Costner is reported as the original Lovell choice — Bill Simmons
Hanks is said to have declined Jumanji — Bill Simmons
Travolta requested Lovell and was declined; Premiere is cited for losing Gene to Harris as well — Bill Simmons
Cusack, Swayze, Pesci and Moranis are listed online for Fred Haise, with Pesci and Moranis explicitly doubted — Bill Simmons
Brad Pitt reportedly chose Seven over Swigert — Bill Simmons
Kilmer is also reported to have declined Swigert — Bill Simmons
Sinise reportedly chose Mattingly when offered his pick of roles — Bill Simmons
The Grammer and Christopher Lloyd stories for Gene are explicitly disbelieved — Bill Simmons

Share this discussion More Casting What-Ifs answers

10:40

Roger Ebert's review

In the discussion (3)

Approx. transcript time · 00:10:40Read transcript

The panel reports Ebert’s four-star rating — Bill Simmons
They discuss his praise for technical clarity and extraordinary work under pressure — Bill Simmons
They discuss his sense that reducing space ambitions cost America part of its vision — Bill Simmons

Share this discussion More Roger Ebert's review answers

36:04

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award

Trade Hanks’s earlier Oscars for his Apollo 13 performance

In the discussion (6)

Approx. transcript time · 00:36:04Read transcript

Amanda calls this the essential and best Hanks performance — Amanda Dobbins
She praises the silent communication of ambition, loss, fear and dignity — Amanda Dobbins
The moon-landing reaction and navigation anecdote support her case — Amanda Dobbins
Cast Away is offered as a harder solo performance — Amanda Dobbins
A compromise gives Oscars to Apollo 13 and Cast Away — Amanda Dobbins
The panel believes Hanks deserved at least a nomination here — Amanda Dobbins

Share this discussion More The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award answers

44:02

Most Rewatchable Scene

Reentry and the CO2-filter solution divide favorite and most-rewatchable choices

In the discussion (15)

Approx. transcript time · 00:44:02Read transcript

Hanks watching Armstrong land is nominated
Jim’s explanation of the Apollo 1 fire to his son pays off later
Mattingly being removed from the mission is nominated
Swigert’s failed simulator attempt and retry are nominated
The launch and Harris’s introduction build excitement
Docking gives the rookie a success
The oxygen leak and sudden silence establish the crisis
Clint Howard’s explanation sets the stakes
The loss of the moon and the astronauts’ argument are discussed
The improvised CO2 filter initially gets broad agreement
The manual burn with Earth in the window is nominated
Mattingly restoring power is nominated
Reentry’s extended wait and the control-room celebration are praised
Final choices distinguish a favorite CO2 sequence from the most-rewatchable reentry
Lovell giving Swigert the pilot seat completes his confidence arc

Share this discussion More Most Rewatchable Scene answers

44:57

Todd Parker Award for Best Character Entrance

Ed Harris entering mission control

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 00:44:57Read transcript

The film waits roughly thirty minutes before introducing Harris — Bill Simmons
His cigarette and immediate command of the room are praised — Bill Simmons

Share this discussion More Todd Parker Award for Best Character Entrance answers

51:35

The most 1995 thing

The overwhelmingly white cast

In the discussion (3)

Approx. transcript time · 00:51:35Read transcript

Opening graphics and Hanks’s period look are alternatives — Bill Simmons
The panel argues a modern production would notice the near-exclusively white speaking cast — Bill Simmons
The lone Black orderly and his treatment are criticized — Bill Simmons

Share this discussion More The most "year the movie came out" thing answers

52:24

Gandolfini Butter on My Ass So It Pops in My Mouth Award

Gene’s white vest, Lovell declining to look at the moon and the man left behind

In the discussion (4)

Approx. transcript time · 00:52:24Read transcript

Amanda enjoys the mission vest and Harris’s gestures with it
Lovell’s inscrutable hesitation to look at Mount Marilyn is admired
Mattingly’s left-behind role is compared with Ralph Cox in Miracle and Rudy
The prompt is explicitly explained as something you simply enjoy

Share this discussion More Gandolfini Butter on My Ass So It Pops in My Mouth Award answers

54:40

What’s Aged the Best?

