In this roundtable discussion, the team at Perfect Organism sits down to discuss the processes of the Alien lifecycle. With six canonical films and two AvP films, does the traditional lifecycle continue to be effective? Should the new lifecycle as seen in Alien Covenant be the way forward as we approach the Noah Hawley produced Alien Series? We attempt to answer these questions and many more in this riveting hour and a half discussion.
179 // Plans for a New Year, and Gratitude for a Year Past
2021 is a year that will go down in Perfect Organism history as one of our favorites. We talked to our heroes, we reopened the marvelously fascinating wound that is Alien: Covenant, and we grew our team. We read new comics, played a new board game, devoured another Alex White novel. We spent another Alien Day with friends and family, and released another audio drama.
But just wait till you hear what we've got planned for 2022!
Join Jaime and Patrick as they capture this moment in time, and stick around to the end to hear the names of all the Patrons who've made it possible.
We are grateful for each and every one of you!
// Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/perfectorganismitunes
178 // ALIENS: Special Edition vs. Theatrical - A Round Table
Hudson attends the Sentry Guns.
Aliens: Special Edition was a thing of mystery for many years before it saw a formal release on Laser Disc in 1991. In the interim, many of us remembered specific scenes we weren't sure were real until James Cameron gave his seal of approval on his original vision. In this roundtable episode, Jaime, Patrick, Christian, Andie, and Perry sit down to discuss the merits of the special edition, and how they stack up against the theatrical release. Is one version superior than the other? We attempt to answer this question and more. Join us.
This will be the last episode of 2022 until January 4th. We wish all of you a very Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays.
177 // I‘ll Give Them F*cking Aliens: An Archaeological Expedition into Alien: Covenant (Exquisite Corpse Part Five)
There is a time shortly after the release of Prometheus and before pre-production on Alien: Covenant where things get ... murky. Ridley Scott was doing interview after interview, talking about a planned trilogy (or was it a quintology?) of prequel films in the coming years. The rumor mill on Prometheus 2 (or was it Paradise Lost?) was in full swing. Things were happening.
In this installment in our ongoing exploration into Alien: Covenant, Jaime and Patrick are joined by Aaron Percival of AVP Galaxy to comb through those early days in a search for answers. What happened to Lindelof? How did Blomkamp's art dumps change the narrative? We dive into all this and more in this archaeological dig of an episode.
Be sure to listen to Aaron and friends on the AVP Galaxy Podcast! Concept art by Khang Le.
// Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/perfectorganismitunes
176 // Interviewing Alien: Covenant‘s Benjamin Rigby + Anatomy of a Scene: The Medbay (Exquisite Corpse - Dissecting Alien: Covenant Part Four)
The Medbay sequence in Alien: Covenant shocked, enthralled, and terrified audiences back in 2017. In this next installment of our ongoing exploration into the film, actor Benjamin Rigby—who, as Covenant's Ledward, is at the very center of that iconic scene—takes Jaime and Patrick deep into the creative process behind it.
Be sure to follow Benjamin on IG (@brigby) for some amazing photography!
// Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/perfectorganismitunes
BONUS EPISODE - The Weirding Way | Episode Two: Discussing David Lynch‘s Dune
In this second entry into our Dune limited series, Jaime, Patrick, and Drew discuss David Lynch's vision of Frank Herbert's story. Released in 1984, Lynch's Dune would crash and burn at the box office, while subsequently forging a cult following in the years to come. Tragedy, triumph, or something in-between, we cover all aspects of the first film version of Dune and our anticipation for Villeneuve's film. Join us.
175 // David‘s Lab | A Roundtable Discussion Part Two (Exquisite Corpse - Dissecting Alien: Covenant Part Three)
We’re back with another roundtable! Alien: Covenant presents a lot to talk about, and on this wide-ranging installment we tackle some of the more problematic aspects of the film. What do we wrestle with? Where does Covenant fall flat? Why is it so hard to stop talking about this freaking movie?!
Join Jaime, Patrick, Christian, Andie, Maj, and special guest Matt John as they venture further into David's creepy basement.
// Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/perfectorganismitunes
174 // David‘s Lab | A Roundtable Discussion Part One (Exquisite Corpse - Dissecting Alien: Covenant Part Two)
There's no beating around the bush: Alien: Covenant is, at its heart, a divisive film in fandom. So how do we make sense of it? Do we throw it all out and hope for a more unifying film next time? It's never that simple. While there is a lot that is controversial about Alien: Covenant, there is a lot that is profound as well.
In this roundtable discussion, Jaime, Patrick, Christian, Andie, Perry, and Maj jump into the deep end to discuss a film that continues to be a flashpoint in fandom. While not the success the studio had hoped for—or the rallying point fans were desperate to receive—Covenant is worthy of exploration. We hope you enjoy.
173 // Where It All Began (Exquisite Corpse - Dissecting Alien: Covenant Part One)
When Alien: Covenant was released in theaters back in 2017, it was nothing short of explosive. EVERYONE had an opinion about it. And for a lot of us in Alien fandom, Covenant represents a painful time in our community.
But why? What is it about this movie that inspires such intense reactions, good and bad?
Join Jaime and Patrick as they revisit the very first on-air discussion they ever had (way back in Episode 59). How does Alien: Covenant sit now, four years after its release? What themes have stood the test of time; what has soured with age? Where do we go from here? How did we get here in the first place?
This is the first episode of a full, extended series that many of you have been asking for. We're calling it "Exquisite Corpse - Dissecting Alien: Covenant." And we can't wait to take this journey with you.
// Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/perfectorganismitunes
172 // Stop and Smell the Corpses - Aliens: Fireteam Elite Review Roundtable
Aliens: Fireteam Elite is finally here, and we couldn't wait to talk about it! Join Patrick, Christian, Perry, Dave (of xenomorphing.com and the Hive Mind podcast), and first-time guest Drew Jackson as they land on LV-895, whip out their pulse rifles, and start discussing the intricacies of this crazy little (-ish) game.
We talk strategy, lore (with some light spoilers for this game as well as Aliens: Infiltrator), and a whole lot more. So equip your perks, keep an eye out for Monica, and join the conversation.
// Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/perfectorganismitunes
171 // Discussing the First Complete Arc of Marvel’s Alien With Writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson
*** DON'T LISTEN TO THIS UNTIL YOU HAVE FINISHED ALIEN #6 ***
The first six issues of Phillip Kennedy Johnson's run on Marvel's Alien are officially out! Join Patrick and Christian as they chat with Phillip about Gabriel Cruz, the Alpha, that Giger-esque women/alien hybrid, liberation-minded synthetics, "cleansing fire," and so much more.
Phillip also gives our listeners a first look at where the comic is going next, including some very exciting news about a new protagonist, a new setting, and some new nightmares.
So head over to your local comic store, get reading, and join us!
// Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/perfectorganismitunes
170 // Interviewing Scott Rogers, Designer of Alien: Fate of the Nostromo
As Alien fans, we've got a lot of ways to engage with the stories we love. We can watch the films, read the comics, play with the action figures, sew our cosplay outfits, explore the decks of the Sevastopol ... and sometimes, when we're lucky, we get something that allows us to engage with these stories in collaboration with others.
That's just what Scott Rogers, the legendary game designer behind Ravensburger's new Alien: Fate of the Nostromo, had in mind as he and his team brought this new tabletop experience to life.
Join Jaime and Patrick as they talk with Scott about all sorts of things: his life-long love for Alien, the inner mechanics of game design, and so much more.
And be sure to pick up a copy of Alien: Fate of the Nostromo, on sale now wherever games are sold!
// Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/perfectorganismitunes
169 // The Risk Always Lives: Interviewing Jenette Goldstein
Aliens remains one of the greatest sequels ever made. The 1986 followup to the Ridley Scott original turned a one-off phenomenal film into a franchise-maker.
Even moreso than its predecessor, James Cameron’s Aliens is a film about character. In this special interview, Jenette Goldstein—who, in portraying PFC Vasquez, gave us one of the most unforgettable characters of all—takes us on a tour of her life, her time on set, and her most cherished memories.
Joining Jaime and Patrick in this exciting interview are our new Contributing Hosts, Andie and Christian!
After the interview wraps, stick around for an extended roundtable conversation on the legacy of Vasquez (and much more), as the interview quartet is joined by IG all-stars Perry and Maj.
