Needs Some Introduction - The Last of Us / Your Honor

E183:

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Sharper on AppleTV is a fun con game.

The pace is picking up. Rather than being forgotten, Robin's death may be the lynchpin to this final stretch of the show. Carmine thinks he knows Jimmy's business better than Jimmy does. Monique has a tainted-heroin problem AND a Eugene problem. To no one's surprise, Carlo is a terrible babysitter. Fia makes goo goo eyes at a handsome priest (she has terrible taste in men).

Bad Sisters (41:25)

Celia and I discuss a hidden gem (to me) from last season, Bad Sisters.

E182:

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E181:

Gina is an angry pastry chef. Olivia makes too many housecalls. Nancy finally makes her arrest. The Baxter children sweetly bond over murder fantasies. Gina is too close with her dad (and son). Jimmy makes wins back Gina. Michael wants to quit (again). Monique gets her music club but it may have put a target on her back. Little Mo exits... the hard way.

E180:

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Ellie's got JOKES! Joel drops some knowledge. Sometimes the long way around is shorter. Drawing superhero pictures of yourself may actually give you superpowers. Melanie Lynskey teases the Last of Us/Yellowjackets crossover that we NEED.

E178:

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Michael gets a haircut after having his look compared to Saddam Hussein (in the spiderhole). Someone turns 50. Charlie gets dragged into an awkward situation. Gina loves her Papa. Little Mo loses a lot of cash but Big Mo finds it.

E178:

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The story of Bill and Frank.

E177:

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Another strong episode. All our characters are thinking about their legacies. What impact do short term decisions have on long term outcomes?

Plus: Everyone needs to check out the hilarious and expertly constructed murder of the week series on Peacock, Poker Face with Natasha Lyonne.

E176:

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The episode has been reposted with additional commentary and a spoiler-free review of Sick on Peacock. (33:00)

Another bleak and disturbing episode of this series although with impeccable production. But first, I discuss the loss of a series I was about to recommend and use that as a jumping off point to discuss what is happening with these streaming services.

In recommendations, The Legend of Vox Machina. A Guardians of the Galaxy-like spoof of fantasy shows that has humor and heart in equal measure (also reminiscent of GotG) available on Amazon Prime and just back for its second season.

REPOST: (33:00)

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E175:

The tempo of the show is different so far this season which allows for a pretty effective reflection on how different people deal with their grief and loss.

(32:30) Breaking Bad - Season 2 rewatch - Part 1

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Episode 174

A long and thrilling introduction into this post apocalyptic alternate present.

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Episode 173

Your Honor returns to Showtime with a solid second season premiere. Sona and I also discuss the new Yellowjackets teaser that premiered this week. Then I discuss the satirical thriller, The Menu, that has had a very successful early run on HBO after it's successful theatrical run.

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It's a new season and we are about to get HBO's highly anticipated The Last of Us adaptation. In anticipation I provide some background on the project and the reason I am so interested in it despite my general exhaustion with zombie stories.

But before that, I go recommendation crazy in reference to the new hit movie M3gan (which I have seen and mildly recommend) which made me want to recommend many other films (which I thought were better).

Finally, we also discuss the 2016 film, The Girl with All the Gifts, one of the better recent zombie films and how it's themes may intersect with what we may be seeing in this new HBO series.

In preparation for next week's premier of Your Honor's second season. Sona and I discuss the ups and downs of the first season.

Then, I have many revelations during my very first rewatch of the first season of Breaking Bad.

Timestamps:

Breaking Bad - Season 1 rewatch - 37:00

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A glimmer of hope for Toby, Rachel and Libby. A new start for Seth. The series ends beautifully. Let's hope the audience starts to show up.

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After some brief movie reviews; Avatar: The Way of Water, Glass Onion (Netflix) and The Banshees of Inisherin; Sona, Celia and discuss the year in our recaps and wrap up the episode with our recap of the seventh episode of Fleishman Is in Trouble. We finally find out where Rachel has been.

Merry Christmas

Sona and I have some additional thoughts on the finale and overall season of The White Lotus.

Then we catch up on the two most recent episodes of Fleishman Is in Trouble.

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Our instant reaction to this often thrilling and occasionally funny (but possibly disappointing) final episode to the season.

Amazon Prime can be a bit of a content hole but there are many good shows to be found there. Here are just some that fans of The Peripheral may want to sample.

We approach the end of the season with a mostly grim episode. At least Valentina has a happy birthday after an initial setback.

I briefly review the return of the British spy series Slow Horses on AppleTV+ and also have sampled the slight and mildly entertaining Three Pines on Amazon Plus.

Plus we break down another excellent episode of Fleishman Is in Trouble on Hulu

A disappointing wrap up to the show but it does leave all those tantalizing questions open for exploration, next season, and there does seem to be a very good chance at a second season... although there has not yet been any announcement.

Then Nick, Ray and I geek out on the excellent season of Andor and also talk all things MCU (She Hulk, Black Panter 2, Guardians Christmas special).

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For whom does the bell toll? Seems like a lot of possibilities, this week. All the plots escalate. This is a moody episode as we nearly completely abandon comedy for what seems more and more likely to be a tragedy.

Then we discuss the brilliant third episode of the FX/Hulu production, Fleischman is in Trouble.

The latest episode of the show does not give me high hope for the finale. But first I mention some incredible streaming deals for Black Friday. Andor wraps up with a strong season finale and Celia and I review lots of recent releases and briefly discuss the end of an era as Atlanta wraps up, for good.

A lot of middle, here, but we are still very curious as we begin our turn toward the endgame.

Then, we discuss our very positive reaction to the first 2 episodes of Fleishman Is in Trouble on Hulu.

This may be the worst episode yet although it does tease a potentially interesting subsequent episode. So much relies on the next two episodes.

Then I review and spoil the new sci-fi series, 1899, on netflix and find surprising parallels to Don't Worry Darling.

Ominous tides appear in the third episode of the season but for whom remains unclear.

Everyone wants to be bad, this week, but only Cam really succeeds.

Then we discuss Olivia Wild's fascinating misfire, Don't Worry Darling, now available on HBO.

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Maybe the best episode of the season, so far. Nonetheless, we keep adding new concepts without resolving existing questions. I'm hoping that doors begin to close, next week.

Then we discuss the Andor season up until this point, in preparation for the finale in two weeks.

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Another very entertaining episode, this week. Is Greg cheating or are we misreading all of this? Does Albie really have this little game?

Flynne's got the cramps real bad and can't quit Halloween. Conner gets to run again. Lev watched Highlander one too many times and everyone goes to the weirdest cemetery/museum ever.

Sona has a much more positive initial reaction to the second season of the series than the first. I find myself actually interested in all of these characters.

Then I briefly review the excellent new thriller on Netflix, The Stranger. And Sona took my recommendation to watch Barbarian, on HBO, and she didn't love it.

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Is that my attention starting to drift or is it just my haptics.

Plus, my suggested episode list for Netflix's Cabinet of Curiosities anthology.

Barbarian Spoiler Episode:

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-ijhfj-12c6a3b

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It's been a bumpy ride but we made it to the end. We have some complicated feelings now that we have gotten this far.

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Let the dance of the dragons begin...

Plus we recap and review the first two episodes of Amazon Prime's new Sci Fi show, The Peripheral

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Another mixed reaction to the show which just seemed to have found its rhythm. A lot happens but this show needs to do a lot of work to tie itself together in its final episode.

Then, given my family roots in Westfield NJ, I am very disappointed with the Ryan Murphy Netflix adaptation of the true story of The Watcher. I'm sorry if I got you to watch this... or at least I hope you enjoyed it more than I did. You can read the original story on which this was purportedly based in the link below. I have also included some information on the OTHER Westfield mass murder that the show references.

https://www.thecut.com/article/the-haunting-of-657-boulevard-in-westfield-new-jersey.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_List_(murderer)

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Beware the beast beneath the boards.

Halloween Ends? I hope that's a promise. What a disappointing conclusion and that is given the mostly terrible list of films that preceded it. I do have my own corrections that may have helped to salvage this latest trilogy.

Before that, we discuss the totally mediocre Hellraiser re-imagining. And I do have a pretty enthusiastic recommendation to the old-school horror romp of Marvel's Werewolf By Night on Disney+.

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We have the absolute high point of the series, to date, with an excellent episode that makes some of the shakiest moments in the series worth while. Let's hope the quality only goes up from here.

Then we discuss the new Peacock series A Friend of the Family, a high quality affair that, perhaps, should not exist (??).

I also briefly review and recommend The Midnight Club on Netlfix.

Links:

Heavyweight Podcast:

https://gimletmedia.com/shows/heavyweight/n8h7ajo/46-dan

Jerusalem Post article:

https://www.jpost.com/judaism/article-719100

Another time jump may finally get us to our final cast configuration (maybe?). Although often unintentionally funny, the episode is thoroughly eventful. Beware maesters baring the milk of the poppy.

The best episode we have seen of the show. Can it find its way with just 3 episodes to go?

One of the most gorgeous episodes of the show (and so full of ugly human interactions). We have a truly impressive dragon sequence. Let's hope the next time jump is not too jarring.

After getting my hopes up, last week, The Patient is back in a rut. I still have no idea what I am supposed to be paying attention to, at this point.

Then two very long conversations about the merits and limitations of Ryan Murphy's Jeffrey Dahmer docudrama on Netflix. It may have its heart in the right place but can't help but be exploitative.

Wait a second? Did we miss a season of TV? This is another excellently crafted episode of TV but I think they dropped a couple of the scripts somewhere. Arguably, the most interesting events may have been left off screen. Let's hope all this time-hopping is worth it.

Then I recommend Three Thousand Years of Longing and Celia recommends Modern Love (Amazon Prime).

A much better episode of The Patient, this week. I have some hope that the show has some surprises to come.

Plus, Sona and I discuss the vacating of Adnan Syed's conviction. (24:00)

Finally, we discuss Do Revenge, a fun (but slight) teen revenge comedy on Netflix. (41:00)

Another solid episode. We don't get a red wedding... but it doesn't go great.

