Taking It Down - podcast cover

Taking It Down

Blaine Duncanwww.thealabamatake.com
Streaming is scattered. What's worth watching? Taking It Down is intelligent Southern accents covering scattered TV, catered to thinkers in the working class. Recommendations first, insights and spoilers later. Watch TV from a different angle. Every Tuesday morning, editor-in-chief of The Alabama Take Blaine Duncan is joined by Adam Morrow, Donovan Reinwald, and others to recommend and analyze what's on TV and streaming. You've earned your time; know where to spend it.
Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

From Oasis to the SEC: 'King of the Hill' Returns, 'Any Given Saturday' on Netflix, and 'Blue Lights' Comes to HBO Max

This week, Blaine starts with an overview of the entire podcast (0:05) and what to expect before giving a rundown of the weekly episode (0:54). When joined by Donovan and Adam, Adam recounts his visit to the U.K., which included seeing Oasis live with some friends (1:44). For non-spoilers, the hosts talk about 'King of the Hill' and its return on Hulu (8:01), the Netflix sports documentary 'SEC Football: Any Given Saturday' (19:10), and the Britbox series 'Blue Lights' comes to HBO Max (22:51). ...

Aug 12, 20251 hr 12 minSeason 1Ep. 251

Politics Invades, Netflix Plans a Correct Release, 'Stick' Continues, and 'It's Always Sunny...' Has Its Best In Years

This week in the TV and streaming podcast, Blaine gives an overview (0:02) before he and Donovan discuss how politics has invaded television (1:04) with the funding for PBS (1:06). The question is: does that matter (1:08)? The other big political and TV news came from Colbert this week who had a shocking announcement (6:37). The hosts dissect how Netflix got one release date perfect (12:09) before transitioning into what could be FX's big franchise hit (13:24). In non-spoilers, they discuss why ...

Jul 22, 202540 minSeason 1Ep. 250

In Purgatory? 'The Bear' Closes Its Recent Season; 'It's Always Sunny...' Returns; Plus, 'Stick' Swings

Blaine begins the episode with a podcast overview and the generalities of this week's episode (0:02). Once Donovan joins, they discuss the return of the longest-running TV show, 'It's Always Sunny In Philadephia' and determine how its sustained its longevity (3:15). From there, they have brief discussion on the Apple TV+ series 'Stick' and its most recent episode (11:14). To conclude the non-spoiler segment, they give thought to 'The Bear' as a whole season (14:42). After a short break, it's tim...

Jul 15, 20251 hr 6 minSeason 1Ep. 249

How 'Stick' Turns a Corner and 'The Bear' Pays Off; Plus, 'Andor' and 'Your Friends & Neighbors'

Weekly host Blaine welcomes and gives an overview for the episode to begin (0:02). Once Donovan and Adam join, Blaine describes how he managed to miss the last few episodes of 'The Bear' and it has everything to do with the Disney+ series 'Andor' (2:08). Also in the non-spoiler section, the guys have an email on 'Your Friends & Neighbors' on Apple TV+ (7:42), they discuss how 'Stick' is addressing all of their concerns (9:10), and somehow the non-spoiler talk about 'The Bear' turns into a tr...

Jul 08, 202553 minSeason 1Ep. 248

The Questions and Answers from 'The Bear' and 'Smoke' Debuts on Apple TV

This week on Taking It Down, Blaine begins with a welcome and an overview of the episode (0:02) before welcoming Adam and Donovan to discuss the big Bruce Springsteen music release which coincides with the trailer for his own biopic (1:03). Beginning the non-spoiler section properly, Blaine gives a sense of 'Smoke' from Apple TV+ and if it may be worth the time (6:09) before mentioning this week's episode of 'Stick' (10:08). All of the hosts give broad ideas on this current season of 'The Bear,'...

Jul 01, 202549 minSeason 1Ep. 247

Golf In 'Stick' Is Only a Game; 'Dept. Q' Played the Best with the Rules

This week, Blaine has a special guest to give the overview of the weekly episode (0:02) before he brings in co-hosts Adam and Donovan. Adam finally watched an episode of 'Your Friends and Neighbors' on Apple TV+ and he keeps it going with non-spoiler ideas on if he'll continue the series (0:49). Also in the non-spoiler section is the other Apple TV+ show of the week with 'Stick,' which takes us into our golf adventures (5:35). Blaine and Donovan discuss broad ideas on if 'Dept. Q' succeeded its ...

