Tell 'Em Steve-Dave! Episode #645: "Supa’ man"

Release Date: July 20, 2025
Hosts: Walt, Brian, Q

Overview

Episode #645 sees Walt, Brian, and Q dig into a thoroughly signature TESD mix of comic geek debate, personal stories, and irreverence. This week, the heart of the episode is an in-depth, spoiler-heavy review of the new 2025 "Superman" film from both die-hard and casual fan perspectives, with plenty of commentary on its many heroes, plot messiness, and the state of DC movies. The show opens with comedic ventriloquism banter, moves through memorializing their friend Tim at his wake, and closes with musings on Coldplay, Oasis, and viral side-piece snafus. Throughout, the trio deftly balances pop culture critique and authentic personal moments, sprinkled with colorful language and sharp wit.

Key Segments & Takeaways

1. Ventriloquism & Lost Arts (00:00–09:30)

• The episode opens with the gang riffing on ventriloquism: its difficulties, faded celebrity, and what it takes to become a superstar ventriloquist in 2025.
• Brian doubts he’s ever seen truly convincing ventriloquism in real life:

  "I feel like anytime you're watching a ventriloquist... you have to kind of be nice to them and pretend you don't see their fucking lips moving." – Brian (02:15)

• Discussion of Jeff Dunham and Darcy Lynn as modern representatives of the craft. They speculate that ventriloquism, like much of entertainment, is facing too much competition for attention.
• Walt jokes the “ventriloquist lobby" will come after them (02:39).
• Q and Walt both attempt the classic “talk through your teeth” ventriloquism trick, quipping:

  “You can’t say Tell ‘Em Steve-Dave without touching two lips together.” – Walt (04:49)

Notable Quote

• "Maybe they just need a someone to rise, you know, and show the world just how great modern, cutting edge ventriloquism could be." – Brian (06:45)

2. Reflecting on Tim’s Wake (34:00–23:01)

• The hosts commemorate the passing of their friend Tim (a "founding member of Monster Magnet" and beloved local rock figure), sharing stories and ruminations on the role of humor and ritual in grieving.
• Brian missed the wake due to a canceled flight and asks about it, prompting Q and Walt to describe the scene—well-attended with many from the "Tesi Town" community.
• They reflect on the oddity of wakes as social spaces:

  "It’s a mechanism to cope... but it is a very strange custom that human beings have put together about, you know, having a large group of people come together... to say something to the grieving family." – Walt (17:25)

• The importance of keeping things light is emphasized:

  "We've always said... at your funeral, you want your friends ripping on you. You know what I mean? Like, it just wouldn't feel right if, like, it wasn't present." – Brian (19:06)

• Lighthearted jokes about possible funeral pranks ensue (e.g., drawing a dick on Q's coffin with dry-erase marker).
• Discussion of how death-related customs can feel both comforting and absurd.

Memorable Moment

• Montage of old photos at the wake, including Walt and Tim in "Kiss regalia," confusing many attendees (15:39).

3. Superman (2025) In-Depth Review (21:03–59:13)

Spoilers throughout — major focus of the episode

• Q, Walt, and Brian debate the new "Superman" movie. Each brings a different level of comic familiarity.
• Overall Reaction:
  • Brian: Enjoyed it overall, "had some quibbles," but thought it was fun with strong casting.
  • Walt: Praises new Superman’s likability but disliked the "convoluted" plot; thought the story was "a mess."
  • Q: As the least comic-aware, found it visually striking but hard to follow—struggled with all the new characters.
  • All three agree Krypto the Superdog was a highlight.
• Specific Character Takes:
  • Henry Cavill’s Superman was “grim” (“barely smiled”), whereas new actor is “friendly, likable” (23:10).
  • Hawkgirl’s design and presence is critiqued (“looked like a CW costume”, “she was one of the quibbles” — 25:08).
  • Mr. Terrific’s powers unclear:

    “He has balls that, that he controls...” – Walt (14:00, circled back to 23:46)

  • Praise for Guy Gardner and Metamorpho’s look (26:27, 37:06).
• Story Issues:
  • Too many characters with minimal introduction; movie feels like “part 12 of a 12 part series and we missed the first 11" – Walt (24:00).
  • The device of the world turning against Superman was rushed and reminiscent of “Man of Steel”:

    “Turning on Superman was a little bit too quick..." – Q (31:37)

  • Some plot elements were "clunky", e.g. the Middle East subplot and the “connect 4 prison in limbo” (26:04).
  • Walt and Q both amazed (not in a good way) at scenes like Lois Lane flying the spaceship.
• Positive Touches:
  • Krypto (the Superdog) is a standout.

