How to avoid some social media problems? The introduction this week of Taking It Down makes its case (0:01). Blaine begins with a thanks to many listeners and friends which leads to thoughts on evolution (1:11). Blaine gets Donovan into the show by talking general TV, including 'Bad Monkey,' 'Ripley,' and those two shows' relationships to what happened on TV this weekend with college football (2:19). Donovan offers up his recommendation without spoilers on the Netflix series 'Ripley' (9:48). From there, the hosts then dig deeply into back half of 'Ripley' and its themes of identity, ambition, and class (10:43). They explore the character of Tom Ripley and his complex relationships with other characters, as well as the use of art and symbolism throughout the show, including interpretations on those aspects and more. Expect spoilers in the back half after that ten minute mark. To end, it's a tease of what to come next week and why Donovan reads the newsletter (41:01).
Blaine laments his illness of Covid (2:09) which makes him have time for a little college football TV antics before he dissects what's possibly worth everyone's time this coming Fall on TV. Find some shows, watch along, and we may cover those after covering 'Ripley' on Netflix (5:08) and 'Bad Monkey' from Apple TV+ (6:35). Towards the middle Blaine is joined by Corey Hannah (12:42), host of both 'Alabama Slam' and 'We Are A Star War' to talk about one of the podcast that has to go to everyone's surprise. 'Alabama Slam' ends, but Blaine gets Corey to look back on the show, which episodes were best, which surprised, and what will happen next (19:41). There, Corey brought the heat on a player on 'The Challenge' whom he has grown tired of hearing. Who could it be (24:04)? And the guys end with ideas on the current season of 'The Challenge: Battle for the Eras' (26:22).
The podcast comes out of its yearly August break with TV you should miss and TV you can't miss! Adam's short movie marathon during the break included the perplexing 'Kneecap' and the ADHD-fueled 'Deadpool and Wolverine,' but it all leaves Blaine bewildered and Adam twitchy (5:56). No spoilers! The hosts dive into 'Lady in the Lake' from Apple TV+, 'Ripley' on Netflix, and 'The Challenge: Battle of the Eras' on MTV—find out which shows made the cut and why (16:04).Spoilers ahead! The hosts unleash on 'Lady in the Lake,' calling it not just bad, but a total disaster—Blaine even watched it twice to make sure (19:56). From there, the hosts discover the haunting beauty of Netflix's 'Ripley' and what sets it apart from other versions, including a transportation into its eerie world (28:46). Finally, it's Adam’s passionate take on 'The Challenge: Battle of the Eras,' which will convince you it’s the show to watch all season long as well as some insights you may have missed (44:37).Taking It Down is part of The Alabama Take's podcast network. Mentioned in the episode is the music of SemiAthletic, which can be found here: https://www.semiathletic.com/The Seddy Bimco, Part Two, The Revenge podcast can be found here: https://www.seddy-bimco-part-2-the-revenge.com/
This this short episode from Taking It Down, Adam discusses what books are perfect if a musician is on tour (2:42) and the whole crew discusses the hits and misses of the third season of 'The Bear' (4:53). In the last bit, Blaine welcomes back his special guest for a quick review of 'IF,' a movie now streaming on Paramount+ (11:08). Taking It Down will take a two-week break and will return on August 20th. Subscribe or follow so that you don't miss any episodes of the podcast. Find a lot more, including a whole podcast network, on The Alabama Take.
This week begins with no spoilers but some thoughts on how 'Presumed Innocent' came to its ending (1:27). Once Adam and Donovan join the conversation, talk turns to that big Olympics opening and question why Blaine hates the competitions (4:29) before catching their breaths over the huge Comic Con news from Marvel (13:09). Or was it as big as the MCU thinks? Is Marvel playing scared? The guys discuss all the trailers from the previous weeks, including thoughts and ideas on 'A Complete Unknown,' 'The Penguin,' 'Joker: Folie à Deux,' and 'Gladiator 2' (23:12). Does 'House of the Dragon' continue to fly? Is the magic truly back? If not, what's grounding it (33:10)? Lastly, they introduce the new Netflix series 'The Decameron' from the ancient text of the same name, yet this is a comedy about the Black Death. Does it work, and who's it for (37:35)? Spoilers for the show's first episode begins later (46:54). Join the show each Tuesday morning and find more podcasts in The Alabama Take's network of podcasts.