Houston, we have a problem; the score; and collective problem-solving

In the discussion (13)

Approx. transcript time · 00:54:40Read transcript

The famous line’s cleaned-up wording and lasting use in sports are discussed
The film’s use of the number thirteen leads to a superstition debate
Paxton’s rhinoceros line is enjoyed and its Busey/Point Break connection is reported
James Horner’s score and Annie Lennox’s vocals are praised
Supportive spouses are discussed
Harris’s hairpiece and military haircuts are enjoyed
The Hanks–Sinise reunion and Clint Howard’s role are praised
Walter Cronkite’s archival reactions give history emotional weight
Astronaut longevity is discussed with reported fitness and continuing medical monitoring, not verified health conclusions
Slingshotting around the moon is admired as comprehensible science
Lovell’s polo shirts are praised
Switching equipment on in the right order remains relatable
Gathering to watch a non-sports world event is missed

Share this discussion More What’s Aged the Best? answers

1:03:17

The Great Shot Gordo Award for Most Cinematic Shot

The wide shot of the control-room celebration

In the discussion (3)

Approx. transcript time · 01:03:17Read transcript

The panel agrees on the shot — Bill Simmons
The angled camera position captures the whole room erupting — Bill Simmons
The set is reported as purpose-built instead of using NASA’s offered room — Bill Simmons

Share this discussion More The Great Shot Gordo Award for Most Cinematic Shot answers

1:03:47

The Big Kahuna Burger Award for Best Use of Food and Drink

Jell-O floating in space, with zero-gravity vomit as an inversion

In the discussion (4)

Approx. transcript time · 01:03:47Read transcript

The playful food during the televised broadcast is nominated — Bill Simmons
Food avoidance and water rationing are discussed — Bill Simmons
The vomit is suggested as a striking effects showcase — Bill Simmons
A production anecdote describes a crew member vomiting onto Paxton during a zero-gravity flight — Bill Simmons

Share this discussion More The Big Kahuna Burger Award for Best Use of Food and Drink answers

1:05:00

The Slow Ride / Kid Cudi – Pursuit of Happiness Award for Best Needle Drop

Spirit in the Sky

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:05:00Read transcript

The song is selected without a competing nomination — Bill Simmons

Share this discussion More The Slow Ride / Kid Cudi – Pursuit of Happiness Award for Best Needle Drop answers

1:05:00

Is There a Better Title for This Movie?

Keep Apollo 13

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:05:00Read transcript

The simple title is preferred
Houston, We Have a Problem would preempt the line and feels like modern search-driven titling

Share this discussion More Is There a Better Title for This Movie? answers

1:05:32

The Billy Batts / Jack Woltz Award for Biting, Scalable Insult

Flight surgeon horseshit

Flex pick · Amanda Dobbins

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:05:32Read transcript

Amanda chooses Lovell’s complaint to Deke — Amanda Dobbins
She explains how the phrase applies to school forms, travel bureaucracy and arbitrary administrative rules — Amanda Dobbins

Share this discussion More The Billy Batts / Jack Woltz Award for Biting, Scalable Insult answers

1:06:39

The Butch’s Girlfriend Award for the Weakest Link in the Film

The older children, with disagreement about the ending

In the discussion (8)

Approx. transcript time · 01:06:39Read transcript

Rob and another participant choose the teenagers
The younger child’s door question is defended
The older son’s close-ups lack the emotional force of Hanks’s
Reducing the number of children is proposed
The grandmother is criticized by one speaker and warmly defended by others
Bill wants a homecoming reunion with Sinise and Harris
Others defend ending early and the real Jim Lovell cameo
The children remain the leading weak-link choice

Share this discussion More The Butch’s Girlfriend Award for the Weakest Link in the Film answers

1:09:26

What’s Aged the Worst?

The portrayal of Jack Swigert as underprepared

In the discussion (9)

Approx. transcript time · 01:09:26Read transcript

The repeated courting of thirteen is questioned — Bill Simmons
Fade-to-black transitions feel dated — Bill Simmons
Marilyn’s hair and the oldest daughter’s crying are criticized — Bill Simmons
The panel says real Swigert was an experienced backup rather than the risky rookie depicted — Bill Simmons
The dramatic distortion is discussed as unfair to his family — Bill Simmons
Heat-shield concerns are raised in comparison with contemporary missions — Bill Simmons
Some small launch effects show their age — Bill Simmons
The teenage daughter’s blame of Paul for the Beatles breakup is criticized — Bill Simmons
The panel compares difficult teenage-daughter roles with Moneyball, Homeland and The Americans — Bill Simmons

Share this discussion More What’s Aged the Worst? answers

1:12:58

The Ruffalo / Hanna / Rubinek / Partridge Overacting Award

Henry the press officer

In the discussion (3)

