Trial by Content - podcast cover

Trial by Content

The Ringerwww.theringer.com
Every week, Joanna Robinson, Dave Gonzales, and Neil Miller enter the pop-culture discourse with a lively (and occasionally heated) debate pegged to the biggest new releases in film and television. In addition to bringing their own answer, they also consider submissions from listeners and the occasional special guest. Together via rigorous debate and a listener poll, the hosts and audience venture on a quest to find the perfect answer for each of the greatest pop culture questions of our time.

Episodes

Worst Character Decision in a Horror Movie

This week, Dave, Neil, and Joanna debate what is the worst decision ever made by a character in a horror movie. But first, they discuss the listeners' third win in a row on last episode’s poll (1:42). After that, they talk about Jordan Peele’s latest movie ‘Nope’, and if they would survive a horror movie (4:10). Then, they begin the debate by revealing their choices for the worst character decision in a horror movie (19:03). Finally, they hear some listener submissions before choosing one to be ...

Jul 27, 20221 hr 6 min

The Best Summer Movie Year Ever

This week, Dave, Neil, and Joanna debate what is the best summer movie year ever. First, they discuss what the summer movie season is and how it has changed over time (3:56). Then, they begin the debate with each host making their pitch for the best summer movie year ever (32:47). Later, they hear some listener submissions before choosing one to be added to the final poll (49:34). Now it’s up to you to decide! What is the best summer movie year ever? You can vote for the winner at TheRinger.com,...

Jul 20, 20221 hr 11 min

The Best Superhero Introduction

Inspired by the introduction of the Mighty Thor in ‘Thor: Love and Thunder', Dave, Joanna, and Neil debate the best superhero introduction in film or television. First, they share their thoughts on the newest ‘Thor’ movie (3:22). Then, Neil goes over the rules of the debate and reveals some pre-trial dismissals that just missed the cut (13:10). Later, they each reveal their choice for the best superhero introduction (20:08) before hearing some of the listener picks (40:06). Now it’s up to you to...

Jul 13, 20221 hr 5 min

The Best Needle Drop in TV History

This week, Dave, Joanna, and Neil debate what is the best needle drop in TV history. First, they discuss the recent needle drops on ‘Stranger Things' and ‘The Umbrella Academy’ that inspired this debate (3:14), before going through a long list of pre-trial dismissals that just missed the cut (20:37). Then, the debate begins with arguments for their choices for best needle drop in TV history (31:42). Lastly, they decide which listener choice should be added to the final poll (49:19). Now it’s up ...

Jul 06, 20221 hr 9 min

Who Is Your Robot Overlord?

This week, Dave, Joanna, and Neil debate what robot from film or television they would want to take over the world. First they discuss the inspiration for the episode, 'Westworld' Season 4 (3:04). Then each host pleads their case for who they think should be our robot overlord (15:10), and they decide which listener submission makes the final poll (37:58). Now it’s up to you to decide! Who is your robot overlord? You can vote for the winner at TheRinger.com, on The Ringer’s Twitter feed, and in ...

Jun 29, 20221 hr 3 min

The Best John Williams Theme

In honor of the ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ season finale, Dave, Joanna, and Neil are celebrating one of the most important figures in ‘Star Wars,’ John Williams, by debating his best theme. First, they discuss their thoughts on ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ so far (4:13). Then, they begin the debate by singing their picks for Williams’s best theme (16:13), before hearing some of the listeners best attempts at singing their favorites (34:02). Now it’s up to you to decide! What is the best John Williams theme? You can v...

Jun 22, 20221 hr 1 min

The Best Pixar Movie

Inspired by the release of ‘Lightyear' and Pixar Week on TheRinger.com, Dave, Joanna, and Neil debate to decide the best Pixar movie. But first, they need to go over the results of last week’s poll (1:40). Then, they discuss their favorite Pixar shorts (8:01), before arguing their choices for the best Pixar movie (16:28), and hearing some listener submissions (35:29). Now it’s up to you to decide! What is the best Pixar movie? You can vote for the winner at TheRinger.com, on The Ringer’s Twitter...

