The Aquaboy Podcast

Our attempted recordings of Cop Rock are almost as confusing as the show itself.   Our first attempt to record a Cop Rock episode was cut short, so this episode ends rather abruptly.   But unlike our second attempt to review Cop Rock (Episode 27), this recording contains quite a bit more about the show itself.  (Like you even care)

 Cop Rock is an American police procedural musical television series created by Steven Bochco and William M. Finkelstein for the American Broadcasting Company. It premiered on September 26, 1990, and broadcast eleven episodes before concluding on December 26. It was both a critical and commercial failure when it originally aired.

What do the Bee Gees,  Las Vegas, sexually deviant cursers and Aretha Franklin have in common?   Hard to say - - but if you found that question confusing then you are in for a hell of a ride with this episode, my friend.  Episode 2 of Automan (not ottoman)  continues to confound the Aquaboys with plot-specific super powers, meandering logic and remarkable amounts of filler.   So yeah, we like it.

Automan is an American superhero television series produced by Glen A. Larson. It aired for 12 episodes (although 13 were made) on ABC between 1983 and 1984. It consciously emulates the stylistic trappings of the Walt Disney Pictures live-action film Tron, in the context of a superhero TV series. The series was later shown in reruns on the Sci-Fi Channel.

What is Automan?  A hologram? Sentient AI? Piece of furniture?  The Aquaboys dig deep into this curious piece of early 80’s sci-fi television.  Does it really end up being as big of a Tron rip-off as it seems?  Well, yes.  But it does have some (ok, a few) interesting ideas, a hilariously over-complicated bad guy plan, talking streetlights and cold-blooded holographic murder.   What else could possibly need?  

Automan is an American superhero television series produced by Glen A. Larson. It aired for 12 episodes (although 13 were made) on ABC between 1983 and 1984. It consciously emulates the stylistic trappings of the Walt Disney Pictures live-action film Tron, in the context of a superhero TV series. The series was later shown in reruns on the Sci-Fi Channel.

The Aquaboys keep venturing further in the dark and slightly confusing world of this unquestionably classic series.   Episode 3 pours on the noir as we watch a scrappy reporter/detective try to uncover the true identify of our hero.   This episode still leaves the Aquaboys with plenty more questions than answers - - What are his powers exactly?  How does one hand-out mob justice?  Is it safe to smoke at age 8?

The Flash is an American television series developed by the writing team of Danny Bilson and Paul De Meo that aired on CBS from September 20, 1990 to May 18, 1991. It is based on the DC Comics character Barry Allen / Flash, a costumed superhero crime-fighter with the power to move at superhuman speeds. The Flash starred John Wesley Shipp as Allen, along with Amanda Pays, and Alex Desert.

The Aquaboys are in love with The Flash.  Wanna know how you can tell?  Episode 2 of this totally wronged series is 30 minutes shorter than the premier, yet we still manage to go over 2 hours (again) consuming every last second of greatness.   We wander here and there -- tackling topics around Flashes actual speed, how to ethically euthanize toads and if The Hulk can properly hang drywall.  Buckle up, buttercup. 

The Flash is an American television series developed by the writing team of Danny Bilson and Paul De Meo that aired on CBS from September 20, 1990 to May 18, 1991. It is based on the DC Comics character Barry Allen / Flash, a costumed superhero crime-fighter with the power to move at superhuman speeds. The Flash starred John Wesley Shipp as Allen, along with Amanda Pays, and Alex Desert.

The Aquaboy’s don’t care how fast ‘The Flash’ claims to be…we take our sweet time relishing every detail about this extraordinary show.  Sure there are a couple missteps here and there, but overall this might be the highest quality and most-wronged-by-the-network television show we’ve reviewed thus far.  Yes, we get it…the episode is long even by our standards, but its so worth it!   We heart The Flash, abandoned dams and all. 

The Flash is an American television series developed by the writing team of Danny Bilson and Paul De Meo that aired on CBS from September 20, 1990 to May 18, 1991. It is based on the DC Comics character Barry Allen / Flash, a costumed superhero crime-fighter with the power to move at superhuman speeds. The Flash starred John Wesley Shipp as Allen, along with Amanda Pays, and Alex Desert.

