"Operation Firefly"
Airdate: February 1, 1974
Written by Sy Salkowitz
Directed by Reza Badiyi

Synopsis: Steve searches for the developer of a new laser weapon with the aid of the developer's daughter, gifted with ESP.

John is joined by artist Jerry Lange and podcaster Jim Arrowood to discuss the third episode of the first season.  This is a little gem of a story that is quickly forgotten for some reason.  

Join us Friday nights at 9:30EST as we discuss an episode of THE SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN's first season with two fans as well as featuring commentary from our viewers.  This audio will be available shortly after in the OSI Files feed.

OSI Operatives

Jerry Lange - Based in Buffalo, New York. My personal and client works are created using traditional media including pencil, ink and watercolor and digital software Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and Indesign. I try to bring a dramatic visual narrative to my work through a mix of loose and tight media application and mark making technique. Website

Jim Arrowood - Bio coming soon.

Recorded on Facebook Live

June 24, 2018

In 1978, Superman The Movie opened in theaters.  It starred Marlon Brando, Gene Hackman, and an unknown named Christopher Reeve.   The tagline for the film was, "You will believe a man can fly."  And we did as the movie broke the mold in terms of how superheroes were portrayed on the screen and became the benchmark for movies to come.  This year marks the 40th anniversary of the release of the film and we've got a panel of fans to discuss it on the podcast.  We'll take a look at how this movie set the stage for the modern superhero film and how it still holds up to this day. Plus, we'll discuss how the late Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder were the perfect Clark Kent/Superman and Lois Lane.  We'll have a special tribute to Kidder in light of her recent passing.  Joining John to discuss is The Quick and the Dad's Ken Holtzhouser, writer/editor/critic Glenn Greenberg, and Comic Book Central's Joe Stuber.

Our Panel

Joe Stuber is an an Emmy® award-winning producer and lifelong comic book fan who writes, hosts, and produces Comic Book Central.  In his guise as Stuberman, Joe has created the world’s first podcast devoted exclusively to in-depth interviews with the legendary talents (actors, writers, producers, directors and more) who have brought comic book properties to life on TV, Broadway, film, video games, live events and beyond!

Joe’s love of comic books began with the superstars of Marvel and DC. Four color treasury-sized editions of Spidey, Superman, Hulk and Batman were all part of his expanding comic book collection…his favorite being the classic team-up, Superman Vs. The Amazing Spider-Man. But something special happened when those comic book adventures were brought to life on the small screen. The Spider-Man animated series and Adam West’s Batman were after-school syndicated staples in the Stuber household. And when the Richard Donner/Christopher Reeve classic film, Superman: The Movie hit the Act I Theater in downtown Johnstown, PA – the game changed forever. For the first time, a comic book truly came to life…and we all believed a man could fly.

Comic Book Central is a celebration of comic books coming to life. In the modern era of big-budget blockbusters with lifelike digital effects, comic book movies and TV shows are here to stay, and they’ve become a genre unto themselves.

Broadcasting from the Comic Book Central Lair, Stuberman welcomes superheroes (and super craftsmen and craftswomen) to spend some time talking about our favorite subject – comic book adaptations. Comic Book Central premiered November 8, 2013, has been heard in over 130 countries and has been called “the Inside the Actors Studio of Comic Books”. One listen and you’ll realize…you’ve just heard the world’s greatest podcast!

Glenn Greenberg is an award-winning editor/writer whose work has appeared in numerous books, comic books, Web sites, and lifestyle and news magazines, published by top companies such as Time Inc., Simon and Schuster, Scholastic Inc., Marvel Comics, DC Comics, Time Out New York, Lockwood Publications, and TwoMorrows Publishing.

Follow on Twitter

Ken Holtzhouser's bio is forthcoming.  Pick up a copy of The Quick and the Dad by clicking on the link.

"Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar" ran 15 minutes a day, five days a week.  The tales of the freelance insurance investigator, who had an action-packed expense account, were full of action, cleverness, and style.  In this binge-listen of a full week’s adventure, Dollar is hired to protect a very special laird, one with four legs and a tail.

April 9-13, 1956

Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar

“The Laird Douglas-Douglas of Heatherscote Matter”

3:11

"ACE IN THE HOLE"

AIRED: FEBRUARY 3, 1967

The Hornet is trying to broker a deal between two rival gangs, but the arrival of Mike Axford nearly threatens the whole thing.  A quick thinking Hornet makes it look like Axford's dead, when in reality he's holding him until the case is closed.  But one of the gangsters discovers Oxford's alive and that the Hornet is double crossing them.  If this sounds more like a comedy than a drama or adventure story, you might not be mistaken.  John postulates to Jim that this could be The Green Hornet's attempt at humor that didn't go over very well.  In addition, John and Jim talk about the different versions of Batman and The Green Hornet that we see over the course of their respective 1966-1967 seasons.  Are they the same characters in each episode we see them in? Or are we looking in at alternate Earths?

​

The Green Hornet: A History of Radio, Motion Pictures, Comics and Television by Martin Grams and Terry Salomonson is a reference work we're consulting as we move through the series.  Pick up your copy by clicking on the link and getting it today.

Take a listen and then let us know what you think of the episode by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

We take a look at another William Dozier pilot for another comic related property.  This time, it's Dick Tracy - He's a Good Cop.  This time though, Dozier went all out with a full length half-hour episode featuring Victor Buono as the villain, Mr. Memory - which starts the batter of questions about where this show was going.  

In "The Plot to Kill NATO", Mr. Memory kidnaps three NATO ambassadors at the request of Major Powers.  His method of operation seems interesting enough, but there is still something lacking in his character.  And yet, despite this, the pilot is an enjoyable viewing experience with a lot of recommend including Jan Shulman as Liz and the well choreographed fight scenes.

John is joined by his The Hornet's Sting co-host, Jim Beard, to pitch these questions.  Just how committed was Dozier to this property? What would a relationship with Chester Gould have been like had the show gone forward? Why wasn't one of the established villains used in the pilot?  And why did Dozier still build in little nods to Batman and The Green Hornet when both shows were on their last legs?

​

Any comments or questions on this episode, please post them here or by writing thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

A native of Toledo, Ohio, Jim Beard was introduced to comic books at an early age by his father, who passed on to him a love for the medium and the pulp characters who preceded it. After decades of reading, collecting and dissecting comics, Jim became a published writer when he sold a story to DC Comics in 2002. Since that time he's written official Star Wars and Ghostbusters comic stories and contributed articles and essays to several volumes of comic book history.

His prose work includes GOTHAM CITY 14 MILES, a book of essays on the 1966 Batman TV series; SGT. JANUS, SPIRIT-BREAKER, a collection of pulp ghost stories featuring an Edwardian occult detective; MONSTER EARTH, a giant monster anthology; and CAPTAIN ACTION: RIDDLE OF THE GLOWING MEN, the first pulp prose novel based on the classic 1960s action figure.

Currently, Jim provides regular content for Marvel.com, the official Marvel Comics website, and is a regular columnist for Toledo Free Press.

Websites

http://www.facebook.com/thebeardjimbeard

http://www.sgtjanus.blogspot.com

Isis

"No Drums, 

No Trumpets"

November 15, 1975

Fred is upset that his science project failed to take first place at the science fair.  After nearly getting himself killed in an auto accident, he, Andrea, and science fair winner Dorothy decide to explore a nearby ghost town.  But the abandoned town is being used as a hideout for thieves. When Andrea loses the amulet, who will be able to save them?

