TV Gold

This week on the TV Gold podcast, Andrew Mercado and James Manning review two very different crime dramas and a documentary screening on SBS On Demand. Black Rabbit (Netflix, 8 episodes) Jude Law and Jason Bateman play brothers Jake and Vince Friedken. Vince returns to the New York restaurant they launched together, but his presence triggers an endless succession of bad decisions that plunge the brothers and the business into trouble. The brothers’ family, friends and employees are also caught in the whirlpool. Death Valley (BritBox, 7 episodes) A Welsh cosy crime mystery series that follows the unlikely crime-solving partnership between an eccentric national treasure John Chapel (Timothy Spall), a retired actor and star of hit fictional detective television show Caesar, and socially obtuse Detective Sergeant Janie Mallowan (Gwyneth Keyworth). The People Vs Robodebt (SBS, 3 episodes) The series from Michael Cordell and CJZ follows the extraordinarily brave people who fought against the system after almost half a million Australians were hounded to pay back debts they did not owe. The documentary hears from Robodebt victims and their angry families, the crusading social media activists, the whistleblowers and investigative journalists, the tenacious lawyers, as well as the forgotten victims of Robodebt: the Centrelink workers who battled the system from within – their complaints falling on deaf ears.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hack (Stan, 7 episodes)Mystery Road: Origin (ABC, 6 episodes)Outrageous (BritBox, 6 episodes) In this episode, James Manning and Andrew Mercado review three television series: 'The Hack' on Stan, 'Mystery Road Origin' on ABC, and 'Outrageous' on BritBox. They discuss the at times confusing dual narrative structure of 'The Hack', the challenges faced by the makers of 'Mystery Road: Origin' in maintaining its franchise quality, and the captivating real-life story of the Mitford sisters in 'Outrageous'. The conversation highlights the expectations, disappointments, and successes of the different series.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on TV Gold, Andrew Mercado and James Manning discuss four new series: Top End Bub (8 episodes, Prime), I Fought the Law (4 episodes, Stan), Morning Wars (10 episodes, AppleTV+), and Aka Charlie Sheen (2 episodes, AppleTV+) • Top End Bub (8 episodes, Prime)Miranda Tapsell has co-created an impressive sitcom spun off from her 2019 movie Top End Wedding. • I Fought the Law (4 episodes, Stan)A memorable performance (again) from Sheridan Smith, this time as Ann Ming in the inspiring real-life story of a mother who, driven by unimaginable grief, finds strength to challenge the centuries-old British Double Jeopardy Law to see her daughter’s murderer finally brought to justice after a 15 year battle. • Morning Wars (10 episodes, AppleTV+)Following last season's merger between the UBA and NBN networks, there are more unhinged power grabs for the TV business, plus a plane crash unfolding live on air, unbelievable romantic liaisons, an unlikely story involving false imprisonment, a Russian oligarch and a night at the opera…and that’s just some of the plot lines that the cast led by Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston take viewers on. • Aka Charlie Sheen (2 episodes, AppleTV+)With seven years of sobriety behind him, Sheen opens up like never before, tackling the rumours, scandals, and self-inflicted chaos that have always threatened to cut him down. The doco features revealing interviews with those who know Sheen best, from family and friends to Hollywood insiders — and even his former drug dealer! Interview guests include Denise Richards, Heidi Fleiss, Jon Cryer, Sean Penn, Ramon Estevez, Brooke Mueller, Chris Tucker and Two and a Half Men creator Chuck Lorre.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on TV Gold, mystery dramas set in London, Rotterdam and Philadelphia. Your hosts Andrew Mercado and James Manning review:The Girlfriend (Prime, 6 episodes)Task (HBO Max, 7 episodes)Safe Harbor (SBS On Demand, 8 episodes) • The Girlfriend (Prime, 6 episodes)Based on Michelle Frances' novel of the same name, The Girlfriend follows Laura (Robin Wright), a woman who seemingly has it all: a glittering career, a loving husband, and her precious son, Daniel. Her perfect life begins to unravel when Daniel brings home Cherry (Olivia Cooke), a girlfriend who changes everything. After a tense introduction, Laura becomes convinced Cherry is hiding something. Is she a manipulative social climber, or is Laura just