Listen Now

Kristen & Mike are back! They’ve teamed up with Chris from Hey, Do You Remember…? for a brand new podcast called Rogues Gallery. On each episode, they’ll investigate pop culture’s most memorable villains, antiheroes, and misunderstood monsters to figure out how they make being bad look so good. The first official episode will be released on Wednesday, July 17th, but you can subscribe right now anywhere you get your podcasts. After that, follow the show on social media to get more info on upcoming suspects, join the hosts for post-episode discussions, and a ton of other fun surprises!We missed you, stackers! And we think you’re really going to love this new show! Subscribe to Rogues Gallery:Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Google Play | SpotifySocial Media Links:Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

When Firefly was cancelled after only 11 episodes aired (way to go, Fox), it was the fan response that convinced Universal to give the film the green light. Joss rewarded us with a story that would have served as the plot line for the mythical Firefly: Season Two. When an Alliance-devoted Operative learns that River was privy to a government-destroying secret, he sets out to capture her no matter the obstacle. But when River's "trigger" reveals her super soldier fighting skills, the Serenity crew has some questions of their own. Will the Operative capture the Tams before our crew can reveal the truth about Reavers? Kristen and Mike discuss the reception of the film for non-Browncoats, what Mal believes in, and which characters were under-served. PLUS! What's next for Kristen and Mike?

Kristen and Mike take bets on who would win in ten theoretical Mal match-ups.

In "Objects in Space", after River picks up a gun the crew discusses her danger to the rest of them. Meanwhile, a bounty hunter named Jubal Early sneaks onboard Serenity to apprehend the Tams. When River is not found on the ship, she announces that she has become Serenity. While Jubal tries to comprehend this, River forms a plan. Kristen and Mike discuss the existentialist themes of this episode, and compare and contrast River and Early. We round out our Firefly discussion with our series wrap-up. Topics include: Yearbook Awards, In Memorium, Biggest Damn Hero, Favorite Episodes, Favorite Characters, and why Firefly was cancelled. PLUS! What would we have seen in Firefly Season 2?

Kristen and Mike take bets on who would win in eight theoretical Buffy match-ups.

Kristen and Mike pitch their ideas for Firefly Crossovers.

Kristen and Mike pitch their ideas for Buffy Crossovers.

In "The Message", Zoe and Mal receive a crate in the mail containing the dead body of their former brother-in-arms, Tracy. As they try to return his body to his family, Serenity is attacked by feds demanding Tracy's corpse. When Simon attempts an autopsy, Tracy wakes up and explains that he's smuggling human organs. The crew must figure out how to save Tracy and themselves from the rogue feds. Kristen and Mike discuss Tracy's fatal flaw, and the more dramatic tone of this episode. In "Heart of Gold", Inara's friend Nandi asks for help. Her brothel is under attack from a wealthy customer looking to steal a prostitute's baby. The crew jump to action fortifying the bordello and defending the women. When Mal hits it off with Nandi, Inara feigns indifference but is privately heartbroken. We examine Mal and Inara's relationship (or lack thereof), the crew's distinct roles in the battle, Jayne's respect for the working girls, and Kristen mixes up Nandi and Tandi repeatedly. Sorry, Graham-t! I mean, Nandi!

When Wash gets jealous over Zoe and Mal's "War Stories", he insists on taking Zoe's usual spot on a job. Unfortunately, this happens to the be the day that Niska catches up with them. He's still sore over Mal giving back that black market medicine, and tortures Mal and Wash in retaliation. Kristen and Mike discuss the evolution of River's abilities, and Wash's growth as a character. In "Trash", the crew runs into an old foe - Saffron... or Bridget... or Yolanda? She proposes a caper to steal an antique laser pistol from a rich collector. The plan to ditch the pistol in the trash and retrieve it later is going well - until they run into Saffron's husband. But the real one this time. We address Kristen's memory of this episode (or lack thereof), and why Saffon feels so different this time. PLUS! Do you slice your grenades, I mean - apples?

