Mal and Jo are back to wrap up ‘Squid Game’ Season 3! They break down the final three episodes by discussing the final game, a CGI baby, a surprising cameo, and more! Later, they discuss what games should be in the American version. (00:00) Intro(09:07) ‘Fourth Wing’ and ‘The Last of Us’ News(22:04) Opening Snapshot(36:04) Was the Final Game Captivating Enough?(51:55) Which Death Hit You the Hardest?(01:12:54) Too Much Baby-in-Peril Action?(01:16:43) Thoughts on Myung-gi(01:26:24) No-eul and 246...
Jul 03, 2025•1 hr 52 min
Mal and Jo are back for some more life-or-death games in ‘Squid Game’ Season 3! They break down the first three episodes by discussing the characters and relationships they were most invested in, as well as the emotional moments, surprising twists, and meaningful deaths. (00:00) Intro(00:53) ‘Project Hail Mary’ trailer reaction(12:55) ‘Squid Game’(41:12) Characters we’re invested in(49:48) Relationships we’re invested in(01:01:24) Most meaningful death(01:13:07) Most intriguing commentary(01:24:...
Jul 02, 2025•1 hr 49 min
Mal and Jo are back in Hawkins and the Upside Down for a rewatch of ‘Stranger Things’ in the run-up to the fifth and final season. First up: Revisiting Season 1! They talk about their original experience with the show and hand out some superlatives! (00:00) Intro(06:21) Opening Snapshot(29:48) Favorite Episode(36:43) Most Important Friendship(48:19) Funniest Moment(51:34) Most Emotional Moment(01:01:24) Scariest Moment(01:08:41) Most Electric Moment(01:14:22) Best Coming-of-Age Moment(01:19:00) ...
Jun 26, 2025•2 hr 20 min
Mal and Jo are here to discuss ‘28 Years Later.’ They talk about what worked, what didn’t, the future of the franchise, and more! Plus, they create their pop culture zombie survival team! (00:00) Intro (06:24) ‘28 Years Later’ (41:14) The Father (01:17:19) The Mother (01:38:28) The Elder (01:53:14) The Jimmy Gang (01:58:43) The Bone Temple (02:03:00) Our Pop Culture Zombie Survival Team Hosts: Mallory Rubin and Joanna Robinson Producers: Carlos Chiriboga and John Richter Social: Jomi Adeniran Ad...
Jun 25, 2025•2 hr 27 min
Mal and Jo are going through their favorite speeches of the century. Listen as they struggle to narrow it down from ‘Lord of the Rings,’ ‘Game of Thrones,’ ‘Andor,’ and much more! (00:00) Intro(7:45) Rules(21:03) Jo’s no. 10(26:03) Mal’s no. 10(31:14) Jo’s no. 9(36:15) Mal’s no. 9(43:07) Jo’s no. 8(48:46) Mal’s no. 8(55:25) Jo’s no. 7(58:55) Mal’s no. 7(01:05:59) Jo’s no. 6(01:12:35) Mal’s no. 6(01:16:04) Jo’s no. 5(01:23:57) Mal’s no. 5(01:30:05) Jo’s no. 4(01:34:31) Mal’s no. 4(01:41:08) Jo’s ...
Jun 19, 2025•2 hr 41 min
It’s Hot Nolan Summer! Mal and Jo are back to revisit Christopher Nolan’s first Batman movie, ‘Batman Begins.’ They discuss how the movie holds up 20 years after its release and give out some superlatives. They break down everything from the most baffling accent to the sickest set piece and more! (00:00) Intro (06:41) ‘Batman Begins’ turns 20 (01:00:59) Funniest line/moment (01:04:08) Sickest set piece (01:09:18) Who is the real villain of the movie? (01:17:04) Most exquisitely gorgeous shot (01...
Jun 17, 2025•2 hr 18 min
Let the hype flow through you! Mal and Jo are here again to get you hyped for the things they are most looking forward to this summer season! (00:00) Intro(01:50) ‘House of R’ Summer Lookahead(12:09) Rules(18:21) ‘Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil’(22:30) ‘Ironheart’(25:39) ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’(27:56) ‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’(35:58) ‘Eyes of Wakanda’(38:16) ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2(43:23) ‘Katabasis’(48:19) ‘Squid Game’ Season 3(53:47) ‘28 Years Later’(01:00:35) ‘Alien: Earth’(01:08...