Jun 14, 202259 min

Greatest Franchise All-Star

This week Dave, Joanna, and Neil debate which actor or actress deserves the title of greatest franchise all-star. They discuss some of the inspiration for this debate, 'Top Gun: Maverick,' the rerelease of 'Morbius,' and the return of 'The Boys.' (2:55) Then each host pleads their case for who they think is the greatest franchise all-star (25:37), and they decide which listener submission pick makes the final poll (44:09). Now it’s up to you to decide! Who is the greatest franchise all-star? You...

Jun 07, 20221 hr 2 min

Pitch a Legacy Sequel

This week, Dave, Joanna, and Neil each pitch a legacy sequel! Before they get into their pitches, they discuss the inspiration for the debate—‘Top Gun: Maverick’—and what a legacy sequel actually is (2:47). Then, each host pitches a legacy sequel they would want to see happen (20:23) before hearing six listener-submitted pitches (32:25). Finally, they narrow it down to four options for the final poll. Now it’s up to you to decide! What was the best legacy sequel pitch? You can vote for the winne...

May 31, 20221 hr 6 min

Best Ewan McGregor Performance

This week, Dave, Joanna, and Neil are joined by Mallory Rubin to debate what is the best Ewan McGregor performance. But first, they need to go over the results of last week’s poll (3:15). After that, they discuss Ewan McGregor in general. What is his one flaw (4:58)? Then, they begin the debate by presenting their choices for best Ewan McGregor performance and listening to clips from their picks (17:38). Finally, they hear some listener submissions (43:00) before deciding on a final poll. Now it...

May 24, 20221 hr 7 min

Best Movie Based on a TV Show

Inspired by the release of ‘Downton Abbey: A New Era,' this week, Dave, Joanna, and Neil debate what is the best movie based on a TV show. But first, they need to go over the results of last week’s poll (1:48). After that, they discuss the different kinds of choices for today’s topic (2:58), before arguing their choices for best movie based on a TV show (28:00), and hearing some listener submissions (47:40). Now it’s up to you to decide! What is the best movie based on a TV show? You can vote fo...

May 17, 20221 hr 11 min

Best Surprise Cameo in a Movie

(1:32) — RECAP: Joanna reveals the results of last week’s poll. (2:34) — TOPIC: Dave, Joanna, and Neil introduce this week’s debate: What is the best surprise cameo in a movie? (2:49) — ‘DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS’: They discuss, in spoiler-filled detail, the cameos in the latest Marvel movie. (16:03) — RULES: Neil explains the rules for the debate, and gives out some awards. (20:38) — PRETRIAL DISMISSALS: They go through a list of honorable mentions that just missed the cut. (2...

May 10, 20221 hr 3 min

The Perfect 'Star Trek' Away Team

(1:23) — RECAP: Joanna reveals the results of last week’s poll. (2:29) — TOPIC: Dave, Joanna, and Neil introduce this week’s debate: What is the perfect 'Star Trek' away team? (4:23) — THE STATE OF 'STAR TREK': They discuss how they feel about some of the most recent 'Star Trek' shows in the Paramount+ era. (24:01) — RULES: Neil explains the rules for the debate, and gives out some awards. (30:59) — OPENING REMARKS: Everyone gives a one-minute opening statement to support the perfect 'Star Trek'...

May 03, 20221 hr 8 min

Best Performance By An Actor Playing Themselves

(1:35) — RECAP: Joanna reveals the results of last week’s poll. (2:25) — TOPIC: Dave, Joanna, and Neil introduce this week’s debate: What is the best performance by an actor playing themselves? (7:59) — 'THE UNBEARABLE WEIGHT OF MASSIVE TALENT': They discuss the new Nicolas Cage movie, and how it inspired this debate. (17:17) — RULES: Neil explains the rules for the debate, and gives out some awards. (21:08) — PRETRIAL DISMISSALS: They go through a list of honorable mentions that just missed the...