paranoid? The truth is a matter of perspective. Andrew called this “trash” and James objected! • Task (HBO Max, 7 episodes)Set in the working class suburbs of Philadelphia, an FBI agent (Mark Ruffalo) heads a Task Force to put an end to a string of violent robberies led by an unsuspecting family man (Tom Pelphrey). From the creator of Mare of Easton, Brad Ingelsby. • Safe Harbor (SBS On Demand, 8 episodes)Starring Jack Gleeson (Joffrey Baratheon in Game of Thrones), Charlie Murphy (Happy Valley), Alfie Allen (Theon Greyjoy in Game of Thrones) and Martijn Lakemeier, the crime drama is based around an Irish mob that are looking to make the most of Rotterdam’s drug-trafficking friendly port.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the TV Gold podcast, reviews of The Paper (Binge/Foxtel, 10 episodes)I, Jack Wright (ABC iview, 6 episodes)Brian and Maggie (HBO Max, 2 episodes) The Paper (Binge/Foxtel, 10 episodes)From the makers of the US version of The Office, a spin-off about a local newspaper in Ohio that has an ambitious new editor-in-chief (played by Domhnall Gleeson) who is saddled with a very small and unqualified staff. I, Jack Wright (ABC iview, 6 episodes)A British drama that follows the events that unfold after Wright family patriarch Jack is found dead from a supposed suicide, leaving his family devastated over his death.Th grief soon turns to confusion when it is revealed his wife and two sons have been left out of his will. An intriguing drama as his death is investigated and the brilliant cast face of against each other in court. Brian and Maggie (HBO Max, 2 episodes)It’s 1989.  Brian Walden and Margaret Thatcher come together for their last ever TV interview. Little did they know they were about to embark on one of the most famous political exchanges of all time. The 45-minute showdown became a national talking point and helped set in train a series of events that ended with Margaret’s resignation. Afterwards, they never spoke again…Steve Coogan plays Brian Walden, the ‘much feared inquisitor’ and Harriet Walter plays prime minister Margaret Thatcher.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the TV Gold podcast Andrew Mercado and James Manning review: The Thursday Murder Club (Netflix, movie)Hostage (Netflix, 5 episodes)The Rainmaker (Stan, 10 episodes)Alone Africa (Stan 10 episodes) • The Thursday Murder Club (Netflix, movie)The much-anticipated film based on Richard Osman’s first crime novel. The four members of the The Thursday Murder Club are Helen Mirren as ex-spy Elizabeth, Ben Kingsley is ex-psychiatrist Ibrahim, Pierce Brosnan is ex–union activist Ron, and Celia Imrie takes on the role of ex-nurse Joyce. • Hostage (Netflix, 5 episodes)TV Gold favourite Suranne Jones stars as the newly elected British Prime Minister Abigail Dalton, whose husband is kidnapped while he is working overseas. Julie Delpy features as the French president, Vivienne Toussaint, who is visiting the UK while grappling with her own political problems including being blackmailed over a sex scandal. • The Rainmaker (Stan, 10 episodes)Based on the best-selling novel by John Grisham. The plot features Rudy Baylor (Milo Callaghan), who is fresh out of law school. He gets an internship at a major law firm, but manages to get sacked on his first day after a run in with the boss (John Slattery). He can’t find work anywhere else except for a small time ambulance chasing law firm run by a woman called Bruiser (Lana Parrilla). • Also mentioned this week is Alone Africa, as the American series of the franchise move from SBS to Stan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the TV Gold podcast:Playing Gracie Darling (Paramount+, 6 episodes)Alien Earth (Disney+, 8 episodes)Home and Away: Farewell Lynne McGranger (7plus)And Just Like That: Farewell everybody (HBO Max) Listen to the podcast here: https://pod.link/1106441089 Playing Gracie Darling (Paramount+, 6 episodes) Playing Gracie Darling is an Australian supernatural crime drama about a missing girl, Gracie Darling, who vanished after a séance in 1997, and a second girl who goes missing 27 years later when local teens reenact the game of "Playing Gracie Darling". The series follows Joni, Gracie's former best friend, as she returns to her small hometown to uncover what happened to Gracie and prevent the history from repeating itself. Created and written by Miranda Nation (Undertow) also writer Anya Beyersdorf (creator of Fake) and directed by Jonathan Brough (Rosehaven, The End), Playing Gracie Darling features an  international cast led by New Zealand’s Morgana