The Aquaboy’s celebrate their 1st anniversary by tackling their second movie-into-TV series.  But trust us..Ferris Bueller is no Blue Thunder.  This mean-spirited and uninspired hunk of shit might be our toughest conquest yet.  What a slap in the face to John Hughes.  But you never know….this series might get hate-renewed just because the Aquaboys are so unpleasant to each other. 

Ferris Bueller is an American sitcom television series based on the 1986 John Hughes film Ferris Bueller's Day Off. The show stars Charlie Schlatter in the title role. The series debuted on August 23, 1990, on NBC and was cancelled within its first season, a few months after its debut. The show was produced by Maysh, Ltd. Productions in association with Paramount Television. Hughes was not involved in the show's production.

The Aquaboys continue through Homeboys in Outer Space, and it quickly starts to feel like real work.  Even with a couple funny lines here or there, we quickly succumb to the crushing torture that is this show.  Not even a blissful celebration of 4/20 can keep our spirits up.  

Homeboys in Outer Space is an American science fiction/fantasy sitcom that aired on UPN from August 27, 1996 to May 13, 1997. The series stars comedian Flex and Darryl Bell.  The plot centered around two astronauts, Tyberius "Ty" Walker (Flex) and Morris Clay (Bell), who flew around the universe in a winged car, nicknamed the "Space Hoopty", in the 23rd century. The duo's car, which was a cross between a lowrider and an 18 wheeler, was piloted by a talking female computer named Loquatia.

The Aquaboys make their first trip to the stars and explore the unmitigated disaster of Homeboys in Outer Space.  This marvelous piece of UPN time-slot filler takes huge swings time after time and consistently misses at a level that’s nearly impossible to comprehend.  Too bad that we absolutely love it!  Come for a walk-through of this legendary piece of TV embarrassment, and stay for Tony’s Hindenburg-like ‘last-five-minutes’.  You’ll be glad you did. 

Homeboys in Outer Space is an American science fiction/fantasy sitcom that aired on UPN from August 27, 1996 to May 13, 1997. The series stars comedian Flex and Darryl Bell.  The plot centered around two astronauts, Tyberius "Ty" Walker (Flex) and Morris Clay (Bell), who flew around the universe in a winged car, nicknamed the "Space Hoopty", in the 23rd century. The duo's car, which was a cross between a lowrider and an 18 wheeler, was piloted by a talking female computer named Loquatia.

By the grace of the TV gods, Blue Thunder was somehow renewed, much to the chagrin of most of the Aquaboys.   And boy-o-boy are we glad we hung around for Episode 3.  This episode has it all….a flamboyant arms dealer, a fascinating weight-loss subplot, gigantic drones with equally gigantic controls, oddly timed feats of strength, wing-walking, sharp-shooting, spider mating rituals and downright hilarious impressions  - - all of that AND an unconvincing love interest.  Who could ask for anything more?   Ok well…how about a dash of tape-delayed orgasims and a Fast and Furious prequel for good measure?   Now you’re talking.   

Blue Thunder is an American action drama television series based on the movie of the same title that aired on ABC from January 6 until April 16, 1984 featuring the Blue Thunder helicopter. The series uses the converted Aérospatiale Gazelle helicopter and large portions of stock footage from the 1983 film.  Lt. Frank Chaney of the LAPD is a maverick cop with unorthodox methods who is assigned to the Blue Thunder Team, which uses a very advanced gadget-filled helicopter in its fight against crime. "Blue Thunder" is capable of great speed and maneuverability, can run silently in "whisper mode", and is armed with the most powerful weapons in development. His partner is a fresh-faced rookie with the improbable name of Wonderlove, and ground support is supplied by ex-athletes Ski and Bubba, who drive a sophisticated van.

All the Aquaboys (except for Brian) begrudgingly watch episode two of Blue Thunder.  Nobody (except for Brian) expected to have as much fun as we did watching this paint-by-numbers man-and-machine 80’s garbage.   While this episode didn’t feature the greatness of PVC, it did feature a bunch of heavily armed redneck racist bubbas who are attempting to overthrow the government.  Who would have ever thought an episode of Blue Thunder could be so timely and topical?   We also throw in some British themed playlets, barbershop quartets, and F.U.P.A. talk.   You’re welcome, “Aquaboy Nation”. 