Approx. transcript time · 01:12:58Read transcript

Lovell’s flight-surgeon outburst is proposed but defended as appropriate — Amanda Dobbins
The press officer is criticized for leaning too hard into antagonism and concern for Nixon — Amanda Dobbins
The hosts do not identify the actor by name — Amanda Dobbins

Share this discussion More The Ruffalo / Hanna / Rubinek / Partridge Overacting Award answers

1:13:18

The Estelle Reiner “I’ll Have What She’s Having” Award for Best Contribution with Two or Fewer Lines

Jean Speegle Howard as Jim’s mother

Flex pick · Rob Mahoney

In the discussion (5)

Approx. transcript time · 01:13:18Read transcript

Rob defends the grandmother’s washing-machine line
The reversal of a frightened child being reassured by the grandmother moves him
Her casting as the director’s mother fits the Estelle Reiner namesake
She reportedly removed dentures to appear older
Other Howard family appearances are discussed

Share this discussion More The Estelle Reiner “I’ll Have What She’s Having” Award for Best Contribution with Two or Fewer Lines answers

1:15:04

The Amanda Dobbins Award for Best Piece of Real Estate

Mount Marilyn on the moon

In the discussion (3)

Approx. transcript time · 01:15:04Read transcript

Amanda chooses a lunar landmark named for a loved one
She distinguishes this from buying a name in a star directory
The panel recalls Hopper’s house as their Speed real-estate choice

Share this discussion More The Amanda Dobbins Award for Best Piece of Real Estate answers

1:15:58

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award

America needs a rival to recover its ambition

In the discussion (5)

Approx. transcript time · 01:15:58Read transcript

A speaker argues the end of the Soviet rivalry left American ambition unfocused
Bill provocatively offers respect for Musk’s space ambitions; the others question the claim
They debate the appeal and purpose of Mars exploration
Amanda refers back to her earlier Hanks/Oscar take
Political and current-event comments remain attributed episode opinions

Share this discussion More The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award answers

1:20:51

The Joey Pants “That Guy” Award

Todd Louiso

In the discussion (6)

Approx. transcript time · 01:20:51Read transcript

Todd Louiso is remembered from Jerry Maguire — Bill Simmons
Loren Dean is recognized from Gattaca — Bill Simmons
Joe Spano is remembered from Hill Street Blues — Bill Simmons
Clint Howard is treated as too well known — Bill Simmons
Several other mission-control actors are recognized without names — Bill Simmons
Todd Louiso is the stated answer — Bill Simmons

Share this discussion More The Joey Pants “That Guy” Award answers

1:22:13

The Dion Waiters Award for Best Heat Check Performance

Walter Cronkite

In the discussion (3)

Approx. transcript time · 01:22:13Read transcript

Clint Howard and Jim’s mother are shortlisted — Bill Simmons
Cronkite is accepted as eligible and chosen — Bill Simmons
The panel discusses the authority of television science explainers — Bill Simmons

Share this discussion More The Dion Waiters Award for Best Heat Check Performance answers

1:23:06

Recasting Couch

Gene Hackman, Tom Cruise, Julianne Moore and a Flight crossover

In the discussion (6)

Approx. transcript time · 01:23:06Read transcript

Hackman is considered for Gene but Harris’s performance is defended
Pitt is considered as a higher-star-power Swigert without displacing Hanks
Cruise as Swigert would be fun, though his crisis of confidence might be hard to believe
Moore is imagined delivering Marilyn’s defiant line
Bill proposes Denzel’s troubled pilot from Flight in the Swigert part
These are hypothetical recasts, distinct from reported casting history

Share this discussion More Recasting Couch answers

1:25:34

Todd Parker Award for Best Character Entrance

Buzz and Neil arriving at the Lovell home

Flex pick · Craig Horlbeck

In the discussion (3)

Approx. transcript time · 01:25:34Read transcript

Craig chooses the understated arrival of Armstrong and Aldrin — Craig Horlbeck
Their first names alone establish their stature — Craig Horlbeck
Their silent presence raises the stakes — Craig Horlbeck

Share this discussion More Todd Parker Award for Best Character Entrance answers

1:26:17

Half-Assed Internet Research

Zero-gravity filming, practical sets and the origins of Failure Is Not an Option

In the discussion (10)