O’Reilly (The White Lotus Season 3, Friends Like Her) as Joni, Dame Harriet Walter (Succession, Ted Lasso) as Pattie, and Rudi Dharmalingam (Wakefield, The Lazarus Project) as Jay. The Australian cast includes Celia Pacquola (Love Me, Rosehaven) as Ruth Darling, Annie Maynard (Colin From Accounts, Upper Middle Bogan) as Anita, Dan Spielman (The Code, New Gold Mountain) as Peter, and screen icon Anne Tenney (The Castle, A Country Practice) as Moira Darling. Alien Earth (Disney+, 8 episodes) When a returning exploration space vessel crash-lands on Earth, a young woman and a group of tactical soldiers make a fateful discovery that puts them face-to-face with the planet’s greatest threat in this sci-fi horror series. Led by Sydney Chandler, the series showcases an international cast which includes Alex Lawther, Timothy Olyphant, Essie Davis, Samuel Blenkin, Babou Ceesay, David Rysdahl, and Adrian Edmondson. Home and Away: Farewell Lynne McGranger (7plus) Irene Roberts, a beloved character on the long-running Australian television series Home and Away, departed the show in an emotional farewell episode. But could it have been better handled and who was missing from then show this week? And Just Like That: Farewell everybody (HBO Max) The conclusion of HBO series And Just Like That marks the apparent end of the Sex and the City universe on television, though fans and critics have expressed mixed feelings about the final season's "open-ended" resolution and overall quality. Andrew was along for the ride all the way, listen to his final thoughts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the TV Gold podcast Andrew Mercado and James Manning review:The Family Next Door (ABC/iview, 6 episodes)The Hunting Wives (Stan, 8 episodes)Wednesday (Netflix, Season 2, 8 episodes) The Family Next Door (ABC/iview, 6 episodes)The mysterious Isabelle moves into a small seaside cul-de-sac where her obsessive drive to solve a mystery casts suspicion on four neighbouring families. Based on bestselling Australian author Sally Hepworth's novel.Features great performances from a stunning cast woking with a wonderful script. That cast includes Teresa Palmer, Bella Heathcote, Bob Morley, Catherine McClements, Jane Harber, Daniel Henshall, Ming-Zhu Hii and Philippa Northeast. The Hunting Wives (Stan, 8 episodes)Having recently moved from Boston to East Texas, Sophie and Graham O’Neil attend a party at the home of Graham’s boss, Jed Banks. Sophie has an unexpected bonding encounter with Jed’s wife, Margo, and is introduced to the hunting wives, Margo’s inner circle of affluent friends. A wild and saucy drama about what real housewives of Texas might get up to. Wednesday (Netflix, Season 2, 8 episodes)Season 2 of the Netflix hit series from director Tim Burton. This series sees Wednesday’s parents Morticia and Gomez spend more time at the Nevermore Academy, as does her brother Pugsley. Joining the cast this season in guest roles are Joanna Lumley and Lady Gaga.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the TV Gold podcast Andrew Mercado and James Manning review: • The Twelve (Binge, Season 3, 8 episodes)• Chief of War (Apple TV+, 9 episodes)• Mandy (Prime Video, Season 4, 6 episodes) The Twelve (Binge, Season 3, 8 episodes)The cold case murder of two teens in 1968 becomes the focus of attention when an English teacher is murdered, whilst researching a book on the crime. The husband of a friend of barrister Brett Colby (played by Logie-winner Sam Neill), is charged with the current murder – but he swears he is innocent. Twelve jurors, who are sworn in for the trial, find their own lives are changed by the experience. Chief of War (Apple TV+, 9 episodes)Performed by a predominantly Polynesian cast led by Jason Momoa, the series follows the epic and unprecedented telling of the unification and colonisation of Hawai’i at the turn of the 18th century. Mandy (Prime Video, Season 4, 6 episodes)Mandy - a hapless, jobless heroine whose daft adventures mostly end in disaster. She's got big dreams, but can she actually be bothered? Created by and starring Diane Morgan. With the fourth season about to drop in Australia, now is a good time to discover this series on Prime Video. Plus Andrew updates on his trip – this week he has been in Belfast. He is also pretty annoyed about The Logies and one of its winners in particular.