Worth Watching
172 episodes - English - Latest episode: 8 days ago - ★★★★★ - 3 ratingsWe watch classic Doctor Who, The Prisoner, and other old TV shows and movies to determine if they're still worth watching for a modern audience.
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Episodes
Doctor Who 25: The Time Meddler, part 1
July 04, 2022 01:02 - 49 minutes - 34.3 MBWe've reached the final story of Season 2! This is a delightful romp, only marred by the absence of Ian and Barbara, and we have yet to learn most of the secrets of the story...check it out with us! Twitter: @WorthWatching4 Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com
Doctor Who 17: The Time Meddler
July 04, 2022 01:02 - 1 hour - 63.8 MBWe've reached the final story of Season 2! This is a delightful romp, only marred by the absence of Ian and Barbara, and we have yet to learn most of the secrets of the story...check it out with us! Twitter: @WorthWatching4 Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com
Doctor Who 24: The Chase, part 2
June 27, 2022 01:56 - 1 hour - 47.5 MBCount Dracula, giant mushroom trees, the awesome Mechanoids, the shocking departure of beloved companions -- how could this story get any better? Listen in to find out! Twitter: @WorthWatching4 Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com
Doctor Who 23: The Chase, part 1
June 20, 2022 06:17 - 1 hour - 49.4 MBIt's another Terry Nation Dalek story directed by Richard Martin -- so how well does it turn out this time? How many Nationisms can we spot? And what's the Worth Watching official solution to the Mary Celeste mystery? Listen to find out! Twitter: @WorthWatching4 Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com
Doctor Who 16: The Chase
June 20, 2022 06:17 - 2 hours - 94.6 MBIt's another Terry Nation Dalek story directed by Richard Martin -- so how well does it turn out this time? How many Nationisms can we spot? And what's the Worth Watching official solution to the Mary Celeste mystery? Listen to find out! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com
Doctor Who 22: The Space Museum, part 2
June 13, 2022 06:13 - 49 minutes - 33.8 MBAfter a brilliant opening episode, does this story hold up? And just how often can a crew ask themselves whether their actions are leading to them being exhibits in the Space Museum -- this episode answers that and more! Twitter: @WorthWatching4 Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com
Doctor Who 21: The Space Museum, part 1
June 05, 2022 15:35 - 53 minutes - 37 MBWe sobered up enough after the bizarre experience that is The Web Planet to check out this latest outing. It's a bit of whiplash going between these two stories...don't forget to go through the gift shop on the way out of the Space Museum! Twitter: @WorthWatching4 Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com
Doctor Who 15: The Space Museum
June 05, 2022 15:35 - 1 hour - 69.9 MBWe sobered up enough after the bizarre experience that is The Web Planet to check out this latest outing. It's a bit of whiplash going between these two stories...don't forget to go through the gift shop on the way out of the Space Museum! (This was originally broadcast as two episodes.) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com
Guest’s Choice: Buffy the Vampire Slayer & Marvel comics (with Greg Lukianoff)
May 30, 2022 03:32 - 47 minutes - 32.6 MBThis is our most wide-ranging episode ever! We have a wonderful conversation with Greg Lukianoff, co-author of Coddling of the American Mind, a hugely important book, and he's the head of FIRE, the org that fights for free speech for professors and students. But being the podcast we are, instead of talking about important stuff in the real world, we do deep dives into Buffy and Marvel comics. Greg is a true geek, and it shows. We just thoroughly enjoyed this one. Coddling of the American Min...
Guest's Choice: Tremors (with Ray Greer)
May 23, 2022 04:42 - 1 hour - 78.3 MBRay Greer is the kindest, humblest person I know, and the only person I know who worked on Tremors! He shares his wonderful stories with us about how this classic B-horror film came to be. This is a must-listen episode! (This episode was recorded long before the great Fred Ward died...thankfully we had some very nice things to say about him!) Twitter: @WorthWatching4 Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus epis...