Sona and I have seen a slightly better episode of The Patient, this week. But it may be too little too late for Sona.

Then Celia and I break down the very entertaining new horror film, Barbarian.

The show tops itself again with an episode about the power of sex; as a tool, as a commodity and as a weapon.

Sona and I discuss the third episode of The Patient on Hulu. We still cannot get our bearings on this show and we are not enjoying it, so far. The short run time which seemed like a positive, at first, seems to be a limitations, now, with these episodes unable to achieve any momentum before they are over.

On a more positive note we discuss Thoroughbreds which has returned to HBO Max. This first film by writer/director features two young actresses that have already begun to emerge as key talents of their generation and introduced a director (and writer) with a lot of talent and promise.

Best episode yet.

Sona and I recap the rocky start to the new Hulu thriller, The Patient.

Another strong episode (in my opinion). The show is finding its footing. Celia has a little less patience for it. I do agree that there is a few too many council meetings.

If you just want to hear the Bodies Bodies Bodies review, jump to 23:00

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We make it to the end of the season. I find this season less entertaining, overall, than the first. They needed to tighten up the mystery. Plus, where are the laughs? Everyone feels a little tired.

Then I recommend Bodies Bodies Bodies the new A24 mystery, horror, comedy.

We are happy to report that so far, the House of the Dragon gives us all the fan service we would hope for and some meaty new characters. Hopefully, the quality stays high.

Plus, I finally get all my ideas of how easily the final season of Game of Thrones could have been fixed.

For the rare few that are trying to avoid Game of Thrones spoilers, here are the timestamps for the spoiler-free segment of the podcast episode:

20:00 - 42:00

First, Nick and I discuss the finale of Better Call Saul. I still have conflicted feelings and I can articulate them a bit after few days of reflection. Then we add another song to our musical daisy chain before reviewing the first episode of She Hulk and previewing the massive slate of upcoming MCU content that has recently been announced (and we bash Star Wars again - not my doing, this time).

It comes down to this. Peter Gould writes and directs the series finale. We get a fitting end to Saul/Jimmy's saga.

Black Bird delivers a solid season but with perhaps the weakest episode. It's still worth a watch. Then we add another link to our musical daisy chain before giving a brief positive review of Prey on Hulu and wrap up with a longer discussion of Bo Burnham's Inside project which includes a new set of outtakes which constitute almost an entire new special.

Vince Gilligan gets to write and direct one last episode. It's a good one although more in line with this shows normal low-key rhythms rather than the spectacle of Breaking Bad.

Another excellent episode of the show as we approach the end. After a subdued episode, last week, that seemed to offer Saul a graceful bow out of his trickster background, it seems that he may now be on a bender that seems destined for tragedy.

Timestamps:

The Gray Man (12:00)

Nope (28:00)

Black Bird (38:00)

First, I have to announce the the imminent return of Bluey for a third season (a big event at my house). Then I discuss the Russo Brothers $200 million production, The Gray Man from Netflix with Celia. We also get into some more Nope spoilers.

Lastly, I break down the latest episode of Black Bird on AppleTV+. Next week Celia and I will be back to discuss the finale as well as the truth and fiction of this "based on a true story" story.

Gene Takovik episodes are not as exciting as Saul Goodman episodes (or Jimmy McGill episodes, for that matter) but maybe that is the point.

Plus, many digressions on the value (or lack thereof) of the delicious smelling Cinnabon.

A brief spoiler free Nope review followed by a full critique of the disastrous first season of The Old Man. Then we discuss the far more successful AppleTV+ series, Black Bird which hits its stride this week with a particularly strong episode.

Then, I have a spoiler filled analysis if Peele's film and it many themes (maybe too many??).

Timestamps:

Nope (spoilers? NOPE!) - 5:00

The Old Man - 19:00

Black Bird - 44:00

Nope (spoilers? YEP!) - 55:00

Another very strong episode in this final stretch. We probably now know Kim's fate and we get to see Gustavo at his most unguarded.

We also briefly discuss the very entertaining recent episodes of Only Murders in the Building and the musical daisy chain continues.

Time Stamps:

Better Call Saul: 6:00

The Boys: 19:00

Stranger Things: 23:00

Ms Marvel: 26:00

Thor Love and Thunder: 30:30

Dr Strange in the Multiverse of Madness: 39:30

The Old Man: 55:00

It's a free ranging conversation this week. We end up spoiling the new Thor movie as well as the first season of Ms Marvel. Plus we wander into the finale of Stranger Things and even spoil Dr Strange 2 and the latest Spiderman movie.

Then Celia and I discuss the fourth and fifth episodes of the Old Man, a show that has squandered all the initial good will that we felt for it.

Lastly, we discuss the Anthony Bourdain documentary, Roadrunner.

https://www.vulture.com/2021/07/the-15-best-episodes-of-anthony-bourdains-parts-unknown.html

Sona and I discuss this very eventful episode of TV. We say goodbye to one of the greatest characters on this show (and maybe EVER).

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I don't get what I was hoping for in this season finale but there are some tantalizing threads left dangling as season 4 options. It does often feel like the show continuously reverts to status quo.

Plus I have seen the latest Thor and I have opinions. I did enjoy the film in the moment but there was too much comedy and MCU bridge building and too little time developing the actual characters within the movie. This may be the consistent weakness of these phase 4 films.

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Sona and I discuss the funny (and surprisingly poignant) reclamation of Bunny Folger as Only Murders in the Building gives her her dignity in presenting her final hours.

Then Celia and I discuss The Bear, a very interesting and well executed workplace dramedy that happens to take place in a Chicago deli. This is a show that I would have quit on if it hadn't been for the ability to binge its short run. But in the end it comes together perfectly, like a dish with too many ingredients that shouldn't work... and then somehow, does.

Lots of set up this week... and a few surprises, too. We are still headed for a battle royale, next week but the configurations of the participants looks to be significantly different.

Charles, Mabel and Oliver are back trying to solve Bunny's death. Sona and I are both so surprised to discover the affection we have for these characters. These first 2 episodes are like a warm cup of cocoa.

Then Celia and I discuss episode 3 of The Old Man. It is a step down from the previous 2 episodes but still high quality.

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We get the initial superpowered fistfight between Homelander, Butcher and Soldier Boy... with a little assist from Hughie. Starlight takes to Instagram to expose the chaos that the supes and Vought actually create. Plus lots of weird superpowered sex.

Then, Ray and I discuss the season of Obi Wan Kenobi. He sees all the shortcomings but appreciates the nostalgia. I needed more.

Obi Wan Kenobi unfortunately had few tricks up his robe to course correct this mediocre season of TV (and if you are not a Star Wars fan, this is a complete waste of time).

On the positive side, I got blindsided by how good the new Jeff Bridges show, The Old Man is. I don't know if the entire show will maintain this quality but as someone who normally bristles at the conventions of a pilot episode, these first two episodes are really stellar.

Plus, I recommend Slow Horses again (AppleTV+).

We get a solid episode of The Boys (despite its ridiculous title). Forces are lining up against Homelander. I really do hope he gets some kind of comeuppance this season. Plus I give a pretty decent review of the latest episode of Obi-Wan Kenobi (surprising even myself). And I briefly review Spiderhead on Netflix and include a list of essential episodes of Love Death and Robots, also from Netflix.

Escape from Spiderhead by George Saunders:

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2010/12/20/escape-from-spiderhead

Barry ends season 3 with a completely unexpected finale (at least by me). Where can they possibly go in season 4?

Plus I recommend Danny Boyle's Sex Pistols docudrama "Pistol"

The Boys puts out an interesting episode this week; a good balance of humor and horror. I am curious to see where this is headed in the second half.

Then Nick joins me to discuss what is going on in the Star Wars universe. He is more optimistic than I am (but still pretty negative).

Plus, we both really enjoyed the premier of Ms Marvel and I recommend an incredibly innovative micro-budget time travel movie available on Amazon Prime, right now...

Obi Wan Kenobi gets worse and worse. The Shining Girls wraps up its first season and I did like it (although I am not sure I understand it). Plus we talk more Barry and I recommend Hulu/FX's Reservation Dogs once again, in preparation for the upcoming second season.

Barry gets his comeuppance... but still survives. Fuches is in police custody but possibly not for long. Sally's retaliation only takes herself down. Hank is in Bolivia. And the world is Gene's oyster but his connection to Barry may take it all away. I am curious as to how this is going to all play out, next week. I haven't got a clue.

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The Boys are back in town. Amazon Prime's signature show is back with more of the same. I do need the show to make some character progress by the end of the season. For now, they are giving us more of the same. And there are hints at possibly interesting directions that the show may take.

https://oig.justice.gov/sites/default/files/archive/special/9712/ch01p1.htm

As for Obi Wan Kenobi, this may be a slightly better episode but it is hard to tell. I am just not sure, yet, if this is an interesting story to be telling.

Catching up on two Barry episodes. Funny as ever.

Support Uvalde family and victims:

https://www.npr.org/2022/05/25/1101161673/how-to-help-uvalde-school-shooting

Support Buffalo Victims and Families:

https://fortune.com/2022/05/25/how-to-help-buffalo-new-york-uvalde-texas-mass-shootings/

Most Gun Owners Support Stricter Laws — Even NRA Members

https://time.com/5197807/stricter-gun-laws-nra/

Three reviews for 3 big nostalgia properties this week. Both Obi Wan Kenobi and Stranger Things have the sad irony of featuring the mass killing of children in this coincidentally ugly week.

Top Gun's military culture lust may also cause some to bristle given the current socio economic climate.

If you check your socio political barometer at the door you can enjoy all of these. The most successful by far is the Top Gun sequel.

Well there is more than one plan and a multiple executions (depending on your meaning of the term). RIP Howard. This is a great episode and we have a lot to think on in the meantime.

I have seen Alex Garland's latest movie... all of it. I think it is worth a recommendation to a very tiny percent of the population :).

Then we delve into the latest episode of Shining Girls. We are finally discovering something about this time traveling murderer. It raises more questions than it answers but in a good way?

Lastly we go through this latest excellent Barry episode. We are halfway through the season.

We approach the end... of the middle?