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the TV Gold podcast with Andrew Mercado and James Manning it is Keeley Hawes week with: The Assassin (Stan, 6 episodes)The Assassin follows retired assassin Julie (Keeley Hawes) and her estranged son Edward (Freddie Highmore) as they are forced to flee an idyllic Greek island when Julie’s dangerous past catches up with her. With questions around Edward’s paternity and Julie’s past life as a hitwoman, the pair go on the run across Europe, working together in a fight for survival. Miss Austen (ABC/iview, 4 episodes)Miss Austen is a  story about the bond between two sisters, Jane Austen - one of our England’s most cherished novelists - and her sister Cassandra. Very little is known about Cassandra, who figured hugely in Jane’s life. What Gill Hornby did in her novel about the two is pull together many of the historical facts about Jane and her family set-up, and fashion it into this story about the two sisters and their importance to each other. We also discuss six Keeley Hawes roles we have enjoyed the most. PLUSOutrageous (BritBox, 6 episodes)A British drama about the Mitford sisters in 1930s Britain and the scandal that enveloped two of the sisters flirtation with fascism and a friend ship with Adolph Hitler. Also Andrew has been watching a bunch of new British television episodes plus he updates on his visits to iconic British TV institutions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the TV Gold podcast Andrew Mercado is in Manchester on his global tour and James Manning is in the northern NSW TV Gold studio. Listen here: https://pod.link/1106441089 Shows reviewed this week: Untamed (Netflix, 6 episodes)Eric Bana and Sam Neill team up for this mystery set in California’s Yosemite National Park, yet filmed in Canada. Eric Bana reminds us what a talented actor he is as he investigates the death of a woman who seems to have been living in the park. He’s a cranky special agent, but as the series unfolds we learn why. Billy Joel: And So It Goes (HBO, 2 part documentary)This is a lot of Billy Joel – close to five hours if you watch both parts. But you just might come away a much bigger fan of this talented singer/songwriter than you were previously. Bookish (HBO Max, 6 episodes)London 1946 is the setting for series one, with viewers introduced to the appropriately named Gabriel Book (Mark Gatiss) who owns a bookshop in Archangel Lane. Book spends most of his time successfully helping police solve murders. Sold (Foxtel/Binge, documentary)Comedian Mark Humphries goes on a journey to uncover why so many Australians are struggling to secure home ownership. He delves into the complex housing debate, looking at the current house prices, soaring rent, and the "Australian Dream" that feels more out of reach than ever. Guests include Alan Kohler and Ray Martin. Other podcasts mentioned this episode that we recommend: The Rest is Entertainment: https://pod.link/1718287198Club Random with Bill Maher: https://pod.link/1613459129 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tvgoldpodcast/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Such Brave Girls (Season 2, 6 episodes, Stan)Too Much (Netflix, 10 episodes)Patience (ABC iview, 6 episodes)alsoThe Bear (Season 4, Disney+, 8 episodes) In this episode, James Manning and Andrew Mercado review two new comedies, Season 2 of Such Brave Girls and Len Dunham's Too Much, followed by a discussion on the crime drama Patience and Season 4 of The Bear. They explore the strengths and weaknesses of each show, highlighting themes of relationships, comedy, and the portrayal of neurodivergence in a TV crime drama.Takeaways this episode:• 'Too Much' is based on Lena Dunham's life experiences.• The cast of 'Too Much' includes actors like Rita Wilson, Naomi Watts and Richard E. Grant.• 'Such Brave Girls' is praised for its dark humour and relatable characters.• The family relationship dynamics in 'Such Brave Girls' are central to its comedy.• The portrayal of mental health in 'Such Brave Girls' is both humorous and poignant.• 'Patience' features a neurodivergent protagonist solving crimes.• The show 'Patience' is an adaptation of a French series.• 'The Bear' continues to explore the chaos of restaurant life.• The episode concludes with a preview of Andrew's upcoming trip to the UK. Chapters00:00Introduction to new comedies07:22Exploring Such Brave Girls Season 2 and Too Much18:05Diving into Patience crime drama24:49The Return of 'The Bear and who some people have tuned outSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of TV Gold, hosts James Manning and Andrew Mercado discuss three shows: Families Like Ours (SBS On Demand, 7 episodes)Enigma (HBO Max documentary feature)The Backside of Television (Foxtel/Binge) They delve into the emotional and societal themes presented in 'Families Like Ours', the intriguing lives of Amanda Lear and April Ashley in 'Enigma', and the historical insights provided by 'The Backside of Television'. The conversation highlights the impact of streaming services on viewing habits and the importance of cultural narratives in television. Highlights include: 'Families Like Ours' presents a harrowing yet brilliant concept. The show explores the impact of climate change on families. Character decisions in 'Families Like Ours' lead to deep emotional responses. 