Keep up with all of Jenette's exploits on IG! @realjenettegoldstein @jenettebras_la @jenettebras_atl And be sure to stop by jenettebras.com.
Also!! Make sure you check out Jenette appearing in the music video for "Reach," a song by Bill Paxton's band Martini Ranch. Directed by James Cameron, no less! You might recognize some other faces as well ...
// Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/perfectorganismitunes
168 // Celebrating the 35 Year Legacy of Aliens: A Roundtable
Thirty-five years ago—July 14, 1985—James Cameron’s Aliens lit up movie screens across the globe for the first time. In the decades since, Aliens has become a deeply beloved, immeasurably influential, genre-defining example of what great filmmaking looks like.
In this roundtable celebration of Aliens’ 35th anniversary, Jaime, Patrick, Christian, Maj, and Perry are joined once again by Marvel’s Phillip Kennedy Johnson for a rousing look at Aliens and its deep impact on our lives, our work, and our world.
167 // Papa's Got a Pulse Rifle: Aliens and Parenthood
** HEAR THE FULL STORY BEHIND THIS AWESOME PHOTO! **
As we get ever closer to the 35th anniversary of Aliens' theatrical premiere, fans around the world find ourselves feeling a little nostalgic. Many of us were introduced to Aliens (or other films in the saga) by parents, aunts, uncles, etc. And many of us now, having grown to become parents, aunts, uncles ourselves, are in the wonderful position of being able to introduce it to kids ourselves.
On this heartfelt episode, Jaime and Patrick are joined by our NEW COHOST Christian Matzke, as well as beloved PO guest Andie GeekGirl. We hope you feel the love.
// Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/perfectorganismitunes
166 // Interviewing Marvel's Benjamin Percy, Writer of Aliens: Aftermath
Benjamin Percy wears many hats: novelist (Red Moon); superstar comic writer (Wolverine and X-Force); podcast innovator (Wastelanders: Old Man Star-Lord). But one of the first hats he wore was "Alien fan."
Percy teamed up with the artist Dave Wachter to create Aliens: Aftermath—a double-sized one-shot Marvel is releasing to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Aliens.
Join Jaime and Patrick as they chat with Benjamin about this exciting project, and about the lasting influence Aliens has on us all.
//iTunes: bit.ly/perfectorganismitunes
165 // NECA : Interviewing VP & Senior Creative Director - Randy Falk
Photo and diorama by Brandon Flores
In this episode, Jaime sits down with Randy Falk, the VP and Senior Creative Director at NECA. In this exclusive interview, Randy pulls back the curtain offering a glimpse of how NECA makes their figures, from first idea to final destination and so much more. This was an insightful discussion that all of us at Perfect Organism hope you enjoy.
164 // Not Drawing Any Straws: Parker and the Legacy of Yaphet Kotto
The character of Parker is arguably the hero of Alien. Performed deftly by the late Yaphet Kotto, Parker echoes in the heart chambers of the Alien saga. From his charm, to his wit, to his affable nature, Parker endears himself to the audience as well as the crew of the Nostromo.
In this episode, Jaime, Patrick, and special guest Christian Matzke sit down to discuss this indelible character and the legacy he's left in a series that is second to none.
//iTunes: bit.ly/perfectorganismitunes
163 // Alien Day 2021- Aftermath | A Debrief
This episode contains the audio of our live show in the final hours of Alien Day 2021. Join Patrick, Jaime, Perfect Organism team members Maj, and Perry, and special guest Conar Murdoch as we go through the Alien Day activities looking back on another year in the best fandom on earth.
//iTunes: bit.ly/perfectorganismitunes
161 // ALIEN DAY 2021 : Alien and Alchemy | Interviewing Nostromo Model Craftsman Jon Sorenson
Ridley Scott's seminal film Alien floats between worlds. Alien is full of mystery and dread, horror and magic. In this very special Alien Day 2021 interview, Jaime and Patrick sit down with Jon Sorenson, visual artist responsible for building the Nostromo and so much more. Fresh out of school, Sorenson details how he landed a job on the set of Alien, and phoning his grandmother to tell her the unbelievable news. Join us for an interview of a lifetime. Happy Alien Day 2021.
//iTunes: bit.ly/perfectorganismitunes