A smorgasbord of content. Barry hits a home run this week. Shining Girls gets on base. Then we break down the finales of both Moon Knight (again) and Ozark (thankfully over). Plus we lavish more praise on this week's Better Call Saul.

Barry - Season 3 Episode 3 - ben mendelsohn

Shining Girls - Episode 5 - Screamer

Ozark - Finale

Moon Knight Finale

Better Call Saul

Sona and I discuss two very "middle" episodes which are definitely setting up the last two. I expect things will be getting kinda hectic, next week. Lalo is back... and he is up to something.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

Barry Season 3 - limonada (HBO)

Shining Girls Episode 4 (AppleTV+)

Outer Range (Amazon Prime)

This is a repost of our most recent episode for our new hosting site.

We have come to the end of another mixed bag of a MCU property. I still have a little concern as to the management of this current phase of MCU products. Hopefully, the Doctor Strange sequel is a bigger winner.

It's our 100 episode :). We forget to celebrate but we get another good episode of Saul (although it can't scale the heights of last week's epic). We are at the mid point of this first batch of episodes and if history is a guide, we should start to feel the pull of acceleration in the next 3. What is up with Gustavo's underground bunker and tunnel system? Maybe a hint of things to come.

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I have a conversation with my big sis and we talk Barry. Plus I recommend The Shining Girls on AppleTV+ along with Tokyo Vice, Slow Horses and We Own This City. There is just too much TV to watch. It looks like the downpour subsides a tiny bit in May. Maybe I can catch up on all these other shows. Here's hoping.

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A significant improvement to the general quality of the show. It gives me some home that there was a reason to tell this story in this particular way. I have much more hope for the finale, now. But I still worry that there is too little time left to make this a satisfying season. For now, we do have ourselves a very solid episode, here.

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We find out the fate of one of our non-Breaking Bad crossover characters. And he gets to shine brightest of all just as he flames out. He will be missed.

Plus I have yet another conversation about last week's premier episodes. And Sona and I both saw Russian Doll on Netflix and thought it was not as good as last season.

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Nick and I break down the latest (and best, grading on a curve) episode of Moon Knight. Then we discuss the first two episodes of the final season of Better Call Saul. Plus, Nick has seen the finale of Severance and I edited out the spoiler parts so it’s safe for everyone. Make sure you catch up on it in case you haven’t done so yet. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/needs/message

Better Call Saul season 6 is off to a great start with 2 episodes on par with their best. The tension from season 5 carries over immediately. And there are already some new mysteries to be resolved.

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I watch and recap the latest episode of Moon Knight. First, I give you a spoiler free review of the new film from The Daniels, Everything Everywhere All at Once, which is truly remarkable in multiple ways.

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First, I have a long list of Severance related recommendations.

Next, Sona and I discuss the morality of Better Call Saul and discuss Season 5 (and the show in totality) as we prepare for next week's 2 episode premier.

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Sona and I aren't huge fans of this trend of ending shows on cliffhangers but it seems to be the current way of the industry. We did really enjoy the episode and have so many questions about what is to come. Plus, I recommend the very entertaining comedy/thriller show The Outlaws on Amazon Prime. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/needs/message

Episode 2 gives us exactly what we would expect after episode 1. I do wish they had moved the ball a bit further, in this episode, but next week looks to be the big shift in genre and tone that maybe we (I) have been waiting for. Plus I give a mini review on the available five episodes of Winning Time on HBO (hugely entertaining but uneven) as well as the bold and always-interesting new season of Atlanta, just returning after 4 years. Then I catch up with my friend Nick and we discuss Moon Knight (and digress into bashing the DCEU) before considering what may be in store for the future of the MCU universe(s). --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/needs/message

We get to see a bit of Irv in the outside world. Now we know why he has black under his nails. He likes Motorhead (wouldn't have guessed that). Helly and Mark kiss (!!). Is he cheating on his wife? Probably not, since he can't remember her anyway.

Then we discuss the embarrassing spectacle that the Oscars are. I recommend The Girl from Plainville on Hulu (at least the excellent pilot episode) and the AppleTV+ drama, Pachinko.

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I am on the fence as to the general tone of the show (and Oscar Isaac's accent). But I am willing to be convinced. I wish there was a second episode but I can wait another week.

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Here is the full episode. If you happened to catch the preview, fast forward to 40 minutes. Diafiance is definitely the theme of the week. We open with a surprising act of violence. There is a huge reveal at the end of this episode which makes me have to go back and rewatch all the interactions between two specific characters. There are lots of questions. Is Cobel in perpetual Innie mode? How much does "the board" know about the actions of the rebels? Why is such a supposedly important project so understaffed? Will we ever see Innie Burt again? Then we spoil the terrible (but still kind of fun) Deep Water on Hulu. You can get all the links to the Lumon Industries (videos and PDF) from the following link... https://mashable.com/article/severance-lumon-industries-linkedin --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/needs/message

I love this week's episode. It appears that the wheels may be falling off this Severance project. But that remains to be seen. The 70's paranoid thriller vibe is stronger than ever. Perhaps the show will pivot completely into thriller territory.

Sona likes it too. Less goats makes Sona happy (and me too, honestly).

Plus I do briefly give opinions on Master (a failed but very ambitious and stylishly creepy drama with overt horror elements) and the hilariously straight faced psychodrama Deep Water that is worth recommending purely for the stupid fun of it.

-----------------

The team angers Cobel by forming an alliance.

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Sona and I both have issues with some of the weirdest touches in this week's episode. I worry that it is getting quirky for its own sake. But overall this is another strong episode. We do hope that the mystery starts to resolve somewhat in the upcoming weeks.

Also, I saw the new After Yang movie on Showtime and it moved me for reasons I can't quite put my finger on. Sona is reluctant to take my recommendation.

Irving and Dylan confront Burt about his lies. Mark and Helly discover a strange new department.

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Pam and Tommy has wrapped up. It isn't a total success but still worth watching and if you have been waiting to binge it, it will probably go down easy (as long as you are comfortable with lots on nudity in the early episodes).

Then I review the Batman, the script has tons of problems but I really love the style and design of this world. If you have watched the trailer (don't do that, by the way) you have already gotten a heaping serving of this dark style.

Lastly, I consider the bonkers franchise management of the DC universe (basically, no curation AT ALL) and somehow this chaos is working for them, financially.

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The AfterParty wraps up with it's finale, Maggie. It's a good wrap up and the show did play fair but it just feels like it was a missed opportunity for something more interesting and more funny. Plus I review both the new Jamie Dournan show from Australia, The Tourist and the snowbound Hulu thriller, No Exit. I am a bigger fan of the former rather than the latter but there are good central performances in both.

Then Sona and I discuss last week's Severance episode before I break down the most recent episode.

---

The Afterparty (AppleTV+)

Maggie

An unexpected eyewitness emerges to help Detective Danner piece together the true story behind Xavier's demise.

Directed by

Christopher Miller

Writing Credits

Christopher Miller...(created by) Christopher Miller...(written by) Nicole Delaney...(executive story editor)

Cast (in credits order)

Tiffany Haddish...Detective Danner

Sam Richardson...Aniq

Zoe Chao...Zoë

Ike Barinholtz...Brett

Ben Schwartz...Yasper

---

Severance (AppleTV+)

The You You Are

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Upon the finale of Euphoria's second season, I wonder why this show is so compelling. At it's best, it is one of the most emotional shows on TV. At its worst, it is a schlocky soap opera (usually in the same episode). Maybe that's what ends up making it so interesting.

But first, I think about the consequences of the Ukrainian invasion and what we can do to protect ourselves from the inevitable cyber attacks that will follow.

Resources:

https://www.cyber.nj.gov/

CyberSecurity Basics:

https://www.cyber.nj.gov/learn/cybersecurity-best-practices/#the-basics

CyberSecurity Primer for Business Owners:

https://www.cyber.nj.gov/learn/technical-guides/#instructional-guides

https://www.thisamericanlife.org/763/the-other-mr-president

https://www.wsj.com/articles/as-his-invasion-of-ukraine-sputters-putin-finds-himself-isolated-and-out-of-touch-11646000993

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Another interesting episode of this quirky thriller. Plus brief thoughts on The Afterparty.

----

AppleTV+ Mark takes the team on a field trip, but Helly continues to rebel. A deteriorating Petey struggles to tell Mark about Lumon's misdeeds.

---

Directed by

Ben StillerWriting Credits

Dan Erickson...(created by)

Andrew ColvilleCast (in credits order)

Adam ScottAdam Scott...Mark

Zach CherryZach Cherry...Dylan

Britt LowerBritt Lower...Helly

Tramell TillmanTramell Tillman...Milchick

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Target is giving away AppleTV+! We have seen the first two episodes of the AppleTV+ thriller, Severance. We are definitely intrigued. Plus we get into the new animated episode of The Afterparty. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/needs/message

Two series and a movie that all explore revenge and action with a dose of comedy (to varying degrees). The best of the bunch is the foreign film but they all have things to recommend them. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/needs/message

We have seen the latest (and possibly best?) episode of The Afterparty. Plus we watched the new Zoe Kravitz thriller, Kimi and we really liked that too. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/needs/message

About 25 years ago the Pam and Tommy sex tape started circulating on the internet. A new Hulu series explores this moment in time. Sona and I talk about prosthetic genitals, the mainstreaming of sex (and how the internet facilitated it) and how leaked sextapes became a gateway to celebritihood.

There is plenty of food for thought, but the show still hasn't found its footing. We are willing to give it more time but the tone seems a little confused, so far.

Plus we discuss The Afterparty on AppleTV+ and Murderville on Netflix.

