Fargo – 308 – Who Rules the Land of Denial?

FX’s Fargo threw audiences a supernatural, out of nowhere curve ball this week in “Who Rules the Land of Denial” and A.Ron…. loved it? The man who hates a fishnado, the man who revolts at the first sign of UFO, is all down for purgatory overseen by a Wandering Jew? Okay, then. We discuss Jewish mysticism, Gloria Burgle’s arc, who is tormenting Emmitt, and how Varga’s move against Sy could be a fatal mistake.

Better Cast Saul – 308 – Slip

Jim and A.Ron discuss the latest episode of AMC’s Better Call Saul, “Slip”. We note, rather ominously, the next episode title is “Fall”. Gulp. We discuss better strategies for pill swapping, the probably bowel patterns of an elderly man who’s diet consists entirely of Mexican food and espresso, and give a full-throated cheer for Kim serving some cold justice to one Howard Hamlin.

Following The Leftovers – 308 – The Book of Nora

Jim, A.Ron, and hundreds of listeners grapple with their feelings about the series finale of HBO’s The Leftovers, “The Book of Nora”. Was it good just because it was a work of art that was brilliantly written, expertly acted and shot, and in it’s rigid adherence to ambiguity the most Leftovers Leftovers of all? Was it bad because it answered nothing, or everything, or betrayed characters we cared about or gave short shrift to, or invalidated what we felt about past episodes? The answer, more than usual, rests with the viewer, and everybody’s got thoughts. We try to capture as many as we can. But we also promise to return next week for more! One final podcast before we say goodbye to The Leftovers, forever. If that’s not worth of a Max Richter soundtrack, what the hell is?

Fargo – 307 – The Law of Inevitability

FX’s Fargo continues to pick up steam as it heads into the final stretch, with “The Law of Inevitability” dealing with the aftermath of Emmitt’s loss (he doesn’t acquit himself well), Sy coming to grips with the destruction of his world, and Gloria getting sick and tired of people not being clear on the definition of law enforcement around these parts. And that doesn’t even get into the big finish with the return of a familiar face! We also briefly discuss the future of Fargo on FX in the feedback section, don’t miss it!

Following The Leftovers – 307 – The Most Powerful Man in the World (and His Identical Twin Brother)

We are incredibly pleased with the penultimate episode of HBO’s The Leftovers, “The Most Powerful Man in the World (and His Identical Twin Brother)”. It is true that this episode is ridiculous, and dumb, and it doesn’t make any sense, and we shouldn’t care so much about, much like the reaction of Kevin himself. But we can’t help it. Everything they were selling we were buying, and in bulk. Dick jokes. Sure. Body swapping between twin Kevins? Why not? Surprise guest stars as Secretary of Defense and the Vice President? Shut up and take my money! It’s crazy how this show can do no wrong with us, but we suspect it’s because this show can’t help but be true to their characters and find an emotional truth at the core of it that manages to surprise and delight us. Can’t wait for the finale next week! See you there…

Fargo – 306 – The Lord of No Mercy

Jim and A.Ron are floored at the surge of pacing on the back half of this season’s Fargo, as typified in “The Lord of No Mercy”. Shocking events unfold as our hero, the technically challenged Gloria Burgle, goes head to head with the master of cyber sleuthing, VM Varga. Plus, what’s Nikki’s play? Does Emmitt have a change of heart and begin resisting Varga’s take over of his parking lot empire, or does the tragic accident of this episode wash away his humanity for good? Is this week’s frame-job this season’s Fishnado/UFO, or are we in for some more unlikely incidents and coincidence? All this and more in this week’s podcast!