Guest's Choice: Quatermass & The Pit (with Toby Hadoke)
May 16, 2022 07:47 - 2 hours - 116 MBThis is such a special episode...Toby Hadoke is well-known as a foremost Dr Who scholar, but he is also probably the world's expert on Quatermass, a massively influential series of TV shows (and later Hammer films) that laid the foundations for all science fiction TV and movies, yet is unfortunately largely unknown in the US. In addition to an insanely in-depth discussion with Toby on all things Quatermass, Guy and Ron do a thorough walk-thru of Quatermass and the Pit, so you can experienc...
Doctor Who 14: The Crusade
May 09, 2022 05:32 - 1 hour - 71.7 MBThis story came after Web Planet, and the contrast couldn't be more stark. This one has great writing, great acting, and a distinct lack of dancing bees. But is great writing and acting enough to make it a proper Doctor Who story? Join us as we wrestle with this question! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com
Doctor Who 20: The Web Planet, part 2
May 09, 2022 05:32 - 1 hour - 48.8 MBOkay, we were actually pretty good with the first half of this bizarre story. But for the second half...well, listen in as your somewhat inebriated hosts (the only way to watch this!) slowly lose the will to live while they recount this story. But who knows, perhaps it's still worth watching...right? Twitter: @WorthWatching4 Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com
Doctor Who 19: The Web Planet, part 1
May 02, 2022 05:20 - 54 minutes - 37.3 MBStrap in, boys and girls, we're heading into one of the most controversial classic Who stories, and our newbie has no idea what's coming his way! It's certainly a...unique...story. But is it worth watching for a modern audience? There's only one way to find out! Twitter: @WorthWatching4 Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com
Doctor Who 13: The Web Planet
May 02, 2022 05:20 - 2 hours - 83.4 MBStrap in, boys and girls, we're heading into one of the most controversial classic Who stories, and our newbie has no idea what's coming his way! It's certainly a...unique...story. But is it worth watching for a modern audience? There's only one way to find out! Twitter: @WorthWatching4 Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com
Doctor Who 18: The Romans, part 2
April 25, 2022 04:25 - 55 minutes - 38.3 MBThe heat gets turned up in Ancient Rome! Will the Dr manage to stop Nero from burning down the place, or will he end up giving him the idea to do it? Does Nero actually fiddle while it all goes down? Did both the jaded guy and the newbie find this to be worth watching for a modern audience? Listen in to find out! Twitter: @WorthWatching4 Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.subs...
Doctor Who 12: The Romans
April 18, 2022 06:09 - 1 hour - 76 MBA strangely humorous romp thru Rome in the time of slavery and murder all around...does it work for a modern audience? Does Zero Mostel get a solo? Who inevitably ends up facing the lions in the arena? Listen in to find out! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com
Doctor Who 17: The Romans, part 1
April 18, 2022 06:09 - 56 minutes - 38.6 MBA strangely humorous romp thru Rome in the time of slavery and murder all around...does it work for a modern audience? Does Zero Mostel get a solo? Who inevitably ends up facing the lions in the arena? Listen in to find out! Twitter: @WorthWatching4 Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com
Doctor Who 16: The Rescue
April 11, 2022 06:42 - 50 minutes - 34.5 MBOne of the shortest Dr Who stories ever! But does that mean it isn't good? And what do we think of the new companion replacing Susan? There's only one way to find out! Us Twitter: @WorthWatching4 Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com
Doctor Who 11: The Rescue
April 11, 2022 06:42 - 56 minutes - 51.7 MBOne of the shortest Dr Who stories ever! But does that mean it isn't good? And what do we think of the new companion replacing Susan? There's only one way to find out! Us Twitter: @WorthWatching4 Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com
Doctor Who 15: The Dalek Invasion of Earth, part 2
April 04, 2022 06:57 - 1 hour - 43.2 MBCan the jaded Dr Who guy drag the newbie into recognizing the brilliance of this story? And does it have the best Dr speech ever? What is the shocking ending? Listen to find out! Us Twitter: @WorthWatching4 Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com
Doctor Who 10: The Dalek Invasion of Earth
March 28, 2022 04:43 - 2 hours - 85 MBWe cover the story that was *supposed* to kick off season 2 with a bang, the return of the Daleks, the one that Ron loves unconditionally and that convinced him to watch Dr Who from the beginning, and see how it holds up. Ron is pulling every emotional trick in the book to get Guy to recognize this for the gem that it is -- will he succeed? Listen to find out! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterange...