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How does the film compare to the novel? In many ways, the novel is a far more challenging and disturbing work. The film still has its merits. Listen in to find out more about this strange film noir and the incredible biography of it's forgotten author, William Lindsay Gresham. --- An ambitious carny with a talent for manipulating people with a few well-chosen words hooks up with a female psychiatrist who is even more dangerous than he is. --- Nightmare Alley (2021) Full Cast & Crew Directed by Guillermo del Toro ... (directed by) Writing Credits Guillermo del Toro ... (screenplay by) & Kim Morgan ... (screenplay by) William Lindsay Gresham ... (based on the novel by) Cast (in credits order) Bradley Cooper Bradley Cooper ... Stanton Carlisle Cate Blanchett Cate Blanchett ... Dr. Lilith Ritter Toni Collette Toni Collette ... Zeena the Seer Willem Dafoe Willem Dafoe ... Clem Hoatley Richard Jenkins Richard Jenkins ... Ezra Grindle Rooney Mara Rooney Mara ... Molly Cahill Ron Perlman Ron Perlman ... Bruno Mary Steenburgen Mary Steenburgen ... Mrs. Kimball David Strathairn David Strathairn ... Pete Mark Povinelli Mark Povinelli ... The Major Peter MacNeill Peter MacNeill ... Judge Kimball Holt McCallany Holt McCallany ... Anderson Paul Anderson Paul Anderson ... Geek #1 Lara Jean Chorostecki Lara Jean Chorostecki ... Louise Hoatley Jim Beaver Jim Beaver ... Sheriff Jedediah Judd Clifton Collins Jr. Clifton Collins Jr. ... Funhouse Jack Tim Blake Nelson Tim Blake Nelson ... Carny Boss --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/needs/message

We dig into spoilers of the Ozark season 4 first batch. And then we discuss the very promising AppleTV+ series The Afterparty, a comedic high-school reunion/murder mystery. I am on board by the end of the 3 episodes. Sona still has her reservations.

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The Afterparty When a high school reunion's afterparty ends in a death, everyone is a suspect. A detective grills the former classmates one by one, uncovering potential motives as each tells their version of the story - culminating in the shocking truth.

Series Directed by

Christopher Miller...(4 episodes, 2022)Series

Writing Credits

Christopher Miller...(created by) (6 episodes, 2022)

Christopher Miller...(written by) (6 episodes, 2022)

Christopher Miller...(story by) (6 episodes, 2022)

Christopher Miller...(teleplay by) (6 episodes, 2022)

Nicole Delaney...(executive story editor) (4 episodes, 2022)

Nicole Delaney...(written by) (4 episodes, 2022)

Anthony King...(written by) (2 episodes, 2022)

Jack Dolgen...(written by) (1 episode, 2022)

Kassia Miller...(teleplay by) (1 episode, 2022)

Bridger Winegar...(written by) (1 episode, 2022)

Phil Lord...(written by) (1 episode)

Rachel H. Smith...(written by) (1 episode)Series Cast

Tiffany HaddishTiffany Haddish... Detective Danner

Sam RichardsonSam Richardson... Aniq

Zoe ChaoZoe Chao... Zoe

Ike BarinholtzIke Barinholtz... Brett

Ben SchwartzBen Schwartz... Yasper

Ilana GlazerIlana Glazer... Chelsea

Dave FrancoDave Franco... Xavier

Tiya SircarTiya Sircar... Jennifer #1

Genevieve AngelsonGenevieve Angelson... Indigo

Kelvin YuKelvin Yu... Ned

Everly CarganillaEverly Carganilla... Maggie

Jamie DemetriouJamie Demetriou... Walt

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Ozark (2017–2022)

Series Directed by

Jason Bateman...(10 episodes, 2017-2020)

Series Cast

Jason BatemanJason Bateman... Martin 'Marty' Byrde

Laura LinneyLaura Linney... Wendy Byrde

Sofia HublitzSofia Hublitz... Charlotte Byrde

Skylar GaertnerSkylar Gaertner... Jonah Byrde

Julia GarnerJulia Garner... Ruth Langmore

Lisa EmeryLisa Emery... Darlene Snell

Charlie TahanCharlie Tahan... Wyatt Langmore

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Iain and I go back to 1971 and find songs throughout the last 50 years that have sampled some of that iconic music. Another example of how musical history is a continuum.

----

No Diggity

Bill Withers

Maggot Brain

Mos Def

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A potpourri of topics, this week. Ozark has returned for it's final season. This leads to a conversation of the show as well as its relationship to Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. I wonder if network executives would still have the patience to allow a Breaking Bad to develop.

We also preview our next group-watch, The Afterparty, on AppleTV+. Which also lead me to try to watch Servant (also on AppleTV+). And, boy, do I have thoughts on that crazy show (and on M Knight's career, in general).

It's a broad conversation but fun, nonetheless. Get ready to watch The AfterParty, starting this Friday.

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30 years ago, billboard magazine published it's post-Christmas chart week issue and the music industry was shocked to see that Michael Jackson's highly anticipated and expensively promoted album had been knocked out from number one by Nirvana's Nevermind. Iain and I discuss what this did and did not mean as far as the record industry is concerned. Regardless, this is another pivotal year in the music industry. We discuss some of our favorite tracks (some popular and some obscure) and this year within the contexts of our individual bios. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/needs/message

Sona and I discuss the finale of Yellowjackets. One of the best episodes but is it a finale? Good thing the show got renewed... Sic Transit Gloria Mundi Directed by Eduardo Sánchez Writing Credits Ashley Lyle ... (created by) & Bart Nickerson ... (created by) Katherine Kearns ... (executive story editor) Cast (in credits order) Melanie Lynskey Melanie Lynskey ... Shauna Tawny Cypress Tawny Cypress ... Taissa Ella Purnell Ella Purnell ... Teen Jackie Sophie Nélisse Sophie Nélisse ... Teen Shauna Jasmin Savoy Brown Jasmin Savoy Brown ... Teen Taissa Sophie Thatcher Sophie Thatcher ... Teen Natalie Samantha Hanratty Samantha Hanratty ... Teen Misty Steven Krueger Steven Krueger ... Ben Scott Warren Kole Warren Kole ... Jeff Christina Ricci Christina Ricci ... Misty Juliette Lewis Juliette Lewis ... Natalie Courtney Eaton Courtney Eaton ... Teen Lottie Liv Hewson Liv Hewson ... Teen Vanessa Jane Widdop Jane Widdop ... Teen Laura Lee Keeya King Keeya King ... Akilah Peter Gadiot Peter Gadiot ... Adam Alex Wyndham Alex Wyndham ... Kevyn Kevin Alves Kevin Alves ... Teen Travis Alexa Barajas Alexa Barajas ... Teen Mari Rekha Sharma Rekha Sharma ... Jessica Roberts Sarah Desjardins Sarah Desjardins ... Callie Rukiya Bernard Rukiya Bernard ... Simone Tonya Cornelisse Tonya Cornelisse ... Allie Stevens Aiden Stoxx Aiden Stoxx ... Sammy Abara-Turner Mya Lowe Mya Lowe ... Yellowjacket #1 Princess Davis Princess Davis ... Yellowjacket #2 Jeff Holman Jeff Holman ... Randy Walsh Colleen Wheeler Colleen Wheeler ... Suzie Michelle Choi-Lee Michelle Choi-Lee ... Campaign Manager Beverley Breuer Beverley Breuer ... Deb Degenaro --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/needs/message

I have seen Scream 5 and it is actually good. Sona has rewatched some of the sequels and we discuss that as well.

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Welcome to season 5!

30 years ago, billboard magazine published it's post-Christmas chart week issue and the music industry was shocked to see that Michael Jackson's highly anticipated and expensively promoted album had been knocked out from number one by Nirvana's Nevermind.

Iain and I discuss what this did and did not mean as far as the record industry is concerned. Regardless, this is another pivotal year in the music industry. We discuss some of our favorite tracks (some popular and some obscure) and this year within the contexts of our individual bios.

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Sona tells us about her covid experience. Then we break down the season finale of Dexter: New Blood. It ain't great.

Then, we talk about Showtime's Yellowjackets again. Sona finally caught up and we discuss all the craziness in preparation for next week's finale.

---

Sins of the Father

Directed by

Marcos Siega

Writing Credits (in alphabetical order)

Jeff Lindsay...(based on the novel "Darkly Dreaming Dexter" by)

Clyde Phillips

Cast (in credits order)

Michael C. HallMichael C. Hall...Dexter Morgan

Jack AlcottJack Alcott...Harrison Morgan

Julia JonesJulia Jones...Angela Bishop

Johnny SequoyahJohnny Sequoyah...Audrey Bishop

Alano MillerAlano Miller...Sgt. Logan

-----------

Yellowjackets

Directed by

Daisy von Scherler Mayer

Writing Credits

Ashley Lyle...(created by) &

Bart Nickerson...(created by)

Ameni Rozsa...(written by) &

Sarah L. Thompson...(written by)

Katherine Kearns...(executive story editor)

Cast (in credits order) complete, awaiting verification

Melanie LynskeyMelanie Lynskey...Shauna

Tawny CypressTawny Cypress...Taissa

Ella PurnellElla Purnell...Teen Jackie

Sophie NélisseSophie Nélisse...Teen Shauna

Jasmin Savoy BrownJasmin Savoy Brown...Teen Taissa

Sophie ThatcherSophie Thatcher...Teen Natalie

Samantha HanrattySamantha Hanratty...Teen Misty

Steven KruegerSteven Krueger...Ben Scott

Warren KoleWarren Kole...Jeff

Christina RicciChristina Ricci...Misty

Juliette LewisJuliette Lewis...Natalie

Liv HewsonLiv Hewson...Teen Vanessa

Keeya KingKeeya King...Akilah

Jane WiddopJane Widdop...Teen Laura Lee

Peter GadiotPeter Gadiot...Adam

Kevin AlvesKevin Alves...Teen Travis

Alexa BarajasAlexa Barajas...Teen Mari

Rekha SharmaRekha Sharma...Jessica Roberts

Jack DePewJack DePew...Teen Jeff

Pearl Amanda DicksonPearl Amanda Dickson...Teen Allie

Luciano LerouxLuciano Leroux...Javi Martinez

Mya LoweMya Lowe...Yellowjacket #1

Princess DavisPrincess Davis...Yellowjacket #2

Michelle Choi-LeeMichelle Choi-Lee...Campaign Manager

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Iain and I discuss the rest of the Peter Jackson documentary. They finally perform again, publicly (the famous rooftop concert).

