Guys Of A Certain Age

The Guys are definitely a certain age, thought not quite a gilded age.  But that didn’t stop them from going a little bit off-genre in this week’s episode as they discuss both seasons of The Gilded Age streaming series on Max.  Jokes were attempted about whether or not Art actually knew any of the characters portrayed, but even he is a youngster compared to the fine folks of society in 1880’s New York City.  

In this episode, listeners will hear about the battle between new money (the Russells) and old money (the Astors) discussed by “no money” (the Guys).  They do, as usual, find a link to geekdom in at least one of the cast members (we see you, Proxima Midnight, in your fancy opera dress).  Overall, it’s just a good series about a fascinating period in American History - kinda’ like this podcast.  

It’s a pretty exciting week for Geeks of the Week, too, with spaceships landing on the moon and all - unfortunately, the video was better in 1969.  Jay invites all the the Borderlands, and Robbie makes another Superman Legacy casting announcement.  And is a Thor by any other name just as strong?  Jay’s Regrettable Segment tells of a Thor you may not have heard of before.  Or care to ever again.  Put on your top hat and listen.  

It’s that time of year, when the best (or at least the most expensive) commercials are gathered for a showing, while some pretty good football players run around a grassy spot in Vegas to keep viewers occupied between commercials.  It’s the Super Bowl, and yet again, The Guys did not sponsor a commercial, as they were about $6,999,975 short of what they needed.  And they spent that $25 on lunch.  But the stars were out in force in this year’s ad-fest, and they did not disappoint.  Except for the ones that did.  Listen as The Guys give their run-down of faves and failures, at least the ones they could remember.  

Though football is over (until the UFL begins it’s spring season), there’s plenty to watch soon, including an adaptation of the 3 Body Problem on Netflix (and those 3 problem bodies are NOT Art, Robbie, and Jay, despite what you may have heard), a new Roadhouse movie on Prime, and shooting completed for the next season of Andor on Disney+.  Only 3 streaming services required!  

Jay’s Regrettable Segment is short: 6 inches short, to be exact, and received the first neutral vote from The Guys.  The good news is, you won’t regret listening to this episode.  

There are movie franchises out in the ether that go a thousand different directions: some good, some less good.  Sometimes it’s the perspective of the fandom.  The Guys talk about this a lot when it comes to cinematic universes that involve space or superheroes.  

This time it’s Alien, set for another reboot of sorts that may or may not ignore the origin story.  The Guys ponder creative control in this episode: whether or not it’s okay for a franchise to go another way, and does it matter that a director or writer’s original vision is lost in space (or the proverbial editing room floor.)  

In Geeks of the Week Art’s obituary is not for an actual person, but one of his favorite audio streaming services; Jay updates listeners on a new and expanded MCU timeline that he really won’t have time to watch now that it’s expanded; and Robbie announces what may become the sports app that could replace the need for live TV services for some.  It’s a big one, which makes this episode a must-listen.  And feel free to write your own Guys of a Certain Age origin story.  

It’s the outer space saga that might have been, and another season has come to a close on Mars.  Nope, it’s not John Carter, it’s Ed Baldwin and the rest of the crew working hard For All Mankind.  In this season, Ed gets his free Guys of a Certain Age tote bag, in the form of gray hair, a slight stoop and an ornery disposition, but still has the energy to organize the kidnapping of an asteroid.  We’d say “you can’t make this stuff up” but clearly, someone did.  And it’s worth watching.  Three Guys agree.  

Jay’s Regrettable Segment pays homage to … sorry Mrs. Reed… Dr. Hormone, and though his use of superpowers are a bit on the sketchy side, it’s probably not what you think.  

Sadly, Art leads the Guys in saying goodbye to someone who became famous in the motion picture boxing ring, and closed his career in the world of the Mandalorian.  Jay considers putting his hand in a popcorn bucket that might not let go, and Robbie tells how a super man trades his cape for a kilt.  This episode is indeed for all mankind.  

Art takes a breather this week from the rigorous podcasting schedule - or maybe he’s still recovering from the 5th birthday party of the podcast.  Either way, he’s out today but Robbie and Jay are in…are in …are in.  That should be a clue…a clue…a clue… to the subject of this episode: Disney+/Marvel Spotlight’s five-episode streaming series, Echo.  