This week, Blaine begins with why you should be watching 'Presumed Innocent' as it winds down for the finale this week (1:52) before he gets into spoilers for the show penultimate episode (3:04). From there, it's episodes five and six of this season of 'House of the Dragon' with spoilers (7:27) before he brings in a special co-host for a brief trip into Disney+ (19:08). To end, it's a wrap on the season of 'The Bear': episodes nine and ten plus overall thoughts (21:21). To find more, visit The Alabama Take, the site's writings, and family of podcasts.
It all boils down to family and dysfunction this week on Taking It Down. Blaine begins with his weekly thoughts on 'Presumed Innocent' which will have spoilers (1:18). Adam and Donovan join to talk about the dragon warfare and political drama of the fourth episode of 'House of the Dragon,' titled "The Red Dragon and the Gold" (5:15). In the second segment, they discuss episodes five through eight of the new, third season of 'The Bear' which is streaming on Hulu (32:25).
This week, Blaine recommends 'Presumed Innocent' on Apple TV+ with no spoilers (1:57) before getting into the specifics of what makes it worth watching (4:37). Once Adam and Donovan join, they reveal some random TV they normally don't discuss on the podcast (11:43) before the entire crew dig into the third episode of 'House of the Dragon,' titled "The Burning Mill" (14:58). After a break, Donovan and Blaine unpack the first four episodes of 'The Bear,' including all the fear on the screen that simmers (37:19). Follow the podcast on social media and for all things related to The Alabama Take, visit the home site.
It's a stellar episode this week as Blaine welcomes any new listeners, of which there are several these days (0:01). Plus, there's the newsletter, and Blaine explains why it exists (0:51) as well as what's new in the store (1:54). Apple TV+ cancels 'The Big Door Prize' and he explains why that's both sad and worrisome (2:13). Blaine previews next week (3:28) before getting into the week of TV with co-hosts Adam and Donovan, and that includes a bad Biden performance (4:21). Adam and Blaine discuss 'Bodkin' from Netflix in general (5:28) before spoiling their final thoughts on the series as a whole (8:31). Then everyone chimes in on 'House of the Dragon' and its second episode in broad terms (17:49) before diving into the spoilers of that episode (20:39). Blaine and Donovan reflect on what may be to come from this season of 'The Bear' without any spoilers (37:27). Then they give overall opinions on 'Dark Matter' from Apple TV+ (40:32) before discussing specifics of the great finale (44:27). Visit The Alabama Take for more!
It's a bonus episode this week! For episode 201, Blaine Duncan begins with a few odd stats with the podcast (1:43) before giving very brief and non-spoiler thoughts the Netflix show 'Eric' (2:19) and the Apple TV+ series 'Presumed Innocent,' which could be the show of the summer (3:17). And since he's had time to wrap up '3 Body Problem' on Netflix, he offers his final thoughts without spoilers on how the show worked for him overall (6:36).The conversation then transitions to a discussion about the Netflix movie 'Hit Man' (11:43) where the crew discuss if it is worth your time without spoilers (11:43). The hosts provide their opinions on another Netflix series, 'Bodkin,' which followers a podcaster and a mystery as well as themes of identity, true crime, and small-town dynamics (15:29). The timestamp for spoiling only the first four episodes begin a little later (15:29). From there, it's brief ideas on 'Presumed Innocent' and why its so fun as Blaine tries to convince the guys to watch it with his own preview (31:02). Then it's 'Dark Matter' with no reveals (32:35) until they transition to all spoilers with the Apple TV+ show: it is a high-quality, thrilling sci-fi show that successfully balances big questions with exciting storytelling (34:00). Be sure to follow along on social media and The Alabama Take!
