Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney become CIA agents to recap the two-episode premiere of ‘The Agency,’ the Showtime-produced Paramount+ series starring Michael Fassbender. They start by talking about whom the show is for, the stacked cast, and director Joe Wright’s career as a filmmaker (2:11). Later, they discuss how the espionage drama nails its depiction of practical spy craft and the cliff-hanger at the end of the second episode (38:29). Email us! [email protected] Hosts: Joanna Robins...
Dec 02, 2024•48 min
Juliet Litman and Jodi Walker kick off their sophomore year to recap the Season 3 premiere of ‘The Sex Lives of College Girls.’ They start by talking about where things left off last season two years (!) ago, the impact of Reneé Rapp’s sudden decision to leave the series, and whether her departure was a good long-term move for her career (1:34). Later, they check in on the rest of the main characters in the ensemble and discuss if Kimberly has become the show’s new protagonist by default (16:12)...
Nov 27, 2024•45 min
Jo and Rob reveal the truth to recap the last five episodes of ‘Say Nothing.’ They discuss how the back half of the season landed for them, the adaptive choice to depart from Frank Kitson as the show’s main antagonist, and how the series depicts Gerry Adams distancing himself from the IRA movement (2:38). Along the way, they talk about both the character of Dolours and her real-life counterpart and Marian’s fate at the end of the story (31:40). Later, they unpack how the show handles the mysteri...
Nov 19, 2024•56 min
Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney stare at a spot on the wall to recap the first four episodes of the FX-produced Hulu limited series, ‘Say Nothing.’ They discuss it as an adaptation of the critically acclaimed 2018 book of the same name, give some background context on the Troubles conflict that the story takes place in, and whether each episode feels distinct despite it being a binge drop (6:34). Along the way, they walk through a character-by-character breakdown of the period drama’s main playe...
Nov 14, 2024•1 hr 14 min
Ben Lindbergh and Van Lathan saddle up for a long-awaited return to the Dutton Ranch for the first of the final (?) six episodes of ‘Yellowstone.’ They discuss the pent-up anticipation for the series following its long layoff (1:00), how the show is handling Kevin Costner’s well-publicized exit (5:00), plot holes and potential plot twists (25:00), their character rooting interests and what the endgame for the season might look like (30:00), the episode’s slow-paced, pastoral flashbacks (39:00), ...
Nov 13, 2024•1 hr 4 min
Jo and Rob confront the past to recap the ‘Disclaimer’ finale. They read through listener emails in defense of where the miniseries landed, unpacking the connective thread between most of Cuarón’s works, noting ways in which the ending reframes some of the show’s earlier moments, and much more (2:22). Later, they share their final thoughts on the series as a whole (45:02). Email us! [email protected] Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney Producer: Kai Grady Additional Production Support: ...
Nov 11, 2024•55 min
Jo and Rob wipe their fingerprints away to recap the sixth episode of ‘Disclaimer.’ They open with a few listener emails before discussing a theory on the show’s use of golden hour lighting and why its storytelling mechanics feel both clumsy and outdated (2:18). Later, they talk about a few significant developments regarding Nancy, Stephen’s continued unraveling, and the competing versions of the incident in Italy (22:55). Email us! [email protected] Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney ...
Nov 04, 2024•48 min
Mallory Rubin and Ben Lindbergh crack the case to recap the ‘Only Murders in the Building’ Season 4 finale. They discuss how this season’s central mystery measures up to past seasons, the (at times overly) self-referential aspects of the series, and how it sets up Season 5 (1:46). Later, they award a handful of superlatives, including favorite episode, smartest red herring, best (or worst!) podcasting moment, the season’s fit lord, and much more (22:54). Hosts: Mallory Rubin and Ben Lindbergh Pr...
Oct 29, 2024•1 hr 26 min
Jo and Rob make a fake instagram to recap the fifth episode of ‘Disclaimer.’ They open with a few listener emails before discussing the visceral nature of the show, its struggles with episodic pacing, and how the thematic elements clash with its narrative structure (1:04). Later, they talk about what’s ahead and why a satisfying conclusion is so important for the show to right the ship (24:23). Email us! [email protected] Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney Producer: Kai Grady Additiona...
Oct 28, 2024•42 min
Jo and Rob break out the preserves to recap the third and fourth episodes of ‘Disclaimer.’ They discuss Nancy Brigstocke’s spiral following her son’s death, the potential inconsistencies within the flashback sequences, and Kevin Kline’s career as a whole (4:11). Along the way, they talk about the camerawork as a stylistic choice in these two episodes and what part of the story they’re most drawn toward at this point (27:00). Later, they unpack how Catherine’s unlikability as a character is groun...