Plus we play some deeper cuts. Make sure to listen on Spotify to hear the full tracks.

------------------

The Beatles: Get Back

Series Directed by

Peter Jackson ... (3 episodes, 2021)

Michael Lindsay-Hogg ... (3 episodes, 2021)

Series Cast

John Lennon John Lennon ... Self (archive footage)3 episodes, 2021

Paul McCartney Paul McCartney ... Self (archive footage)3 episodes, 2021

George Harrison George Harrison ... Self (archive footage)3 episodes, 2021

Ringo Starr Ringo Starr ... Self (archive footage)3 episodes, 2021

Michael Lindsay-Hogg Michael Lindsay-Hogg ... Self (archive footage)3 episodes, 2021

Linda McCartney Linda McCartney ... Self (archive footage)3 episodes, 2021

Yoko Ono Yoko Ono ... Self (archive footage)3 episodes, 2021

Mal Evans Mal Evans ... Self (archive footage)3 episodes, 2021

Billy Preston Billy Preston ... Self (archive footage)2 episodes, 2021

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Sona has COVID! So I am on my own. The Dexter recap is pretty straightforward (skip to the last 15 minutes). Most of the episode is my revisit of the original Scream film in anticipation of the fifth film which is coming out just next year.

Plus I start things off with a century spanning overview of the slasher film genre.

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Dexter fights for his life in the woods, leading to a confrontation in an abandoned summer camp; Harrison finds himself torn between two father figures who can lead him down two different paths; Angela makes some disturbing discoveries.

-------

Zola

A stripper named Zola embarks on a wild road trip to Florida.

----

Directed by

Janicza Bravo...(directed by)Writing Credits

Janicza Bravo...(written by) &

Jeremy O. Harris...(written by)

A'Ziah King...(based on the tweets by)

David Kushner...(based on the article "Zola Tells All: The Real Story Behind the Greatest Stripper Saga Ever Tweeted" by)

Andrew Neel...(story by) &

Mike Roberts...(story by)

Cast (in credits order)

Taylour PaigeTaylour Paige...Zola

Riley KeoughRiley Keough...Stefani

Nelcie SouffrantNelcie Souffrant...Gail

Nasir RahimNasir Rahim...Johnathan

Amelia Rose MonteagudoAmelia Rose Monteagudo...Stefani's Baby

Ari'el StachelAri'el Stachel...Sean

Colman DomingoColman Domingo...X

Nicholas BraunNicholas Braun...Derrek (as Nick Braun)

--------

Dexter: New Blood (TV Mini Series)

Unfair Game (2021)

Writing Credits (in alphabetical order)

Jeff Lindsay...(based on the novel "Darkly Dreaming Dexter" by)

David McMillan...(written by)

Clyde Phillips

Cast (in credits order)

Michael C. HallMichael C. Hall...Dexter Morgan

Jack AlcottJack Alcott...Harrison Morgan

Julia JonesJulia Jones...Angela Bishop

Johnny SequoyahJohnny Sequoyah...Audrey Bishop

Alano MillerAlano Miller...Sgt. Logan

Clancy BrownClancy Brown...Kurt Caldwell

Jennifer CarpenterJennifer Carpenter...Debra Morgan

Shuler HensleyShuler Hensley...Elric

Oscar WahlbergOscar Wahlberg...Zach

Dakota LustickDakota Lustick...Miles

Benjamin BreaultBenjamin Breault...Adam

Henry LynchHenry Lynch...Bill

Mark TorresMark Torres...Victor Lopez

Kellan RhudeKellan Rhude...Jasper

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Iain and I discuss the new Peter Jackson documentary about the failed television special that eventually became the Let it Be album. We discuss the complex technology required to pull it off. Plus we get to see each of the group at their best and worst (except the even keeled Ringo).

There are tons of works in progress here that will eventually show up on each of their solo records. You can really see them beginning to come apart at the seams.

------------------

The Beatles: Get Back

Series Directed by

Peter Jackson...(3 episodes, 2021)

Michael Lindsay-Hogg...(3 episodes, 2021)

Series Cast

John LennonJohn Lennon... Self (archive footage)3 episodes, 2021

Paul McCartneyPaul McCartney... Self (archive footage)3 episodes, 2021

George HarrisonGeorge Harrison... Self (archive footage)3 episodes, 2021

Ringo StarrRingo Starr... Self (archive footage)3 episodes, 2021

Michael Lindsay-HoggMichael Lindsay-Hogg... Self (archive footage)3 episodes, 2021

Linda McCartneyLinda McCartney... Self (archive footage)3 episodes, 2021

Yoko OnoYoko Ono... Self (archive footage)3 episodes, 2021

Mal EvansMal Evans... Self (archive footage)3 episodes, 2021

Billy PrestonBilly Preston... Self (archive footage)2 episodes, 2021

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Dexter turns from predator to protector out of concern that a serial killer has set its sights on someone he cares deeply about.

------------------

Dexter: New Blood (TV Mini Series)

Skin of Her Teeth (2021)

Directed by

Sanford Bookstaver

Writing Credits (in alphabetical order)

Jeff Lindsay...(based on the novel "Darkly Dreaming Dexter" by)

Clyde Phillips

Kirsa Rein...(teleplay by)

Veronica West...(teleplay by)

Cast (in credits order)

Michael C. HallMichael C. Hall...Dexter Morgan

Jack AlcottJack Alcott...Harrison Morgan

Julia JonesJulia Jones...Angela Bishop

Johnny SequoyahJohnny Sequoyah...Audrey Bishop

Alano MillerAlano Miller...Sgt. Logan

Clancy BrownClancy Brown...Kurt Caldwell

Jennifer CarpenterJennifer Carpenter...Debra Morgan

John LithgowJohn Lithgow...Arthur Mitchell

Jamie ChungJamie Chung...Molly Park

Shuler HensleyShuler Hensley...Elric Kane

Gregory CruzGregory Cruz...Abraham Brown

David MagidoffDavid Magidoff...Teddy Reed

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Spider-Man: No Way Home With Spider-Man's identity now revealed, Peter asks Doctor Strange for help. When a spell goes wrong, dangerous foes from other worlds start to appear, forcing Peter to discover what it truly means to be Spider-Man. A review of the latest Spiderman film (which looks to be a massive hit, this week). Plus a review roundup of recent Marvel films and shows. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (Disney+) Tony Leung Recommendations: In the Mood for Love (HBO Max) Chungking Express Infernal Affairs Hard Boiled What if...? (Disney+) Hawkeye (Disney+) Directed by Jon Watts Writing Credits Chris McKenna...(written by) & Erik Sommers...(written by) Stan Lee...(based on the Marvel comic book by) and Steve Ditko...(based on the Marvel comic book by) Cast (in credits order) Tom HollandTom Holland...Peter Parker / Spider-Man ZendayaZendaya...MJ Benedict CumberbatchBenedict Cumberbatch...Doctor Strange Jacob BatalonJacob Batalon...Ned Leeds Jon FavreauJon Favreau...Happy Hogan Jamie FoxxJamie Foxx...Max Dillon / Electro Willem DafoeWillem Dafoe...Norman Osborn / Green Goblin Alfred MolinaAlfred Molina...Dr. Otto Octavius / Doc Ock Benedict WongBenedict Wong...Wong Tony RevoloriTony Revolori...Flash Thompson Marisa TomeiMarisa Tomei...May Parker Angourie RiceAngourie Rice...Betty Brant Arian MoayedArian Moayed...Agent Cleary Paula NewsomePaula Newsome...MIT Assistant Vice Chancellor Hannibal BuressHannibal Buress...Coach Wilson Martin StarrMartin Starr...Mr. Harrington J.B. SmooveJ.B. Smoove...Mr. Dell J.K. SimmonsJ.K. Simmons...J. Jonah Jameson --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/needs/message

Someone has discovered Jim Lindsay's secret identity, leading Dexter to realize that he might not be the only serial killer in town; Harrison spirals out of control during a wrestling match; Angela makes a dark discovery of her own. Dexter: New Blood (TV Mini Series) Too Many Tuna Sandwiches (2021) Directed by Marcos Siega Writing Credits Scott Reynolds...(written by) & Warren Hsu Leonard...(written by) Clyde Phillips...(developed by) Jeff Lindsay...(based on the "Dexter " novels by) Cast (in credits order) Michael C. HallMichael C. Hall...Dexter Morgan / Jim Lindsay Jack AlcottJack Alcott...Harrison Morgan Julia JonesJulia Jones...Angela Bishop Johnny SequoyahJohnny Sequoyah...Audrey Bishop Alano MillerAlano Miller...Sgt. Logan Clancy BrownClancy Brown...Kurt Caldwell Jennifer CarpenterJennifer Carpenter...Debra Morgan Jamie ChungJamie Chung...Molly Park David MagidoffDavid Magidoff...Teddy Reed Gizel JimenezGizel Jimenez...Tess Katy SullivanKaty Sullivan...Esther Alton Fitzgerald WhiteAlton Fitzgerald White...Morris Cooper Oscar WahlbergOscar Wahlberg...Zach Andrew FamaAndrew Fama...Scott Skyler WrightSkyler Wright...Chloe Patrick Vincent CurranPatrick Vincent Curran...Bartender Michael CarrollMichael Carroll...Referee Kallie TaborKallie Tabor...Winnie Luke CroryLuke Crory...Boyfriend Devlin CarrollDevlin Carroll...Jeremy Benjamin BreaultBenjamin Breault...Adam Mitch FortierMitch Fortier...Coach Mitch ------- Nightmare Alley Nightmare Alley is a novel by William Lindsay Gresham published in 1946. It is a study of the lowest depths of showbiz and its sleazy inhabitants—the dark, shadowy world of a second rate carnival filled with hustlers, scheming grifters, and Machiavellian femmes fatales. Gresham attributed the origin of Nightmare Alley to conversations he had with a former carnival worker while they were both serving as volunteers with the Loyalist forces in the Spanish Civil War. Gresham wrote the novel, his first, while working as an editor for a "true crime," pulp magazine in New York City during the 1940s. He outlined the plot and wrote the first six chapters over a period of two years, then finished the book in four months. Each chapter is represented by a different Tarot card. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/needs/message

All the Bells Say

Matsson's vision for the business leads Shiv and Roman to manage the fallout, while Logan weighs his options.

