Joanna is first joined by ‘Shogun’ cocreator Rachel Kondo and writer Caillin Puente to discuss writing the penultimate episode, Mariko’s fate, making Ochiba a more layered character than her book counterpart, why they decided to cut out the hei

‘Shogun’ Finale Recap

7 days ago 55m 37s

Jo and Rob return to break down the ‘Shogun’ finale. They discuss the surprising restraint throughout the final episode, their feelings about the show as a whole, and the revelation behind Toranaga’s true intentions. Along the way, they talk ab

‘Shogun’ Episode 9 Recap

13 days ago 1h 21m

Jo and Rob return to break down the ninth episode of ‘Shogun.’ They discuss Anna Sawai’s impressive performance, Mariko’s intense standoff at the castle gates, and how the show has been gradually building up to “Crimson Sky.” Along the way, the

‘Shogun’ Episode 8 Recap

20 days ago 55m 56s

Jo and Rob return to break down the eighth episode of ‘Shogun.’ They discuss the grand introduction of Edo, the emotionally crushing tea room exchange between Mariko and Buntaro, and Blackthorne’s unexpected revulsion toward his men. Along the

‘Shogun’ Episode 7 Recap

27 days ago 53m 30s

Jo and Rob return to break down the seventh episode of ‘Shogun.’ They discuss the aftermath of Saeki’s betrayal, how Nagakado’s fate is a major departure from the book, and the many question marks surrounding Toranaga’s plan (or lack thereof).

‘Shogun’ Episode 6 Recap With Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo

Mar 26th, 2024 1h 36m

Jo and Rob return to break down the sixth episode of ‘Shogun.’ They discuss the effective use of flashbacks in this episode, the theatrics behind Toranaga’s political maneuvering, and how the show deftly deploys violence. Along the way, they ta

Did These ’80s Classics Stick the Landing?

Mar 20th, 2024 1h 46m

Andy Greenwald is joined by Tim Simons and Matt Walsh to discuss a handful of series finales from shows that represent the weird era of ’80s television including ‘St. Elsewhere,’ ‘Newhart,’ ‘ALF,’ ‘Sledge Hammer!,’ ‘Dallas,’ and ‘Dinosaurs.’ Th

‘Shogun’ Episode 5 Recap

Mar 19th, 2024 1h 14m

Jo and Rob return to break down the fifth episode of ‘Shogun.’ They discuss the multiple meanings behind the episode’s title, “Broken to the Fist,” the implications of Buntaro’s return, and Toranaga’s schemes within schemes. Along the way, they

Did ‘Eastbound & Down’ Stick the Landing?

Mar 13th, 2024 1h 8m

Andy Greenwald is joined by Chris Ryan to discuss “Chapter 29,” the series finale of ‘Eastbound & Down.’ They open by talking about Danny McBride’s uncut style of comedy, why the HBO series warrants an extended conversation including but not li

‘Shogun’ Episode 4 Recap

Mar 12th, 2024 56m 41s

Jo and Rob return to break down the fourth episode of ‘Shogun.’ They discuss the quiet brilliance of the moments between the action and conversations, the concept of the Eightfold Fence, and Fuji's much more prominent role in the story. Along t

Did ‘Twin Peaks’ Stick the Landing?

1 Mar 6th, 2024 1h 47m

Andy Greenwald is joined by Joanna Robinson to discuss “Beyond Life and Death,” the series finale of ‘Twin Peaks.’ Andy starts by talking about how the theorizing around the show made him fall in love with television, before they discuss the un

‘Shogun’ Episode 3 Recap

Mar 5th, 2024 58m 34s

Jo and Rob return to break down the third episode of ‘Shogun.’ They discuss the contrast between the show’s use of digital effects and its production design, what Toranaga’s clever getaway plan reveals about his character, and the bubbling conn

Did ‘The Larry Sanders Show’ Stick the Landing?

