The 'Verse!

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! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @TheVerseCast where we post news, announcements about the pod, and collect listener questions. If you stick around after the credits, beep boop bleep bop… SHOW BREAKDOWN: 0:00 - Intro // 2:40 - The News // 20:40 THE MANDALORIAN S1 - Blindspot // 52:00 - THE LAST OF US (Ep 7)  // 72:50 - Contact Info // 74:15 - Me and my Droid

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. If you stick around after the credits, some of us have been spending a little too much time on the Internet… Let us know your thought on Twitter and Instagram @TheVerseCast!  We also share industry news, announcements about the pod, and memes so it’s a worthy investment. SHOW BREAKDOWN: 0:00 - Intro // 2:38 - STAR TREK: PICARD (Eps 2 & 3) // 37:04 - THE LAST OF US (Ep 7) // 68:40 - Contact Info // 70:25 - Internet Daddy - post credit

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. Finally we discuss the latest Marvel movie installment, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, taking our usual poetic approach to describe our initial takes, and then splitting the discussion into spoiler-FREE and spoiler-FILLED segments. What did you think of the film? Do you agree with our critics? Let us know your thought on Twitter and Instagram @TheVerseCast!  We also share industry news, announcements about the pod, and memes so it’s a worthy investment. If you stick around after the credits, we’d like to shake your hand for doing such a great job!

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. Next we discuss more HBO’s The Last of Us episodes 4 and 5. Looks like tears might be on the agenda every week until season one wraps. Tune in for our reactions, Easter eggs, and a thorough discussion of game vs show. Did we miss anything? Do you just want to commiserate with us? Talk to us on Twitter @TheVerseCast, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Then leave us a follow because we also post news and announcements about the pod and collect listener questions. If you stick around after the credits, get ready to groan…SHOW BREAKDOWN: 0:00 - Intro // 2:04 - PICARD - season 3, ep 1 // 45:02 - THE LAST OF US (eps 4 & 5) // 81:00 - Contact Info // 82:20 - Post Credit Scene: Dad Jokes 

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. What did you think of The Last of Us? Did you cry? Trick question - everybody cried. If you have any comments or questions for us, or want to invite us to join your DnD campaign (we will probably accept), be sure to hit us up on Twitter and Instagram @TheVerseCast! We also post news, announcements about the pod, and memes so it’s a worthy investment.

We are back talking about episode 2 of HBO Max's The Last of Us, a series we are absolutely loving.  Tune in for where we discuss it all runners to clickers to autopsies to tendrils. (Sorry, just vomited in my mouth.) Next we revisit a squad favorite (with one exception), Amazon Prime Video's The Legend of Vox Machina to cover more of season 2 premiere. SHOW BREAKDOWN: 0:00 - Intro // 3:00 - THE LAST OF US Episode 2 // 43:00 - THE LEGEND OF VOX MACHINA (episode 2) // 70:30 - Contact Info // 73:00 - Post Credit Scene : Our Video Game Series Ideas

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. Follow us on Twitter @TheVerseCast and Instagram where we post news, announcements about the pod, and collect listener questions.  If you stick around after the credits, you might get a tip for the end of the world… SHOW BREAKDOWN: 0:00 - Intro // 2:20 - THE LAST OF US // 45:05 - THE LEGEND OF VOX MACHINA (season 2) // 67:30 - Contact Info // 70:21 - Post Credit Scene : Zed-word Survival Kits

The Squad covers their news segment in record time under duress before jumping into The Future-'Verse!, a spirited discussion of what releases we’re looking forward to in 2023. Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, Fast and Furious, Dungeons and Dragons, there’s so much to be excited about and we want to share it with you! All rated on our hot, medium, mild scale. Although we do make some exceptions. Tune in for the definitive guide to all things nerdy and cinematic universal to look forward to this year, plus a couple extra pet projects we can’t wait for.  Did we miss anything? Let us know on Twitter or Instagram @TheVerseCast! We’d love to hear your thoughts and give you a shout-out. If you stick around after the credits, there might be an EMERGENCY SITUATION UNDERWAY… SHOW BREAKDOWN: 0:00 - Intro + a DOORthy Dilemma  // 2:45 NEWS //  10:45 - THE FUTURE-'VERSE! - a look forward at the content this year // 70:45 - Contact Info // 72:00 - Post Credit Scene : SHIP EMERGENCY

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. Finally, if you stick around after the credits, you better watch out, you may pout, you may cry... and I'm not telling you why. Most of all you'll have a great time. Grab a cup of holiday cheer, light the fireplace and spend an hour with The 'Verse! Squad. Let us know what you think on Twitter and Instagram @TheVerseCast. Thank you to The 'Verse! Squad for going above and beyond to make this happen.  I know we're late, but please be sure to listen. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Happy Holidays and a wonderful New Year to all! - FilmSnork

