore those universes on our very own spaceship (to be named later) which often leads to us hosting exciting new visitors.
You can think of it as a mix of Comic Con, Siskel & Ebert, MST3K, and Pee-Wee's Playhouse. While the show can often take some wacky tangents, the heart of The 'Verse! is our 4 hosts (Bridget, Norm, Emilia, and Lucas) who have passionate and entertaining discussions about a wide variety of franchise universes spanning Marvel, Star Trek, Star Wars, Doctor Who, The Boys, and much more. Give episode #100 a listen, and then for the fullest, most rewarding experience start from the beginning to hear how the show has evolved and grown.
Let's get back to great entertainment, for this episode let's just say, this was…um... not it. The squad begrudgingly finishes covering Marvel’s Secret Invasion with episodes 4-6. (We came back from our summer hiatus for this??) We tried to love it, we really did. To be fair, we look forward to seeing Nick Fury in anything else going forward and congratulate the cast of Secret Invasion for doing the most they could with this show. (Oh yeah, speaking of summer hiatus, there's a story about it in the episode which you will want to hear.)

On a much brighter note, we cover episodes 5 and 6 of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, inching ever closer to both the Lower Decks crossover episode and the musical episode (both covered in the soon to arrive episode 101. This show has continued to impress old and new Star Trek fans alike. Tune in to hear perspectives from Trek veterans and fresh-faced cadets alike!

No one can explain why, but this was recorded weeks ago and sat in the vault, unpublished. We are glad to share it and you can expect a more timely episode delivery going forward.

In this 'lost' episode the squad continues coverage of the latest Disney+ Marvel show, 'Secret Invasion' - a show which was getting wait-and-see reactions from the squad. At this point things are heating up for Nick Fury and the Skrulls…or at least, they should be. We’re halfway through the show and still don’t know what to think!

Up next, school’s still in session with Star Trek Uni’Verse!-ity, helmed by our very own Professor Longacre. He’s no replacement for the Admiral but he looks and sounds suspiciously similar. Their squad's stance on Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is quite the opposite of that for Secret Invasion. It is more like see-and-wait-and-wait-and-wait for more. To say the squad is enjoying season two would be an understatement. It is as if they keep waiting for 'Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow' for new episodes to discuss, just like 'The Lotus Eaters.'

The Squad kicks off their coverage of the latest Disney+ Marvel show, Secret Invasion. It’s about time we got some unbridled Fury in this universe! Nick Fury, that is. We discuss the show’s comic origins and the extensive changes to the story by the TV adaptation. We’ve been promised 'Winter Soldier' vibes and Skrull-y twists behind every corner, so we’re excited for what’s to come. Stay tuned for our coverage of the whole series as it comes out.

We continue our coverage of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season two with episode two, 'Ad Astra Per Aspera,' a return to The Next Generation in many ways as a courtroom drama with direct commentary on contemporary social justice and civil rights issues. We also revisit an old TNG episode, 'The Outcast;, to assess what’s changed and what’s remained of Star Trek’s progressive-leaning programming. The Star Trek Uni’Verse!ity is in session!

We’ve got a real multi-versal episode for you this week with our coverage of the second Spider-Verse installment as well as the premiere of season two of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Tune in to find out if we think Across the Spider-Verse reaches the same soaring heights as Into the Spider-Verse, as well as a breakdown of the film’s top performances, score, and the absolute avalanche of Easter eggs and references.

We reboot Star Trek Uni-’Verse!-ity to kick off our coverage of Strange New Worlds season two. No Admiral today, but we still bring you the same comprehensive discussion designed for Trekkie veterans and newbies alike.

If you stick around after the credits a certain sentient door puts us on the run.