Jun 24, 20251 hr 9 minSeason 1Ep. 246

Does 'Dept. Q' Transcend the Genre? Plus, 'The Phoenician Scheme,' 'Andor,' and 'Stick'

This week, Donovan begins the non-spoiler section with a brief review of 'The Phoenician Scheme,' Wes Anderson's latest (1:11). Then Blaine and Donovan discuss some non-spoiler thoughts on 'Stick' and where it is on Apple TV+ (6:14). Donovan gives his overview of 'Andor,' the Star Wars spinoff, now that it is complete (8:14). Finally to end the non-spoiler segment, Blaine and Donovan discuss the dark world of 'Dept. Q' (12:25). After the break, it's only 'Dept. Q' on Netflix and the focus is whe...

Jun 17, 202541 minSeason 1Ep. 245

Bono's 'Songs of Surrender' Presents Humanity and How Bad Is FX's 'Adults'?

Blaine begins the episode with a welcome and overview (0:02) before he offers Adam and Donovan a recommendation and a nod to Apple TV's 'Stick,' featuring Owen Wilson, which has a surprising potential to charm us all—if it can manage to steer clear of its own sand traps (1:04). From there and still in the non-spoiler section, Blaine and Donovan take a hard look at FX’s 'Adults,' a show that’s trying to capture an essence (3:37). Still in non-spoilers, all three hosts round it out with 'Bono: Son...

Jun 10, 202546 minSeason 1Ep. 244

Surfing Through Life's Endings: 'Hacks,' '100 Foot Wave,' and 'The Last of Us' Finales

Blaine and his sidekick begin with an announcement about the home site The Alabama Take (0:01) before getting into what the episode covers for the week (0:45). Once Adam and Donovan join, Blaine breaks down some things about Todd Chrisley (1:26) before they briefly discuss the new Wes Anderson trailer (4:09) and theater expectations gone wrong (6:27). From there, it's the usual non-spoiler section where Blaine broadly explains how 'Duster' goes sideways (8:51), an overview of this season of 'Hac...

Jun 03, 20251 hr 6 minSeason 1Ep. 243

'The Last of Us' Theme Shift Is Closer Than Thought; Plus, Summer TV and 'The Studio'

Blaine begins the episode with a quick welcome before offering an overview of the episode's discussions (0:01). Once Adam and Donovan join the podcast, the three say hello to some specific listeners (1:16). They then have a brief tangent on celebrity deaths prompted by the recent passing of George Wendt (5:13). From there, they run down a list of possible streaming television shows that could be worth your time (8:36). Continuing the non-spoiler section, they broadly discuss 'The Studio' and its...

May 27, 20251 hr 13 minSeason 1Ep. 242

Art, Ego, Waves, and After Apocalypses: '100 Foot Wave,' 'The Studio,' and 'The Last of Us'

Blaine, Adam, and Donovan reunite after a couple of weeks away from the microphones. First, Blaine welcomes listeners and discusses how listeners can now join The Alabama Take site (0:02). Adam and Donovan rave about The Alabama Take 's newsletter (1:33) before Blaine points to Adam's talents and how not only is he booming but how listeners can find him beyond the podcast (3:36). Then the podcast gets into the TV and streaming, sort of: to begin with no spoilers, Adam explains why the film 'Sinn...

May 06, 20251 hr 1 minSeason 1Ep. 241

The Good, The Bad, and 'The White Lotus' Finale; Plus, a Plethora of TV

Blaine, Adam, and Donovan gather together again before a week off. As always, the episode begins with a section devoted to non-spoilers: Blaine offers a welcome and some episode notes for the week (0:02). After Adam and Donovan join, the three discuss the deluge of television choices that seem high quality and how you could easily see Adam in person in a few months (2:13). Though 'Black Mirror' dropped a new season this weekend, the hosts ponder if its time has come and gone (4:09). Blaine asks ...

Apr 15, 202558 minSeason 1Ep. 240

'Adolecence' Is The Must-See TV Show

We welcome people who listen as we normally do (0:02). We give the contents of this episode (1:06). For this special Thursday episode, it's almost all of Netflix's 'Adolescence' as it is the only series we cover -- that is, if you'll forgive some talk about where '30 Rock' lands as a comedy (2:05) As far as the Netflix, four-part miniseries has import in each scene. We start with no spoilers about the series (5:22) before getting into spoilers for the second, third, and forth episode of the dari...

Apr 10, 202548 minSeason 1Ep. 239

'Good American Family' Defies Stereotypes; 'The White Lotus' Asks Its Deepest Questions Yet

This week, Taking It Down begins with a welcome and how to help if you enjoy the episode (0:01). Also in the introduction is an overview of what the episode covers (1:38). From there, Blaine begins the non-spoiler section to drop in for a brief thought on the new Apple TV+ show 'The Studio' (2:21). The podcast moves into a non-spoiler presentation of the Hulu sensation 'Good American Family,' a series that due to self-awareness starts its early season incredibly well (3:28). Without spoilers, th...