Apr 26, 20221 hr 8 min

Cinema’s Greatest Meet-cute

(1:38) — RECAP: Joanna reveals the results of last week’s poll. (2:21) — TOPIC: Dave, Joanna, and Neil introduce this week’s debate: What is cinema’s greatest meet-cute? (8:16) — RULES: Neil explains the rules for this debate and gives out some awards. (9:53) — PRETRIAL DISMISSALS: They go through a list of honorable mentions that just missed the cut. (15:17) — OPENING REMARKS: Everyone gives a one-minute opening statement and plays a clip to support their choice for cinema’s greatest meet-cute....

Apr 19, 202258 min

The Worst Accent in TV History

(1:13) — TOPIC: Dave introduces this week’s debate. Who had the worst accent in TV history? (1:36) — RECAP: Dave, Joanna, and Neil reveal the results of last week’s poll. (2:26) – 'MOON KNIGHT': They discuss their thoughts on the show so far and how it inspired this week’s debate. (12:14) — RULES: Neil explains the rules for this debate and goes over some honorable mentions. (17:53) — OPENING REMARKS: Everyone gives a one-minute opening statement and plays a clip to support their choice for the ...

Apr 12, 202259 min

The Greatest Vampire Sire

(2:00) — TOPIC: Dave introduces this week’s debate. Who is the greatest vampire sire? (2:23) — RECAP: Dave, Joanna, and Neil reveal the results of last week’s poll. (7:07) — RULES: Neil explains the rules for this debate. (9:27) — OPENING REMARKS: Everyone gives a one-minute opening statement in support of their choice for the greatest vampire sire. (12:34) — CROSS-EXAMINATION: They engage in open discussion of the presented choices, offering rebuttals and further arguments for their picks. (28:...

Apr 05, 202251 min

What Is the Best Final Shot in Movie History?

(2:24) – TOPIC: Dave introduces this week’s debate: What is the best final shot in movie history? (2:58) – RECAP: Dave, Joanna, and Neil reveal the results of last week’s poll. (3:54) – ONE PERFECT SHOT: They discuss the inspiration for today’s topic, Neil’s new docuseries on HBO Max, 'One Perfect Shot.' (12:47) – RULES: Neil explains the rules for this debate. (15:21) – OPENING REMARKS: Everyone gives a one-minute opening statement in support of their choice for the best final shot in movie his...

Mar 29, 20221 hr 2 min

The Most Egregious Best Picture Snub Ever

(3:09) — RECAP: Dave, Joanna, and Neil reveal the results of last week’s poll. (4:00) — TOPIC: They introduce this week’s focus, the most egregious Best Picture snub ever, and discuss the Oscars’ recent attempts to stay relevant. (11:15) — RULES: Neil explains the rules for this debate. (12:23) — ORDER: Dave lists the order in which each host will give opening statements. (13:24) — OPENING REMARKS: Everyone gives a one-minute opening statement in support of their choice for the most egregious Be...

Mar 22, 202255 min

Batman’s Greatest Antagonist

Inspired by Matt Reeves's 'The Batman,' this week Dave, Joanna, and Neil debate who is Batman’s greatest antagonist (2:19). First, they need to go over the rules of the debate (3:36) and decide who gets to go first (5:27). The debate begins with opening statements (6:10) and continues with some cross examination (9:47). After thoroughly poking holes in each other’s choices, they read some listener submissions and pick one to be added to the final poll (26:41). They finish by offering closing sta...

Mar 15, 202250 min

Welcome to 'Trial By Content'

Every Tuesday, Joanna Robinson, Dave Gonzales, and Neil Miller will debate one topic relating to film or television. Then, after a lively tussle, they will create a final poll featuring each of their arguments as well as a listener-submitted take. You will decide the ultimate winner! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 11, 20221 min

Theories and Mailbag From ‘Westworld’ S3E8: “Crisis Theory”

We dive into the mailbag this week to answer your questions and respond to your best theories about the Season 3 finale of HBO’s ‘Westworld,’ including how the show tied up its loose ends, Dolores’s endgame, Serac as a Season 3 villain, and what we hope for in Season 4. Thanks for listening this season! Submit any lingering questions, comments, and conspiracy theories to [email protected]. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Danny Heifetz Guest: Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad cho...