It is Episode 200! Blaine offers some background of The Alabama Take and the podcast (2:56) and a preview (5:56). When Donovan and Adam join, the hosts reflect on their journey with Taking It Down (7:18). Then it's one of their favorite segments in quite some time: listener questions (9:31)! With listeners' help, they discuss other media (10:12), TV shows they enjoy despite being unpopular (16:18), their favorite moments from the podcast (22:45), the best part about having a podcast (27:40), Ethel Cain and her music (28:34), their favorite series since beginning (29:20), the recent final of 'The Challenge: All Stars' (32:16), if they've changed opinions now (32:56), the best episode they've ever produced (37:16), what they got right through the years (38:46), the definition of done up real good (41:38), and bread (42:50). Then they briefly review the Star Wars series 'The Acolyte' on Disney+ with no spoilers (43:56) before diving into spoilers for the first episode of 'House of the Dragon' (47:29).
This week, Taking it Down begins with some thoughts on the next episode, which will be the 200th of the podcast (1:26)! How can you get in on the action? After that, Blaine gives final thoughts on 'Sugar' from Apple TV+ with no spoilers now that it has ended its run (2:08) as well as a check-in with no spoilers on 'Under the Bridge,' which is nearing its final installment (3:51). After everyone joins the show, the question is, how do we feel now that Bob Dylan is 83 (6:02)? It's TV talk from there. The crew begin talking about 'Dark Matter' and its first two episodes without spoilers before breaking down some specifics of what makes it a good show (9:36). After the break, it's the documentary now on Netflix titled 'Butterfly in the Sky: The Story of Reading Rainbow,' which has the crew reminiscing on both 'Reading Rainbow' and poignant stories on reading itself (23:05). You won't want to miss the ending.
This week, Blaine checks in on 'Manhunt' from Apple TV+ (1:23) before pondering why people are missing 'The Big Door Prize' (3:15). When the entire crew joins, they toss ideas for the upcoming 200th episode (7:16) before discussing the depth of the ideas in 'Dark Matter' as well as non-spoiler thoughts on the show itself from Apple TV+ (9:38). After that, they decide how they feel about the announcement of two more seasons of 'Shōgun' (20:30). After the break, Blaine and Donovan discuss episodes four and five of the HBO series 'The Sympathizer': was it purposefully without intention? (28:20). As always, join The Alabama Take on the site to see all that happens in and around the entire podcast family and compositions. https://www.thealabamatake.com
Blaine flies solo this week, but not without a lot to say. This week's episode begins with some of the latest from The Alabama Take (0:16) before he gives brief and non-spoiler thoughts on the fourth episode of 'The Sympathizer' (1:15). He ponders the news on 'Shōgun' (1:44), recommends 'Dark Matter' on Apple TV+ (2:53), and explains what '3 Body Problem' needs to do if he's to continue its path (3:56). The big topic, though, is spoilers: they should be handled with care and respect for the creators and viewers, and Blaine uses a particular one at the culture site Vulture and author Kathryn VanArendonk (4:46). It will leave you fired up or feeling sorry for the critic. You can judge! Be sure to subscribe to The Alabama Take's newsletter at https://thealabamatake.com/newsletter and find many more essays and thoughts on The Alabama Take site.