Jun 13, 2025•1 hr 41 min
Mal and Jo are back to go through the latest installment in the John Wick universe, ‘Ballerina.’ They discuss the film’s box office results, break down what changed in the extensive reshoots, and talk about the future of the 'John Wick' franchise and whether it can survive without Keanu Reeves. Next, they each come up with five burning questions about ‘Ballerina’ and the rest of the Wickverse. (00:00) Intro(05:45) Opening snapshot(08:45) Box office results(25:32) What happened during the reshoot...
Jun 11, 2025•1 hr 45 min
Mal and Jo are joined by Rob Mahoney for the ‘Mission: Impossible’ movie draft! They’ll be drafting their best Ethan Hunt, two team members, a villain, a MacGuffin, a stunt, and a device/gadget. Later, they also rank the ‘Mission: Impossible’ movies! (00:00) Intro (08:21) Rules (18:39) Mal Pick 1 (21:57) Rob Pick 1 (27:06) Jo Pick 1 (31:00) Jo Pick 2 (33:26) Rob Pick 2 (35:29) Mal Pick 2 (40:06) Mal Pick 3 (43:06) Rob Pick 3 (44:31) Jo Pick 3 (47:26) Jo Pick 4 (50:43) Rob Pick 4 (57:31) Mal Pick...
Jun 06, 2025•1 hr 58 min
Mal and Jo are joined by ‘Andor’ showrunner Tony Gilroy! They dive into everything from the world-building and ideology of ‘Andor’ to the fate of the Maya Pei Brigade, what’s in Syril’s box, and much more! (00:00) Intro(05:08) Speeches and Quotes in ‘Andor’(07:16) World-Building in ‘Andor’(10:24) The Sense of Place and Ideology in ‘Andor’(15:30) Balance of Characters(21:15) Power Dynamics and How They Shift(23:32) If You Made ‘Rogue One’ After ‘Andor,’ How Would it Be Different?(25:41) Jyn and C...
Jun 03, 2025•1 hr 10 min
From books to ‘Star Wars’ to ‘The Last of Us,’ the House of R mailbag is here. Jo and Mal are here to answer all of your burning questions about the content you love! (00:00) Intro (07:09) Book club with the Orioles (17:39) House of R countdowns (25:19) R-rated 'Star Wars' movies (43:49) 'Survivor 50' casting (52:30) 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' reboot (57:37) Book recommendations (01:13:13) Bras and gauze in 'The Last of Us' (01:21:15) Food options in 'The Last of Us' (01:28:43) Finale reaction H...
May 30, 2025•1 hr 45 min
Mal and Jo are joined by Chris Ryan to talk about how ‘Andor’ has changed their perception of ‘Rogue One.’ Then they dive deep into the movie and talk about each moment and character through the lens of ‘Andor.’ (00:00) Intro (07:21) Opening snapshot with Chris Ryan (50:27) Krennic comes for Galen (01:04:01) Cassian meets Tivik on Kafrene (01:10:48) Prison break: Jyn Erso (01:15:23) Taking Jyn to Yavin (01:23:21) Project: Imperial infighting (01:35:23) Converging on Jedha (01:58:07) Saw and Jyn ...
May 28, 2025•3 hr 29 min
Joanna and Mal are back to talk about the season two finale of ‘The Last of Us’! They take their signature deep dive and discuss this devastating episode. They talk about Ellie’s confession to Dina, a shocking death, catching up with Abby, and (most importantly) where is Shimmer!? (00:00) Intro (24:08) A night at the theater (35:16) Shimmer name check #1 (01:10:59) Shimmer name check #2 (01:23:15) It’s not our war (01:39:08) Is my Costco membership still good in the apocalypse? (01:49:56) The co...
May 26, 2025•3 hr 2 min
Joanna and Mal are back to talk about the latest episode of 'The Last of Us'! They take their signature deep dive and discuss this flashback-filled episode. They talk about Joel and Ellie’s trip to the museum, Eugene’s death, Ellie finding out the truth, and more! (00:00) Intro (18:44) Austin, 1983 (44:48) Vanilla … It’s Easier (52:59) “All My Missing Stolen Parts” (01:25:54) “This Is Just Too Good to Be Gone” (01:50:04) “When the Hurricanes and Cyclones Raged” (02:00:29) “I’m Grateful Now They’...