    "If I had seen the dog for an hour and a half, I would have been fine." – Walt (34:44) "That's fucking Superman." – Brian, on Superman going to save Krypto (39:20)

  • The Kansas farm is now a modest ranch house—praised for down-to-earth feel (40:26).
  • The twist on Superman’s Kryptonian parents (“sinister, so dark, and a really clever twist”—40:40)
  • Subtle cameos like a possible Mxyzptlk reference amuse Brian (48:58).
• Meta Observations:
  • They lament DC’s continued struggle to top the original Christopher Reeve films:

    "In a world where you can do anything... OGs, those cats can sit back and smoke a victory fucking cigar..." – Walt (43:29)

  • Bits of comic Easter eggs are appreciated (“Steve Lombard,” “Kat Grant”).
• Grading:
  • Q: “Probably for story, I would have to give it a C... Visuals I'd give it an A... Probably a B overall.” (52:09)
  • Walt: "It would be like a five though... A little bit too much going on." (57:17)
  • Brian: Most enthusiastic; “I had a blast... there was no part... not happy to be in that theater.” (44:44)
• Lingering Debate: Is Lex Luthor still a viable adversary for Superman? Walt questions the believability in their match-up and whether the villain formula is past its prime (45:03).
• On Supporting Cast: Wish for more Perry White, better use of Hawk Girl, and stronger, more concise character intros (28:06, 55:00).
• Nostalgia & DC vs. Marvel:

  "It's a good time to be a comic book fan again..." – Brian (61:35)

  • Excitement for the teased "Fantastic Four" movie and Peacemaker Season 2.
  • Brief rumination on multiverses: “I wish the multiverse would go away for a little bit, though.” – Brian (67:04)

Timestamps for the Superman discussion:

• 21:03 — Superman review begins, initial reactions
• 23:10 — Differences with Cavill’s Superman and new actor
• 24:00 — Plot convolutions, character overload
• 25:08 — Hawkgirl critiques, subplots
• 26:27 — Pocket universe, Guy Gardner, Lex, and Middle East subplots
• 34:44 — “Just give me a Krypto movie”
• 39:20 — Superman’s self-sacrifice for Krypto, “That’s fucking Superman”
• 40:40 — Kryptonian parent twist
• 43:29 — “Donner still the gold standard”
• 48:58 — Mxyzptlk cameo
• 52:09 — Q’s grade/Brian, Walt closing remarks

4. Coldplay, Cheating, and Music Taste (70:44–78:49)

• They discuss the viral video of a man “caught” at a Coldplay concert with his side piece via the Kiss Cam—agreeing that the panicked reaction made them look guilty.
• Walt, Q, and Brian riff on the social stigma of liking Coldplay vs. Oasis and Nickelback, with some confusion ("Do a lot of people confuse Oasis and Coldplay?") and tongue-in-cheek music snobbery.
• Walt claims:

  “When I think of those two bands, I kind of conflate them. Almost like Oasisplay… just one big band.” – Walt (74:39)

• During this section, Brian launches a mini-rant about Coldplay’s blandness and the difference between gritty, working-class Oasis and their softer contemporaries.
• The segment closes with the perennial TESD spirit—good-natured ribbing and self-admitted ignorance:

  "I think you're right. I don't know what I'm talking about." – Walt (79:00)

Notable Moment

• They jokingly debate who would win in a fight: Oasis or Coldplay, and Walt misconstrues both band memberships and styles for comic effect.

Notable Quotes & Highlights (with timestamps)

• "You can’t say Tell ‘Em Steve-Dave without touching two lips together." – Walt (04:49)
• "Maybe they just need a someone to rise, you know, and show the world just how great modern, cutting edge ventriloquism could be." – Brian (06:45)
• "We've always said... at your funeral, you want your friends ripping on you." – Brian (19:06)
• "If I had seen the dog for an hour and a half, I would have been fine." – Walt (34:44)
• "That's fucking Superman." – Brian, on saving Krypto (39:20)
• “Donner still the gold standard.” – Walt (43:29)
• "When I think of those two bands, I kind of conflate them... just like one big band." – Walt (74:39)
• "I think you're right. I don't know what I'm talking about." – Walt (79:00)

Episode Structure & Flow

• [00:00–09:30] Ventriloquism nostalgia and humor
• [09:30–21:03] Remembrances of Tim’s wake, musings on ritual and emotional coping
• [21:03–59:13] Superman (2025) movie review — deep dive, spoilers, critiques, fan vs. casual perspectives, DC/Marvel comparisons
• [59:13–70:44] Brief sponsor segment and wallet tales (ad skipped here per prompt)
• [70:44–78:49] Coldplay, viral infidelity, and the eternal battle of '90s bands

Tone & Style

The episode leans into TESD's signature blend of uncensored banter, geek culture detail, New Jersey camaraderie, and the willingness to get simultaneously thoughtful and absurd. The hosts shift nimbly from deadpan quips to earnest analysis and sincere reflection, giving both comic nerds and casual listeners a reason to stay tuned in.

In Summary

"Supa’ man" is a quintessential TESD entry: comic book dissection, authentic grief processed through humor, '80s and '90s music nostalgia, and relentless self-aware riffing. The Superman (2025) review is the clear centerpiece—one of the more exhaustive, honest roundtables on a superhero film you’ll find, with plenty of laughs and a healthy dose of “maybe I’m just old.” Whether you’ve seen the film or just want the inside track as a comics fan, this episode is a highly entertaining listen.

If you're new to TESD, start here if you want:

• Insider comic and film takes (from sincere to satirical)
• Honest, unsanitized reviews from fans who love the material but aren’t afraid to criticize
• Banter that makes even the subject of grief approachable
• Pop culture meandering that covers everything from ventriloquism to Coldplay

Skip: Sponsor read, lengthy reminiscence about lost wallets (unless, like Walt, you too still mourn your Spider-Man wallet).

Listen if you like: Comic Book Men, Impractical Jokers, pop culture podcasts with personality over polish, and the enduring magic of three friends talking shit.