Blue Thunder is an American action drama television series based on the movie of the same title that aired on ABC from January 6 until April 16, 1984 featuring the Blue Thunder helicopter. The series uses the converted Aérospatiale Gazelle helicopter and large portions of stock footage from the 1983 film.  Lt. Frank Chaney of the LAPD is a maverick cop with unorthodox methods who is assigned to the Blue Thunder Team, which uses a very advanced gadget-filled helicopter in its fight against crime. "Blue Thunder" is capable of great speed and maneuverability, can run silently in "whisper mode", and is armed with the most powerful weapons in development. His partner is a fresh-faced rookie with the improbable name of Wonderlove, and ground support is supplied by ex-athletes Ski and Bubba, who drive a sophisticated van.

Team Aquaboy assembles to tackle another man and machine show from the 80’s.  After a bumpy premier episode, try as it might, Blue Thunder the TV show doesn’t live up to the standards set by Blue Thunder the movie.  Not even the most legendary of character actors like Richard Lynch, Bubba Smith, Dick Butkus, and Dana Carvey can save this show from poor execution and a down-right preposterous (yet strangely hilarious) villain.   BTW, RIP PVC.  

No matter how you pronounce the word ‘helicopter’, Blue Thunder will still be a tough watch. 

Blue Thunder is an American action drama television series based on the movie of the same title that aired on ABC from January 6 until April 16, 1984 featuring the Blue Thunder helicopter. The series uses the converted Aérospatiale Gazelle helicopter and large portions of stock footage from the 1983 film.  Lt. Frank Chaney of the LAPD is a maverick cop with unorthodox methods who is assigned to the Blue Thunder Team, which uses a very advanced gadget-filled helicopter in its fight against crime. "Blue Thunder" is capable of great speed and maneuverability, can run silently in "whisper mode", and is armed with the most powerful weapons in development. His partner is a fresh-faced rookie with the improbable name of Wonderlove, and ground support is supplied by ex-athletes Ski and Bubba, who drive a sophisticated van.

The Aquaboys assemble to broadcast live from the driveway at Aquaboy Studios, offering up our first pocket-sized episode.   This episode we celebrate the year that was 2020 by discussing our favorite shows, movies, comics, and music from the year.   But first, we tackle how to properly address gypsies, tragedy befalls Tony and advances in menstruation technology!   

Not to worry listener, this time we for sure jump right into discussing the episode.  Well…sorta.   First we clear up some shower thoughts that wander from back hair dreadlocks to Mexican buffet based emotional support.  Not to mention spending a considerable amount of time breaking down the ins and outs of at-home waxing.   

Do we choose to continue Freaks and Geeks?   Listen and find out. 

Freaks and Geeks is an American teen comedy-drama television series created by Paul Feig and executive-produced by Judd Apatow that aired on NBC during the 1999–2000 television season. The show follows gifted high schooler Lindsay Weir, who befriends a gang of slacker "freaks", and her younger brother Sam, as he and his geek friends navigate high school. Eighteen episodes were completed, but the series was canceled after only 12 had aired. A fan campaign persuaded NBC to broadcast three of the remaining episodes in July 2000, with the rest of the unaired episodes airing that fall on Fox Family Channel.

Damn you, Covid!!!   In what seems like ages since we last recorded due to pandemic related scheduling difficulties, we are finally able to get together to talk about Episode 3 of Freaks and Geeks.  And in keeping with the tradition (?) of not talking about unbelievably good television, we instead spend way too much time reliving traumatic childhood experiences, discussing pre-teen boredom, and how all but one of us avoided the dreaded pantsing. (That’s how its spelled, we looked it up.)   Again, let’s be clear….Freaks and Geeks is incredible.   If you can find it…watch this show.  

Freaks and Geeks is an American teen comedy-drama television series created by Paul Feig and executive-produced by Judd Apatow that aired on NBC during the 1999–2000 television season. The show follows gifted high schooler Lindsay Weir, who befriends a gang of slacker "freaks", and her younger brother Sam, as he and his geek friends navigate high school. Eighteen episodes were completed, but the series was canceled after only 12 had aired. A fan campaign persuaded NBC to broadcast three of the remaining episodes in July 2000, with the rest of the unaired episodes airing that fall on Fox Family Channel.