Directed by

Mark Mylod

Writing Credits

Jesse Armstrong...(created by)

Jamie Carragher...(staff writer)

Cast (in credits order)

Nicholas BraunNicholas Braun...Greg Hirsch

Brian CoxBrian Cox...Logan Roy

Kieran CulkinKieran Culkin...Roman Roy

Dagmara DominczykDagmara Dominczyk...Karolina Novotney (credit only)

Peter FriedmanPeter Friedman...Frank Vernon

Justine LupeJustine Lupe...Willa Ferreyra

Matthew MacfadyenMatthew Macfadyen...Tom Wambsgans

David RascheDavid Rasche...Karl Muller

Alan RuckAlan Ruck...Connor Roy

J. Smith-CameronJ. Smith-Cameron...Gerri Kellman

Sarah SnookSarah Snook...Shiv Roy

Fisher StevensFisher Stevens...Hugo Baker (credit only)

Jeremy StrongJeremy Strong...Kendall Roy

Hiam AbbassHiam Abbass...Marcia Roy

Harriet WalterHarriet Walter...Lady Caroline Collingwood

Alexander SkarsgårdAlexander Skarsgård...Lukas Matsson

Pip TorrensPip Torrens...Peter Munion

Scott NicholsonScott Nicholson...Colin

Zoe WintersZoe Winters...Kerry (as Zoë Winters)

Ella RumpfElla Rumpf...Contessa

Tomas AranaTomas Arana...Laurie

Quentin MoralesQuentin Morales...Iverson Roy

Swayam BhatiaSwayam Bhatia...Sophie Roy

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Yet another episode. Sorry they are coming so quickly. The Amazon cloud outage backlogged these.

As we prepare for the finale of Season 3, a bonus episode. I finally catch up with Sona and discuss her feedback regarding episode 8. Then, a new guest, Sara, uses the Roy family as a case study. It's a very interesting conversation that shows that the show writers are definitely taking psychological dynamics into the construction of the show.

Just a couple of days to the finale.

Succession (TV Series)

Chiantishire (2021)

Summary:

After a tense board meeting to discuss acquisition of Matsson's GoJo, Roman shares his suspicions about their mother's new beau with Shiv. As a luxe family wedding gets underway in Italy, Gerri draws a line in the sand with Roman, the Waystar team grows increasingly concerned about Matsson's rogue tweets, and Shiv and Caroline have a heart-to-heart, of sorts.

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The screws begin to tighten. Dexter can't keep his ruse up. If Angela finds out his real name, what else will she find? And a friend from Miami makes a surprise appearance.

Notes:

http://www.youmustrememberthispodcast.com/episodes/?category=CharlesManson%27sHollywood

Ketamine (music video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYdK0Poeyys

---

Dexter: New Blood (TV Mini Series)

Runaway (2021)

Full Cast & Crew

Directed by

Marcos Siega

Writing Credits (in alphabetical order)

Jeff Lindsay ... (based on the novel "Darkly Dreaming Dexter" by)

Clyde Phillips

Cast (in credits order)

Michael C. Hall Michael C. Hall ... Dexter Morgan / Jim Lindsay

Jack Alcott Jack Alcott ... Harrison Morgan

Julia Jones Julia Jones ... Angela Bishop

Johnny Sequoyah Johnny Sequoyah ... Audrey Bishop

Alano Miller Alano Miller ... Logan

Clancy Brown Clancy Brown ... Kurt Caldwell

Jennifer Carpenter Jennifer Carpenter ... Debra Morgan

David Zayas David Zayas ... Angel Batista

Jamie Chung Jamie Chung ... Molly Park

Shuler Hensley Shuler Hensley ... Elric

David Magidoff David Magidoff ... Teddy Reed

Gizel Jimenez Gizel Jimenez ... Tess (as Gizel Jiménez)

Katy Sullivan Katy Sullivan ... Esther

Pamela Matthews Pamela Matthews ... Miriam

Skyler Wright Skyler Wright ... Chloe

Oscar Wahlberg Oscar Wahlberg ... Zach

Andrew Fama Andrew Fama ... Scott

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One of the very best episodes of Succession, this week. Did someone die this week? Roman accidentally sexts his dad. And that is maybe the 10th most important thing to occur in this episode.

The internet seems to think so, I disagree.

------------

Chiantishire (2021)

Full Cast & Crew

Directed by

Mark Mylod

Writing Credits

Jesse Armstrong...(created by)

Jamie Carragher...(staff writer)

Cast

Nicholas BraunNicholas Braun...Greg Hirsch

Brian CoxBrian Cox...Logan Roy

Kieran CulkinKieran Culkin...Roman Roy

Dagmara DominczykDagmara Dominczyk...Karolina Novotney (credit only)

Peter FriedmanPeter Friedman...Frank Vernon

Justine LupeJustine Lupe...Willa Ferreyra

Matthew MacfadyenMatthew Macfadyen...Tom Wambsgans

David RascheDavid Rasche...Karl Muller

Alan RuckAlan Ruck...Connor Roy

J. Smith-CameronJ. Smith-Cameron...Gerri Kellman

Sarah SnookSarah Snook...Shiv Roy

Fisher StevensFisher Stevens...Hugo Baker (credit only)

Jeremy StrongJeremy Strong...Kendall Roy

Hiam AbbassHiam Abbass...Marcia Roy

Arian MoayedArian Moayed...Stewy Hosseini

Harriet WalterHarriet Walter...Lady Caroline Collingwood

Hope DavisHope Davis...Sandi Furness

Alexander SkarsgårdAlexander Skarsgård...Lukas Matsson

Pip TorrensPip Torrens...Peter Munion

Scott NicholsonScott Nicholson...Colin

Zoe WintersZoe Winters...Kerry (as Zoë Winters)

Dasha NekrasovaDasha Nekrasova...Comfry

Ella RumpfElla Rumpf...Contessa

Tomas AranaTomas Arana...Laurie

Quentin MoralesQuentin Morales...Iverson Roy

Swayam BhatiaSwayam Bhatia...Sophie Roy

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Sona is back and after dipping back into last week's episode we break down the latest. Speaking of breakdowns, Kendal seems to be on the verge of one (another?). It's often funny but there are lots of dark moments here, too.

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Succession (TV Series)

Too Much Birthday (2021)

Full Cast & Crew

Directed by

Lorene ScafariaWriting Credits

Jesse Armstrong...(created by)

Georgia Pritchett

Tony Roche

Jamie Carragher...(staff writer)

Cast (in credits order)

Nicholas Braun...Greg Hirsch

Brian Cox...Logan Roy

Kieran Culkin...Roman Roy

Dagmara Dominczyk...Karolina Novotney (credit only)

Peter FriedmanPeter Friedman...Frank Vernon

Justine LupeJustine Lupe...Willa Ferreyra

Matthew MacfadyenMatthew Macfadyen...Tom Wambsgans

David RascheDavid Rasche...Karl Muller

Alan RuckAlan Ruck...Connor Roy

J. Smith-CameronJ. Smith-Cameron...Gerri Kellman

Sarah SnookSarah Snook...Shiv Roy

Fisher StevensFisher Stevens...Hugo Baker (credit only)

Jeremy StrongJeremy Strong...Kendall Roy

Alexander SkarsgårdAlexander Skarsgård...Lukas Matsson

Natalie GoldNatalie Gold...Rava Roy

Annabelle Dexter-JonesAnnabelle Dexter-Jones...Naomi Pierce

Scott NicholsonScott Nicholson...Colin

Zoe WintersZoe Winters...Kerry (as Zoë Winters)

JihaeJihae...Berry Schneider

Dasha NekrasovaDasha Nekrasova...Comfry

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Sona is back from vacation! We catch up on Dexter New Blood. Plus Sona recommends Booksmart, Hacks, and Stand By Me!!

For my part, I recommend Another Round and the podcast The Plot Thickens.

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Dexter: New Blood (TV Mini Series)

H Is for Hero (2021)

Directed by

Sanford Bookstaver Writing Credits (in alphabetical order)

Jeff Lindsay ... (based on the novel "Darkly Dreaming Dexter" by)

Clyde Phillips ... (developed by)

Tony Saltzman ... (written by)

Cast (in credits order)

Michael C. Hall Michael C. Hall ... Dexter Morgan

Jack Alcott Jack Alcott ... Harrison Morgan

Julia Jones Julia Jones ... Angela Bishop

Johnny Sequoyah Johnny Sequoyah ... Audrey Bishop

Alano Miller Alano Miller ... Logan

Clancy Brown Clancy Brown ... Kurt Caldwell

Jennifer Carpenter Jennifer Carpenter ... Debra Morgan

Jamie Chung Jamie Chung ... Molly Park

David Magidoff David Magidoff ... Teddy Reed

Katy Sullivan Katy Sullivan ... Esther

Michael Cyril Creighton Michael Cyril Creighton ... Fred Jr.

Christian Dell'Edera Christian Dell'Edera ... Ethan

Skyler Wright Skyler Wright ... Chloe

Jami Tennille Jami Tennille ... Principal Strode

Danielle Perry Danielle Perry ... Beth (Ethan's mom)

Shawn Fitzgibbon Shawn Fitzgibbon ... Paul (Ethan's dad)

Oscar Wahlberg Oscar Wahlberg ... Zach

Andrew Fama Andrew Fama ... Scott

Timothy Smith Timothy Smith ... Alan

Dee Nelson Dee Nelson ... Susan (Waitress)

Bari Robinson Bari Robinson ... Ramon

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What does it take to take down a democracy. The Roy family may just find out. This is a grim episode but full of hilarious moments, nonetheless.

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Dex and Harrison are still having trouble bonding and Kurt is now a confirmed creep. Harrison has his own (murderous?) vigilante tendencies. And a new podcaster is in town (podcasters are the real enemy, afterall).

