Episodes
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Easily the best episode to date! This week on Taking It Down, Blaine, Adam, and Donovan start with the debacle of 'Paul vs. Tyson' on Netflix, which somehow results in what social media is of late (0:04).
For the non-spoiler section that begins each episode, they shift into the premiere of the second season of the Apple TV+ serires 'Silo' and determine if it fits the mold of "Dad TV" (4:39). What is "Dad TV," anyway? Keeping things spoiler-free, they also give an overview of the HBO show 'The Penguin' now that it is finished (14:08).
In the back half with spoilers, they discuss how 'Silo' and its themes are timely (18:38) and how 'The Penguin' became an elevated comic book story (34:35).
Links referenced:
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Any donations are appreciated!
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The weekly TV podcast begins with Adam, Donovan, and Blaine revealing the listener survey results, which had surprises on what people like and how they watch TV (1:30).
In the non-spoiler section of the podcast, they all determine that shows like 'Somebody, Somewhere' are great and have a pertinence in today's landscape (4:39). Blaine recounts generalized ideas about 'Janet Planet,' now streaming on Max (10:05). And Adam and Blaine give everyone a thumbs up on the Amazon Prime film 'My Old Ass' (11:20).
In the spoilers, Blaine unpacks more about 'Janet Planet' (16:48) before they all unpack all the lovely ideas in 'My Old Ass' (20:29).
Links referenced in this episode:
scottrouch.comFor more from the podcast and the host website, visit The Alabama Take.
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Missing episodes?
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This week, Blaine begins with an introduction for anyone listening on Election Day in the United States (0:01) before moving into non-spoiler thoughts on the Disney+ series 'Agatha All Along' (1:17). Its season finale coincided with Halloween, but did it have anything else going for besides fan service?
Then host of 'Takin' On Sports,' TD Wood, joins the show where they discuss the evolving dynamics of college football broadcasting (5:22). TD shares his perspectives on how this shift enhances some, but not all, football.
Then the two give non-spoiler thoughts on the Apple TV+ series 'Shrinking,' now in its second season (12:30). There is good and bad of the first three episodes of 'Shrinking' and its second season, and with spoilers, the hosts discuss what works and what may not, from acting to pacing to narrative (15:54).
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This week, Blaine announces a survey with a chance to win for listeners (1:35).
From there, it's a lot of TV to choose from. What do you pick (1:46)?
Then he recounts the journey of a particular Southern landscape of Jasper via 'TrueSouth' and its most recent episode on the SEC Network and Hulu without spoiling the latest from the show (3:32). Also in the non-spoiler section, he offers recommendations on the new documentary on Bruce Springsteen's touring life, 'Road Diary' on both Hulu and Disney+ (5:30).
In the spoiler section, it's an unpacking of heartfelt themes of family and work showcased in the latest episode of 'TrueSouth,' which features a poignant look at coal mining and its impact on families, particularly focusing on Caleb Johnson and his father, Ronnie (7:11) Additionally in the detailed part of the podcast, Blaine discusses the newly released documentary 'Road Diary,' which chronicles Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band's life and the emotional weight of aging, loss, and bonds (17:28).
To end, it's a quick reminder of the survey, which you can find linked here if you're interested in trying for a chance to win!
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As always, visit The Alabama Take site for all of the podcasts and compositions.
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On the weekly episode of the TV podcast, there are so many choices (0:38)!
To begin the non-spoiler section, Adam returns as he and hosts Blaine and Donovan try to unpack the quirky world of movie 'Hundreds of Beavers,' which truly exemplifies unconventional storytelling (0:59). The trio also explores the audience for 'Disclaimer,' a new series on Apple TV+, without any spoilers (7:57). The three dissect some of its themes and complexities while pondering who would appreciate it. Continuing in the early, non-spoiler part of the podcast, they talk about how 'The Penguin' and its third episode enhances the series as a whole (10:46).
As the spoiler section begins, they get into the competitive realm of 'The Challenge: Battle of the Eras,' where Adam shares what he's learned about certain dynamics (12:44). Donovan and Blaine try on 'Disclaimer' and its first two episodes: what's it about, those big choices, and the directing (21:11). To end, they discuss specifics of the third episode of 'The Penguin' and how it helped the show turn a corner well away from 'The Sopranos' (41:41).
Help the podcast or show some appreciation! Leave a one-time donation here: https://taking-it-down.captivate.fm/support
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This week on the TV and streaming podcast, Blaine offers a quick introduction (0:01) and finds out that Threads offers plenty of ideas on what not to do (2:19)!