Approx. transcript time · 01:26:17Read transcript

Spielberg is credited with suggesting parabolic-flight filming — Bill Simmons
The actors filmed in brief zero-gravity intervals during long flights — Bill Simmons
Full-size modules and a chilled set are reported — Bill Simmons
The splashdown was reportedly filmed in a Universal lot lake — Bill Simmons
The USS New Orleans substituted for the unavailable Iwo Jima — Bill Simmons
Bacon praises Hanks’s intensive astronaut training — Bill Simmons
Failure Is Not an Option is reported as wording created for the movie, later used by Kranz as a book title — Bill Simmons
Mission-control leadership is said to have been consolidated, leaving Glynn Lunney out; the transcript renders the name imperfectly — Bill Simmons
Marilyn’s lost ring is said to have been recovered in real life — Bill Simmons
Bacon’s repeated Jack/Jackie character names are listed across seven productions — Bill Simmons

Share this discussion More Half-Assed Internet Research answers

1:30:37

Apex Mountain

Hanks’s mid-1990s summit, Quinlan’s nomination and Houston’s championship era

In the discussion (11)

Approx. transcript time · 01:30:37Read transcript

Hanks’s Forrest Gump–Apollo 13–Toy Story period is a leading choice
Later freedom to direct or take unusual roles is offered as another measure of Hanks’s power
Howard’s A Beautiful Mind acclaim is preferred
Sinise’s Forrest Gump–Apollo 13 period is accepted
Bacon’s Footloose breakthrough is preferred
Houston’s back-to-back Rockets titles alongside the film are favored over the Beyoncé-birth alternative
Harris’s peak is placed somewhere between this and The Truman Show
Quinlan’s Oscar nomination supports her apex
Grazer is considered without a firm conclusion
Space movies are rejected because of Star Wars and 2001
American idealism and ingenuity are debated in relation to 1970 versus 1995

Share this discussion More Apex Mountain answers

1:35:08

Cruise or Hanks?

Hanks

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:35:08Read transcript

Hanks is chosen for this film — Bill Simmons
Cruise as Swigert is again offered as a way to have both — Bill Simmons

Share this discussion More Cruise or Hanks? answers

1:35:24

The most GIFable moment

Ed Harris’s collapse and double thumbs-up

In the discussion (4)

Approx. transcript time · 01:35:24Read transcript

Harris’s relieved collapse is nominated
The subsequent double thumbs-up is suggested as an even better GIF
Hanks delivering Houston, We Have a Problem is nominated
Sinise’s quiet fist pump is an alternative

Share this discussion More The most GIFable moment answers

1:36:15

The Sean Penn “I Brought My Own Pack” Award for Excellence in On-Screen Smoking

Ed Harris

In the discussion (3)

Approx. transcript time · 01:36:15Read transcript

Harris’s committed cigarette performance is honored — Bill Simmons
The control-room pipes and closing cigars are appreciated — Bill Simmons
A related made-hotter-by-smoking prompt is mentioned as an alternative under consideration — Bill Simmons

Share this discussion More The Sean Penn “I Brought My Own Pack” Award for Excellence in On-Screen Smoking answers

1:36:40

Picking Nits

Not enough smoking, children watching reentry and floor salad

In the discussion (5)

Approx. transcript time · 01:36:40Read transcript

The panel thinks a 1970 control room and home would have contained more smoking
Changed dialogue and astronauts arguing are acknowledged as dramatic liberties
Allowing very young children to watch potentially fatal reentry is questioned
Mary Haise is given little to do
Women are seen putting spilled salad back into its bowl

Share this discussion More Picking Nits answers

1:39:00

Sequel, Prequel, Limited Series, or All-Black Remake

Untouchable

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:39:00Read transcript

The film is declared untouchable for a remake or expanded adaptation

Share this discussion More Sequel, Prequel, Limited Series, or All-Black Remake answers

1:39:14

Is This Movie Better With…?

Wayne Jenkins as an astronaut

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:39:14Read transcript

Some participants are content to skip without Chris Ryan
A Wayne Jenkins reaction to Jack landing is imagined

Share this discussion More Is This Movie Better With…? answers

1:39:41

Just One Oscar

Best Picture, with Hanks and adapted screenplay also supported

In the discussion (4)

Approx. transcript time · 01:39:41Read transcript

Amanda initially favors Hanks, consistent with her hottest take
Best Picture is a leading choice
Adapted screenplay is praised for turning technical procedures into drama
The conversation settles toward Best Picture over Braveheart

Share this discussion More Just One Oscar answers

1:40:50

Probably Unanswerable Questions

Would Mattingly’s presence change the accident, and would Cameron make a better film?

