This week we're paying tribute to the great Helen McCrory. We reminisce on some of our favorite performances, with a focus on her starring turn in the 2000 Masterpiece Theatre adaptation of Tolstoy's Anna Karenina, also featuring Kevin McKidd, Stephen Dillane, and Amanda Root.
In the second half of the series, Christine faces threats from clients new and deceased as well as her bosses at the firm. We talk more about Christine's razor-sharp instinct, the complexities of her manipulation, and the show's astounding climactic and finale episodes. Note: this episode is NSFW!
We welcome back Julia Masotti to break down season 1 of the Starz anthology series, The Girlfriend Experience. Created by Amy Seimetz and Lodge Kerrigan, GFE follow Riley Keough as Christine Reade, a walking cipher who must navigate her life as a law student and high-end escort. Note: this episode is NSFW!
Return to the Helen Mirren Cinematic Universe with HBO's 2019 miniseries, Catherine The Great! Mirren (born Mironoff) gets in touch with her Russian roots as the fearless empress. Other topics include the careers of Elle Fanning, Amy Adams, and Toni Colette, because of course they do.
In 2001, The Lord of the Rings took over the big screen. But the small screen belonged to the priestesses of Avalon. Based on the 1981 feminist retelling of the legend of King Arthur and Morgaine le Fey, we're here to get wet, witchy, and wild with TNT's The Mists of Avalon!
In Part 2, Kate and Carl discuss the trial of Jeremy Thorpe, closeted politicians, and even more British LGBT+ history, plus a lot of other gay shit.
Kate and Carl head to 1960s London with this true story of Jeremy Thorpe and Norman Scott. A Very English Scandal from writer Russel T. Davies (It's A Sin) and starring Hugh Grant and Ben Whishaw, tells a decades-spanning tale of illicit affairs, murder plots, and a turning point in the history of LGBT+ rights in the UK.
In this bonus episode, Kate and Carl try to predict the always unpredictable Golden Globe Awards! From snubs to surprises to some history-making categories, it's time to gear up for what is sure to be an unconventional Awards season.
In Part 2, Kate and Carl start with the centerpiece episode of the series, "Marcia Marcia Marcia" and make their way through to "The Verdict," discussing the brilliance of Sarah Paulson's performance and the complicated aftermath of Johnnie Cochran's stunning victory.
Carl and Kate dive in to the 2016 FX miniseries "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story". Developed, produced, and co-directed by Ryan Murphy, this dramatic take on America's most infamous televised trial features was an Emmys juggernaut and features some truly iconic casting.
In Part 2, Carl, Kate and Ashley discuss the second half of the miniseries including some iconic scenes: Colin Firth in the lake, Lizzie's confrontation with Catherine de Bourgh, Colin Firth in the lake. Other topics include how great Jennifer Ehle is and what really separates the two major adaptations in tone and approach.
Season 2 Premiere! Carl and Kate welcome poet Ashley Keyser to discuss a titan of the genre: The BBC's 1995 adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice. Starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle, this miniseries changed the game and for many fans, remains the definitive adaptation of this timeless romance.
In part 2 of our season finale, we cover Parts 4 and 5 of Mildred Pierce aka Evan Rachel Wood's masterclass in high camp. From backstabbing daughters and lovers to lush coloratura arias, the conclusion of Mildred Pierce is a glorious operatic melodrama that only Todd Haynes could pull off. Plus, we say goodbye to 2020 and get excited for a jam-packed season 2 heading your way January 2021!
Kate and Carl discuss Part 2 of HBO's 2005 miniseries, Elizabeth I, featuring an early star turn from Hugh Dancy as Bess's latest beau, the Earl of Essex. We chat more about the legacy of the British monarchy, adaptations we hope to see, and announce our season finale!
Before The Crown, there was HBO's 2005 epic, Elizabeth I. Featuring an iconic performance from Helen Mirren, Carl and Kate dissect this 4-hour look at the Virgin Queen's legacy and love life.
Kate and Carl discuss the characters of Harper, Prior, Hannah, and Belize, among plenty of other tangential topics (of course). Plus, we announce our next series and leave you with a hopeful message of the future courtesy of Tony Kushner.
Recorded on October 25th, Kate and Carl speak into the post-election future as they break down the 2003 miniseries adaptation of Tony Kushner's American epic. Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes is a story about everything, and we couldn't think of a more perfect piece to discuss to capture this moment in American history.
Kate and Carl pick back up with their journey through the characters of AHS: Murder House including the inimitable Lily Rabe and Jessica Lange. Plus, we announce our next series! [Once again, pardon some syncing issues in the second half! The ghosts got into our mics.]
Happy spooky season! Carl and Kate dive into the iconic first season of Ryan Murphy's FX anthology series, American Horror Story, and share a few ghost stories of their own. [Pardon some syncing issues in the second half, the ghosts got into our mics!]
In this very special bonus episode, Kate is joined by Deb Duncan, comedian and cohost of Queer Movie Night, and artist and filmmaker Corie Anderson. Together, they're here to break down the spooky series that has sent the lesbian community into a tailspin: The Haunting of Bly Manor. SPOILERS A-PLENTY, so make sure you've watched!
In Part 2, Kate, Carl, and Julia discuss the queerness of Mrs. Fletcher, from its depictions of kink to its exploration of trans identity via the character Margot (Jen Richards). We also discuss the importance of intimacy coordinators and give you a sneak peek at our upcoming Halloween episode! Once again, this episode is NSFW!
Kate and Carl welcome special guest Julia Masotti to dive into this 2019 HBO dramedy starring the inimitable Kathryn Hahn. Based on the novel by Tom Perotta (The Leftovers), Mrs. Fletcher follows an empty-nester on a journey of self-re-discovery and sexual liberation. NOTE: This episode is NSFW!
Kate and Carl dive in to the series' highest and lowest episodes, from a confused comment on the #MeToo era, to a complex portrait of two parents faced with an impossible choice. Part 2 covers episodes 5 through 8, as well as the show's surprising awards shut-out.
In 2018, Matthew Weiner returned to "television" with this 8-episode anthology series for Amazon. Carl and Kate made their way through all 639 minutes of this Russian novel-length series and are here to break it down. In Part 1, we cover episodes 1 through 4, from Aaron Eckhardt's irresistibility to Amanda Peet playing a grandmother.
Carl and Kate make their predictions for the 2020 Emmy Awards! Topics include our favorites to win, dream casting The Crown, whether the Kominsky Method is a real show that exists, and SO much more. Listen now and watch for the winners Sunday at 8 ET on ABC!
Always tough to find out your husband has a wife in the attic. In part 2, Kate and Carl get into the Bertha of it all, the chemistry of our leads, and why this story still resonates today.
Carl and Kate take it to the BBC with 2006's Jane Eyre, starring Ruth Wilson and Toby Stephens, directed by Susanna White. But of course, you can't talk about one adaptation without talking about them all.
In part 2, we explore the back half of the series aka The Margaret Qualley Show. Topics include: Miranda July performance art, the cameo of one Hamilton star, and as always, how utterly brilliant Michelle Williams is. Plus the announcement of our next series!
Who's got the pain? Anyone trying to compete against Michelle Williams' jaw-dropping performance in Fosse/Verdon. Kate and Carl dive in to this and more in part one of our discussion of the biggest who's-who of NY stage actors since SMASH.
Part 2 of our discussion of HBO's 2008 miniseries John Adams. In this episode, we talk about the back half of the series, 19th century surgery, Julia Styles, Amy Adams, how the series speaks to our current political climate, and of course, throw a bit more shade at Hamilton. Plus a sneak peek at our next episode!