Feb 28th, 2024 1h 43m

Andy Greenwald is joined by Bill Simmons to discuss “Flip,” the series finale of ‘The Larry Sanders Show.’ They start by talking about why it’s one of HBO’s most underrated shows, why Garry Shandling was the perfect fit for the lead role, and h

‘Shogun’ Series Premiere Recap

Feb 27th, 2024 1h 13m

Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney reunite to break down the two-episode premiere of FX’s new series ‘Shogun.’ They open by unpacking the premise of the historical epic, its early adaptation choices, and its ties to the James Clavell novel of the

Did ‘The Leftovers’ Stick the Landing?

1 Feb 21st, 2024 1h 25m

Andy Greenwald is joined by Mina Kimes to discuss “The Book of Nora,” the series finale of ‘The Leftovers.’ They explain what attracted them to the HBO drama in the first place and their subsequent desire to convince others to watch it (2:32).

‘True Detective: Night Country’ Season Finale Deep Dive. Plus, Shōgun Preview.

Feb 20th, 2024 1h 11m

Jo and Rob return to break down the season finale of ‘True Detective: Night Country.’ They discuss their thoughts on both the final episode and the season as a whole, why Pete’s story feels unfinished, and how the big reveals land. Along the wa

Did ‘Freaks and Geeks’ Stick the Landing?

1 Feb 14th, 2024 1h 19m

Andy Greenwald is joined by Joanna Robinson to discuss “Discos and Dragons,” the series finale of ‘Freaks and Geeks.’ They open by talking about the show’s cultlike following, all of its famous alumni, and how NBC didn’t understand how to treat

‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ Review

Feb 13th, 2024 54m 28s

Charles and Jo give their thoughts on Donald Glover’s new spy comedy/drama on Prime Video, ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith,’ a reformulation of the iconic 2005 movie starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. They talk about Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s previous invol

‘True Detective: Night Country’ Episode 5 Deep Dive

Feb 13th, 2024 1h 9m

Jo and Rob return to break down the fifth episode of ‘True Detective: Night Country.’ They discuss the whereabouts of Raymond Clark, potential connections to ‘The Odyssey,’ and whether or not Rose is a ghost. Next, they talk about the gut-wrenc

Did ‘Girls’ Stick the Landing?

Feb 7th, 2024 1h 32m

Andy Greenwald is joined by Amanda Dobbins to discuss “Latching,” the series finale of ‘Girls.’ They start by providing context on the media environment at the time when the HBO comedy series premiered and how it was a bridge between the eras o

‘True Detective: Night Country’ Episode 4 Deep Dive

Feb 6th, 2024 1h 21m

Jo and Rob return to break down the fourth episode of ‘True Detective: Night Country.’ They discuss a roundup of the show’s recurring themes, including its continued use of teal, deepening connection to Sedna the sea goddess, and significant ex

Did ‘The Office’ Stick the Landing?

Jan 31st, 2024 1h 15m

Andy Greenwald is joined by Rembert Browne to discuss “Finale,” the series finale of ‘The Office.’ They open by describing their relationships with the beloved NBC sitcom and how impressive it is that ‘The Office’ has remained a centerpiece of

‘True Detective: Night Country’ Episode 3 Deep Dive

Jan 30th, 2024 1h 14m

Jo and Rob return to break down the third episode of ‘True Detective: Night Country.’ They discuss the vast use of teal and what it might symbolize, why the flashback sequences are so effective, and Danvers’s (at times misguided) maternal insti

‘True Detective: Night Country’ Theories

Jan 26th, 2024 28m 46s

Two episodes into ‘True Detective: Night Country,’ Charles and Van dive into their theories about who could be the killer, how the polar bear figures into the mystery, and more.Hosts: Charles Holmes and Van LathanProducers: Steve Ahlman and S

‘True Detective: Night Country’ Episode 2 Deep Dive

Jan 24th, 2024 1h 17m

Jo and Rob return to break down the second episode of ‘True Detective: Night Country.’ They answer a handful of listener emails and discuss the many connections to Season 1 that popped up in this episode and the complicated dynamics of the tigh