SHOW BREAKDOWN: 0:00 – Intro // 3:15 – Star Trek : STRANGE NEW WORLDS S2 E1 // 30:32 - SPIDERMAN: ACROSS THE SPIDERVERSE review // 72:10 – Contact Info // 75:03 – Post Credit - Dorothy Calls

This week's episode features double segments with the removal of Emilia's Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi Blindspot and the squad's decade-specific recasting of Guardians of the Galaxy in The 'Verse! Reeee'Verrrse!

We're almost through the Star Wars sequels which means we've almost completely dragged Emilia from her peaceful layperson status and into the fraught world of Star Wars fandom. During the process we discovered another big squad secret. Our very own SW fan Lucas has NEVER seen Rise of Skywalker so our final sequels segment will feature DOUBLE blindspots! In the meantime tune in to hear Emilia's first impressions of The Last Jedi.

'The Guardians of the Galaxy' RETROSPECTIVE - and GotG Vol. 3 Review

SHOW BREAKDOWN: 0:00 – Intro // 3:15 – THE GUARDIANS of the GALAXY - Retrospective // 45:41 - THE GUARDIANS of the GALAXY Vol. 3 REVIEW // 98:30 – Contact Info // 99:37 – Our GotG Mixtape Playlists

After some sort of mysterious time warp that erased 20 days of our existence, the squad is finally just getting to finish their delayed coverage of Paramount+’s Star Trek: Picard with the end of season three and series finale. It was worth the wait. We bid a fond farewell to the now golden-aged cast of The Next Generation in a heartwarming sendoff. Which means the latest semester of our Star Trek Uni-’Verse!-ity is officially over! School’s out until Star Trek: Strange New Worlds returns this summer.

Next we close out season three of Disney+’s The Mandalorian, which, surprise, is NOT the series finale. What further adventures await our favorite masked Star Wars character and his adoptive merch-machine–I mean son? Tune in to hear our predictions and takes.

The squad is deep in space continuing our coverage of season three of both Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Star Trek: Picard. This week we cover the penultimate episodes of each series. So much has been revealed yet the finales of each show are still a mystery to us. Tune in to hear our thoughts and predictions, plus a healthy dose of heated Star Wars fan debate, as is tradition.

This week the squad delivers an extended news section with happenings from the DC extended universe, the Song of Ice and Fire universe, and the wizarding world. Next we blast off into the Star Trek world, covering episodes 6, 7, and 8 of Paramount+’s Star Trek: Picard season three. We reveal the absolute baskets of Easter eggs across these three episodes and answer questions for our Star Trek newcomer, Emilia. Whether you’re ready to reminisce with us, or come to us seeking answers to questions like “Who or what is Data? Is Picard dead or something? What is the nature of existence?” then we are the podcast for you.

We’re taking a break from new content this week and REvisiting the first Star Wars sequel, The Force Awakens, as well as REcasting the stars of the original trilogy’s Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope in a fresh segment called The Verse! RE’Verse! (aka Role Re'Verse-al - we're working it out)

Long ago in a galaxy very close to here, we discovered the last nerdy person who hasn’t seen Star Wars in Emilia, and she’s well on her way to graduating from her padawan status with episode VII under her belt. Will she love or hate the highly divisive sequel trilogy? Or will she just kinda…not care? Is that even possible for a Star Wars fan?

After catching up on the first two seasons of Disney+'s The Mandalorian, the squad dives into episodes 1-3 of the third and final season. What do you think of this season's opener? Best or worst season yet? Is Grogu just a merchandising gimmick? Tune in for our thoughts and feel free to agree or disagree on our socials.

Next, we jet off to another space-themed cinematic universe with episodes 4 and 5 of Paramount+'s Picard. That means another visit from our very own Admiral Longacre and another session of Star Trek Academy. Set your phasers to *Learn* and hear what we had to say about these particularly "sus" episodes.

