33 // A Future Noir: Interviewing Author and Film Historian Paul M. Sammon

On this episode of Shoulder of Orion, Jaime and Dan sit down with film historian Paul M. Sammon to discuss his life and his storied history with Blade Runner. Along the way, they also discuss the newly released edition of his legendary book: Future Noir: The Making of Blade Runner.

iTunes: bit.ly/shoulderoforionitunes // Google Play: bit.ly/shoulderoforiongoogleplay

87 // A Deep Dive into Alien: The Cold Forge

Alex White's Alien: The Cold Forge sent shockwaves through fandom when it hit shelves last spring. In this roundtable conversation, PatrickClara, and David go deep into the terrifying halls of RB-232 to talk storytelling, xenomorphology, transhumanism, and much more. 

This episode contains spoilers; if you haven't read Alien: The Cold Forge yet, be sure to pick it up and finish it at least once before listening.

For more on White and his work, be sure to sign up for his newsletter at http://www.alexrwhite.com/. And be sure not to miss Clara's extensive blog posts on Plagiarus praepotens and Manumala noxhydria.

iTunes: bit.ly/perfectorganismitunes // Google Play: bit.ly/perfectorganismgoogleplay

32 // Finding Deckard

It's no accident that it has taken the Blade Runner podcast nearly a year to release a Deckard episode: he's one of the most complex, nuanced characters in a saga full of complexity and nuance, and he's surprisingly hard to talk about. In this deeply personal episode, JMDan, and Patrick take the conversation far beyond the typical is-he-or-isn't-he-a-replicant argument and discuss the full arc of this complicated character, from his roots in Philip K. Dick's novel to the sublime moment in 2049 when he meets his child for the first time.

We also look to our social media group (Fields of Calantha) for inspiration, sharing some personal reflections on Deckard from listeners.

It might've taken us a year to get to this moment, but we feel like the resultant conversation was worth it. We brought our all to this one. 

We hope you enjoy it.

iTunes: bit.ly/shoulderoforionitunes // Google Play: bit.ly/shoulderoforiongoogleplay

31 // Joi: Everything You Want to Hear

Joi, as played by Ana de Armas, continues to be one of the most discussed characters from Blade Runner 2049. In our ongoing conversations, Shoulder of Orion hosts: DanPatrickJM, and contributing host Micah invite Dr. Robin Bunce back on to speak on Joi's role in 2049 and her humanity (or lack thereof) within the story. Rounding out the symposium panel is special guest Barbara Schmuker, a first-time guest on the show, and yet another important voice in the fandom. Please join us for this exciting/long-awaited/often requested episode.

iTunes: bit.ly/shoulderoforionitunes // Google Play: bit.ly/shoulderoforiongoogleplay

85 // Interview with Odd Studio (Yutani Collab)

In this special collaborative interview with Yutani Podcast, JM and Clara talk to Adam Johansen and Damian Martin of the prolific effects house Odd Studio. Odd Studio (along with Creatures Inc) provided many of the astonishing makeup, creature, and prosthetic effects in Alien: Covenant.

In this far-ranging interview, Adam and Damian give us a glimpse into the innermost workings of the Covenant production, and answer some of fandom's burning questions along the way. You won't want to miss it!

iTunes: bit.ly/perfectorganismitunes // Google Play: bit.ly/perfectorganismgoogleplay

30 // Building the Spinner: An Interview With Peter Tindall

We recently delved into the history and design of the iconic Spinner on our first-ever Tech Spotlight (see episode 26); now, with this exclusive interview, we're taking things even deeper. JM recently had the opportunity to chat with Peter Tindall—one of the artists responsible for bringing the Spinners of 2049 to life.

iTunes: bit.ly/shoulderoforionitunes // Google Play: bit.ly/shoulderoforiongoogleplay

84 // Renewing the Covenant: Debating Alien: Covenant a Year Later

It's been a year since Alien: Covenant released around the world. The hosts at Perfect Organism Podcast and its contributing co-hosts sit down to talk about how the film sits with them a year later and how the fandom is processing the film, and so much more. This was a spirited, and sometimes very tense discussion as hosts PatrickJMMykalClara and Dave put into words the complicated relationship that some of us have with the film, as well as the surprising new love that others are feeling for it. Sit back and enjoy. Listen through the end, as JM and Patrick stay on to read user comments from a recent fan poll.

iTunes: bit.ly/perfectorganismitunes // Google Play: bit.ly/perfectorganismgoogleplay

28 // A Good Joe: Exploring Officer KD6-3.7

On this episode, hosts Dan, Patrick, and JM sit down with contributing host Micah Greene and special guest Peter (from the midwest) to discuss Officer K. 