Before The 'Verse! Squad heads down to earth to celebrate the holidays with their families, friends and televisions, they gather to deliver their takes on the latest Guardians of the Galaxy content, the THE GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY HOLIDAY SPECIAL, as well as reviewing some of the latest film trailers in T3: Trailer: Trash, Treasure, or "Hey, thaT looks okay!" covering everything from Indiana Jones to Avatar. Some Grinches may have been in the room for this segment. Plus we close out as we always do (or do we) with a fun Post Credit Scene that will have you yearning for some hot cocoa and more television. SHOW BREAKDOWN: 0:00 - Intro // 1:16 - The 'Verse! NEWS // 10:00 - T3: TRAILER REVIEWS (Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Avatar: The Way of Water, Guardians of the Galaxy 3, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania)  // 48:50 - THE GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY HOLIDAY SPECIAL  // 65:00 - Contact Info // 112:20 - Post Credit Scene : Pre-Holiday Special Fave Holiday Specials

The Squad! rings in the holiday season with two major segments. First we discuss the season one finale of dark horse Star Wars series Andor. It’s got action, political intrigue, a standout cast of rogues, criminal masterminds, reluctant and die-hard rebel double agents, what more can you ask for? The only notable exclusion? Light sabers. Were you a fan? Do you feel Andor needs more light sabers or is this a welcome reprieve? Tell us on Twitter or Instagram @TheVerseCast! Next we review the much-anticipated Black Panther 2: Wakanda Forever. We discuss what we loved, what we could have done without, and the many hurdles this film had to overcome, including the tragic death of its leading man, Chadwick Boseman. As the sequel to the landscape-changing cultural touchstone that was the first Black Panther movie, Wakanda Forever has so many layers to dig into. Tune in to hear about everything from the music and wardrobe to comic book connections to predictions for the future of the MCU. If you stick around after the credits, you’ll be mighty thankful you did… SHOW BREAKDOWN: 0:00 - Intro // 1:18 - NEWS // 7:50 - ANDOR (eps 11 & 12, Finale and season wrap-up) // 59:00 - WAKANDA FOREVER review // 110:20 - Contact Info // 112:20 - Post Credit Scene : Thankful The 'Verse! talk

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?)! Send us your questions and comments on  Twitter or Instagram @TheVerseCast!  Be sure to follow us as well to stay up to date on the latest cinematic universe news and announcements about the pod. If you stick around after the credits, you might hear the depths of space (even if it's a vacuum). SHOW BREAKDOWN: 0:00 - Intro // 1:00 - ANDOR (episodes 7, 8, 9, 10) // 64:00 Contact Info // 66:00 Post Credit Scene : Space sounds?

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! Send us your questions and comments on  Twitter or Instagram @TheVerseCast!  Be sure to follow us as well to stay up to date on the latest cinematic universe news and announcements about the pod. If you stick around after the credits you might hear us answer Ryan McDermond's question. SHOW BREAKDOWN: 0:00 - Intro // 1:00 - Cinematic Universe News // 24:20 HOUSE OF THE DRAGON (Finale, Episode 10) // 69:00 Contact Info // 70:10 Post Credit Scene : Ranking all The Song of Fire and Ice (aka Game of Thrones & House of the Dragon seasons)

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. Send us your questions and comments on  Twitter or Instagram @TheVerseCast!  Be sure to follow us as well to stay up to date on the latest cinematic universe news and announcements about the pod.  If you stick around after the credits, you might learn how NOT to do Halloween… SHOW BREAKDOWN: 0:00 - Intro // 2:45 - Cinematic Universe News // 11:11 - ANDOR (episodes 4, 5, 6) // 50:25 HOUSE OF THE DRAGON (episodes 8 & 9) //93:25 Contact Info // 95:03 Post Credit Scene : This ISN'T Halloween

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! Next we do a deep dive into the last half of season one of The Rings of Power, and discuss every big reveal of the season finale. Did the series live up to your expectations? Did you have a favorite storyline? Listen to hear our takes and let us know how you felt on  Twitter or Instagram @TheVerseCast! Be sure to follow us as well to stay up to date on the latest cinematic universe news and announcements about the pod. We also take listener questions if you’ve got a burning inquiry you want answered!  If you stick around after the credits, you might hear the creak of the snack pantry door opening… SHOW BREAKDOWN: 0:00 - Intro // 2:10 - Saying goodbye to SHE-HULK - episodes 8 & 9 // 49:30 - Closing out The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power // 96:20 Contact Info // 98:05 Post Credit Scene : Emilia Yu scolds Emilia 2