SHOW BREAKDOWN: 0:00 - Intro // 2:05 - The News // 14:00 THE MANDALORIAN S2 - Blindspot // 44:51 - THE LAST OF US (Ep9 - Finale)  // 72:50 - Contact Info // 75:46 - Recasting Pedro Pascal

The finale of HBO's The Last of Us is finally here and what an incredible nine weeks it's been. The squad is here to discuss what we loved, debate the guy wrenching moral question at the heart of the episode, and reflect on the show's video game origins. We called it at episode one and with the finale, we're solidifying The Last of Us as the best video game adaptation to date.

We finish off our stint in P-squared (Pedro Pascal, get it??) heaven with some Blindspot coverage of The Mandalorianseason two. That means we're reviewing this season through the eyes of a Star Wars Padawan in conversation with lifelong fans. Check out last week's episode to hear our coverage of season one and stay tuned next week to hear us talk about the latest episodes in season three which is currently airing on Disney+.
If you stick around after the credits, we play a little game we like to call "Add a Pedro!"

The squad blasts off to a galaxy far, far away to revisit season one of Disney+’s acclaimed Star Wars spinoff series, The Mandalorian, in preparation for this month’s season three premiere. We’re back in the business of removing blindspots and Emilia gives her first impressions and fresh takes of the Pedro Pascal-led space western.

Next we continue coverage of another favorite Pascal-led property - HBO’s The Last of Us. And this episode proves our odd number theory WRONG. So far every odd numbered episode has been an emotional gutpunch, but it turns out some even numbered episodes (like this one) are capable of the same. And with the season finale coming up, we’re not likely to get a break. Tune in to hear our discussion of the latest episode, comparisons to the video game, and a recap of any Easter eggs or details you might have missed!

We continue our coverage of HBO’s The Last of Us with Ellie-centric episode 7 and our Star Trek academy is back in session with episodes 2 and 3 of Paramount+’s Star Trek: Picard.

We reconvene with the admiral who has a lot to share about the latest two episodes of Picard. Let’s just say reviews are mixed. Regardless we’re looking forward to the rest of the season and catching up with the rest of The Next Generation characters in the pipeline. We’re also only two episodes away from proving our theory that odd number TLOU episodes are here to punch us in our emotional guts and we couldn’t be happier about it. This week we flash back to Ellie’s recent past just before she met Joel as she struggles in the present-day to save him.

SHOW BREAKDOWN: 0:00 - Intro // 2:44 - THE LAST OF US Episode 6 // 37:32 - THE LEGEND OF VOX MACHINA (eps 10, 11 , & 12) // 51:32 ANT-MAN AND THE WASP: QUANTUMANIA // 93:15 - Contact Info // 95:43 - Employee of the Month

This week’s episode is packed with amazing content from across the cinematic universes and beyond. We continue our coverage of HBO’s The Last of Us with episode 6. Even though most of us have some experience with the original game, we feel entirely unprepared for what’s to come. In the best way possible.

Next we wrap up season two of Amazon Prime Video’s Vox Machina. Another favorite of the squad’s, did the finale meet our expectations? Tune in to hear our reactions and predictions for how the Chroma Conclave arc might play out.

The Squad returns to our Star Trek Academy to cover the anticipated season three premiere of Paramount+’s Star Trek: Picard. Admiral Longacre’s back with his biggest fan Norm to discuss the legacy of The Next Generation with Star Trek newcomers Emilia and Bridget. As we did with Strange New Worlds, we approach it in a way the will interest both old and new fans.

SHOW BREAKDOWN: 0:00 - Intro // 1:31 - The 'Verse! News - James Gunn & DC lineup // 12:04 - THE LAST OF US Episode 3 // 41:32 - THE LEGEND OF VOX MACHINA (eps 7, 8 , & 9) // 60:10 - Contact Info // 66:13 - Post Credit Scene 1 : Our Apocalypse Meal // 70:50 - Post Credit Scene 2: Bridget Messages in about 'The Last of Us' ep 3 

We discuss that must-see episode of HBO’s The Last of Us and more coverage of Amazon Prime Video’s The Legend of Vox Machina. Both are bringing TV storytelling to new heights. Since Bridget’s on a field trip with the bots this week but Emilia, Lucas, and Norm continue with our regularly scheduled programming.