Doctor Who 14: The Dalek Invasion of Earth, part 1
March 28, 2022 04:43 - 1 hour - 42.9 MBWe cover the story that was *supposed* to kick off season 2 with a bang, the return of the Daleks, the one that Ron loves unconditionally and that convinced him to watch Dr Who from the beginning, and see how it holds up. Ron is pulling every emotional trick in the book to get Guy to recognize this for the gem that it is -- will he succeed? Listen to find out! Us Twitter: @WorthWatching4 Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or...
Doctor Who 13: Planet of Giants
March 21, 2022 06:34 - 1 hour - 50.1 MBWe're back to Dr Who, with the first story of season 2, a rare three episode story. Join the jaded Dr Who guy and the now not-so-newbie as we discover the meaning of the title and determine whether this one is worth watching for a modern audience! Us Twitter: @WorthWatching4 Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com
Doctor Who 9: Planet of Giants
March 21, 2022 06:34 - 1 hour - 50.1 MBWe're back to Dr Who, with the first story of season 2, a rare three episode story. Join the jaded Dr Who guy and the now not-so-newbie as we discover the meaning of the title and determine whether this one is worth watching for a modern audience! Us Twitter: @WorthWatching4 Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com
Host's Choice: King Kong (1976)
March 14, 2022 06:14 - 1 hour - 68.9 MBThis is the earliest movie Guy can remember watching that he wanted to revisit (other than "The Apple Dumpling Gang"). We had a blast talking thru this movie about a horny giant ape. We discussed important topics like why you should always take the clothes off a woman before giving her CPR, how to juggle multiple boyfriends when one is human and one is not, and what Peter Jackson got wrong in his later remake of this story. Listen to discover the answers! Us Twitter: @WorthWatching4 ...
Host's Choice: Escape to Witch Mountain (1975)
March 07, 2022 02:37 - 59 minutes - 40.8 MBThis is the earliest movie Ron can remember watching, and he has a huge (and totally objective) fondness for it, since it's (objectively) the best film ever made. Listen to the jet-lagged Ron recording from a NY hotel room and his podcasting partner Guy as we explore this unexpectedly high-quality Disney kids romp! Us Twitter: @WorthWatching4 Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1...
McGoohan Special: Ice Station Zebra
February 27, 2022 19:22 - 1 hour - 76.8 MBReleased at the same time as 2001, how does this Cold War classic starring Patrick McGoohan hold up for modern audiences? The movie was not commercially successful, but that's okay, because we rewrite it for you to come up with an approach that would have been a big hit! Also, should this movie be considered a part of The Prisoner canon? Listen to hear our surprising conclusion! Us Twitter: @WorthWatching4 Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with oth...
McGoohan special: Ice Station Zebra
February 27, 2022 19:22 - 1 hour - 205 MBReleased at the same time as 2001, how does this Cold War classic starring Patrick McGoohan hold up for modern audiences? The movie was not commercially successful, but that's okay, because we rewrite it for you to come up with an approach that would have been a big hit! Also, should this movie be considered a part of The Prisoner canon? Listen to hear our surprising conclusion! Us Twitter: @WorthWatching4 Facebook
Prisoner 15: The Ones We Didn't Include: Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling & The Girl Who Was Death
February 21, 2022 02:37 - 1 hour - 54.3 MBHere are the final two of the four episodes Ron cruelly left out of his ordering. Was he wrong to do so? Only Guy can decide! Also, our epic discussion about re-ordering the episodes based on this listening experience. The resulting order: Arrival Free For All Checkmate Schizoid Man The General A.B. and C. Chimes of Big Ben A Change of Mind Living in Harmony Hammer into Anvil It’s Your Funeral Many Happy Returns Once Upon a Time & Fallout Us Twitter: @WorthWat...