Plus, I recommend Grady Hendrix's novel, The Final Girl Support Group (even though I solved the mystery early on). It's an interesting exploration of why we keep fixating on these stories of serial killers. Hey, why am I watching Dexter, anyway?

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A great episode this week. Starts suspenseful and turns into a screwball comedy.

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The screws begin to tighten on Dexter. I like this episode, as does Sona. Plus, I have seen the first episode of Yellowjackets and it is very good. Lastly, I give You one last attempt and I really like it... at first. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/needs/message

Sona and I watch the new Dexter. It is much better than the last few seasons of the show but is the magic back? I am skeptical. Where is that credits sequence? Plus I try to watch Season 1 of YOU on Netflix and I am not a fan but I have lots to say about it. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/needs/message

What does this title mean? The Lion in Winter would be more appropriate. Sona finally discusses last week's episode. Adrianne Brodie joins the cast. The shareholder meeting looms.

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Sona tries to get me to watch You. Then we discuss last week's episode of Succession before I do a full recap and review of the current week's episode. They are both really strong episodes, especially this week. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/needs/message

I catch up on with Sona in regards to the Only Murders in the Building finale and we discuss last week's premier of Succession. Then I discuss the latest episode. The family is all finally back in NYC and war is coming. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/needs/message

We say goodbye to our friends at the Arconia and say hello again to the Roy family. I am not fully on board with the finale of our murder mystery comedy. I think I set my expectations too high. Nonetheless, I am looking forward to another season. As for the Roys, things are as chaotic and toxic as ever. Greg is hilarious as ever. I also do a quick refresher on Succession up until now. I am definitely looking forward to the new season. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/needs/message

Halloween Kills at the box office but this is a very disappointing episode. It's all middle and a whole lot more of what we expected (plus a whole lot we didn't need). Can they turn this around with the final movie, next year. It doesn't matter, I'm sure. There will be plenty more attempts to revamp and restart this franchise again. Recommendations: Black Christmas (1974) Behind the Mask: The Rise of Vernon Vernon Freaky (HBO Max) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/needs/message

I am flying solo for this episode (at least for now). I cover the latest episode of Only Murders. We meet Charles' surprising body double/stuntperson. I am not a huge fan of this one but it does a lot of table setting. Plus, I go through the (8!!) seasons of the Showtime series Dexter. What the heck were they thinking (especially that finale). They are trying a reboot (and very soon). Can they salvage the series? For better or worse, I am still going to watch. Recommendations: Till Death (Netflix) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/needs/message

email:needssomeintroduction@gmail.com While we await Jordan Peele's next directorial outing, NOPE! (that's actually what it's called), he has been busy helping other filmmakers get their projects off the ground. I discuss the new Candyman (remake? sequel? legacyquel?) and the ambitious but messy Lovecraft Country. Recommendations: His House (Netflix) Horror Noire (Shutter) Nightlight (Podcast) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/needs/message

email:needssomeintroduction@gmail.com We published late this week, which means we get to review the piping hot new pizza roll that is episode 8. These are two excellent episodes and the season looks to be finishing strong. The Boy from 6B is all about Theo, Teddy's son. And we find out that he is central to the entire mystery. The episode is executed without any spoken dialog which is impressive in and of itself. Fan Fiction introduces some new die-hard fans of the podcast that end up being surprisingly helpful to our amateur investigators. It's all great fun. Recommendations: Wild Rose (Hulu) Beast (Amazon Prime) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/needs/message

We have (thankfully) made it to the end of this season of Nine Perfect Strangers. Sona is more generous about it than I am. I do appreciate a few moments, here and there. I feel a lot more positive about Only Murders in the Building but I do feel there is a serious tonal misstep which I hope doesn't impact upcoming episodes. Plus we have a few thoughts about the Emmy awards (mostly how irrelevant they have become). Timestamps: Only Murders in the Building (11:30) Nine Perfect Strangers (40:00) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/needs/message

email:needssomeintroduction@gmail.com Netflix is having a moment with two new series, Squid Game, from South Korea, and Midnight Mass. They are both strange products that nonetheless succeed to different extents. I will be covering other horror topics throughout the month (and probably beyond). I hope you find some scary options for your halloween viewing. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/needs/message

Nine Perfect Strangers has derailed. I can't imagine there is going to be a satisfying conclusion, at this point. How bad did it get? Listen and let me count the ways...

Meanwhile, Only Murders in the Building, keeps plugging along pleasantly. This episode is mostly filler but I think there is some essential clues introduced, here, along with some fun interaction.

But the real find of the week is the critically praised Reservation Dogs that turns out to be as entertaining as it's been rumored to be. I am a big fan.

All shows are available on Hulu.

TimeCodes:

Nine Perfect Strangers Review (26:00)

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Only Murders In the Building continues to entertain. Meanwhile Nine Perfect Strangers continues to frustrate but it's still worth watching for the best of the performances. There are only two episodes left so things better start tying up soon. We will see.

Time Codes:

Nine Perfect Strangers Recap (28:00)

Malignant (HBO Max) (1:07:20)

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This week's episode may be taking things into a stranger direction but for now the characters keep developing nicely. Sona and I are still not that enthused by the stalker plotline. Plus, I have read most of the book which gives me some additional insight (as in it's probably not a great adaptation)

We also review the first 3 episodes on the new very entertaining Only Murders in the Building show with Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez. It's also available on FX on HULU.

Time Codes:

Only Murders in the Building Recap (36:00)

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email:needssomeintroduction@gmail.com Episode 4 is a good one. These performers are almost all giving it their all. I am still wary of the direction the show may be taking. Plus we have time to talk about why I am about ready to quit Netflix after I get lured into the appropriately named Clickbait mini-series. We also have time to talk about Cruel Summer. Sona really liked it and I find out that I probably don't have the constitution for teen soaps (even a potentially elevated one such as this). Music: Theme - Strange Effect (Unloved featuring Raven Violet) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/needs/message

Sona and I are back recapping another mystery. Nicole Kidman is running a spa and Melissa McCarthy, Michael Shannon, Bobby Cannavale and Regina Hall are just some of the recognizable faces here. This comes from the same brain trust as Big Little Lies and The Undoing so... the quality of the show could end up anywhere... but the scenery is beautiful. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/needs/message

So DC is also still putting out movies. James Gunn migrates over from Marvel (Guardians of the Galaxy) to give us The Suicide Squad. He does a pretty good job of revitalizes the property. But (despite the success of the first film) does this property actually have that much appeal? I have mixed emotions.

Also, in preparation for the upcoming What If? series on Disney+, we have one final review of the Loki series.

Plus, thought on Amazon Prime's comic book adaptation offerings, Invincible and The Boys which are both scheduled to return sometime this fall with additional seasons.

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Here we have it. We have arrived at the end. The puppet master is revealed and the resolution is... underwhelming... It does raise a lot of questions about what is to come and I am sure it will be conversation fuel until... Season 2 (?!?) yep, that's right. Plus a quick review of Black Widow.

Also, reviews of episode 6 of Rick and Morty, A Quiet Place 2.

Loki Episode 6 Spoilers (6:45)

Rick and Morty Season 5 Episode 4 - Rickdependence Spray (25:00)

Black Widow - (26:40)

A Quiet Place 2 - (36:00)

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In preparation for this week's Loki finale I speak to Ray again. He fills me in on all the Easter eggs that I misses (I missed most of them) and we lay out our predictions for the finale. Make sure to come back on Wednesday for my finale review along with my Black Widow review.

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We recap both of the most recent episodes of Evil and have time to do a pretty thorough review of No Sudden Moves on HBO Max. It turns out that Sona had never heard of the case of Elisa Lam which the most recent episode of Evil indirectly references.

Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel

Eliza Lam Surveillance Video (https://youtu.be/_rfLSVIA0L0)

Recommendations:

High Flying Bird (Netflix)

Luca (Disney+)

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We discuss the new Apple+ documentary series "1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything". There was a lot of great albums released this year and we just discuss some of it... David Bowie... Al Green... John Lennon... George Harrison... (actually all the beatles put out albums). And of course What's Going On by Marvin Gaye. That doesn't even mention the ladies that were putting out classics, Joni Mitchell, Carol King, Aretha Franklin. The list goes on and on. There will be more discussions to come. This is only our first conversation.

1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything (Apple+)

The US vs. John Lennon (AppleTV - rental)

The Sacred Triangle: Bowie, Iggy & Lou 1971-1973 (Prime Video)

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Here we are... one episode away. Everyone is getting together at the end of time. But seems you can still escape with a TemPad. One of those could rescue a lot of these folks, it seems. It's not perfect but it gets us where we need to go.

Speaking of partying at the end of time, that is one of the main plotlines in this week's Rick and Morty. It's just an OK episode and there may actually be a social critique somewhere under there but you have to really dig to find it.

I also review The Tomorrow War and Fear Street 1984 (mostly spoiler free) but I am mixed to negative on Tomorrow War and VERY negative on the first Fear Street film. So that may be all you need to know.

Bookmarks:

Loki Episode 5 (spoilers) - 3:30

Risk and Morty - Season 5 Episode 3 - 21:15

The Tomorrow War (Amazon Prime) - 27:00

Fear Street 1994 (Netflix) - 34:30

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Lots of action, backstory, and intrigue, this week, after a snoozy third episode. Plus there is a little more Rick and Morty discussion.

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I like this episode a lot better than last. John Dahl directs very well. Is Kristen turning to the dark side? Only time will tell. Sheryl get a backbone.

Recommendations:

Starstruck (HBO Max)

Edith! (Podcast)

Only Lovers Left Alive (Amazon Prime)

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Ray is back. There is less comic book lore here than usual but we still have a good conversation. Stay tuned for some recommendations too.

Recommendations:

Rick and Morty (HBO Max/Adult Swim)

St. Maud (Amazon Prime)

Only Lovers Left Alive (Amazon Prime)

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Episode 3 is the definition of a middle episode. Lots of walking around and talking (and some fighting). It feels more like a filler Buffy episode. So I am disappointed that we need a filler episode in such a short season (especially when the first 2 episodes set the bar so high). But there is still some good stuff here.

I also discuss the first episode of Rick and Morty's new season. I am very enthusiastic about that!