In this back to back premiere episode we start by covering HBO Max's The Last of Us, a TV adaptation of the landmark 2013 video game. The series asks what would happen if a parasitic fungi evolved to infect humanity, with the chilling prediction, "We'd lose." The squad has a range of different histories with the original video game, from complete strangers to the franchise to having completed it on hard mode (as Norm likes to remind us). Could this be the best video game adaptation to date? Tune in every week to find out!

Next week revisit a squad favorite, Amazon Prime Video's The Legend of Vox Machina to cover the season 2 premiere. The Critical Role campaign is back and the stakes are higher than ever for our band of lovable misfits. If you're like us and struggle to schedule a consistent Dungeons and Dragons night, this is the show for you to scratch that itch.

The 'Verse! Squad celebrates the holidays in the most festive way possible with an old-fashioned outer space holiday special that includes special guests, a heft dose of holiday cheer (and rum), and plenty of surprises. You may even shed a tear. If you are a loyal fan of The 'Verse!, this episode will reward you for listening. If you are new to the podcast, it is a great jumping in point that will certainly have you listening to old episodes to learn more about all the antics.  For those who love the Christmas specials and movies, you'll have fun catching references to some of the classics.

Oh yeah, in addition to the holiday festivities we have a fun discussion as we rank the Marvel Disney+ series... and rarely agree. Not many know that it was Wandavision which inspired The 'Verse!. Where does it land? Listen and find out.

The squad speeds off to a galaxy far, far away NOT to Tatooine for once, but Ferrix, Narkina 5, and Coruscant to discuss and break down Disney+’s ANDOR, following the titular hero (Diego Luna) from Rogue One to uncover his backstory. This series might just be a new squad favorite with our reactions ranging from unbridled admiration to begrudging acknowledgement. Tune in for our takes, tangents, And/Or predictions (get it?)!

The Squad returns to Westeros to cover the finale of Hot D!! Or, as Norm prefers to call it, House of the Dragon… We unpack the episode from the point of view of ASOIAF experts and newcomers to determine how many dragons we would rate the show out of.  We also share our theories (no spoilers) and rank the first season of this show alongside every season of Game of Thrones.

We also return with our cinematic news coverage to discuss some unexpected Harry Potter news, Henry Cavill's departure from The Witcher, and a familiar face entering Marvel's phase five. Tune in to stay informed on the latest and greatest cinematic universe news!

The ‘Verse! plays ketchup - oops, that's catchup on Disney+'s ANDOR (episodes 4 - 6) and HBO's HOUSE OF THE DRAGON (episode 8 and 9 - the finale conversation comes soon), plus we cover some big DC and DOCTOR WHO news.

The ‘Verse! wraps up their coverage of both Marvel’s She-Hulk and Amazon Prime Video’s Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power in this finale-packed episode. With She-Hulk, we discuss that ending and share what we loved, what irked us, and where we might see our favorite female lawyer of the year next!

The ‘Verse! is a unique place. While it is full of fangirls and fanboys who love to celebrate their favorite cinematic universes, they’re also honest and fair about the content they cover. If they love something, you’ll know. If they don’t, trust me you’ll know. If they disagree , they certainly let eachother know. Andor is no exception.

As they discuss the story of Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) in a galaxy far, far away… one that feels like the least Star Warsy of all Star Wars to date, they don’t hold back. While leaning toward positive overall, the takes cover are quite diverse and just who lands where on the meter may surprise you. It is an interesting conversation and as you know, this is just the beginning.

Plus they cover some of the biggest cinematic universe news, including the Deadpool/Wolverine announcement, The Last of Us trailer drop, our plans fro NYCC and much more. See them both on our Twitter page.

We continue our discussion of Amazon Prime Video's Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Tune in for a rich conversation between Lord of the Rings noobs, lovers, and "always extended edition" obsessors. Where do you fall on the spectrum and what do you think of the show?