Prisoner 14: The Ones We Didn't Include: Dance of the Dead & A Change of Mind
February 14, 2022 02:22 - 1 hour - 56.6 MBHere are the first two of the four episodes Ron cruelly left out of his ordering. Was he wrong to do so? Only Guy can decide! Listen as your co-hosts try to navigate the shoals of disagreement to come up with the perfect ordering (or as Guy says, eh, he doesn't really care about the perfect ordering...) Hint: Ron has a change of mind about at least one of them!... Us Twitter: @WorthWatching4 Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscriber...
Prisoner 13: Once Upon a Time & Fallout (with Andrew Heaton)
February 06, 2022 23:20 - 1 hour - 47.5 MBWow, we made it to the final two episodes of The Prisoner, which, let's face it, are the definition of controversial. What made the British so angry that Patrick McGoohan had to flee into the mountains and disappear? Who is #1, after all? A rocket or a monkey? Andrew Heaton, of Alienating the Audience, helps us figure it all out. Listen to the very end for a very special coda... Us Twitter: @WorthWatching4 Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this w...
Prisoner 12: Many Happy Returns
January 31, 2022 03:25 - 1 hour - 61.1 MBRon describes this as the "last narrative episode", whatever that means. But there's no question this is an amazing story, half of it being silent, the other half very consequential. Why is the milkman the most significant character in The Prisoner? Can #6 ever come closer to escaping than this? Also, listen to the very end for some very personal stories, involving actual death, and, believe it or not, one of our hosts possibly saving the other from being robbed. We're almost at the ...
Prisoner 11: It's Your Funeral
January 24, 2022 06:43 - 1 hour - 51.9 MBWhat's a Jammer? How much can you trust your underlings? Just who is out to get you, and why do they want you to wear that shiny medal? You can only find out by listening to this episode! Us Twitter: @WorthWatching4 Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com
Prisoner 10: Hammer into Anvil
January 17, 2022 04:40 - 1 hour - 41.9 MBThis is a dark one! It starts with suicide and ends with a career shattered. Whose suicide and whose career? Listen on to find out! Us Twitter: @WorthWatching4 Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com
Prisoner 9: Living in Harmony
January 09, 2022 17:46 - 1 hour - 43 MBIt's the Prisoner episode that exists because Patrick McGoohan had always wanted to do a Western... Is a fast gun or a fast horse more important in the Wild West? Can you change a man's soul without changing your own? Is refusing to wear a gun equivalent to protesting the Vietnam war? As always, all the answers are contained within! Us Twitter: @WorthWatching4 Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes,...
Prisoner 8: Checkmate
January 02, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 63.9 MBWho are the black pieces, who are the white? Who are the guardians, who are the prisoners? Listen to this episode if you want to learn how to win against a chess master (satisfaction not guaranteed) or how not to treat your employees if you'd like to escape The Village! We had a really fun discussion with this episode -- join us! Us Twitter: @WorthWatching4 Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, ...
Guest's Choice: The Social Network (with Robby Soave)
December 27, 2021 01:53 - 2 hours - 100 MBWow, turns out The Social Network is not the movie anyone would make about Facebook these days. But is it Worth Watching for a modern audience? Robby Soave, Senior Editor at Reason and guest host of the YouTube channel for The Hill, and author of Tech Panic, helps us sort it out. Is Jesse Eisenberg's portrayal of Zuckerberg fair and accurate? Did the Winklevoss twins deserve their windfall? Is Larry Summers an upstanding guy? For answers to these questions and a hilarious disagreement ab...
Guest's Choice: Altered States (with Sarah Rose Siskind)
December 19, 2021 09:00 - 2 hours - 82.8 MBWant to hear lots about psychedelics in general and Altered States in particular? Want to know what to think of Hippies, the surprising true story of Woodstock, and the one shocking thing George Harrison refused to do on film? Intrigued yet? Listen to get all life's answers! Sarah is an expert on psychedelics, a comedian, and an all around great person. We had a blast talking to her. Sarah: @srsiskind Us: @WorthWatching4 & Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to disc...