'Enigma' reveals the hidden lives of Amanda Lear and April Ashley. The documentary highlights the struggles of trans individuals in the past. 'The Backside of Television' uncovers lesser-known stories of Australian TV history. Mitch McTaggart's research is commendable and insightful. The hosts emphasise the importance of representation in media. Cultural reflections in these shows resonate with current societal issues. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This bonus episode of TV Gold delves into the revival of the iconic Australian television show Number 96, exploring its historical significance, production challenges, cultural impact, and the future of Australian classics in the streaming era. Andrew Mercado shares insights on the show's groundbreaking themes, its reception, and the efforts to bring it back to audiences through the streaming service Brollie.Takeaways from this special episode:Number 96 was a groundbreaking show in the 70s.The show tackled social issues like LGBT representation and domestic violence.Andrew Mercado worked on a project to make all the episodes available.The original tapes of Number 96 are degrading and need digitisation.The show was a massive ratings hit, airing five nights a week.Number 96 featured a mix of drama and comedy, appealing to diverse audiences.The tabloid press played a significant role in the show's popularity.The introduction of colour TV marked a turning point for the show.Brollie is working with Andrew to revive and stream other classic Australian TV shows.UK fans are using VPNs to access Brollie and watch Number 96.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the TV Gold podcast. Listen on Spotify, Apple and more…links here.https://pod.link/1106441089 • Smoke (Apple, 9 episodes)Inspired by true events, “Smoke” follows an arson investigator who begrudgingly teams up with a police detective as their race to stop two arsonists ignites a twisted game of secrets and suspicions. Great cast includes Taron Egerton, Jurnee Smollett, Rafe Spall, Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine and Greg Kinnear. • Hal & Harper (Stan, 8 episodes)Hal & Harper are codependent siblings (played by Cooper Raiff and Lili Reinhart) doing their best to navigate long-term relationships, friendships, and situationships. When their dad (played by Mark Ruffalo) makes a big announcement, the two are forced to consider the current state of their lives and their complicated childhood.  • My Mom Jayne (Max, movie)In her feature film directorial debut—and the first time she has delved into her mother Jayne Mansfield’s story—Mariska Hargitay searches for the mother she never knew almost six decades after the Hollywood legend’s tragic death. A must-see HBO documentary for people interested in Hollywood history and iconic movie stars.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this bonus TV Gold episode, Bay of Fires cast member Ilai Swindells (Sammi the tech expert) talks with Andrew and James about working on the hit ABC drama co-created by Marta Dusseldorp. We go behind the scenes to hear about the casting, filming on location in western Tasmania and how the cast were greeted by the locals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reviews this week of two Australian productions, a US family saga and a British medical drama. • Bay of Fires S2 (ABC iview, 8 episodes)Season 2 of Marta Dusseldorp’s Bay of Fires sees her taking charge of the strange community that inhabits Mystery Bay. • Little Disasters (ABC iview, 6 episodes)This British psychological medical thriller explores female friendships and motherhood. An impressive ensemble cast is led by Diane Kruger and Jo Joyner. • The Waterfront (Netflix, 8 episodes)A US drama series from the creator of Dawson’s Creek about the fictional Buckley family. Set against the backdrop of coastal North Carolina, The Waterfront explores family dynamics and the lengths people will go to when their legacy is on the line. • The Surfer (Stan, movie)When a surfer (played by Nicolas Cage) returns to