Taking It Down

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.

This week on Taking It Down, Blaine begins with a quick, non-spoiler thought on Netflix's The Gentlemen (2:59). From there, he discusses without spoiling Manhunt from Apple TV+ (3:16) and 3 Body Problem on Netflix with no spoilers (5:47). After a hello from Adam, the two give some non-spoiler thoughts on Shōgun overall (8:39) before discussing TV's odd schedule (9:44). From there, they discuss Shōgun's fifth episode "Broken To The Fist," which has spoilers from that point forward (11:24). 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.Find and talk to Taking It Down on Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky.As always, the YouTube channel for The Alabama Take features all episodes of this podcast and the rest of the family of podcasts.

The TV and streaming from The Alabama Take family of podcasts returns! This week, Taking It Down begins with a new introduction from host Blaine (0:00), which also includes a few non-spoiler thoughts about the Netflix series The Gentlemen starring Theo James and created by Guy Ritchie (4:20). The co-hosts then join the discussion: can they recommend the new series Shōgun on FX/Hulu (7:55)? After the suggestions for listeners, it's a deep dive into spoilers of the show that account for why Shōgun is as good as it is (12:37). Welcome back!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.Find and talk to Taking It Down on Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky.As always, the YouTube channel for The Alabama Take features all episodes of this podcast and the rest of the family of podcasts.

In this episode, Blaine and Donovan discuss the recent change in the video schedule for Taking It Down On Video (1:22) before they then delve into the setting of Alaska in True Detective: Night Country to answer the question: is it attempting too much (3:06)? To end, the two discuss various topics, including Apple TV+ originals, and other TV shows that could play a role for the podcast going forward (28:30), such as Manhunt, Constellation, Sugar, The Big Door Prize, Dark Matter, and The Lady in the Lake. Look at TV from a different angle: Taking It Down is the The Alabama Take's TV and streaming podcast from irrelevant Southern thinkers. Audio podcast is out every Tuesday morning and can be streamed above or with the links at the bottom of the page. The video component of the podcast airs on Wednesday evenings at 5:00 p.m. CST. Takeaways The change in the video schedule for Taking It Down on Video has been made to align better with the coverage of the challenge and to provide a separate entity for challenge discussion. The setting of Alaska in True Detective allows for an exploration of mental illness in a dark environment. The supernatural element in the show could benefit from a more subtle approach, with hints and glimpses rather than jump scares. The engaging endings of the episodes create anticipation for the next one and keep viewers hooked. The characters' mental states, such as Navarro's bleeding ears, add to the mystery and intrigue of the show. The unresolved storylines and the introduction of new characters, like Otis Heiss, leave viewers wanting more. Other TV shows, such as those on Apple TV, offer potential for exciting and compelling storytelling. The search for John Wilkes Booth after he kills Lincoln is a fascinating historical drama. Apple TV+ has a variety of original shows, including Constellation, Sugar, The Big Door Prize, Dark Matter, and The Lady in the Lake. Ash Wednesday is a significant day for Elvis Perkins fans. The Alabama Take brings you an entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! But we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

To begin, it's a quick question on the Expats on Amazon Prime (1:27), before shifting into Masters of the Air on Apple TV+ to land on how it holds up thus far against its predecessors from HBO (4:02). The hosts ask Donovan why he watches Bluey (20:38) before Donovan and Blaine break down "Part Three" of True Detective: Night Country to uncover just how good it is at its halfway point and to question if it leans to heavily into one particular aspect the first season may have avoided (24:07). At 5:00 p.m. CST on Tuesdays, you can watch the the weekly YouTube video segment, which has the group discussing how bad this season is of The Challenge: Battle for a New Champion as well as the dominating performance of the elimination winner. Takeaways The TV show Masters of the Air has received mixed reviews, with some praising its portrayal of World War II and others finding it lacking compared to previous war-themed series. The animated children's show Bluey has garnered a following among both kids and adults, with its relatable characters and heartwarming stories. The hosts express their opinions on various TV shows and highlight the importance of personal preferences when it comes to entertainment. The discussion of True Detective: Night Country "Part 3: provides insights and analysis of the episode, showcasing the hosts' engagement with the series. The show could potentially continue as an anthology series, exploring different themes and characters in each season. The portrayal of women in the series is complex and highlights their strength and resilience. Flashbacks provide insight into characters' pasts and relationships. Living in darkness for extended periods can have a significant impact on mental health. Unresolved threads, such as the trailer and effigy, leave room for further exploration in future episodes. The destruction of nature by human activities may be connected to the emergence of ancient horror. The Alabama Take brings you an entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! But we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going. Find the other podcasts in The Alabama Take network in any podcast app. Not only that, but all podcasts now appear in the YouTube channel for The Alabama Take. For Taking It Down, that includes both the audio version of the episode and the bonus footage from that week.

Look at TV from a different angle: Taking It Down is the The Alabama Take's TV and streaming podcast from irrelevant Southern thinkers. Audio podcast is out every Tuesday morning and can be streamed above or with the links at the bottom of the page. The video component of the podcast airs on Tuesday evenings at 5:00 p.m. CST. For this week, it takes a full episode to dig into the mysteries of "Part Two" of the captivating True Detective: North Country. After a brief discussion on some co-hosts' whereabouts and a quick story about Bob Dylan (2:33), Donovan and Blaine begin to unravel the second episode of the HBO series (3:23).