Peter surprised us all by starting out the conversation with a simple question, but an important one. We hope that you enjoy listening to this episode as much as we enjoyed recording it.

iTunes: bit.ly/shoulderoforionitunes // Google Play: bit.ly/shoulderoforiongoogleplay

83 // ALIEN: Supporting Characters

Contributing Host (and Xenomorphing.com blogger) Dave Gogel brought up the idea of discussing the supporting characters of each Alien film, beginning with AlienJM and Patrick sat down with Dave to begin what will be a series of long conversations about the lesser discussed characters in the Alien universe. It was a great time.

iTunes: bit.ly/perfectorganismitunes // Google Play: bit.ly/perfectorganismgoogleplay

27 // Interview with 2049 Sound Editor Mark Mangini

For more than four decades, Academy Award-winning sound editor Mark Mangini has worked with some of the biggest names in the business on some of the highest-profile projects of our time. With over one hundred twenty-five film credits to his name (including AladdinThe Fifth ElementMad Max: Fury Road, and Blade Runner 2049), Mangini’s sound work has become an indelible part of our moviegoing lives.

In this impassioned interview, Mangini takes Patrick and JM on a sonic field trip they’ll never forget. Along the way, they learn the backstories behind some of the most unforgettable moments in the film—and gain amazing firsthand insights into the spur-of-the-moment decisions that shaped the movie into the transcendent document it became.

It’s one of the best conversations we’ve ever had.

iTunes: bit.ly/shoulderoforionitunes // Google Play: bit.ly/shoulderoforiongoogleplay

80 // An ALIEN Commentary [ALIEN DAY 2018]

JM and Patrick sit down and share their first formal viewing of Ridley Scott's seminal film, ALIEN. This was a really wonderful couple of hours to spend together. We hope that this commentary is as special for all of you, as it was recording it. Pay no attention to the Covenant argument slash discussion that broke out. We couldn't help ourselves. You guys n' gals are amazing people. Without you, there would be no Perfect Organism Podcast.

iTunes: bit.ly/perfectorganismitunes // Google Play: bit.ly/perfectorganismgoogleplay

81 // Interview with Gabriel Hardman, creator of Aliens: Dust to Dust [ALIEN DAY 2018]

Gabriel Hardman has had quite the career. From storyboarding films like Inception and Interstellar to drawing Hulk for Marvel, Hardman has established himself as a uniquely gifted voice in visual storytelling. His newest release is a stunning miniseries just released by Dark Horse: Aliens: Dust to Dust. In this extended interview, Patrick and Gabriel go in-depth on the creative process, the nature of working with established intellectual properties, the evolution of the xenomorph's design, and lots more.

We hope you enjoy it, and we hope you're having wonderful Alien Days!

Listen on iTunes: bit.ly/perfectorganismitunes // Listen on Google Play: bit.ly/perfectorganismgoogleplay

79 // Review: ALIEN Offworld Colony Simulator [ALIEN DAY 2018]

I tried not to panic. I really tried.

I tried not to panic. I really tried.

Alien Day 2018 starts with a bang! And a feverish run down a corridor towards a door with a combination I can't figure out while being pursued by hissing creatures in the darkness ...

Fox granted us early access to this wonderful new RPG-style Alexa game. In this minisode, Patrick runs through the basics and shares some of his thoughts. 

To play the game yourself, swing over to alienuniverse.com right now!

Stay tuned for many, many #ALIENDAY events over the coming hours by liking Perfect Organism on Facebook and bookmarking www.perfectorganism.com/alienday

26 // Tech Spotlight: The Spinner

Few cinematic objects are as iconic—and as frequently copied—as the legendary spinner. In this episode (our first Tech Spotlight!), Dan and Patrick go in-depth on the beloved vehicle, delving into its astonishingly believable appearance in Blade Runner, its evolved design(s) in Blade Runner 2049, and beyond. And using Dan's background in air traffic control, they pick apart the actual flight sequence in Blade Runner in a level of detail you need to hear to believe.

25 // Say, 'Kiss Me'

In this nearly two hour episode, Dan, Patrick, and JM are joined by Micah Greene, our regular contributor, and special guests Evie and Clara. The topic at hand in this discussion is the love scene between Rachael and Deckard in 2019. This scene has proven to be highly controversial among our listeners and hosts. Please join us for this riveting conversation. Please remember to send us your feedback either via email, a voicemail, or a recorded memo. We would love to hear from you. 

78 // Raunchy Resurrection Roundtable (Reengaging Resurrection: Part 1)

It's easy to write off Alien Resurrection as the black sheep of the Alien Saga. Whether you love it or you hate it—or both at the same time—you can't deny there's a lot to talk about.

In this riotous roundtable, RyanPatrickClara, and Dave revisit this crazy film and try to figure out what works and what doesn't. Along the way, they deal with some pretty deep questions: Is Dave's dad a prophet? Was Michael Wincott the inspiration for Christian Bale's Batman voice? How much K-Y Jelly is too much K-Y Jelly?

As we come closer to the end of our In Defense of Alien 3 series, we're excited to launch this new miniseries on Resurrection

Anyone up for some basketball?