This one is not for the kiddos, but Jay and Robbie give it two hats off because they’ve already forgotten the rating system put in place just a few episodes back.  That’s what happens when you’re five - you forget things.  Echo is a bit more somber than other recent series (Ms Marvel, for sure), but with lots of great actors, action, and gadgets.  It’s a show that stands on its own, but fits very neatly into the Hawkeye and Daredevil worlds.  Well worth watching.  

Geeks of the Week involve yet another Supergirl actress in the DCU fold, and a potential sequel in the works 28 days and about 22 years after the original.  Jay’s Regrettable Segment is sure to be a fave among mythology buffs, art students, and kids who like to see their names in print.  Bounce whatever it was you were going to do, and listen to this episode…episode…episode…

The Guys may be a certain age, but the Guys of a Certain Age podcast just turned 5 years old.  (That’s 50 in podcast years).  Who could believe it?  Happy Podcastiversary!  

And to celebrate, they bring back a guest, this time live and in the studio: Scott Tracy Griffin, aka Hollywod’s “Tarzan Expert on Call.”  But as the tales are told on this episode, listeners will learn that he’s not just Tarzan savvy.  In fact, he speaks eloquently on all things Edgar Rice Burroughs, from his stories to his day-to-day life as a writer, family man, and entrepreneur. Though not currently featured in a Tarzan or John Carter of Mars movie, Griffin has certainly done some acting, and has the stories, clips and SAG card to prove it.  

Before he came to the studio, however, the Guys chose not to subject him to this week’s Geeks: Spiderman’s bonus in the wrong net, Favreau back in the director’s chair, and a heartwarming story about mother-of-the-show Mrs Reed’s childhood pet.  This one should be listened to with cake, ice cream, and as always…discretion.  

Guys-zilla is back!  That’s right, from Apple TV+, Legacy of Monsters Season One has come to an end; but Season One of Guys of a Certain Age enters its sixth year.  

Thankfully, The Guys are still around to talk about all things Monarch.  And despite suspicions, they have this conversation in a genuine podcast studio, not in a retirement home with free ankle bracelets.  Though one or the other may be in their future.  Robbie, Art and Jay talk actors, favorite moments, and dream about a Season Two.  The only downer: “G Day” doesn’t stand for Guys.  Spoiler: they give it a Three Guys rating.  

Geeks of the Week feature James Gunn and Channing Tatum (not in the same film), and in Jay’s Regrettable Segment another 1940’s crimefighter secures his obscurity.  Titans Assemble!

Blue Beetle, a long-awaited addition to the DC superhero movie archive, finally made it to the big screen last year.  And once it made it to MAX for streaming, two of The Guys did get around to watching it.  

In this episode, Art and Jay chat about the ups and downs of this lesser-known hero’s theater debut: did it live up to the budget?  did Susan and George live up to their reputations as actors?  will the character live to see another day in the DCU?  Listen to this one and see if you agree.  But first!  

In Geeks of the Week, Art shares sad news about the passing of a lesser-known guitar hero, Jay talks about the upcoming series announced about a lesser-known spider hero, and the podcast broadcasts the first installment of Jay’s Regrettable Segment, featuring a much lesser-known (but ideal for a comeback) comic crime-fighter from the 40’s.  And it’s not who the convenience store was named after.  

As The Guys headed into 2024, they got wind of a few major world (or perhaps galaxy-wide) events due to take place this year that any true Trekkie would already be expecting.  

True or not, that got them to wondering what other films, tv shows or books released decades ago but set in the “future” of current times may have accidentally made some accurate predictions?  Will Ireland reunite?  Does the term “sanctuary city” have another meaning entirely?  The speculations of past sci-fi writers (and The Guys) know no bounds.  

In Geeks of the Week, there is a news of one who thunderbolted in and out of a role with super speed, a mouse who’s out of the house, and a famous battle scene done Clone Wars style.  

Just like The Guys carefully plan out each episode, they also like to plan out the video content they hope to watch over the next year.  Or it could be just a random binge-fest.  Or maybe on a whim, they’ll get together on discount night at their local theater and go see a three-hour flick about sand.  Or is it spice?  

Either way, in this episode they talk about what movies and television content they’re looking forward to seeing in 2024, unless the whole season is bumped to 2025, in which case Art and Jay spend their 2024 screen time getting caught up on Dr. Who and Robbie will watch all the musicals.  

But if Robbie and Art’s Geek of the Week turns out to be true (it’s a big one, so they shared it), there may be one less streaming service we have to pay for to watch everything.  Jay looks backward to look forward, with a recommendation on an audiobook that actually explains Ragnarok.