131 // Open Her Eyes: The Journey To Prometheus - Part One - A King Has His Reign

Image by Grey Matter Art

Jaime and Patrick turn on their video cameras and launch their first episode in their new series covering Ridley Scott's return to science fiction, Prometheus. We know that everyone is in the same boat right now. We live in so much uncertainty. We wanted to share what's in our minds and on our hearts. Be well. Stay safe. We are here.

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

130 // Interview with Scott Sigler, Author of Aliens: Phalanx

When fans first heard about an upcoming Aliens novel set in a world of shields and spears last year, message boards and Facebook groups lit up. What would it read like? Was this a straight-up fantasy novel? Was it just a wacky experiment?

Luckily for us, we were in good hands all along. Scott Sigler's intricate story takes us places unexpected, different, and thrilling—and though it turns out to be (at least in some ways) a "fantasy" novel, it's Aliens through and through.

In this interview, Scott joins Jaime and Patrick for a wide-ranging discussion on inspiration, creativity, story, and much more. He also took time to answer listener questions submitted via Building Better Worlds, so stick around all the way to the end!

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

129 // We’re Going In | Five Years of Perfect Organism: The Alien Saga Podcast

In this very special episode, founder and co-host Jaime Prater, along with partner and co-host Patrick Greene reunite with former contributors and friends to discuss and celebrate five years of Perfect Organism Podcast. From the first images released by Neil Blomkamp, up through the release of Prometheus and Alien: Covenant, the gang discusses their best memories of the show, listener feedback and the road ahead. 

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

128 // Taste the Rainbow: A Minisode About Those Psychedelic New Lanard Toys

It's not often we're taken completely by surprise these days. Usually, there's an inkling of something coming. News leaks. A company announces they've acquired rights to use the Alien license on Twitter. Alien's Instagram posts some teasers. You know the drill.

But a few months back, a whole ton of what-the-blessed-hell-is-going-on got dropped on fandom when a toy company many of us had never heard of started releasing some super colorful, super crazy designs reminiscent of the Kenner toys so many of us grew up with.

In this minisode, frequent contributor Dave Gogel (of Xenomorphing) leads Patrick "Gorilla Alien Is My Spirit Animal" Greene and returning guest Mike Denis on a journey to figure out where these things came from and what they're all about. We didn't end up with many answers, but we did end up laughing a hell of a lot. 

Stay tuned for Perfect Organism's fifth anniversary roundtable next week!

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

127 // Dark Elegy: The Astonishing Music of Alien 3 (In Defense of Alien 3 Part 7)

In this—perhaps the most ambitious episode we've ever attempted—Jaime and Patrick try to do justice to Elliot Goldenthal's towering achievement: his original score for Alien 3. Using original research and analysis, Goldenthal's own cue sheets, the full orchestral score, Patrick's background as a professional composer, and Jaime's encyclopedic knowledge of film soundtracks, the PO team wades deeply into this complicated, powerful musical statement.

This is also a long-awaited return to the first extended series we ever attempted: In Defense of Alien 3! We hope to continue to periodically revisit all of our extended series in the years to come.

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

72 // I Bring A Storm: Discussing The Making of 2020 - Gethsemane

In this episode, Jaime, Dan & Patrick sit down to discuss what went into the making of their full length audio drama, 2020: Gethsemane. From writing a 50 plus page draft in four days, to painstakingly crafting a score that would conjure the world of Blade Runner without retreading what we've heard; the hosts of Shoulder of Orion bring you behind the curtain on their crowning achievement. 

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

126 // Special Presentation: Shit Show, Episode 1 (AVP 2004)

We're excited to bring our Patreon supporters another all-new, ongoing series—and we'd like to share this first episode with everyone! We're calling this new program Shit Show: The Lighter Side of Perfect Organism. You know those moments in Perfect Organism episodes where Jaime and Patrick just make fun of each other for five minutes? Shit Show is all about those moments.

It's about taking ourselves (and our franchise) a little less seriously. Exploring corners of the franchise we might not otherwise touch on, and taking time to explore some hidden gems—or turds—in science fiction and genre filmmaking more broadly.

If you'd like so sign up for our Patreon, go to perfectorganism.com/support or search "Perfect Organism" at patreon.com. For just $2 per month, you'll have instant access to every episode of Shit Show and our other ongoing Patreon series, Frame Rate.

We'll be back with regular programming in two weeks! In the meantime, consider supporting the show by joining our crew at perfectorganism.com/support.

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

71 // REALITY AHEAD OF SCHEDULE - A TRIBUTE TO SYD MEAD

At the very end of 2019, we lost yet another Blade Runner great: visual futurist, designer, and artist Syd Mead. In this episode, Jaime, Patrick, and Dan pay tribute to the man who was integral to much of the concept design and visual feel of Blade Runner, Aliens, Tron, and Blade Runner 2049 among many other films. Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of Mr. Mead, and we offer this episode as a final thank you to a man who has taken us by the hand for most of our lives and turned our collective dreams of the future into a tangible reality that will live on forever.