In "Out of Gas", Serenity is crippled in deep space. With their oxygen running out, Mal orders the rest of the crew off ship to find help. While Mal attempts to fix his stranded ship, he remembers meeting each of his crew members for the first time. Kristen and Mike discuss the 3-timeline story structure, and the way the writers convey exposition visually. In "Ariel", while the ship is docked on an Alliance planet, Simon proposes a heist to sneak River into the hospital. While Simon runs tests on River, Mal and Zoe steal valuable medicine. But when Jayne turns in the Tams for the reward money, they'll have to break out of custody and outrun the Hands of Blue men. We analyze River's diagnosis, and explore Mal's decision to spare Jayne. PLUS! The Stackers share their stories of being lost or stranded.

As promised, this week we're taking Andrew's advice (7:9 "Never Leave Me") and giving Babe a second chance in his second film - Babe: Pig in the City. Although Babe is now a champion sheep herder, his troubles are not over. When an accident leaves the Farmer unable to work, his wife takes Babe on an exotic trip to earn some prize money and save the farm. But when they're detained on a layover in Metropolis (or possibly an alien planet), Esme and Babe find refuge in a strange hotel full of animals and a circus troop. While Babe attempts to rescue the farm and his new friends, Esme just wants to rescue Babe. We discuss critics' reception of this film, the director's history, and the heartwarming rescue that will leave everyone in tears.

Our top 5 most iconic spaceships in pop culture.

In "Our Mrs. Reynolds", after helping a barren town thwart bandits, the crew celebrates with a party and libations. The next morning, Mal discovers that he unwittingly participated in a marriage ceremony and meets his new wife Saffron. Mal admirably rejects the premise of a person being traded as payment, but eventually falls victim to her seducton. But Saffron has other plans. We discuss our reactions to Saffon's betrayal, and whether Jayne's trade for Vera is deplorable or a sign of growth. In "Jaynestown", when the crew lands on Canton - a planet populated by enslaved mudders - they find that the inhabitants have built a statue to commemorate Jayne. Years ago, Jayne stole from the Magistrate and dumped the money (and his partner) in the chase. The Mudders believe that Jayne was giving them the money as a charitable Robin Hood act. While Jayne basks in hero-worship, the Magistrate makes plans for revenge. We debate over Simon's behavior as respectful or insulting, and Joe teaches us how to make Mudder's Milk at home. PLUS! Joe from Wayne Manor Memoirs joins us in the Stacks.

When Inara lands a date to a fancy "Shindig", she's looking forward to a night of sophistication and culture. It's a shame that Mal's gonna crash the party so he can woo a potention client of his own. Kaylee is enjoying the festivities, but the night goes awry when Mal inadvertently challenges Inara's suitor to a duel. The gunslinger must learn to swordfight while his crew is trapped on Serenity. Kristen and Mike discuss Inara's dillemna to live with Atherton full time, and the production value of shooting in Disney's backlot. In "Safe", Mal encourages Simon and River to explore a new planet so he can sell his wares. When the deal goes sour, Book is injured and Serenity needs to leave the planet without the doc and his sister. Meanwhile, Simon is forced to treat the sick and injured of a small town, whose citizens don't taken kindly to River's abilities. We examine the Tam parents' indifference to their daughter's well-being, and the town's sudden yet ardent religious fervor. PLUS! The Stackers' favorite Firefly characters!

In "The Train Job, when crime lord Adelei Niska hires the crew of the Serenity to steal goods off an Alliance train, Mal doesn't ask many questions. He'll regret that, however, when the plan goes awry and him and Zoe find themselves stranded on an indigent planet. How will the crew get them out? And what to do about this much-needed stolen medicine? Kristen and Mike discuss how this episode would have functioned as a pilot, and Mal's dillemna over returning the loot.In "Bushwhacked", Serenity happens across a derelict and seemingly abandoned ship. While a closer inspection finds treasured goods inside, it also reveals evidence of a Reaver attack. The crew attempts to save the lone survivor, but he may be beyond help. And here comes the Alliance, ill-equipped and full of bad ideas. We look at the white-knuckle scenes that build tension in this ep, and examine the two Reaver origin stories.PLUS! Which Firefly character scares the Stackers? iTunes / Stitcher / RSS / Facebook / Twitter / InstagramAbout the Show