Oct 21, 2024•53 min
Jodi Walker and Nora Princiotti fire up the mics to recap ‘Nobody Wants This,’ the Netflix romantic comedy series starring Kristen Bell and Adam Brody. They discuss why it’s a rare case where a rom-com works better as a TV show, the intoxicating chemistry between Bell and Brody, and how the show dismantles the concept of the ick (1:12). Along the way, they talk about what it gets right (and wrong) in its portrayal of podcasting (42:58). Later, they examine some of the storytelling decisions that...
Oct 15, 2024•1 hr 8 min
Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney beware of narrative and form to recap the two-episode premiere of ‘Disclaimer,’ the Apple TV+ miniseries starring Cate Blanchett. They discuss Alfonso Cuarón as a filmmaker, his history of loosely adapting works, and the decision to utilize narration throughout the story (1:29). Along the way, they talk about how the show leans into suspense instead of surprise, as well as its stunning visual style (18:41). Later, they break down how each of the main characters ar...
Oct 11, 2024•1 hr 1 min
Jo and Rob hop aboard an airboat and ride off into the sunset to recap the ‘Bad Monkey’ Season 1 finale. They discuss how the Apple TV+ series somewhat overstayed its welcome, whether they want another season of ‘Bad Monkey,’ and Yancy’s significant character moment at the end (1:21). Later, they talk about how Vince Vaughn’s performance anchored the show and their thoughts on where many of the side character arcs landed (16:34). Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney Producer: Kai Grady Additio...
Oct 10, 2024•38 min
Jo and Rob stand still to recap the ‘Slow Horses’ Season 4 finale. They discuss how the final episode impacted their thoughts on the season as a whole, talk about River and David’s heartbreaking moment, and parse through a few more listener emails (2:21). Along the way, they dive into Marcus Longridge’s fate and why it was so emotionally impactful (21:44). Later, they send off the season with one last Lamb Shank of the Week (48:09). Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney Producer: Kai Grady Addi...
Oct 09, 2024•56 min
Jo and Rob present a faulty PowerPoint to recap the fifth episode of ‘Slow Horses’ Season 4. They open with a few more listener emails before discussing Molly’s chilling interaction with Frank Harkness, Roddy’s highly-anticipated girlfriend reveal, and the caliber of the 'Terminator' franchise (1:33). Along the way, they unpack Lamb and David Cartwright’s contentious relationship and how Standish fits in with them (33:49). Later, they talk through their expectations for the upcoming season final...
Oct 02, 2024•1 hr
Charles and Jodi stay the night at a countryside estate to recap the ‘Industry’ Season 3 finale. They discuss their feelings about the season as a whole, the boldness of the final episode, and why Yasmin’s arc ends in a dark place (4:40). Along the way, they talk about how Eric's and Harper’s perpetual dissatisfaction remains both their Achilles heel and their superpower (25:19). Later, they unpack Rishi’s season-long downfall and what hitting rock bottom means for him (36:40). Hosts: Charles Ho...
Sep 30, 2024•1 hr 6 min
Jo and Rob grab their flight funds to recap the fourth episode of ‘Slow Horses’ Season 4. They open with a few more listener emails before discussing a theory on what landed J.K. Coe in Slough House, how they’re feeling about Season 4 in relation to past seasons, and the shocking fate of Sam Chapman (18:32). Along the way, they check in on coat watch and Spy Vs. Spy (38:22). Later, they’re joined by ‘Slow Horses’ showrunner and Emmy Award–winning writer Will Smith to talk about why Hugo Weaving ...
Sep 25, 2024•2 hr 32 min
Charles and Jodi clean house to recap the sixth and seventh episodes of ‘Industry’ Season 3. They discuss Harper and Eric’s fiery confrontation, the sad reality of characters like Bill Adler, and why Rob’s decision to leave Pierpoint is somewhat hollow (1:47). Along the way, they talk about Yas and Harper’s toxic relationship coming to a head and why they’re both so tough to root for (20:49). Later, they address a handful of outstanding questions heading into the season finale (31:58). Hosts: Ch...
Sep 24, 2024•50 min
Justin Sayles and Wosny Lambre waddle through Gotham to recap the series premiere of ‘The Penguin.’ They discuss their relationship to modern superheroes on-screen, where the ‘Batman’ spinoff series fits within the crime drama genre, and Colin Farrell’s performance underneath all of the prosthetics (2:00). Along the way, they talk about Oz taking Victor Aguilar under his wing and how their partnership parallels early episodes of ‘The Sopranos’ (18:27). Later, they briefly share their reactions t...
Sep 20, 2024•1 hr
Jo and Rob dance around danger to recap the third episode of ‘Slow Horses’ Season 4. They open with a few more listener emails before discussing the dark backstory of Frank Harkness, the dynamic between Standish and David Cartwright, and why the blissfully ignorant Giti is quickly becoming one of the show’s most delightful characters (2:06). Along the way, they theorize about what’s going on with the mysterious J.K. Coe and how Bad Sam Chapman’s role in the story has grown season to season (29:4...
