Audio Draaaaama
OK, there’s no actual Drama here, not the kind that comes with a llama. It’s simply discussion of audio dramas that I listen to or have available.
1> Decoder Ring Theatre. They’re Canadian, that’s why they spell it “theatre”. Gregg Taylor is the only writer for the majority of their shows. They have two main shows, and then a summer showcase that lets them expand beyond the core shows. There’s only one feed, and they release twice monthly, the 1st and the 15th of every month. Their core shows are The Red Panda, which is basically The Shadow, and Black Jack Justice, which is basically hard boiled detective stories. Both of them are tongue in cheek takes on their subjects. I really enjoy these shows, because they’re almost always excellent.
2> Afterlives. This was a short-run (16 or so episodes) series put out by a group I know nothing about. The first season (say, 10 episodes?) was excellent, and by far the best. The 2nd season felt tacked on, and the 3rd season was three big shows that basically attempted and generally failed to follow through on the premise. Unfortunately, it appears to have disappeared from the net.
3> Edict Zero: FIS. This one was introduced to me by the Sonic Society podcast, where they are playing the first two episodes (out of 6 so far) of the series. The thing about this show is the incredible density of the audio. There is always something going on in the background. They don’t follow the Pendant style of directing that I did, where each character is in their own place in the audio landscape. Instead, they move the characters around, often, if not almost always in the middle of the lines. The background ambiance is rich and dense, and most of the sound effects are pretty good. The acting is generally excellent, but it can be sketchy occasionally. The characters all have distinct characterizations, and are consistent, so it’s not usually a problem.
4> Earth-P. Pendant’s version of the DC comics universe. I listen to this partly out of loyalty to the brand, because I’ve directed one show (Superman, for a season) and have a somewhat major (but not leading) role on another show (Green Arrow), along with bit parts here and there. The most recent crossover (Insolitus) was the first crossover that I thought worked really well. Ex Tempus (the previous crossover) wasn’t bad, but it was a side-show, not really related to the main continuity. There are shows that I think really stand out, some which do adequately, and one that I really could do without in every form.
5> Dixie Stenberg. Again, out of loyalty to my directorship of 6 episodes, I must mention this. It was a good show, but it’s ended now. I had a bit of a tiff with the writer/show-runner regarding the music in the last scene, which was his choice. I’m going to avoid commentary on the quality of the show as a result.
6> Midnight Radio Theater. This is a series I picked up after hearing one show on the Sonic Society. I enjoyed it then, but I’ve since cooled on them. Their stories fall into the standard “slightly supernatural story” mold, which turns me off. The acting and characterization aren’t bad, though.
7> The Sherlock Holmes Society of London Podcast. Being a huge Sherlock Holmes fan, I had to snag this, as my attempt at a Holmes podcast was basically shot down by the Estate of Sir ACDoyle. Not a bad rendition, but their Holmes is nothing compared to the radio version performed by Basil Rathbone.
8> Squadron Leader Jack Steel and the Starblade. Another WWII pilot goes science-fiction show. I like the characterization. Hasn’t been a new episode lately, though. They may be done, as the main story seems to have been completed. Caught this one from the Sonic Society again.
Unrelated to modern audio drama:
9> X Minus One. This is a science fiction show that is basically a series of short stories adapted for radio by NBC Radio Theater in 1955 or so. There are some really thought provoking stories in this one. More than half of them are classic 1950s science fiction, which implies lots of bad things, like weak female characters, stories which are considered hackneyed and cliche and downright bad. There are also some real gems hidden inside them.
Unrelated to audio drama at all:
10> Real Time with Bill Maher. The man has some whacked out views, and it’s pure punditry and thus suspect from the start. But I do glean some insight into the viewpoints of both right and left (well, right and center-left, at least)
11> Wait Wait, Don’t Tell Me. A left-leaning but willing to roast anyone news quiz show. Generally funny.
The state of my podcast directory, in a nutshell. Am I missing anything?
Originally posted at Phoenix Rising.