Before getting into this week's review, John and Richard discuss the fifth issue of the DC Comics 1970s The Mighty Isis comic run.  It's the start of the radical change in direction for the series and Richard wonders if the change was what led to the cancellation of the series.  Next, it's a look at the episode, "No Drums, No Trumpets".  Among the topics discussed are the tropes of ghost towns on 70s television, how much Brian Cutler was convincing as a high school teacher, and what is it that actually activates her powers.

It's all here and we want to hear from you on what you think of the episode.  Write us as ShazamIsisPodcast@gmail.com.

Moral: "Not everyone can be a winner.  Learning from a loss is as important as the win itself. Learning from mistakes helps you grow as a person."

​

Guest Cast

Mark Lambert as Fred Weiting

Christopher Norris as Dorothy Bieder

Michael Greene as Jim Danch

and

Albert Reed as Dr. Barnes

Recorded on Facebook Live on June 10, 2018

In the late 80s, British fans of the television show DOCTOR WHO were dismayed to see their beloved series placed on an 18 month hiatus.  There were many who felt the series needed it, especially after what was considered a disaster by many in the casting of Colin Baker in the title role.  And then it was announced that actor Sylvester McCoy would be taking over the role.  Like one of his predecessors, Tom Baker, McCoy didn't have much acting experience.  His biggest claim to fame was his act of stuffing ferrets down his pants.

But in the three years that McCoy held the role, he managed to turn it from what looked to be a comical farce into one of the darkest portrayals of he Time Lord ever.  John is joined by author Julio Angel Ortiz to discuss what worked and what didn't work during those final years of the "classic" series.  They also talk about the "New Adventures" novels and McCoy's appearance in the Paul McGann TV movie.  Plus, Ken Holtzhouser chimes in with the time he met McCoy and the significance of it on his life.

On this week's edition, the seventh anniversary edition of The Weekly Podioplex, Solo maintains the lead, but the Ocean's 8 gang are hot on his heels and ready to make the heist of the century. Which smuggler wins? 

On the home entertainment front, Meg and the mystical witches travel via tesseract, John Boyega stops the jaeger apocalypse, The Last Ship continues to sail, and The Incredibles hit 4K. After that, we don't say goodbye... we say see you soon. The show is going on hiatus for a refit, and we appreciate every one of you who give your time to listen to us each week. We hope to return to you relaxed and ready to offer a new experience. 

Enjoy the journey, because it's showtime on the Weekly Podioplex, brought to you on The Chronic Rift Network.

Weekly Podioplex Notes for June 5, 2018

Introduction

Opening Clip: Ocean’s 8

Box Office Report

Top Ten

#1 – Solo: A Star Wars Story – [Second Week]
#2 – Deadpool 2 – [Even]
#3 – Adrift – [New Release]
#4 – Avengers: Infinity War – [-1]
#5 – Book Club – [-1]
#6 – Upgrade – [New Release]
#7 – Life of the Party – [-2]

#8 – Breaking In – [-2]
#9 – Action Point – [New Release]
#10 – Overboard – [-2]

Box Office Premieres

June 8, 2018: Wide

Ocean’s 8 – [PG-13]
Hotel Artemis – [R]
Hereditary – [R]

June 8, 2018: Limited

Won’t You Be My Neighbor? – [PG-13]
Hearts Beat Loud – [PG-13]
The Quest of Alain Ducasse – [NR]
Westwood: Punk, Icon, Activist – [NR]

Home Entertainment

June 5, 2018: New Releases on DVD and Blu-Ray 

A Wrinkle in Time – [PG]

Death Wish – [R]

The Hurricane Heist – [PG-13]

June 5, 2018: New Releases on Digital Video

Pacific Rim: Uprising – [PG-13]

June 5, 2018: TV on DVD and Blu-Ray

The Last Ship: Season Four (2017)

June 5, 2018: Blu-Rays From the Past 

The Incredibles (2004) – [PG]

Podcast Promos

The ScapeCast: The Scaper Chronicles

The ScapeCast is your guide to the wonders of Farscape. Join Karen, Lou, veteran Scapers, and newbies as they discuss each episode in detail on The Scaper Chronicles. Look up and share the wonders we've seen.

