In this episode of The Bark Knight Podcast, we continue our Sci-Fi Classics series with a deep dive into Blade Runner and Blade Runner 2049, two films that shaped what modern sci-fi looks and feels like.

We break down the different cuts of the original film, the world-building and lore of the Blade Runner universe, and the questions that still spark debate decades later: Is Deckard human? What actually defines humanity? And, why does this franchise hit so differently than other sci-fi classics like Alien, The Thing, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and E.T.?

As conversation shifts to Blade Runner 2049, we dig into Denis Villeneuve’s approach to legacy sequels, the film’s pacing and theatrical experience, the role of AI and Joi, and how the sequel expands on themes of identity, memory, and the moral decay of humanity. Along the way, we touch on Harrison Ford’s unique screen presence, Vangelis’ iconic score, practical effects vs. miniatures, and how Blade Runner fits into the broader sci-fi lexicon alongside modern directors like Christopher Nolan.

This one is for lovers of the science fiction genre who enjoy digging into its origins and how they paved the way for the modern classics of today.

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction

00:00:09 Episode Overview

00:00:49 Blade Runner

00:01:05 Dan’s Initial Thoughts

00:02:33 The Different Versions

00:05:07 Paul’s Feelings on the Franchise

00:06:36 The Background & Lore

00:08:55 Comparing to Other Classics (Close Encounters of the Third Kind, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, Alien, John Carpenter’s The Thing)

00:11:55 Harrison Ford

00:13:112 The Climax

00:18:45 Harrison Ford’s Everyman Abilities

00:21:20 Ambiguity, Deckard’s Humanity, & Harrison Ford’s Punches

00:25:47 The Score from Vengelis

00:28:313 Usage of Miniatures, Establishing Shot, & Shooting Techniques

00:33:00 The Decay of Morality

00:37:45 Blade Runner Final Thoughts

00:40:28 Blade Runner 2049 Initial Thoughts

00:46:31 Background, Prologues, and Jared Leto

00:49:34 The Casting

00:52:07 Deckard’s Humanity & His Child’s Identity

00:53:22 K & Joi’s Relationship

00:56:36 The Theatre Experience, Sequel Plans, Pacing, & Dune 2

01:02:46 The Baseline Test & Using Tension

01:04:58 Joi & AI Girlfriends

01:06:38 The Decay of Morality & the Hubris of Mankind

01:08:30 Denis Villeneuve & Christopher Nolan

01:12:14 Dune: Part 2, Dune: Part 3, & Avengers: Doomsday

01:15:54 Final Thoughts

01:16:51 Other Media & What’s Next

01:17:40 Episode Wrap

While waiting for Dan to join the episode, Paul and Patrick end up getting sidetracked into a full-on discussion about the final season of Stranger Things and how series finales land (or completely miss the mark). That turns into a broader chat about endings across TV, from Battlestar Galactica to The X-Files and beyond.

We also spend a big chunk of the episode unpacking Tron: Ares, what we liked, what didn’t work for us, and why it didn’t quite live up to Tron: Legacy.

Spoiler-free, honest thoughts, a lot of franchise frustration, and even a few disagreements.

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction

00:00:09 Stranger Things Season Finale Talk

00:03:42 Battlestar Galactica Finale

00:05:03 Back to Stranger Things

00:06:53 The Final Battle

00:09:58 Peacemaker Season 2

00:10:27 The Night Manager Season 2, Fallout, Ponies, The X-Files, The Venture Brothers

00:13:49 Tron: Ares

00:21:09 Episode Wrap

In this episode, we dive deep into 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, breaking down the latest chapter in the franchise with a full review, spoiler discussion, and theories about where the story may go next. We explore director Nia DaCosta’s approach, Alex Garland’s screenplay, early critical and audience reactions, box office performance, and how The Bone Temple expands the mythology of the infected.

After a non-spoiler review, we move into full spoiler territory, analyzing key scenes, character arcs, and lingering mysteries, including Selena’s whereabouts, the future of the cure, emerging infected hierarchies, and what this film sets up for a potential third installment. We also spotlight standout moments like the Iron Maiden scene and discuss why they matter within the broader narrative.

The episode wraps up with movie news and physical media, including thoughts on The Rip, Netflix’s commitment to a 45-day theatrical window, first impressions of Lee Cronin’s The Mummy trailer, and a physical media showcase featuring 28 Years Later on 4K Blu-ray and the Evil Dead Rise 4K Edition from Arrow Video.

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction

00:00:09 Episode Overview

00:00:42 Director (Nia Dacosta) & Writer (Alex Garland) Background

00:05:44 Reviews (IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, Metacritic, Cinemascore)

00:09:35 Budget & Box Office

00:14:55 Our Non-Spoiler Reviews

00:22:06 Spoiler Discussion

00:26.59 Erin Kellyman

00:31:24 Selena’s Whereabouts, The Cure, & Samson Theories

00:39:46 Hierarchies & Territories of the Infected

00:41:28 Looking to the Third Movie

00:46:23 The Iron Maiden Scene

00:49:08 News

00:49:11 The Rip Review

00:53:13 Netflix CEO commits to 45 day theatrical window

00:55:52 Physical Media Showcase 28 Years Later 4K Blu-Ray & Evil Dead Rise Arrow Video 4K

00:58:23 Lee Cronin’s The Mummy Trailer

00:59:10 Episode Wrap