Rick and Morty Season 5 Episode 1 - (4:00)

Loki - Episode 3 - (13:30)

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So season 2 has arrived. We actually enjoyed this episode although we spend most of the time laughing about the occurrences within. But that just makes the conversation more entertaining.

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Lots more obscure covers this time but we there are two Madonna songs and Hendrix too. Don't read the music credits if you want to play along.

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Loki(s) are at it again. Another very entertaining episode. Owen Wilson is really impressing me. Everything I predicted would happen this season happens this week (!!). So I am all out of ideas for the rest of the season. I can't wait to see what happens next.

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Sona and I recap all of season 1 of Evil in preparation for Season 2, next week. We get through it all and have time to dig into some of the broader themes that the show raises. You still have time to watch Season 1 on Netflix before watching season 2 on Paramount+.

Recommendations:

Sona - The Night Manager (Amazon Prime/AMC)

Victor - Only Lovers Left Alive (AppleTV)

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The third time may be the charm with these Marvel shows. After two disappointing series, this one is off to a fun start. Is the TVA benevolent? What are they hiding? Who is the hooded character at the end. I have my speculations. Have a listen and let me know what you think.

Recommendations:

Brazil (Tubi/Kanopy)

Invincible (Amazon Prime)

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email: needssomeintroduction@gmail.com

So we are at the end of our first season and Mare of Easttown is over. How did you like it? Who was your favorite character (aside from Mare)? Who was your least favorite? Were there too many red herrings?

We will be recapping Loki (Disney+) and Evil (Paramount+) next. There are quite a few reasons to get Paramount+ (watch A Quiet Place 2, Top Gun 2 and the new Mission Impossible at home) let me count the ways...

Music

Incinerate - Sonic Youth

I Know the End - Phoebe Bridgers

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Here we are at the end. My theory proved correct!! Almost everything is wrapped up but somehow it is all still a bit underwhelming. Nonetheless, everyone continues to give great performances. Plus we talk about what is to come in our next recaps.

Music:

We Belong - Pat Benetar

Recommendations:

State of the Union (Sundance/AMC)

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I love a good cover. It makes you think about a song in a completely different light and oftentimes connects the dots across artists from different genres and generations. There is a surprising amount of Al Green, here. We also find Nirvana covering psychedelic rock, multiple Beatles covers and dig into the long legacy of Louie Louie. Don't look at the list of songs below, yet, try to play along. Enjoy.

Music:

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Email:needssomeintroduction@gmail.com Hmmm, that whole Ross family has issues. It looks like the show has laid out its cards, but has it? We don’t have to wait much longer to find out. I have a theory and Sona actually likes it. One episode to go... Recommendations: Grosse Pointe Blank St. Maud (Prime/Hulu) Hacks (HBO Max) Invincible (Amazon Prime) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/needs/message

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In the light of the unfortunate 4th anniversary of Chris Cornell’s passing here is an episode where we discuss his influence on the alternative metal music that emerged in the 90s and early 2000s. We also discuss how foundational Soundgarden was to establishing Sub Pop and the entire Seattle scene.

Make sure to check out his solo work, as well. There are lots of songs here. I will update the notes if I have missed some.

Music:

Schizophrenia (Sonic Youth)

Rusty Cage (Soundgarden)

Kick out the Jams (MC5)

Voodoo Chile (Jimi Hendrix)

War Pigs (Black Sabbath)

All Your Lies(Soundgarden)

Hunted Down ( Soundgarden)

Hands All Over (Soundgarden)

Jesus Christ Pose(Soundgarden)

Ty Cobb (Soundgarden)

Black Hole Sun(Soundgarden)

Superunknown(Soundgarden)

The Day I Tried to Live(Soundgarden)

4th of July (Soundgarden)

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Another good one (and very tense). Very unexpected happenings this week. If you haven't watched it yet, be sure to watch it before listening to the recap.

Music:

Incinerate - Sonic Youth (Theme)

You've Got Another Thing Coming - Judas Priest

Recommendations:

Go (Hulu)

Stowaway (Netflix)

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Ian and I go beyond Purple Rain and talk about Around the World In a Day (one of my least regarded turns out to be one of his favorites) but we agree on the brilliance of Parade and (especially) Sign O' the Times. Show notes below. There are so many songs I am certain I missed many...

Music:

Schizophrenia - Sonic Youth (Theme)

Raspberry Beret

Paisley Park

Pop Life

She's Always In My Hair

America

Kiss

Mountains

New Position

I Wonder U

Anotherloverholeinyohead

Sign O' the Times

U Got the Look

The Cross

Strange Relationship

I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man

Adore

Forever In My Life

If I Was Your Girlfriend

The Ballad of Dorothy Parker

I Wish You Heaven

Alphabet St.

Starfish and Coffee

It

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The even numbered episodes are the good ones (just like the Star Trek films). Sona and I both like this one. A whole lot of stuff happens. There is indeed some evildoer around abducting girls. And somehow this episode is still pretty funny.

Music:

Who You Are - Mannequin P*ssy

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Here is some rapid fire recommendations based on our current Mare of Easttown watchalong... Mildred Pierce (HBO Max) Little Children (HBO Max) Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (Peacock) Memento (Tubi/Pluto - with ads - Kanopy - without) Results (Netflix) Watchmen (HBO Max) This American Life... https://www.thisamericanlife.org/736/the-herd/act-two-3 Music: Everybody's Got to Learn Sometime - The Field --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/needs/message

email:NeedsSomeIntroduction@gmail.com...

Just past the fifth anniversary of the untimely death of the still prolific and revolutionary Prince, I reconvene with Iain to dig into his history. We make lists of our favorite songs (minus all the hits, to make it interesting) and work through his career in order. This is a longer than usual episode (and there is a lot more to come) but it is worth it. Keep checking below for the full song list (I am still compiling it).

Songs:

I Wanna Be Your Lover

When Doves Cry

Bambi

Uptown

When You Were Mine (Cindy Lauper... Prince)

Controversy

1999

Little Red Corvette

Erotic City

The Beautiful Ones

Darling Nikki

Let's Go Crazy

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Enter number Two? Episode two was actually good. This one is a bit of a mess. We do learn lots of new stuff. Sona and I have many notes. Mare proves herself a good detective (but a morally questionable one).

Recommendations:

Run All Night (Fubo)

Invisibilia Podcast... https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510307/invisibilia

Music:

Incinerate - Sonic Youth

Gypsy Moth - Andrew Bird

Space Age Love Song - Flock of Seagulls

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Email me at... needssomeintroduction@gmail.com

Sydney wants a recommendation for a movie and soundtrack that will stand up to the standards of her youth. We discover that we both burned a lot of gas using our cars for audio replay. It turns out that if you have never played video games, this probably is not a film for you. We discuss our mutual admiration for Michael Cera.

Recommendations:

Scott Pilgrim (Netflix)

Footloose (Hulu)

Lost in Translation (Peacock)

In the Mood for Love (HBO Max)

Music:

Schizophrenia - Sonic Youth

I Heard Ramona Sing - Frank Black

Wave of Mutilation (UK Surf) - Pixies (Pump up the Volume Soundtrack)

Everybody Knows - Leonard Cohen

Everybody Knows - Concrete Blonde - (Pump up the Volume Soundtrack)

Just Like Honey - The Jesus and Mary Chain

Ramona - Beck (Scott Pilgrim Soundtrack)

By Your Side - Beachwood Sparks (Scott Pilgrim Soundtrack)

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Two is better than one. The show finds its footing. It really is all about the fathers, this time. Recommendations: Sona... Dead to Me (Netflix) Victor... Booksmart (Hulu) Music: Incinerate - Sonic Youth Pockets of Light - Lubomyr Melnyk (Mare of Easttown Soundtrack) Cold War - Cautious Clay (Booksmart Soundtrack) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/needs/message

On the heels of our thrillers conversation, Sona and I decide to watch Mare of Easttown together. We both like it (she more than I) but it all adds to an interesting conversation. Plus we have a little legal sidebar on the MyPillow guy and his lawsuits. Watch the first episode without a subscription --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/needs/message

Iain introduces me to Harry Nilsson. I really like the soundtrack to a kids movie (which I have now watched with my daughter). I find even more songs that I did not know were Nilsson.

Recommendations:

Who is Harry Nilsson? (Documentary)

Playlists:

Man Next Door

Nilsson

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Oscar was inspired to watch Green Room (and Nightcrawler and Blue Ruin). We discuss the themes of the film and violence as style.

Recommendations:

Oscar:

[REC]

The Signal

Plus:

The Ritual

Music:

We Need the Police (Green Room)

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Sona watched Dan Gilroy's NightCrawler with Jake Gyllenhaal, Riz Ahmed and Rene Russo. We discuss the movie in detail (including spoilers) and discuss the virtues of watching people talk on camera for long stretches of time.

Recommendations:

Dead Set

Four Lions

The Night of

Sound of Metal

Sona Recommends:

City on a Hill

Music:

Moving the Body (Nightcrawler)

Bring it on Home (Sam Cooke)

Request a Recommendation

Sona needs some thriller recommendation. We discuss what is appealing about thrillers and discuss some recent ones...

Sona Recommends:

The Flight Attendant (HBO)

Victor Recommends:

Search Party (HBO)

Sound of Metal (Amazon)

Green Room

Uncut Gems

Thoroughbreds

Martha Marcy May Marlene

Music:

We care a lot

Toxic

Toxic (Instrumental)

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We dig deeper into SoundGarden's catalog. Oscar admits some pretty embarrassing musical tastes.

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Oscar has a blind spot for SoundGarden. In part one we discuss influences and the beginning of grunge and the Seattle scene. Sub Pop Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sub_Pop Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/30NqNz4PuR73CzjTXz53kK?si=iVMv6P3MTjeU8cSnxdXa8g Maxwell’s Bootleg 1989: https://youtu.be/Er35sG1Rclc Request a Playlist/Movie/Podcast: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf0rb_dwppEuGwt7BtR_2t6Uo5MeCDxTaaioVGP7VM0EzTkHw/viewform --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/needs/message