This week, Blaine begins with various TV shows without spoilers, including final thoughts on 'The Gentleman' on Netflix. From there, it's a brief opinion on the most recent episode of 'Under the Bridge' on Hulu; he gets to the big event of the Apple TV+ show 'Sugar'; then he comes down more friendly on 'Manhunt' from Apple TV+. Adam and Donovan join and they all discuss the direction and lack of criteria for 'The Challenge: All-Stars' The guys offer ideas and opinions on the current fourth season of the spin-off series. After the break, it's the second and third episodes of the HBO adaptation of the book 'The Sympathizer.' It's a lot about duality, identity, and the absurdity of war as they unpack their feelings on the two entries. Plus, a whole lot of Robert Downey Jr. Find more on TheAlabamaTake.com
This week, Blaine begins with a few non-spoiler thoughts on the Netflix sensation 'Baby Reindeer' (0:42) before he laments all the shows that seem worth watching, from 'The Sympathizer,' 'Under the Bridge,' 'The Big Door Prize,' all the way down to 'Manhunt' (2:26). What should be next? From there, the entire crew join in to talk without spoilers on 'Shōgun' (4:42) before breaking down the incredible finale in depth with spoilers (7:21). To end the episode, Donovan and Blaine discuss the first four episodes of 'Baby Reindeer' in more depth (28:25). As always, check out the site TheAlabamaTake.com for more and hop on the newsletter by visiting https://thealabamatake.com/newsletter -- this week only, it comes with a fun quiz!
This week, Blaine starts with an entire bundle of television. First, he lets listeners know how to leave the podcast a voice message (1:30) as well as how to sign up for The Alabama Take's newsletter (2:16). Then it's the new series from Netflix 'Baby Reindeer,' which is gaining some traction; this segment does not contain spoilers for the show (2:46). After that, Blaine returns to the Apple TV+ show 'Sugar' to discuss a few things from the fourth episode, all without spoilers (5:28). Hulu's new series 'Under the Bridge' has his attention. He recaps some of his broad thoughts on it without spoiling any of it (6:27). From there, Donovan and Adam join the show, and Donovan gives his recommendation on the new HBO series 'The Sympathizer' in the spoiler-free section (9:36). It's full spoilers from that point as all three are eager to talk about the penultimate episode of 'Shōgun,' "Crimson Sky" (15:18). Then it's more in-depth with the first episode of 'The Sympathizer' as Blaine and Donvoan talk about its blend of comedy and gravitas and if that's sustainable (35:15). Find a lot more at TheAlabamaTake.com as well as the YouTube channel for The Alabama Take.
This week, Blaine begins with The Alabama Take and its newest endeavor: a newsletter, plus some more news (1:40)! Blaine then talks about headlines in pop culture that contain spoilers for TV shows and movies -- and he calls out names (3:30). Donovan joins the podcast, and they briefly discuss what they may think of the new Apple TV+ series 'Franklin' since they have yet to see it (8:30). They discuss a few spoiler-free things related to Shōgun (12:16) before getting into the specifics and spoilers of the eighth episode, titled "The Abyss of Life," with boils with intensity (13:45). Blaine also reviews the latest episode of 'Sugar' and its developing mystery which may be too easy to have determined (33:28). For the newsletter, head to https://www.thealabamatake.com/newsletter to sign up!Also, visit www.thealabamatake.com and leave any voice message for any podcast! Join in!
In this week's TV and streaming coverage on Taking It Down, the hosts discuss the TV series Shōgun and the two-episode premier of the Apple TV+ show Sugar. To begin, Blaine has brief thoughts without any spoilers for 3 Body Problem from Netflix (2:07) and Manhunt (3:09) before he brings in Adam and Donovan to give them advice on transcripts with podcasts (4:07). From there, the hosts talk about both Shōgun (5:02) and Sugar (6:51) with no spoilers as they determine if they would recommend each. From there, it's a deep discussion on the seventh episode of Shōgun titled "A Stick of Time" (8:52). On the back half of the episode, Blaine reveals the specifics of why Sugar delivers a knock-out punch with two episodes (31:22).
Host Blaine flies solo this week to discuss what in the world is up with Mary Poppins (3:54) before he talks broadly about Shōgun with no spoilers (6:03) and then dissects the sixth episode of Shōgun titled "Ladies of the Willow World" (7:19). This week's episode features an ad from our friends at the podcast Polyphonic Press, a show for music fans of all stripes where each week the hosts review a classic album from a list of over one-thousand releases from all genres of music. The twist? They have no idea what album will spin! Join them on Tuesdays for a new classic album and listen along to rediscover (or discover) the best in music.