Apr 08, 202542 minSeason 1Ep. 238

The Darker Approach of 'The White Lotus'; Plus, What News on 'The Pitt' Says for TV

This week on Taking It Down, host Blaine begins with a welcome and how listeners can help the podcast (0:01). Once co-host Adam joins, the podcast begins its non-spoiler section as the two hosts question where Donovan is (1:28) before quickly getting into news about 'The Pitt' on Max and what that news tells us about TV (1:59). Also in non-spoilers is their conversation about the new Apple TV+ series 'The Studio' with Seth Rogen and if listeners should watch it (10:20). Before the break, they al...

Apr 01, 202542 minSeason 1Ep. 237

That First Episode of 'Adolescence'

It's an extra episode this week, as we discuss the Netflix' series, 'Adolescence,' a show that's been being lauded by many. After a short welcome and a method for our audience to help the podcast if they would like (0:01), we briefly discuss some TV of late (2:15). Then we break down some of the buzz surrounding 'Adolescence' in the non-spoiler section (3:03). After the break, we discuss what makes 'Adolescence' get so much praise. For more from us and our family of podcasts, visit The Alabama T...

Mar 27, 202532 minSeason 1Ep. 236

Resentments, Decisions, Guns: 'The White Lotus' and Ending of 'Severance'

This week, we dive deep into emotional waters of our podcast as we first dedicate the episode to the memory of Lauren Beck, a vibrant young writer whose spirit and words brightened our community (0:01). To begin, we touch base on 'Dope Thief' from Apple TV+ and its third episode, but it's covered in the non-spoiler section for those who are still deciding about the series (3:14). Also in non-spoilers, we cover quick thoughts on 'The White Lotus' and its fifth episode (04:48) and 'Severance,' wit...

Mar 25, 20251 hr 1 minSeason 1Ep. 235

Cost of Class: 'Dope Thief,' 'The White Lotus' and 'Severance'

This week, Blaine gives a welcome to listeners and lays out the format for anyone new -- as well as small request (0:01). After a quick hello to Adam and Donovan, Blaine explains to them in the non-spoiler section on why 'Dope Thief' on Apple TV+ could be the next must watch piece of TV (1:11). After that, it's a few cursory thoughts on where 'The White Lotus' is at this point with no spoilers (8:01). Coming back from a thirty-second break, it is time for spoilers: in this segment, the hosts get...

Mar 18, 20251 hr 7 minSeason 1Ep. 234

How 'The White Lotus' Improved, The Internet Is Wrong About 'Severance,' and New Shows

Taking It Down begins with host Blaine welcoming new listeners as well as a piece of homework for all interested (0:01) To kick off the non-spoiler section this week, Blaine gives Adam a list of many new shows that neither have seen to determine what would make for a good episode of the podcast (1:59). 'Celtic City' on HBO shows what good sports documentaries should do (3:05). 'Deli Boys' on Hulu and why it sounds interesting (7:17). 'The Righteous Gemstones' begins its fourth and final season o...

Mar 11, 20251 hr 17 minSeason 1Ep. 233

'Zero Day' Fails, 'The White Lotus' Needs a New Template, and 'Severance' Soars

This week, we begin with a welcome and small request (0:09). Then it's into the TV discussions. 'Zero Day' on Netflix may look like a thrilling ride with Robert De Niro in the lead with an all-star ensemble, but in the non-spoiler section, we begin with it and why it fails (1:11). Also in the non-spoiler section is the HBO show 'The White Lotus' and how the third season needs to change (8:53). As we switch into the spoiler section, we detail the second episode of 'The White Lotus' and what it is...

Mar 04, 20251 hr 5 minSeason 1Ep. 232

Why Watch 'The Pitt,' The Resort of Well Being in 'The White Lotus,' and Conversations in 'Severance'

Blaine begins the week with a welcome and quick summary of the episode this week (0:01). After getting Adam into the co-host's chair, Blaine begins the non-spoiler section and tries to convince him that 'The Pitt' is one of the best and most different medical dramas on TV, but is Adam sold on it (1:44)? The two also talk about the return of 'The White Lotus' on HBO for its third season (13:49). For the spoiler section, the hosts unpack all the characters of the new third season of 'The White Lot...

Feb 25, 20251 hr 7 minSeason 1Ep. 231

Religion and Work: 'American Primeval' and 'Severance'

This week's episode of Taking It Down opens with a welcome specific to new listeners (0:01) before a quick summary for the week (0:45). Donovan and Blaine then talk about what sticks with them throughout the fifty years of 'Saturday Night Live' (2:17) before shifting into the different Wild West of the Utah War in Netflix's series 'American Primeval' (6:59). The guys break down the show and its connections with no spoilers before discussing some of 'Severance' and its fifth episode in the non-sp...