In the discussion (6)

Approx. transcript time · 01:40:50Read transcript

Does this have an unusually high number of white speaking roles?
Would the malfunction still happen with Mattingly instead of Swigert?
Would Mattingly have noticed a warning before stirring the tanks?
Which astronaut is best at the job?
James Cameron directing would change the spacecraft emphasis, exposition and mission-control balance
The panel concludes Howard was well suited to the historical and ensemble requirements

Share this discussion More Probably Unanswerable Questions answers

1:43:37

Best Double Feature

First Man, Gravity, The Martian and Rocky IV

In the discussion (4)

Approx. transcript time · 01:43:37Read transcript

First Man is proposed as a contrasting portrait of ambition, marriage and reaching the moon
Gravity is another double-feature choice
The Martian is chosen for another problem-solving survival story
Craig adds Rocky IV for the Cold War/American-competition theme

Share this discussion More Best Double Feature answers

1:45:36

What Piece of Memorabilia Would You Want From This Movie?

The white vest, gold flight jacket, flight suits and Hanks’s astronaut suit

In the discussion (4)

Approx. transcript time · 01:45:36Read transcript

The white vest returns as a favorite — Bill Simmons
The gold jacket and rescued astronauts’ suits are alternatives — Bill Simmons
Hanks’s screen-worn astronaut suit is considered the most valuable object — Bill Simmons
Sinise’s sleeveless shirt and beer bottle are smaller-scale ideas — Bill Simmons

Share this discussion More What Piece of Memorabilia Would You Want From This Movie? answers

1:46:56

The Coach Finstock Award for Best Life Lesson

Work the problem

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:46:56Read transcript

Work the problem is the shared practical lesson — Rob Mahoney
A disaster can become a finest hour if the crucial final step succeeds — Rob Mahoney

Share this discussion More The Coach Finstock Award for Best Life Lesson answers

1:47:48

Who Won the Movie?

Tom Hanks

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:47:48Read transcript

“Hanks” is repeated three times as the answer (the transcript renders it as “Thanks”); individual voices are not separated — Craig Horlbeck

Share this discussion More Who Won the Movie? answers

1:47:55

Producer review

Craig finds Apollo 13 warmer and more effective than on previous watches

In the discussion (5)

Approx. transcript time · 01:47:55Read transcript

Craig reports not having seen it in ten to fifteen years — Craig Horlbeck
He praises the practical Los Angeles production and the warmth of Hanks and Howard — Craig Horlbeck
The last hour had him standing and pacing despite knowing the ending — Craig Horlbeck
Family scenes and the child’s door question land more strongly now — Craig Horlbeck
He comes away with renewed appreciation for Hanks — Craig Horlbeck

Share this discussion More Producer review answers

More from the conversation

Bill Simmons introduces Amanda Dobbins and Rob Mahoney; Apollo 13 is identified as Amanda’s long-standing episode request.

Approx. transcript time · 00:00:00Read transcript

Amanda and Rob connect the film to their early moviegoing; Rob recalls growing up in Texas and attending space camp. The panel discusses practical effects, team problem-solving and cable rewatchability.

Approx. transcript time · 00:02:12Read transcript

Hanks’s star-making run, his history interests, Cruise comparisons and the film’s understated American ambition are discussed. Comments on Artemis and recent events are recorded as claims made in this dated episode, not independently verified news.

Approx. transcript time · 00:07:18Read transcript

Craig is directly invited into the Hanks-versus-Cruise discussion and responds.

Approx. transcript time · 00:09:05Read transcript

Ron Howard’s restraint, preparation of the control-room ensemble, historical fidelity and filmography are discussed alongside a blind Cruise movie marathon.

Approx. transcript time · 00:14:52Read transcript

Kevin Bacon’s range and Hall of Fame case, Paxton’s popularity, Harris and Sinise’s restrained acting, and Quinlan’s chemistry and performance as Marilyn Lovell are discussed.

Approx. transcript time · 00:23:47Read transcript

The panel reports the Lost Moon screenplay origins, Oscar nominations and losses, and debates voter fatigue after Hanks’s consecutive wins.

Approx. transcript time · 00:33:41Read transcript

Craig is directly asked for his favorite Hanks performance and chooses Sleepless in Seattle.

Approx. transcript time · 00:39:34Read transcript

The closing conversation compares Hanks’s warmth with Gosling, Project Hail Mary, The Martian and contemporary filmmaking, then debates Damon versus DiCaprio and Ocean’s sequels. These are episode opinions; the new titles and contemporary claims are not independently verified metadata.

Approx. transcript time · 01:49:31Read transcript

Craig Horlbeck is thanked by name in the sign-off. The spoken acknowledgement does not itself replace the official feed’s producer credit.

Approx. transcript time · 01:55:12Read transcript