Prisoner 7: The Schizoid Man
December 12, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 54.5 MBWhen is a man not a man, but instead is his twin? How important is the choice between a white and black jacket? If you see two versions of your friend in a fight, which one would you shoot? These and other philosophical questions are answered (or not answered) in this episode! Us Twitter: @WorthWatching4 Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com
Prisoner 7: Schizoid Man
December 12, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 145 MBWhen is a man not a man, but instead is his twin? How important is the choice between a white and black jacket? If you see two versions of your friend in a fight, which one would you shoot? These and other philosophical questions are answered (or not answered) in this episode! Us Twitter: @WorthWatching4 Facebook
Prisoner 6: Free For All
December 05, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 57.4 MBNothing is more important in The Village than the democratic process! If you want to know who to vote for, join us as we discuss the most important election of our times. (Warning: Candidates may make promises they can't actually keep once in office...) Us Twitter: @WorthWatching4 Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com
Prisoner 5: The Chimes of Big Ben
November 28, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 62 MBPer Ron, this is a foundational episode, really what people think of when they think of The Prisoner. Is Leo McKern the bestest #2 ever? Can art represent both the profundity of the religious experience and a rickety boat at the same time? Is it ever a good idea to allow for illegal weaponish items in the Village? Can a woman ever be trusted? You won't know the answer to any of these questions if you don't listen to this episode! Us Twitter: @WorthWatching4 Facebook This is a publ...
Prisoner 4: A. B. and C.
November 21, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 69.3 MBIt's the episode that dares to ask, "Who the heck is C?" -- and does that mean this story is based on algebra? As we'll discover, the world is but #6's dream, and we're all just players on his sleepy stage. Join us to discover whether this is a worthy entry in the series, and don't forget to bring your bow tie! Us Twitter: @WorthWatching4 Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.sub...
Prisoner 3: The General (with Andrew Heaton)
November 14, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 51.3 MBWe're joined by our very first guest, Andrew Heaton! We had a great conversation covering a wide range of topics like... Is Speed Learning the next big fad? Who the heck is The General? How did Napoleon accidentally shape modern education in the US? And most importantly, what kinds of logic questions can you use to short out your computer? Check out Heaton's podcast, Alienating the Audience! Us Twitter: @WorthWatching4 Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss ...
Prisoner 2: Arrival, part 2
November 07, 2021 09:00 - 54 minutes - 37.5 MBJoin us for the conclusion of our discussion of the first episode of The Prisoner. Is one of the most influential TV shows in history actually Worth Watching? Only one podcast is qualified to tell you! Stay for the very end for a bit of a treat... Us Twitter: @WorthWatching4 Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com
Prisoner 1: Arrival, part 1
October 31, 2021 08:00 - 57 minutes - 39.8 MBAnd so it begins! The mysterious spy is kidnapped to The Village and renamed to #6. Has Guy figured out who #1 is yet? Will #6 escape in the first episode? There's only one way to find out! Us Twitter: @WorthWatching4 Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterangels1.substack.com
Prisoner 0: Intro & Danger Man/Secret Agent pilot
October 24, 2021 08:00 - 49 minutes - 34.1 MBWhy did we choose The Prisoner? What's the secret to the perfect episode order? How did the first episode of Danger Man/Secret Agent lead directly to the most iconic aspect of The Prisoner, and is that earlier show that made Patrick McGoohan famous worth watching for a modern audience? The answers can only be found here! Us Twitter: @WorthWatching4 Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit betterang...
Hartnell Special 1: Carry On Sergeant
October 17, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 55 MBSEE the movie that kicked off the classic British series of Carry On Films! EXPERIENCE William Hartnell playing the kind of military role that stereotyped him and drove him to risk playing Dr Who! HEAR two very American blokes try to puzzle through Britishisms! Is this William Hartnell film Worth Watching for a modern audience? There's only one way to find out! Us Twitter: @WorthWatching4 Facebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get ...
Doctor Who 12: The Reign of Terror, part 2
October 10, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 69.3 MBCome for the beheadings, stay for Guy's TED Talk on whether the French revolution changed the world! The ancient Dr Who dude and the guy who wonders why he ever got into this reach the end of the first season of Dr Who and not only debate this story, but change some previous recommendations for the season...find out what it's all about! Us Twitter: @WorthWatching4 Facebook Resources BritBox (BBC streaming) About Time 1: Seasons 1-3 (Comprehensive Dr Who book) This is a p...