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

70 // Have You Ever Taken That Test Yourself? Rachael: Part Two ( A 700 Layer Cake: Part 15)

This is the final installment in our mini-series on Rachael, and our larger series 'A 700 Layer Cake: The Cult of Blade Runner'. In this last episode of 2019, Jaime, Dan and Patrick, with special guests Micah Greene and Maj convene to continue the discussion on the character of Rachael, her resonance in the world of Blade Runner and beyond. 2019 has been a spectacular year for us as a podcast and a fan community. Thank you all for your support. 

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

125 // Looking Back on an Unforgettable Year in Fandom

As we close 2019, we wanted to take a moment to appreciate how much fun we've had this year. With this show, with each other, with our podcast family, and with all of you listening out there, wherever you are.

Thank you for making 2019—Alien's 40th anniversary—completely unforgettable.

We'll see you in the new year after a short break!

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

69 // Los Angeles, November 2019: An Event: Part Two

In part two of our live event in downtown Los Angeles, our guests, Joanna Cassidy, Charles de Lauzirika and Paul Sammon take part in a Q&A with our live audience.

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

124 // A Last Goodbye: Finding Ripley Part 2 (The Forbidden Planet Part 9)

In this second-to-last entry into our Forbidden Planet series, Patrick and Jaime welcome special guests AndieGeekGirl and Patrick's partner Micah Greene to discuss the character of Ellen Ripley. In this surprisingly sobering and philosophical discussion, we break down Ripley as an iconic character. She defied all expectations and gender norms; there is no one like Ellen Ripley, and there will likely never be again. Join us as we send off this sacred and indelible character in the 40th year of her existence in science fiction.

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

123 // Alien: Survival - A Vision for a New Chapter

In this special bonus episode, Jaime and his writing partner, film director Eric Wallace, sit down to discuss their vision for what the Alien franchise could be. In this in-depth episode, friends and filmmakers discuss how they met as late-teens/early twenty-somethings, forging a friendship that's resulted in a partnership in what they hope could be a bold new vision for the Alien franchise.

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

68 // Los Angeles, November 2019: An Event: Part One

In this special episode which was recorded live, hosts Jaime, Patrick and Dan sit down with Golden Globe award-winning actor Joanna Cassidy, restoration producer and award-winning director Charles de Lauzirika, and film historian and author Paul M Sammon to discuss Blade Runner in the banner year in which Ridley Scott's brilliant original was set. This will be a moment in time that none of us will forget. We are excited to share it with all of you.

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

122 // Finding Ellen Ripley: Part 1 (The Forbidden Planet Part 8)

In this heartfelt, free-ranging episode, Jaime and Patrick discuss one of the most important film characters in their lives: Ellen Ripley. Anchoring the conversation to Ripley's role in Alien, they branch into a larger conversation on gender, class, race, and representation in this classic film—and how Sigourney Weaver's performance broke every mold imaginable. 

Join us as we enter the final month of Alien's fortieth anniversary year recognizing the woman who's been with us since the very beginning: our Space Mom, Ellen Ripley.

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

67 // Blade Runner 2019 Volume 1

In this episode, Dan and Patrick review and discuss Titan comic's completed Volume 1 story arc (Issues 1-4). SPOILERS AHEAD! This series is off to a phenomenal start, and we are excited to tell you about some of our favorite moments in this new, beautiful piece of Blade Runner art.

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

Shoulder Of Orion: A LIVE BLADE RUNNER EVENT!

On November 13th 2019, in downtown Los Angeles, Shoulder of Orion is throwing its first live event with special guests JOANNA CASSIDY, PAUL SAMMON, and CHARLES DE LAUZIRIKA. Join us for this once-in-a-lifetime experience in the place where it all started. Listeners to this episode will have access to a special 20% off discount code, and when you buy a ticket we will email you a 10% discount code for the Netropolis Bar Experience valid for that night. You don't want to miss this! Join us for an epic day of Blade Runner immersion.

More details at:

www.bladerunnerpodcast.com

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

121 // Alien 3: The Unfilmed Script: An Interview With Director Stevie J Douglas

In this episode, our contributor, and lead admin of Building Better Worlds, Conar Murdoch, sits down with Stevie J Douglas, the director of Alien 3: The Unfilmed Script. From his first experiences with the Alien series, to how he reimagined a stage play based off Vincent Ward's unused script, Conar and Stevie host what is a brilliant and hilarious episode, casting light on the base story for what would become the film we know as Alien 3. We hope you enjoy.

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

120 // Open the Door: Alien and the Cinema of the 1970s (The Forbidden Planet Part 7)

The 1970s was a decade of astounding creative leaps in Hollywood. In this special episode, Jaime and Patrick welcome first-time guest Mike Denis to talk about this unique period in the history of film—and how Alien, that dark masterpiece we love so dearly, might just be the decade's crowning achievement.

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

66 // How Can It Not Know What It Is? Rachael - Part One (A 700 Layer Cake Part 14)

In this episode, hosts Patrick, Dan and Jaime are joined by contributing host Micah Greene to discuss the character of Rachael. Who is Rachael? How much of Sean Young's personal experience on set is in the finalized character we see in Blade Runner? Does it matter? Join Shoulder of Orion as we explore these questions in more in our first episode devoted what may be one the most iconic female characters in film.

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