May 20, 2025•3 hr 5 min
Jedha, Kyber, Erso. Mal and Jo return to recap the final three episodes of ‘Andor’ Season 2. They break down Dedra's fate, Kleya and Luthen’s backstory, the build-up to ‘Rogue One’, and more. (00:00) Intro (04:32) Opening Snapshot (20:40) Lonni Shares the Endgame (57:41) Dedra and Axis Face Off (01:20:51) Panic at the ISB (01:25:26) Luthen and Kleya: An Origin Story (01:53:01) Kleya Hits the Hospital (01:58:58) Heart Begins His Hunt (02:04:23) Dedra Faces Krennic (02:15:42) Kleya Signals for Hel...
May 16, 2025•3 hr 52 min
Joanna and Mal are back to talk about the latest episode of 'The Last of Us'! They take their signature deep dive and discuss a new evolution of the Cordyceps fungus, the arrival of some familiar faces in Seattle, and a major turning point for Ellie. (00:00) Intro (23:01) Happy Mother’s Day (50:16) Seattle day two (01:02:21) "Future Days" (01:22:31) Come and see (01:44:55) I love you; I know (01:57:03) A walk in the park (02:15:14) Spores galore (02:28:59) Present tense (02:32:12) Spoilers: A fu...
May 13, 2025•2 hr 47 min
The galaxy is watching! Mal and Jo to recap the seventh, eighth, and ninth episodes of ‘Andor’ Season 2. They break down what happens on Ghorman, the tragedy of Syril, Mon Mothma’s speech, Bix’s decision, and so much more. (00:00) Intro (05:48) Opening Snapshot (17:08) Wilmon Brings a Mission to Yavin (44:11) Cassian Meets a Force Healer (01:10:17) Cass and Wil Depart, Vel Visits Bix (1:17:37) Syril Confronts Dedra, Part 1 (01:31:26) The Ghorman Front Prepares (1:51:43) Forces Arrive on Ghorman ...
May 10, 2025•3 hr 54 min
Joanna and Mal are back to talk about the latest episode of 'The Last of Us'! They take their signature deep dive and see how Ellie and Dina are doing as they make their way through Seattle. We also get introduced to a new member of the WLF, Isaac! (00:00) Intro (17:20) Cold Open (43:28) Rainbow Connection on Capitol Hill (56:18) Take on Me (1:26:55) If You Own Mauviel, You Use Mauviel (1:52:38) WMAB in Seattle (1:58:24) Dear God Help Me It’s a Crevice (2:07:05) A Night at the Theater (2:15:30) ...
May 05, 2025•2 hr 36 min
It’s time to enter the void as Mal and Jo return to break down the latest entry in the MCU! They discuss each character getting their moment to shine, share their thoughts on the action sequences, and get into the effects this has on the larger universe. (00:00) Intro (03:50) Opening Snapshot (09:29) Critical/Audience Reaction (15:44) Is Marvel Back? (36:02) Deep (Medium) Dive (53:22) The Vault Fight Sequence (01:00:23) Thoughts on Taskmaster (01:06:50) Inside Yelena’s Memory (01:12:16) Another ...
May 02, 2025•2 hr 9 min
There’s a storm brewing on Ghorman, and Mal and Jo are back to break it all down! They recap the fourth, fifth, and sixth episodes of ‘Andor’ Season 2, including the various happenings on Coruscant, the Ghorman heist, ISB espionage, Saw Gerrera’s return, and so much more. (00:00) Intro (03:20) Opening Snapshot (13:22) Dreaming of Dr. Gorst (26:49) A Home-cooked Meal and a Debate About Protection (38:11) Luthen Inserts His Wedge (01:02:54) Goodbye, Gorst (01:05:53) Syril Settles in Among the Spid...
May 02, 2025•2 hr 58 min
It may be three months later in Jackson, but Joanna and Mal are back to talk about the latest episode of 'The Last of Us'! They take their signature deep dive and see what happens to the town of Jackson in the wake of the devastating attack. We see how Ellie is recovering and will be determined to get justice. (00:00) Intro (13:02) Cold Open (29:54) Three Months Later (51:54) Meanwhile, at Miller Manor (1:11:13) 'Sorry I Fucked Up Your Revenge Plan' Cookies (1:20:28) Now What? (1:29:39) You Wann...