Sep 18, 2024•55 min
Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney put on their best floral beach shirts to recap the first six episodes of ‘Bad Monkey,’ starring Vince Vaughn. They discuss what stands out the most in the Apple TV+ crime drama, how the central mystery still remains compelling, and why Vaughn is the perfect fit for Andrew Yancy (1:38). Along the way, they talk about the folksy narration style that accompanies the story and whether or not it works (20:08). Later, they look ahead to what the rest of the season may h...
Sep 12, 2024•49 min
Jo and Rob grab their forged passports to recap the second episode of ‘Slow Horses’ Season 4. They run through a handful of listener emails before discussing how River faked his death, why Catherine Standish is one of the smartest characters across the entire show, and the brief introduction of Hugo Weaving’s character (2:40). Along the way, they introduce a brand-new segment called Lamb Shank of the Week (38:38). Later, they’re joined by Emmy-nominated star Gary Oldman to talk about how he land...
Sep 11, 2024•1 hr 9 min
Charles and Jodi go all in to recap the fourth and fifth episodes of ‘Industry’ Season 3. They discuss how they’re feeling with the season at the halfway point, why the Rishi-focused standalone episode was so effective, and how the multiple storylines from opposite ends of the show are weaving together (3:20). Next, they unpack Yasmin and Rob’s complicated relationship and the latter’s ayahuasca-induced trip (14:01). Along the way, they talk about how Sweetpea is the sneaky MVP of the season (34...
Sep 10, 2024•58 min
Justin Sayles and Jodi Walker create a monkey island to recap ‘Chimp Crazy,’ a four-part HBO docuseries. They start by discussing the complicated nature of its virality, Alan Cumming’s major role in the search for Tonka the missing chimp, and PETA’s heavy involvement in the case (3:12). Along the way, they talk about the eccentricity of Tonia Haddix and her story (17:14). Later, they unpack series director Eric Goode’s use of a proxy director and the blurry ethics around that tactic in documenta...
Sep 09, 2024•1 hr 11 min
Jo and Rob go on the run to recap the Season 4 premiere of ‘Slow Horses.’ They discuss whether the show has a house style when it comes to how it’s shot, the rapid pace at which the Apple TV+ series releases, and the wittiness of the writing (2:50). Along the way, they walk through some of the new characters introduced so far (22:01). Later, they unpack the fake-out at the center of the episode and whether the twist worked (36:07). Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney Producer: Kai Grady Addit...
Sep 04, 2024•58 min
Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney return to Slough House to recap the first three seasons of ‘Slow Horses’ ahead of its Season 4 premiere on September 4. They briefly make the case for why it’s one of the best shows on television, then provide snapshots of each of the past three seasons (4:08). Next, they walk through a character-by-character breakdown to revisit where the Apple TV+ spy-thriller's protagonists left off (14:41). Later, they bid farewell to a few of the side characters lost along th...
Aug 28, 2024•1 hr 2 min
Charles and Jodi step into the void to recap the second and third episodes of ‘Industry’ Season 3. They discuss how far Harper and Yas are willing to go to win, why Henry Muck has taken such a liking to Yas, and what’s behind the disappearance of Charles Hanani (3:44). Along the way, they talk about the psychosexual connections among four of the show’s main characters and how they each vie for validation and power with one another (21:17). Later, they unpack the ripple effect of the big twist in...
Aug 27, 2024•55 min
Joanna Robinson is joined by author and podcaster Kristin Russo to revisit the cult classic ‘My So-Called Life’ and celebrate the 30th anniversary of its premiere. They discuss why the 1994 teen drama still means so much to them all these years later, its impact on the television landscape during its initial run, and how it inspired (and was inspired by) fashion trends of the era (1:43). Along the way, they talk through how the ABC show broke ground with some of its character archetypes and cast...
Aug 21, 2024•1 hr 4 min
Charles Holmes and Jodi Walker hide from the paparazzi to recap the Season 3 premiere of ‘Industry.’ They discuss their relationship with the intense HBO drama dating back to its first season, how the role reversal of Yasmin and Harper makes for an intriguing twist, and why Kit Harington is an excellent addition to the cast (2:31). Along the way, they talk about Ken Leung’s electric performance as Eric and how he serves as the North Star character for the series (22:29). Later, they debate wheth...
Aug 13, 2024•55 min
Jo and Rob demonstrate their faith to revisit a ‘The Leftovers’ episode “It’s a Matt, Matt, Matt, Matt World.” They discuss what it was like rewatching this episode vs. seeing it for the first time, how it serves as a character send-off for Matt Jamison, and the show’s continued exploration of faith and religion throughout its three seasons (4:01). Along the way, they talk about how the series tethers itself to reality through its various ties to popular culture (23:27). Later, they unpack Damon...
Aug 08, 2024•1 hr 10 min
