The fifth episode of the On Cinema podcast released on October 31, 2011, and features host Tim Heidecker and guest Gregg Turkington reviewing The China Syndrome. The episode was released earlier in the day than usual, which surprised Gregg.

Tim welcomes listeners back to “my podcast”, but gets interrupted by Gregg saying “Hi guys!”, leading to a brief pause. He notes that the film being discussed today, The China Syndrome, is celebrating its 30th anniversary. He notes that the film is not about China or Chinese people but rather about nuclear power and the real threat of a nuclear meltdown, being a film that raises a lot of interesting questions. Tim asks Gregg if he's seen the film, to which Gregg states that he has. He notes that Jane Fonda was nominated for an Academy Award, the top honor in film, calling it a good film.

Tim and Gregg talk about other people involved with the film, including Michael Douglas and Sidney Lumet, the latter Gregg believes directed the film, which Tim doesn't believe and begins to look up. Gregg notes the film is based on a real story involving a nuclear accident at the Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania and that it was Jane Fonda's first big hit since Barbarella (1968, 98 mins.). Tim then corrects Gregg on who directed the film, stating it was James Bridges. Tim then gives credit to Michael Douglas, who aside from starring also produced the movie, noting he has been a successful producer. Gregg suggests giving him an ”On Cinema round of applause, if we can add that.” (Nothing is added.)

Tim recommends getting a copy on DVD, either by renting it or buying it from Coconuts or Hollywood Video. Gregg tries describing the film as Field of Dreams (1989, 106 mins.) meets nuclear disaster. Tim disagrees, comparing it more to Network (1976, 121 mins.), which he notes Sidney Lumet directed. Tim notes that this film was one of the first to feature the old man from Cocoon (1985, 117 mins.), though he forgets his name is Wilford Brimley before Gregg reminds him. Gregg then mentions Jack Lemmon, but Tim incorrectly states that they had already talked about it, quickly ending the episode after, calling it an “important film”.

Tim releases the episode early without letting Gregg know, resulting in some back-and-forth discussion about whether Tim should give Gregg a heads-up in the future.

Continuing what he and Tim had done last week with Roger Ebert, Gregg asks more celebrities to check out the podcast.

• Gregg does not say “Hey guys!” in this episode. However, he does say “Hi guys!”

• 2011 was not the 30th anniversary of The China Syndrome, but rather the 32nd.
• The China Syndrome is not based off the nuclear accident at Three Mile Island. In fact, the film released just 12 days before the accident.

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