Australia to buy back his family home after many years in the US, he is humiliated in front of his teenage son by a group of local surfers who claim ownership over the secluded beach of his childhood. Being hailed by some as a cult classic, The Surfer was shot in a single location in Yallingup in Western Australia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mix Tape (Binge/Foxtel, 4 episodes)An Australian/Ireland co-production telling the story of a teenage romance in Sheffield which ends abruptly with some unanswered questions. Later in life the former lovers reconnect which impacts their current relationships. Young lovers Alison and Daniel steel the show. Mr Loverman (Binge/Foxtel, 8 episodes)Lennie James stars as Barry. The flamboyant dresser is a celebrity in Hackney, but he carries a secret none in the family or his community know about. Will revealing it cause pain for his family and friends? Echo Valley (AppleTV+ movie)Justifiably being billed as an “edge-of-your-seat thriller” starring Julianne Moore as Kate, who goes to extraordinary lengths to help her troubled daughter Claire, played by Sydney Sweeney.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Four impressive series this week that all were in the running for TV Gold Show of the Week. • The Survivors (Netflix, 6 episodes)Producer Tony Ayres has crafted a murder mystery set in Tasmania that will keep you guessing until the final episode. Great cast led by Robyn Malcolm and Damien Garvey. • Brassic (SBS On Demand and Netflix, 6 seasons)Hilarious British comedy series set in Northern England which has somehow evaded TV Gold until its sixth season. More great performances here including co-creator Joe Gilgun  and Andrew Mercado favourite Michelle Keegan. • Dept Q (Netflix, 9 episodes)Detective Carl Morck (played by Matthew Goode) isn’t particularly easy to get along with. Morck is a notorious figure in his adopted home of Edinburgh, Scotland, an English detective who gets under the skin of everyone around him. Watch it for Goode’s lead role, but stay for the brilliant work of co-star Chloe Pirrie. • This City Is Ours (Stan, 8 episodes)Sean Bean stars in this crime drama set and filmed in Liverpool, with additional filming in Spain. This City is Ours is the story of Michael (James Nelson-Joyce), a man who for all of his adult life has been involved in organised crime. Bean the the crime family patriarch and there’s lots of family drama playing out across the eight episodes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week two dramas about sisters and the much anticipated movie from Succession creator Jesse Armstrong. • Sirens (Netflix, 5 episodes) Watch for the exploration of the relationship between working-class Buffalonian Devon DeWitt (Meghann Fahy) and her younger and somewhat more successful sister Simone (Milly Alcock). Stay for the husband and wife dynamics between socialite Michaela Kell (Julianne Moore) at the lavish beachside estate she shares with her billionaire husband, Peter (Kevin Bacon). • The Better Sister (Prime Video, 8 episodes) A thriller that centres around Chloe (Jessica Biel), a high-profile media executive (think Anna Wintour), who lives a picturesque life with her handsome lawyer husband Adam (Corey Stoll) and teenage son Ethan (Maxwell Acee Donovan) by her side while her estranged sister Nicky (Elizabeth Banks) struggles to make ends meet and stay clean. • Mountainhead (Max, movie) A story about four very nasty tech tycoons, good friends on the surface but cutthroat underneath, who gather for a poker weekend at the luxurious home of the poorest of them, the one who is only worth half a billion dollars! Jason Schwartzman is Hugo, the host and creator of a meditation app, angling to get one of his friends to invest a billion or so in his business.  Steve Carell is Randy, the oldest of the group, whose contacts in Washington, DC can influence the military and the country's power grid. Diagnosed with incurable cancer, he can't believe money can't fix that, but hopes to cheat death by getting his friends to create an artificial intelligence able to upload a human brain.  Ramy Youssef is Jeff, whose company has a super-efficient AI, and who appears to be the most humane of the four (which isn't saying much).  Cory Michael Smith is Ben, the owner of a social media app called Traan, and the world’s richest man. Also this week – James visits Clarkson’s pub which features in the new season of Clarkson’s Farm (prime Video) and Andrew has watched new And Just Like That (Binge).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.