The Hive Mind: A Xenomorphing Podcast

Episode 52 - Alien: Engineers script review

Dave, Devan, Michael, Bradley, and Ryan board The Prometheus, um I mean The Magellan and head back to LV-223, er, um LV-426 to discuss Jon Spaihts' prequel script "Alien: Engineers," which would become the template used by Damon Lindelof for the 2012 film "Prometheus."  The crew discuss the 2011 draft from the then-unknown Spaihts' and examine the similarities but also the notable differences between his script and what was eventually put on screen.  They also talk about which of those differences worked better in Spaihts' vision and which ones were improved upon in Damon Lindelof's final draft.  Thank you so much again for listening and supporting us!  Stay frosty!

Episode 51 - Alien 3: The Legacy Cut review

Dave, Michael, and Ryan break into the vault at 20th Century Studios, open the box titled "We're So Sorry, David Fincher" and grab all the footage of Alien 3 as they talk about one of the latest fan edits of the film from a34k.net titled, "Alien 3: The Legacy Cut."  The crew discuss and critique this new vision of the film, which includes enhanced color grading and visual effects improvements, but also some narrative tweaks that are sure to divide critics and fans alike.  We hope you enjoy this analysis of the A34K fan edit of Alien 3!  Thanks for listening and stay frosty! 

Episode 50 - Aliens: Lucky and Alien: Isolation Prequel Comics

Bradley locks Dave, Devan, Michael and Ryan in the Communications Bay with a very hungry xenomorph as he leads a discussion on two Alien comics, 1996's "Aliens: Lucky" and 2014's "Alien: Isolation" prequel comic.  The crew first chat about the short but sweet Aliens: Lucky, about a not-so-heroic crewman aboard an ill-fated salvage station.  They then shift focus to the Alien: Isolation prequel comic, featuring several stories about events that took place on Sevastopol Station before the start of the game.  We hope you enjoy this discussion about two lesser known comics in the Alien franchise.  Thank you for listening and stay frosty!

Episode 49 - Predator: Badlands review

Dave, Devan, Michael, Bradley and Ryan crash land on a distant planet where everything tries to kill you (aka Australia) and go on a hunt to take down the infamous, unkillable and hairball-filled Catlisk as they discuss the latest entry in the Predator franchise, Dan Trachtenberg's "Predator: Badlands."  The crew share their thoughts on Badlands and what they enjoyed most about this risky but exciting film, including the fun action scenes, immersive soundtrack, and Elle Fanning's dual-performance as the android sisters Thia and Tessa.  They also talk about where they think Trachtenberg could take the franchise in future installments.  Thanks again for listening and for supporting us!  What did you think of Predator: Badlands?  Come visit us on our Facebook page and let us know!  Stay frosty!

Episode 48 - Alien: Earth Episode 8 (Season 1 Finale) review

With Brad and Ryan working on some more Outer Rim jobs, Dave, Devan, and Michael use their wit, cunning, and excess plot armor to take over a small island research facility, where they discuss the final episode of season 1 of Noah Hawley's FX series, "Alien: Earth."  The crew analyze this season finale to the first ever Alien TV show, chatting about how well they feel Hawley did with closing out the season, what they would've liked to see done differently, and where they hope to see the plot and character arcs go in further seasons.  Thanks for hanging with us each week as we explored each episode of this inaugural season!  Stay tuned for more episodes in the near future, and if you're a horror genre fan in general, be sure to check out our other podcast, "Mouths of Madness Horrorcast."  Stay frosty!

Episode 47 - Alien: Earth Episode 7 review

After trying unsuccessfully to communicate with and train Dave's cat Nacho, Dave, Devan, Michael, Ryan and special guest Holden Wilhoite from the Perfect Organism podcast all end up in sick bay, where they discuss the latest episode of Noah Hawley's FX series, "Alien: Earth."  The crew talk about the polarizing episode, what they think worked and what they thought about some of the more divisive moments that serve to set up next week's season finale.  What did you think of episode 7?  Let us know, we'd love to hear from you!  Also, be sure to check out Holden and the rest of the squad over at the Perfect Organism podcast!  Thanks for hanging out with us, and stay frosty! 

Episode 46 - Alien: Earth Episode 6 review

With Brad away at the All Zeta Reticuli Karate Championship, Dave, Devan, Michael, and Ryan head over to New Siam to chat about the latest episode of Noah Hawley's FX series, "Alien: Earth."  The crew explore various aspects of the episode, such as the writing, character interactions, and some revelations about the alien creatures, and talk about what they think worked and what didn't.  They also discuss how the events in this episode could serve as a springboard for what they hope to be an exciting final two episodes of the season.  Thanks for listening in and being so supportive!  Stay frosty!

Episode 45 - Alien: Earth Episode 5 review

Dave, Devan, Michael, Bradley, and Ryan get together at the local Arcturian dive bar, grab a pint, and talk about the good ol' days aboard the USCSS Maginot, when they were running for their lives, screaming their heads off, and crying for their mommies as they discuss the latest episode in Noah Hawley's FX series, "Alien: Earth."  The crew examine this surprisingly polarizing flashback episode, which shows the events aboard the Maginot that led to the ship's fateful crash in the Prodigy city of New Siam.  They discuss what they enjoyed about it, including the sabotage mystery, Morrow's investigation and character arc, and some of the reveals about the unusual creatures aboard the ship.  They also chat about their views on several of the more negatively received aspects of the episode, including the criticisms of the incompetence of the Maginot crew.  Thanks as always for listening!  Let us know how you're feeling so far about Alien: Earth.  We'd love to hear from you.  Stay frosty!

Episode 44 - Alien: Earth Episode 4 review

Dave, Devan, Michael and Ryan make a pit stop at Gateway Station to have a chat with very special guest Jaime Prater (aka Man Cavalier), host of the popular Perfect Organism podcast, as they discuss episode 4 of Noah Hawley's FX series, "Alien: Earth."  Jaime and the crew share their thoughts on this more character focused episode, what they believed worked and didn't work as well in it, and what direction the show could be heading based on the revelations within this latest episode.  Thank you so much for listening and supporting us!  To get more information on the Perfect Organism podcast, check out some of the links below!  Stay frosty!

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Episode 43 - Alien: Earth Episode 3 review

While Bradley recovers in the med bay in the aftermath of their feline-induced spaceship disaster, Dave, Devan, Michael, and Ryan are joined by special guest Gary Washington to discuss episode 3 of Noah Hawley's FX series, "Alien: Earth."  The crew discuss what they liked and disliked about the episode, including the creature effects, the new character developments, and the story elements involving AI and transhumanism.  They also share where they think the series could possibly go from here and what they are looking forward to in the upcoming episodes.  Thanks for listening and for simply being awesome!  Stay frosty!