Then Blaine and Donovan dive into the intriguing worlds of 'Bad Monkey' as the beginning of the nonspoiler section of the podcast (3:20). Blaine pits 'The Penguin' against 'Agatha All Along' and finds a clear winner in 'The Penguin' without ruining either (8:30).
Then the two get into spoiler discusses as they share their thoughts on how 'Bad Monkey' balances humor and drama, engaging characters, and witty dialogue (20:48). As the conversation shifts to the final two episodes of 'Bad Monkey,' they explore the emotional weight of this particular plot, particularly the twists and developments of a couple of characters.
With their signature Southern flair, they weave in self-effacing humor while dissecting plot points and character arcs, making for an entertaining and insightful listen. Join them as they navigate the complexities of these shows, offering a blend of analysis and silliness each week. Follow the show in your favorite podcast app or find more on The Alabama Take site.
To help this podcast and The Alabama Take Network of podcasts, feel free to leave a one-time donation here: https://taking-it-down.captivate.fm/support
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This week's episode begins with how to help out the podcast if you wanted (0:58) before moving into some brief thoughts on the new trailer for season two of 'The Last of Us' from HBO (2:51).
In the nonspoiler section, Blaine and Donovan discuss the visually captivating film 'I Saw the TV Glow' and the latest episode of 'The Penguin' (4:35).
As they shift to a deeper analysis and spoilers, listeners are treated to a rich exploration of 'I Saw the TV Glow,' where emotional weight and how it haunts are part of the discussion (14:02). The conversation continues with an examination of episode two of 'The Penguin,' focusing on character dynamics and the show’s take on Gotham's crime (37:58).
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For more, including the rest of the podcast network, visit The Alabama Take website.
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The latest episode of Taking It Down has the hosts hitting on four noteworthy TV shows this week all of which are all currently streaming. First, they begin with nonspoiler related thoughts on "Bad Monkey," "The Penguin," 'The Challenge: Battle of the Eras," and "Agatha All Along" (2:00).
After the overview and recommendations, they discuss the seventh and eighth episodes of "Bad Monkey" on Apple TV+, noting Vince Vaughn's standout performance and the show's balance of humor and intrigue, despite some uneven episodes (13:01). They then turn their attention to "The Penguin" on Max, where Colin Farrell's portrayal of Oswald Cobblepot - well, Cobb - is lauded for its odd humor and depth, although the show's overall worth is still up for debate (21:56). The conversation shifts to "The Challenge: Battle of the Eras" on MTV, where the Adam and Blaine debate whether the format truly serves the legendary competitors effectively (34:36). Lastly, Natalie returns to the podcast and she and Blaine talk "Agatha All Along" on Disney+. How does the blend of playful spookiness and adult humor work (48:44)?
For more, head to The Alabama Take website.
If you wish to help the podcast, feel free to leave a one-time donation: https://taking-it-down.captivate.fm/support
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In this episode, 'Taking It Down' kicks off by asking the audience for their input on podcast chatter (0:48) before diving into a spoiler-free comparison of Disney+ 'Agatha All Along' and Max's 'The Penguin' (2:22). Next, Donovan joins the show and the two hosts share recommendations for 'Bad Monkey' on Apple TV+ with no spoilers to begin (12:33) before covering Episodes Three through Six in detail and with spoilers (15:24). In it, the two analyze these episodes' plot developments, character arcs, standout moments, and why its so funny.
For this podcast and more, visit The Alabama Take site.
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It's the weekly episode with Blaine beginning things on how he came to DIRECTV and it almost got bad (1:36). Blaine then recounts not just how he came to enjoy the FX/Hulu show 'English Teacher' but what about it was the turning point -- all without spoilers (3:03).
Then Blaine and Donovan decide that 'The Old Man' from FX/Hulu will deserve their attention again (7:38).
What does it mean to binge a show and did you know what the research says (8:35)? They determine their preference before moving into some basics of the new season of the 'Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' Amazon series without ruining any plot points because Donovan just can't hold his tongue (11:56).
Blaine explains to Donovan why he and audiences will like 'English Teacher' but he gives no spoilers on it for those who may wonder if the show is for them (13:42).
They give an overview of 'Bad Monkey' on Apple TV+ (21:22) before a deep dive into why it works so damn well, which will have spoilers for the first two episodes (26:05).
Finally, Donovan and Blaine offer up some ideas for the next episode (45:17). Find them online or comment on The Alabama Take site to cast your vote.
This podcast is an Alabama Take production and part of The Alabama Take's network of podcasts. Each episode begins with no spoilers about TV and movies that are streaming.
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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).
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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).
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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/
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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!
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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!
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