Once again,  we need to be very clear,  Freaks and Geeks is a phenomenal show.    The Aquaboy podcast is supposed to be about highlighting and reviewing examples of great TV just like this.  However, for a second show in a row things like horrible personal tragedy, abbreviations, and virginity time-line confusion distract us from actually  talking about the show.   Prepare yourself, as we swerve all over the road.   

Also, please consider a (very small) donation - http://gf.me/u/y48842

Freaks and Geeks is an American teen comedy-drama television series created by Paul Feig and executive-produced by Judd Apatow that aired on NBC during the 1999–2000 television season. The show follows gifted high schooler Lindsay Weir, who befriends a gang of slacker "freaks", and her younger brother Sam, as he and his geek friends navigate high school. Eighteen episodes were completed, but the series was canceled after only 12 had aired. A fan campaign persuaded NBC to broadcast three of the remaining episodes in July 2000, with the rest of the unaired episodes airing that fall on Fox Family Channel.

We spend the better part of this episode getting caught-up after a long time away from each other.  We don’t totally ignore the the TV watching part of the show, but it takes second fiddle to a disturbing reveal from Jason, discussions of cross-breeding, and one of the most pitiful homecoming dates ever.  Let's face it, Freaks and Geeks is hands-down greatness.  Pretty sure we’ll be watching this one for a while.   

Freaks and Geeks is an American teen comedy-drama television series created by Paul Feig and executive-produced by Judd Apatow that aired on NBC during the 1999–2000 television season. The show follows gifted high schooler Lindsay Weir, who befriends a gang of slacker "freaks", and her younger brother Sam, as he and his geek friends navigate high school. Eighteen episodes were completed, but the series was canceled after only 12 had aired. A fan campaign persuaded NBC to broadcast three of the remaining episodes in July 2000, with the rest of the unaired episodes airing that fall on Fox Family Channel.

Much to Chads delight we jump head-first in our second episode of ‘My So-Called Life'. We spend some time confronting our perception of age, take a call from a superfan,  talk about a new member of the cast, and try to understand why sentient cats are so damn enticing.  

My So-Called Life is an American teen drama television series created by Winnie Holzman and produced by Edward Zwick and Marshall Herskovitz. It originally aired on ABC from August 25, 1994, to January 26, 1995, and was distributed by The Bedford Falls Company with ABC Productions. Set at the fictional Liberty High School in a fictional suburb near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania called Three Rivers, it follows the emotional travails of several teenagers in the social circle of main character Angela Chase, played by Claire Danes. 

The critically acclaimed but short-lived show ended in a cliffhanger with the expectation that it would be picked up for an additional season, but it was officially canceled on May 15, 1995. The show was praised for its portrayal of adolescence and the commentary of its central character, Angela.

This episode the Aquaboy team tackles the 90’s teen/grunge/high-school and Chad-beloved drama ‘My So-Called Life’.  We mix in some awesome fan art, confusing playlets, R.E.M. feelings music, and Mecha-Anne Frank.  Confused?  You are not alone.  

My So-Called Life is an American teen drama television series created by Winnie Holzman and produced by Edward Zwick and Marshall Herskovitz. It originally aired on ABC from August 25, 1994, to January 26, 1995, and was distributed by The Bedford Falls Company with ABC Productions. Set at the fictional Liberty High School in a fictional suburb near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania called Three Rivers, it follows the emotional travails of several teenagers in the social circle of main character Angela Chase, played by Claire Danes. 

The critically acclaimed but short-lived show ended in a cliffhanger with the expectation that it would be picked up for an additional season, but it was officially canceled on May 15, 1995. The show was praised for its portrayal of adolescence and the commentary of its central character, Angela.

Despite troubling technical difficulties, the Aquaboy crew manage to spend at least five minutes of this confusing episode discussing the failed sitcom, "Golden Palace".  We also reach out to our 'Special Correspondent Lane', for a deep dive into 'Golden Girls' history and lore.

Prepare yourself intrepid listener, this is a very bumpy ride. We can do better, and maybe we will. 

The Golden Palace is an American sitcom television series produced as a spin-off continuation of The Golden Girls without Bea Arthur, that originally aired on CBS from September 1992 to May 1993. Not as popular as its predecessor, the series aired for a single 24-episode season and was cancelled by CBS.

Note: We want to apologize in advance for any special needs robots that are offended by the content of this episode.