Back on the Block - podcast cover

Back on the Block

Doug Strassler & Karen Grecobackontheblock.libsyn.com
Join hosts Doug and Karen as they dissect the best TV series of the 1990s.
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Episodes

Hollywood Blvd: Rapp Sheet

We discuss the news about Anthony Rapp’s solo show returning to New York, and review the shows “Chester Bailey,” “A Man of No Importance,” “Straight Line Crazy,” and “Topdog/Underdog,” as well as the films “The Banshees of Inisherin” and “Barbarian.”

Nov 02, 202243 minEp. 261

Adios, Fruitcakes!

Join us for one last lap around the block, friends, as we reminisce about the highs of our time at “Melrose Place.”

Nov 02, 202249 minEp. 260

End of the Road

We have reached the end of the block!!! Karen and I recap the final episode of “Melrose Place” after seven seasons and six years. We have things to say: What stories worked best? Who did the writers do the dirtiest? Was Amanda really a murderer? Plug in to hear us out.

Oct 19, 202254 minEp. 259

Hollywood Blvd: All Beauty, No Beast

What has Doug’s heartbeat racing? Find out, plus hear his theatre reviews of “1776,” “Death of a Salesman,” and “I’m Revolting.” And we pay tribute to the late, great Angela Lansbury.

Oct 12, 202234 minEp. 258

Larceny In Our Hearts, Passion In Our Veins

In the second-to-last episode, Eve has lots of flashbacks, Megan marries Ryan, Amanda gets a new career path, and Jane has a secret. Also: Is Amanda really a psycho? And just how does organ donorship work?

Oct 12, 202246 minEp. 257

What Do Jews Do?

They fast! And they see theatre! And watch movies! We review “Leopoldstadt,” “The Sandman,” “Blonde,” pay tribute to Loretta Lynn and Louise Fletcher, and discuss an important episode of NPR's “Throughline” podcast.

Oct 06, 202240 minEp. 256

2-4-6-8 Who Can I Annihilate?

This is the episode that finally just goes for it. Has Amanda hit bottom? Maybe. But Eve might have it even worse – and that’s for the best! Plus, Ryan makes a decision about Megan and Lexi finds herself in a very compromised position. We also have an important Yom Kippur chat at the top that should not be missed.

Oct 06, 202255 minEp. 255

Drunk on a Boat

Everyone starts to reveal their true colors as we hurtle towards the series finale. Amanda continues to pimp Eve out, Ryan must deal with Terry face to face, Lexi continues her sabotage, Kyle makes a move, and Jane gets a new job doing…we’re not sure what.

Sep 28, 202244 minEp. 254

Hollywood Blvd: The Devil in Doug

We review “See How They Run,” the off-Broadway show “Jasper,” “The Devil in Ohio,” and continue the conversation on “House of the Dragon.” And you’ll find out just who is emailing Doug.

Sep 21, 202235 minEp. 253

Ryan’s Daughter

Sarah’s arrival should send everyone’s lives into chaos, but it’s Amanda’s latest choice that really has a ripple effect. Tune in to hear our thoughts on all of this – and on possibly the craziest background scene we’ve ever watched.

Sep 21, 202253 minEp. 252

From “Black Bird” to “Slow Horses”

We discuss this week’s Emmy Awards, the state of television content, with an emphasis on “Black Bird,” “The Patient,” and “Slow Horses,” and review “Elvis” and “Lightyear.” We also apologize to any geriatric musicians we might have offended here. Go check out Concrete Animals!

Sep 14, 202238 minEp. 251

Sarah, Plain and Small

Ryan continues to be a d-bag, which makes Lexi look less horrible. Amanda continues to act poorly, which will only point Kyle in Jane’s direction. But we are here for Dr. Visconti getting a love life! Only five episodes left!

Sep 14, 202237 minEp. 250

Plodding Issues

We discuss “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” “Men,” “Virgin River,” and “House of the Dragon,” and try to get to the secret of smart storytelling.

Aug 31, 202247 minEp. 249

Back in the Habit

We can’t shake the stink of Lexi off this episode. She’s everywhere! Plus, Eve and Peter spend their new fortune, Amanda becomes ruthless again, Jane’s new man moves marathon-fast, and the building gets a new owner.

Aug 31, 202247 minEp. 248

It All Comes Back to Waterworld

We talk about polarization and general snobbery in regard to “Yellowstone” and “The Terminal List” and review “The Black Phone” and “The Kite Runner.” Plus: how did Doug spend his birthday?

Aug 17, 202245 minEp. 247

Chris Isaak In Da House!

It’s all work and no play for Amanda, Peter experiences some extreme highs and lows, and Ryan takes a major turn.

Aug 17, 202241 minEp. 246

Hollywood Blvd: Finger on the Pulse!

We discuss “The Butcher Boy” at Irish Repertory Theatre, The Black Keys in concert, the new “Persuasion” adaptation and “The Bob’s Burgers Movie.” Plus, RIP to the HBOMax catalog.

Aug 10, 202223 minEp. 245

Everything Falls Apart

The wheels seem to be set in motion for the series finale as Amanda has to make some adult choices, an enemy of Peter’s resurfaces, Jane moves back into the beach house, and Lexi dresses like she’s in “The Matrix.”

Aug 10, 202244 minEp. 244

Hollywood Blvd: Team Eddie

We revisit “Stranger Things” now that Karen has seen the whole thing, and also talk about how Hollywood revisits its creative output from the past.

Aug 03, 202251 minEp. 243

Eve of Self-Destruction

We found out if Amanda and her baby survived her big fall, Michael tries to bail himself out of hot water, Lexi has a new scheme, and Eve is now officially the worst character ever. Plus Hilary Banks!

Aug 03, 202245 minEp. 242

Skin Surfers

Plot points throughout the season really start paying off here, as people believe the worst about Amanda and Peter, and Michael gets paid out – but at what cost?

Jul 27, 202253 minEp. 240

Take Your Sharp Objects With You

Rob Estes directs this episode, which goes pretty dark and doesn’t always work. The gang goes looking for Kyle, Michael’s plans go out the window, and an island resort in Cabo forces its guests to do three-legged races.

Jul 20, 202242 minEp. 238

Feast of July

We cover stage productions of “Hamlet” and “Epiphany,” “The Boys” on Amazon, and the latest “Downton Abbey” film.

Jul 06, 202235 minEp. 237

Project Sex

It’s all in the family when Kyle’s toxic dad comes to town. While Amanda caves, Megan holds her own. Meanwhile, Lexi’s got the wrong idea and we’re left wondering what exactly Michael is up to.

Jul 06, 202243 minEp. 236

Hollywood Blvd: Cooper Raiff Wants You to Love Him

We review “Cha Cha Real Smooth,” “The Staircase” and Toni Colette, “Doctor Strange In the Multiverse of Madness,” “The Bear,” and the off-Broadway show “Titanique.”

Jun 29, 202239 minEp. 235

Strict Policy: No Moonlighting

It’s apparently Dunk on Amanda Month! How does the show celebrate? By resolving some of their worst storylines.

Jun 29, 202244 minEp. 234

From Crazy to Lazy

That’s the episode in a nutshell. Kyle tries to build a music empire, Michael makes (more) bad decisions, Megan continues her special project, and Amanda wants muffins.

Jun 22, 202245 minEp. 232
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