Friends Talking Nerdy

Remembering Val Kilmer - Episode 409

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Episode notes

In Episode 409 of Friends Talking Nerdy, hosts Professor Aubrey and Tim the Nerd dive deep into a heartfelt and wide-ranging discussion that spans Hollywood, professional wrestling, and British sci-fi.

The episode opens with a tribute to the legendary actor Val Kilmer, who recently passed away. Professor Aubrey and Tim the Nerd reflect on Kilmer’s diverse and iconic filmography, sharing personal stories and thoughts on his most memorable performances. From the enigmatic Jim Morrison in The Doors to the cool intellect of Real Genius, the hosts explore Kilmer’s range and charisma. They praise his unforgettable turn as Doc Holliday in Tombstone, his magical role in Willow, and even delve into the controversy and stylistic flair of Batman Forever. The discussion takes a thought-provoking turn as they examine The Chaos Experiment, a lesser-known film with eerie relevance to today’s U.S. political climate, underscoring Kilmer's later-career choices and the unexpected legacy some of his work may leave. Naturally, no conversation about Kilmer would be complete without mentioning Top Gun, a film that helped define an era and cemented Kilmer’s place in pop culture history.

Next, Tim the Nerd switches gears to the squared circle as he offers his insights into the 2025 WWE Hall of Fame inductees. He celebrates the long-overdue induction of Triple H, reflecting on his in-ring legacy and behind-the-scenes influence. Tim also discusses Michelle McCool’s contributions to the women’s division, the undeniable charisma and strength of Lex Luger, and the tag-team chaos brought by The Natural Disasters—Earthquake and Typhoon. A special segment is devoted to the induction of one of wrestling’s most iconic moments: Bret Hart vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin at WrestleMania 13—an induction not of a person, but of a legendary match that defined the Attitude Era. Tim explores how this match's storytelling and in-ring psychology continue to influence professional wrestling to this day.

Finally, the episode wraps up with Tim sharing his initial reactions to the new season of Doctor Who on Disney+. Despite high hopes, he expresses disappointment, critiquing a perceived disconnect between the show's creative intentions and what actually makes it to screen. Tim explores how Doctor Who’s new direction may be missing the emotional and narrative impact longtime fans expect, offering a thoughtful take on what’s working and what’s falling short.