Quick Flicks

None

Links

Visit the Chronic Rift site
Send us an e-mail
Tweet on Twitter:  The Chronic Rift, The Weekly Podioplex, Denise, and Michael
Listen on Stitcher Radio

Leave a review on iTunes:  The Chronic Rift

Shop the Rift’s Best Bets or search our Amazon Store. 

Michael’s blog at Creative Criticality

Denise’s blog at Accessories Not Included

"Survival of the Fittest"
Airdate: January 25, 2018
Written by Mann Rubin
Directed by Leslie H. Martinson

Synopsis: An assassin has Oscar in his sights, but Steve has other ideas as the two fight for their survival on a deserted island after their plane crashes during a storm.

John is joined by artist and longtime fan Ken Holtzhouser and author Bobby Nash to discuss the second episode of the weekly SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN series, "Survival of the Fittest".  They discuss the irony of the subdued Lee Majors as the alpha male in this episode that everyone easily follows. Plus, we play a game of W.T. Zacha or C.W. McCall.

Join us Friday nights at 9:30EST as we discuss an episode of THE SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN's first season with two fans as well as featuring commentary from our viewers.  This audio will be available shortly after in the OSI Files feed.

BIONIC OPERATIVES

MEET BOBBY NASH--

Bobby loves chatting with fans, attending conventions and events, talking about books, writing, and meeting readers. Want to have Bobby attend your show, do a signing in your store, or speak to your group? Or are you a publisher interested in hiring Bobby? He'd love to hear from you.

Email Bobby Nash at bobby@bobbynash.com. 

Or you can drop Bobby a line at
Bobby Nash
PO Box 626
Bethlehem, GA 30620

#####

MEET BOBBY:

An award-winning author, Bobby Nash writes novels, comic books, short stories, novellas, graphic novels, and the occasional screenplay for a variety of publishers, including: IDW Publishing, Sequential Pulp Comics, Dark Horse Comics, Moonstone Books, Airship 27 Productions, Pro Se Press, Raven’s Head Press, Stark Raving Press, Farragut Films, Dark Oak Press, Radio Archives, Avatar Press, and more.

Bobby is a member of the International Association of Media Tie-in Writers and International Thriller Writers.

He was named Best Author in the 2013 Pulp Ark Awards. Rick Ruby, a character co-created by Bobby and author Sean Taylor also snagged a Pulp Ark Award for Best New Pulp Character of 2013. Bobby has also been nominated for the 2014 New Pulp Awards and Pulp Factory Awards for his work. Bobby's novel, Alexandra Holzer's Ghost Gal: The Wild Hunt won a Paranormal Literary Award in the 2015 Paranormal Awards. The Bobby Nash penned episode of Starship Farragut "Conspiracy of Innocence" won the Silver Award in the 2015 DC Film Festival. Bobby's story in The Ruby Files Vol. 2 "Takedown" was named Best Short Story in the 2018 Pulp Factory Awards, one of five nominations for The Ruby Files Vol. 2 (created by Bobby Nash & Sean Taylor). Bobby's digest novel, Snow Drive was nominated for Best Novel in the 2018 Pulp Factory Awards.

Between writing deadlines, Bobby is an occasional actor and extra in movies and television, including appearances in Deviant Pictures’ Camp Massacre (formerly known as Fat Chance), FOX’s The Following, USA’s Satisfaction, AMC’s Halt and Catch Fire, and more.