Feb 18, 202545 minSeason 1Ep. 230

Real or Simulated: 'Severance' and Its Fourth Episode

This week, it's a quick look at 'American Primeval' on Netflix and a close look into the fourth episode of Apple TV's 'Severance.' To begin, Blaine gives some non-spoiler thoughts on the first three episodes of the Netflix Western 'American Primeval' and how it overcome an early issue (0:28). Then with Adam and Donovan, the three discuss what's on TV soon with 'The White Lotus' from HBO (6:01). Still keeping with non-spoilers, the hosts talk about what 'Severance' does right this season (8:12). ...

Feb 11, 202543 minSeason 1Ep. 229

'Severance' Survives Mystery and Idea Explanations of 'The Brutalist'

The episode begins with brief, non-spoiler thoughts on 'Silo' and its most recent season (0:52). Then the three hosts discuss the acclaimed TV series 'Severance' from Apple TV+ and if it can hold all of the mysteries it is creating (5:14). Also in the non-spoiler section, Adam and Blaine praise the very thing that could make 'The Brutalist' a turn-off to a few (10:23). After the break, the hosts get into spoilers with discussions on the first three episodes of 'Severance' this season (21:05). Th...

Feb 04, 20251 hr 16 minSeason 1Ep. 228

Your Own Innie: 'Severance' Is Back and the Impact of David Lynch

This week, the Taking It Down cast reflect on the profound work of director and musician David Lynch (1:51). Then it's the much-anticipated second season of 'Severance' on Apple TV+ as it has finally arrived, and they start broad, with no spoilers, on its complexities and themes (10:30). Blaine, Donovan, and Adam then get into the spoilers of the first episode of the second season where they explore the show's unique premise, the shows' questions, identity, and self (22:22). The discussion touch...

Jan 21, 202548 minSeason 1Ep. 227

Bob Dylan, Vampires, and Popes: 'A Complete Unknown,' 'Nosferatu,' and 'Conclave'

The TV and streaming podcast for The Alabama Take returns from its winter break, which means it's time for movies. It's a set of three films, and every episode begins with some broad and non-spoiler thoughts to begin, and in this case, it's the Bob Dylan movie 'A Complete Unknown' (0:59). The crew then answers if 'Nosferatu' is worth the theater experience (7:34). Then they end the non-spoiler section with high praise for the streaming movie 'Conclave' on Peacock (15:34). In the spoiler section,...

Jan 14, 20251 hr 24 minSeason 1Ep. 226

From Shogun to Shadows: Our Top Picks of 2024 Revealed

Join the host Blaine Duncan as he introduces the premise of show "Taking I Down" as the one podcast to hear get your knowledgek of hosts join for their favorite moments from 2024, which from television, movies, books, and music that brought them joy. The conversation kicks off with a spirited discussion of the standout series "Shogun" and the impressive finale of "What We Do In The Shadows." They delve into the series' final season, exploring its unique blend of humor and meta-commentary, while ...

Dec 24, 202445 minSeason 1Ep. 225

Final Farewell: Grief and Growth on 'Somebody Somewhere'; If 'Silo' Now Sucks; Prepping for Another End

This week on Taking It Down, the hosts get into the emotional finale of HBO's 'Somebody Somewhere,' in broad ways in the non-spoiler section to begin the episode (1:08). Additionally, they discuss the second season of Apple TV+'s 'Silo,' as they now have mixed feelings on the show (5:48). For the weekly spoiler section, they recount 'Somebody Somewhere' and its run on HBO with talk about its poignancy, grief, and trust of friendship (11:57). Then for more spoilers, it's a conversation on the the...

Dec 17, 202454 minSeason 1Ep. 224

'Say Nothing' Challenges Good and Evil

This week, the hosts get to the back half of FX/Hulu's series 'Say Nothing.' For non-spoilers, they discuss the change in the show in tone and focus (0:55). For spoilers, talk about the specifics of the impact of the narrative's pacing, starting with episode six (5:10). The conversation also touches on the real-life implications of violence and the lingering effects of trauma on individuals and communities. If you are interested in Descript as mentioned in the show, the link to it is: https://ge...

Dec 10, 202442 minSeason 1Ep. 223

Is 'Shrinking'Good? Thanksgiving with 'Somebody, Somewhere.' More on 'Say Nothing'

This week's episode begins, as usual, with the non-spoiler section. First up, Adam returns and is eager to talk about 'Say Nothing' (0:07). They also talk about 'Shrinking' in the non-spoiler section (7:25). And then give a recommendation or not on the movie on Apple TV+ 'Blitz' (10:41). As the episode moves into spoilers, the crew discuss the vital Thanksgiving episode of 'Somebody, Somewhere' and how it hits hard (14:34) which leads them to give a special hello and hope for social media (24:14...

Dec 03, 202449 minSeason 1Ep. 222
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android