Apr 29, 2025•2 hr 45 min
'Andor' is back, and so are Mal and Jo! These rebels break down everything in the first three episodes, from Cassian's mission, to a wedding on Chandrila to Syril and Dedra's relationship. (00:00) Intro (05:33) Opening Snapshot (17:05) Theft of the TIE Avenger (37:48) Cassian Meets the Maya Pei Brigade (46:44) The Brigade Fractures (51:30) Hiding Out with Our Ferrix Found Family (01:02:10) The Empire Arrives (01:12:10) Fleeing Mina-Rau (01:30:14) A Chandi Wedding: Day One (01:50:45) A Chandi Wed...
Apr 25, 2025•2 hr 55 min
Jo and Mal are back to talk about the incredible yet devastating second episode of 'The Last of Us' Season 2. They dive deep into the Battle of Jackson, a major character death, and what it all means going forward! (00:00) Intro (06:52) Opening Snapshot (35:18) Deep Dive (35:57) Abby’s Dream (48:47) The Salt Lake Crew (58:18) Party (Emotional) Hangover (01:09:31) General Tommy Takes Over (01:14:22) 7-Eleven and Weed! (01:20:32) Here Comes the Horde (01:40:40) Battle of Jackson (01:52:12) Fore! (...
Apr 22, 2025•2 hr 59 min
The Devil has returned, and he brought two of his friends with him. Mal and Jo return to break down the Season 1 finale of 'Daredevil: Born Again' (05:12). They dive into the elements that made this finale great and discuss the return of Frank Castle, Karen adding a spark, and what they would like to see from the next season, coming soon. Hosts: Mallory Rubin and Joanna Robinson Senior Producer: Steve Ahlman Video Supervision: John Richter Social: Jomi Adeniran Addition Production Support: Arjun...
Apr 17, 2025•1 hr 35 min
Get in the pit, Mari! Mal and Jo are here to dive into the Season 3 finale of 'Yellowjackets.' They discuss the reveal of Mari as pit girl, how the hunt compared to what we saw in the series premiere, and the Yellowjackets working against Shauna in both the past and present timelines. Hosts: Mallory Rubin and Joanna Robinson Producers: Carlos Chiriboga and Steve Ahlman Social: Jomi Adeniran Addition Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/ad...
Apr 15, 2025•2 hr 27 min
The tendrils yearn once more! Jo and Mal are back to talk about the highly anticipated premiere of 'The Last of Us' Season 2. They give their overall impressions and recap what happened at the end of last season to bring us up to speed (19:37). Then they break down the events of the season, including Joel in therapy, an intro to new character Abby, and a hunt for a new form of infected! Later, they dive into the heavy game-spoiler section to game out where the season may go and all the events we...
Apr 14, 2025•2 hr 3 min
Mal is joined by Ben Lindbergh and Daniel Chin to talk about the highs and lows of ‘Black Mirror’ Season 7. Later, they dive into Episode 8 of ‘Daredevil Born Again’ (1:26:38). Host: Mallory Rubin Gusts: Ben Lindbergh and Daniel Chin Producer: Carlos Chiriboga Video Supervision: Jonathan Frias Social: Jomi Adeniran Addition Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 12, 2025•2 hr 18 min
It's time to find out who made the pit! Mal is joined by The Ringer's Jodi Walker to talk about the penultimate episode of season three of 'Yellowjackets'. They dive deep into the past timeline to see what twists and turns await the girls (33:30). Later they explore the present timeline to see what is really up with all these murders and see what they predict can happen in the highly anticipated finale (01:41:03). Hosts: Mallory Rubin Guest: Jodi Walker Senior Producer: Steve Ahlman Video Superv...
Apr 08, 2025•2 hr 47 min
In the merry month of April, Mal and Jo gather to catch up on 'Daredevil: Born Again' by offering some midseason superlatives, including sexiest sequence, favorite scene, and so much more! Hosts: Mallory Rubin and Joanna Robinson Producer: Steve Ahlman Video Supervision: John Richter Social: Jomi Adeniran Addition Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 04, 2025•1 hr 22 min
Eat it! Mal and Jo are here to dive into the latest episode of 'Yellowjackets.' They discuss Hilary Swank’s introduction as Melissa, Shauna’s dreams, and the fracturing of the group in both the past and present. Hosts: Mallory Rubin and Joanna Robinson Producer: Carlos Chiriboga Video Supervision: John Richter Social: Jomi Adeniran Addition Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 31, 2025•1 hr 59 min