We're back! Firefly starts off with a bang in this 2-parter introducing us to the universe after Earth-that-was. Mal, Zoe, Jayne, and Kaylee live and work on a ship called Serenity, running less-than-legal jobs. When they're flagged by the tyrranical government The Alliance, their deal goes sour and they're forced to take on passengers. But at least two of the newcomers have secrets that could bring the crew's way of life to an end. Kristen and Mike discuss their histories with this series, the strange order in which these episodes were aired, and Mike's mysterious connection to Kaylee/Jewel Staite. In Part 2, the crew starts off in a bad spot. There's a lawman on board, Kaylee's been shot, the Alliance is coming, and Simon has smuggled his sister onto the ship. Mal chooses to follow through with his deal, however, and sell his smuggled goods to Patience. But when Patience predictably and metaphorically stabs Mal in the back, Serenity needs to hightail it out of there and... oh, look - Reavers are coming. We talk about Mal's specific brand of morality, and our evolving opinions about the super stuffy Simon Tam.

Kristen and Mike share a look back at all seven seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. In this post-mortem we discuss our favorite (and least favorite) episodes, seasons, villains, slays, and characters. And we share our listeners' stories of what Buffy means to them. PLUS! We announce what comes next for The Sunnydale Stacks.

In "End of Days", after Buffy removes the Scythe, she rescues Faith and the potentials from the blast site and an Ubervamp attack. While Buffy and Faith bond over the lonely position of the Slayer, Andrew and Anya loot medical supplies from the abandoned hospital. Willow's research into the Scythe's origins leads Buffy to meet the last Guardian, and to her final showdown with Caleb. We discuss emotional scenes without the need for speeches, and Caleb's big-bad takedown. In "Chosen", Angel gives Buffy a mysterious amulet, a backup plan for the upcoming battle, and hope for the future. Back at home, Buffy names Spike as her champion. When The First attempts to shake her confidence, Buffy forms a winning plan. The gang prepares for the final showdown at the high school, and the moment when Buffy's no longer the only Chosen One. We remember watching the finale for the first time, and delve into Anya's send-off. PLUS! Chris from Hey, Do You Remember...? joins us as we celebrate seven seasons in the Stacks!

In "Empty Places", as the town's citizens flee, Sunnydale's police force gets antsy for some Justice. When Faith takes the potentials for a night out, the group is forced to fight some overzealous law enforcement. Meanwhile, Spike and Andrew leave town to investigate a lead, leaving Buffy without backup when the rest of the group mutinies. Kristen and Mike discuss the townspeople's awareness of the apocolypse, and the culmination of events that lead to Buffy's explusion from the group. In "Touched", with Buffy ejected from the Summers home, the rest of the group doesn't find the easy peace they expected. Spike's fury at Buffy's banishment leads him to find her languishing in an empty house. The gang forces a Bringer to speak via Andrew, pointing them to an underground arsenal. While everyone prepares for the next day's battle, the Scoobies get frisky. We break down the different "coupling" milestones in this ep, and analyze the concurrent final assaults.

In "Lies My Parents Told Me", Giles is determined to deactivate Spike's trigger once and for all. But when Spike doesn't like the emotional baggage that unleashes, Giles is forced to team up with Principal Wood to take Spike out. When Robin locks himself in a room with a triggering Spike, he doesn't anticipate the psychological treatment he'd be giving the vampire. Kristen and Mike discuss the evolution of Spike's Mom and her relationship to her son. In "Dirty Girls", Sunnydale has two new visitors - Faith and Caleb! While Faith re-acclimates herself with the Scooby Army, Caleb has a cryptic message for Buffy. When the totally obvious trap turns out to be a trap, the gang suffers heavy losses. Kristen and Mike talk about the crowded cast list, the rejuvenation that Faith brings, and Caleb's proselytizing. PLUS! The Stackers reveal their fantasy BtVS relationships!