In an episode that goes a little off the rails The Squad has a lot of fun while still delivering an in-depth look at two very different series She-Hulk and (Hooot Deeee!) aka House of the Dragon. We continue our discussion of She-Hulk's where Wong and Madisynn stir up a whole bunch of entertaining conversations.

Next we jump genres and universes to continue our HotD coverage. Tune in to hear about the latest in Westeros circa Targaryen Dynasty, Easter eggs and details you missed, and more Song of Ice and Fire lore than you signed up for.

Most of The 'Verse! Squad is back together to discuss Amazon Prime Video's mega-expensive trip into Middleearth in the new series, Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. We also explore the animated Star Trek series Lower Decks. Norm and Lucas had already watched the first two season, Emilia is jumping in a a series newb. You'll get several perspectives so if you are a fan or just considering watching we have you covered.

Stick around until after the credits to find out just why BURT did not take part in the episode.

The squad delves into dual episodes dos! We continue our discussion of She-Hulk's short but sweet second episode and share our unbiased judgments. Agree? Disagree? Let us know on Twitter @TheVerseCast if you think we deserve a fat settlement or 5-10 with no parole for our opinions.

Next we jump genres and universes to continue our HotD coverage. Tune in to hear about the latest in Westeros circa Targaryen Dynasty, Easter eggs and details you missed, and more Song of Ice and Fire lore than you signed up for.

Call up Doctor Bridget BS because we’re seeing double! Double premieres that is. First up the squad’s due in court to see Jennifer Walters (Tatiana Maslany) in action as the titular mean green machine in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law. We give our testimony from every perspective whether it be feminist, comics expert, film critic, or just plain tired of Internet flame wars fan. Did we like it? Tune in to hear our ruling.

As promised, the squad returns to Amazon Prime Video’s The Boys for a thorough breakdown of season 3. We jump in headfirst (series opening scene pun intended) to share our favorite moments, most insane deaths, and make predictions for season 4. If you’re a fan, be sure to tune in because we leave no bloodstained, coke-spattered stones unturned in this breakdown.

The squad breaks down the merger of Warner Bros and Discovery and the flood of concern over the future of many HBO Max and DCEU properties. If you’ve been more than a little confused about the who, what, and WHY of all the drama, be sure to tune into our news section.

We follow up with an extended retrospective of Amazon Prime Video’s The Boys seasons 1 and 2. We cover what went down, our favorite moments, and the most diabolical deaths and fights. We are all certified fans of this Supe satire, and can’t wait to tackle the latest season in an upcoming episode. Do you have a favorite member of The Boys or The Seven? Maybe you’re an Ashley fan? Tell us on Twitter or Instagram @TheVerseCast!

The squad revisits Emilia’s ever-shrinking Star Wars blindspot with a discussion and dissection of Solo: A Star Wars Story. Soon, she’ll rise as a padawan no more, but a fully fledged Jedi…hopefully. Don’t let her on the forums or we might have a Sith-uation on our hands. In this episode you can rewatch the hotly-debated Solo film with us through the fresh eyes of a newcomer.

We also react to the firehose of cinematic universe news from San Diego Comic Con. We report on everything you need to know for DC, Lord of the Rings, Sandman, Dungeons and Dragons, and of course, Marvel. Join us for a round of 'T3,' our trailer evaluation segment where we decide if a trailer is Treasure, Trash, or Hey, THAT looks okay!

The Squad! wraps up The 'Verse! Academy's 101 class on Star Trek with a final exam to determine their Trekkie status. We discuss the finale of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and compete to see who knows the most and who's been more delinquent than a couple of cadets on shore leave.

We also wrap up our coverage of Disney+'s Ms. Marvel with a double feature covering episodes 5 and 6. Tune in to hear our discussion, Easter eggs, and theories for what might be one of our favorite Marvel TV shows!