For more information on Bobby Nash please visit him on-line at
http://www.bobbynash.com
https://www.patreon.com/BobbyNash
www.facebook.com/AuthorBobbyNash
www.twitter.com/bobbynash
www.google.com/+BobbyNashAuthor
www.instagram.com/bobbynashwrites
www.pinterest.com/bobbynash
http://amazon.com/author/bobbynash
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/211548.Bobby_Nash
http://ben-books.blogspot.com
http://lancestar.blogspot.com
http://authorsdb.com/authors-directory/11828-bobby-nash
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbynash
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrf2hFXHxYac6y9KRT2nfFw
https://branded.me/bobbynash
https://mewe.com/i/bobby.nash2
among other places across the web.

Bobby lives in Bethlehem, Georgia.

Ken Holtzhouser - Bio forthcoming

Recorded on Facebook Live

June 3, 2018

Netflix's reboot of the classic TV series has been launched with ten episodes that many say feels more like a long prequel to how the family Robinson becomes lost. Does it work? Did they get it right this time in light of the other attempts that never really got off the ground and became lost in their own right? Join us as we discuss what worked, what didn't work, and what are we looking forward to in a second season of the new Lost in Space. 

Joining John to discuss this are educator and longtime fan Rod Deluca and The Flopcast host Kevin Eldridge.

Eve Arden returns, or perhaps premiers, in “Our Miss Brooks,” as we present the very first episode of that comedy classic.  There’s a new principal, and Miss Brooks just can’t stop bumping into him.  Then on “Gunsmoke,” Marshal Matt Dillon tries to help a family from being unfairly run off their land.

Episodes

Our Miss Brooks

July 19, 1948

“The First Episode”

2:07

Gunsmoke

October 24, 1952

“The Mortgage”

33:00

On this week's edition of The Weekly Podioplex, Solo takes the lead but his victory is troubled. Can a hurricane, a jackass, or a kick butt AI unseat the pilot who made the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs? 

On the home entertainment front, it's a short slate as we face Annihilation, love with Simon, Diff'rent Strokes, and a classic Midnight Cowboy. After that, it's a look at the future as the show gets ready for a refit in drydock. We're not going away, but we are changing... maybe into a beautiful butterfly. 

Enjoy the journey, because it's showtime on the Weekly Podioplex, brought to you on The Chronic Rift Network.

Weekly Podioplex Notes for May 29, 2018

Introduction

Opening Clip: Adrift

Box Office Report

Top Ten

#1 – Solo: A Star Wars Story – [New Release]
#2 – Deadpool 2 – [-1]
#3 – Avengers: Infinity War – [-1]
#4 – Book Club – [-1]
#5 – Life of the Party – [-1]
#6 – Breaking In – [-1]
#7 – Show Dogs – [-1]

#8 – Overboard – [-1]
#9 – A Quiet Place – [-1]
#10 – RBG – [+2]

Box Office Premieres

June 1, 2018: Wide

Adrift – [PG-13]
Action Point – [R]
Upgrade – [R]

June 1, 2018: Limited

American Animals – [R]
A Kid Like Jake – [NR]
The Doctor from India – [UR]

Home Entertainment

May 29, 2018: New Releases on DVD and Blu-Ray 

Annihilation – [R]

May 29, 2018: New Releases on Digital Video

Love, Simon – [PG-13]

May 29, 2018: TV on DVD and Blu-Ray

Diff’rent Strokes: Season Eight (1985)

May 29, 2018: Blu-Rays From the Past 

Midnight Cowboy (1969) – [R]

Podcast Promos

The Shared Desk

From the writing desk of award-nominated and award-winning authors and podcasters Philippa Ballantine and Tee Morris comes The Shared Desk, a writer's show that explores collaboration, science fiction, fantasy, and just about anything that catches their fleeting attention spans.

Quick Flicks

None

Links

Visit the Chronic Rift site
Send us an e-mail
Tweet on Twitter:  The Chronic Rift, The Weekly Podioplex, Denise, and Michael
Listen on Stitcher Radio

Leave a review on iTunes:  The Chronic Rift

Shop the Rift’s Best Bets or search our Amazon Store. 

Michael’s blog at Creative Criticality

Denise’s blog at Accessories Not Included