May 06, 20202 hr 32 min

‘Westworld,’ S3E8: “Crisis Theory”

We give our immediate reactions to Season 3, Episode 8 of HBO’s ‘Westworld.’ Were our lingering questions resolved? What do we make of the arcs of Dolores, Serac, Maeve, and Caleb this season? Does the post-credits scene spin the show forward effectively or cheaply? To submit questions, comments, and conspiracy theories, email [email protected]. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Danny Heifetz Guest: Sean Fennessey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 04, 20201 hr 16 min

Theories and Mailbag From ‘Westworld’ S3E7: “Passed Pawn”

We dive into the mailbag this week to answer your questions and respond to your best theories about Season 3, Episode 7 of HBO’s ‘Westworld,’ including: What questions does the show need to answer in the season finale? What is Caleb’s ultimate importance to the show? Are half the scenes we’ve watched this season a simulation? To submit questions, comments, and conspiracy theories to the show, email [email protected]. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Danny Heifetz Learn more about your ...

Apr 29, 20201 hr 19 min

‘Westworld,’ S3E7: “Passed Pawn”

We give our immediate reactions to Season 3, Episode 7 of HBO’s ‘Westworld.’ With only one episode left in the season, has the show left itself enough room to effectively land the plane? Plus: the Maeve vs. Dolores showdown we've all been waiting for. To submit questions, comments, and conspiracy theories, email [email protected]. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Danny Heifetz Guest: Chris Ryan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 27, 20201 hr 11 min

Theories and Mailbag From ‘Westworld’ S3E6: “Decoherence”

We dive in to answer your questions and respond to your best theories about Season 3, Episode 6 of HBO’s ‘Westworld,’ including: What the heck is going on with William’s hand? Did Serac or Dolores burn Charlotte? And finally, does Serac have the worst security detail of any billionaire in history? To submit questions, comments, and conspiracy theories to the show, email [email protected]. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Danny Heifetz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoi...

Apr 22, 20201 hr 1 min

‘Westworld,’ S3E6: “Decoherence”

We give our immediate reactions to Season 3, Episode 6 of HBO’s ‘Westworld.’ Where do we see the rest of this season going for Charlotte? What is the emotional weight of the standoff between Maeve and Dolores? And, of course, is William a host or a human? To submit questions, comments, and conspiracy theories, email [email protected]. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Danny Heifetz Guest: Juliet Litman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 20, 20201 hr 7 min

Theories and Mailbag From ‘Westworld’ S3E5: “Genre”

We sit down to answer your questions about Season 3, Episode 5 of HBO’s ‘Westworld.’ How much of what we see can be believed? Is it all a simulation? What isn’t the show telling us about Caleb’s past? To submit questions, comments, and conspiracy theories to the show, email [email protected]. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Danny Heifetz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 15, 202058 min

‘Westworld,’ S3E5: “Genre”

We give our immediate reactions to Season 3, Episode 5 of HBO’s ‘Westworld.’ What worked and what didn’t about the show's genre drug concept? Was this an effective follow-up episode to the reveal made in Episode 4? To submit questions, comments, and conspiracy theories, email [email protected]. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Danny Heifetz Guest: Sean Fennessey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 13, 20201 hr 10 min

Theories and Mailbag From ‘Westworld’ S3E4: “The Mother of Exiles”

We sit down to answer your questions about Season 3, Episode 4 of HBO’s ‘Westworld,’ including: Is there a fifth Dolores? How strong is the evidence that William is a host? What are the stakes of a show in which we watch main characters die every episode? To submit questions, comments, and conspiracy theories to the show, email [email protected]. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Danny Heifetz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 08, 20201 hr 7 min