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.
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Watch us record the podcast, including all the sound checks, flubs, and riveting research breaks that you’ve always wished you could see… Hey, at least you can hear the podcast before anyone else.
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?
Watch us record the podcast, including all the sound checks, flubs, and riveting research breaks that you’ve always wished you could see… Hey, at least you can hear the podcast before anyone else.
Special thanks to DrKen (previous commissioner of The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance) for commissioning this great thriller from the 90’s, The Fugitive, starring Harrison Ford as brilliant doctor wrongfully accused of the murder of his wife evading the dogged pursuit of Tommy Lee Jones as U.S. Marshal. This is one of the tightest films you’ll ever see, effortlessly moving from one set piece to another, drawing strength and vitality from the charisma and presence of it’s two brightest stars, achieving the rare balance where you want the protagonist and antagonist to find a way to both win. We have fond memories of this film from our youth, and we found it held up like Ford’s Finger ‘O Doom. Thanks again, DrKen! If you ever have to evade justice, we got a couple of bucks and a bed in the basement for you!
Jim and I discuss who won the week! A short week, as Better Call Saul took it’s ball and went home for Memorial Day, but Fargo and The Leftovers really came strong. Will Fargo have enough stuff to overcome the excitement of The Leftovers’ penultimate episode? Then we talk about Silicon Valley (00:05:12 ) and T.J. Miller’s career prospects for a bit before signing off.
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!
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Ridiculous ad of the week is back, along with questions involving TV, politics and foolishness.
Hey everybody! DC has made a good post-Nolan superhero movie! Wonder Woman isn’t perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but Patty Jenkins directs Gal Gadot as a powerful avenging war goddess striding across the battlefield, but instills the heroine with enough human-scaled heart to keep us emotionally engaged. The film looks and sounds great, and Chris Pine is very good as a gender-bent damsel in various distress. Please enjoy our spoiler-free review and discussion of upcoming movies, but if you want to hear our spoiler filled deep dive, you’re going to have to be a Club Member!
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…