Assume It Will Be Brilliant

In this episode, Portia and Nomsa say goodbye as Season Five of the podcast comes to an end. From the surprise success of "Paradise" to the gripping themes in "The Bear," in a lively discussion they reflect on the season's highlights and share their thoughts on all the shows they wish they could have discussed with you this year. These include HBO MAX's riveting medical drama 'The Pit', Apple TV's Seth Rogen led satrical comedy 'The Studio', the second season of the ever popular video game based 'The Last of Us', and just to sprinkle in a little reality mess...Netflix's 'The Ultimatum Queer Love'. They share their insights on the realism of medical dramas, the humor in comedies, and the emotional depth of post-apocalyptic narratives, while also leaving room to critique the current state of their podcasting inspiration, the long-running Shonda Rhimes offering 'Grey's Anatomy'.

00:00 Season Five Reflections

04:28 Exploring 'The Pit'

12:35 'The Studio' on Apple TV

19:49 'The Last of Us' Season Two

26:44 Reality TV: 'The Ultimatum Queer Love' Discussion

32:46 Final Thoughts on 'Grey's Anatomy' Season 21

#TheLastOfUs #ParadiseShow #TheBear #ThePit #TheStudio #UltimatumQueerLove #FourSeasonsShow #GreysAnatomy

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Follow us on Instagram at @assumeitwillbebrilliantpod and email us at [email protected] with your thoughts!

Music: Humblux - S.H.E. Cali Greens - Artillery (Extended Clip) 8, 14, and 18

This week Nomsa and Portia make it a double feature! They discuss the third and final season of Hwang Dong-hyuk's mega hit Netflix show Squid Game alongside Apple TV's Jon Hamm led dark comedyYour Friends and Neighbors in order to tease out what both show have to say about the effects of capitalism society and the individual. They contrast and compare the different struggles of the characters in 'Squid Game' against those of the affluent but trapped lives in 'Your Friends and Neighbors'; consider the role of capitalism in shaping societal values and individual choices; and offer reflections on the power of spectacle and the human condition in a capitalist world.

00:00 - Introduction

05:30 - The global impact and themes of 'Squid Game'.

15:45 - Your Friends and Neighbors: Commentary on American capitalist culture.

25:00 - Juxtaposition of Wealth and Desperation: The two shows' portrayal of capitalism.

35:20 - The Power of Spectacle: How both shows reflect on societal values and human nature.

45:00 - Gender and Choices: The different choices faced by men and women in both shows.

55:30 - Final thoughts 

#SquidGame #Capitalism #TVShows #PodcastDiscussion

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Follow us on Instagram at @assumeitwillbebrilliantpod and email us at [email protected] with your thoughts!

In this episode, Nomsa and Portia delve into a Pod favorite - the fourth and fantastic season of FX's hit fine dining Chicago based dramedy - 'The Bear'. They explore the shows main characters' development and emotional self-actualization arcs, as well as the show's brilliant balance of humor and gravity. Nomsa and Portia also touch upon the importance of specificity in cultural representation and the depth of relationship and conflict among characters. The conversation highlights key episodes and concludes with reflections on the finale, and how it potentially sets the stage for future character growth and narrative direction.

00:00 Introduction and Empowerment

01:52 Exploring Season Four of The Bear

07:50 Character Development and Emotional Journeys

12:07 Realistic Conversations and Monologues

16:38 Family Dynamics and Vulnerability

22:03 Cultural Representation and Personal Growth

25:41 Mentorship and Cultural Connections

28:53 Exploring Bicultural Experiences

31:54 Family Dynamics and Emotional Labor

36:05 Navigating Relationships and Vulnerability

40:39 The Finale: Growth and New Beginnings

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Follow us on Instagram at @assumeitwillbebrilliantpod and email us at [email protected] with your thoughts!

Music: Humblux - S.H.E. Cali Greens - Artillery (Extended Clip) 8, 14, and 18

In this episode, Nomsa and Portia discuss the sixth and final season of Hulu's TV adaptation of the classic text by Margaret Atwood eponymously named The Handmaid's Tale. In this conversations, as usual, they delve into the themes and character dynamics of the show, exploring it's relevant and dystopian world of Gilead where the roles of women are strictly and opressively prescribed, and where those without power are constantly navigating the complexities of acting ethically and morally within, outside and against an oppressive regime. Nomsa and Portia discuss all the main characters and how their journeys reflect broader societal issues. The conversation highlights the show's critique of patriarchy, the struggle for identity, and the consequences of compliance and resistance, culminating in reflections on the series finale, its lasting impact, and speculation on whether further adaptations of Margret Atwood's work to continue the story are forthcoming.

CW: Mentions of sexual assault and violence

00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Show

01:56 Dystopian Themes and Women's Subjugation

06:28 Character Arcs and Emotional Struggles

10:24 Resistance and the Fight for Freedom

17:48 Complex Relationships and Betrayals

24:36 Closure and Reconciliation

31:40 The Future of Gilead and the Ongoing Struggle

Instagram: @assumeitwillbebrilliantpod 

Music: Humblux - S.H.E. Cali Greens - Artillery (Extended Clip) 8, 14, and 18

In this episode, Nomsa and Portia discuss the series finale, season 5 of Netflix's 'You'. They focus on the character of Joe Goldberg and the themes of trauma, wealth, power, and accountability, as well as the show's dark humor and societal commentary and reflections. They explore Joe's relationships, his relationship tp those relationships, and the delusions that both he and the women around him experience. Overall, they highlight the show's ability to provoke thought about the nature of evil, the consequences of actions, and the societal structures that enable and hide such behaviors, allowing them to persist.

00:00 Introduction to the Series Finale of 'You'

01:29 Character Analysis: Joe Goldberg's Journey

04:51 The Complexity of Joe's Relationships

09:16 The Show's Dark Humor and Themes

10:41 Casting and Performance Highlights

12:34 The Delusion of Joe Goldberg

17:17 Societal Reflections on Wealth and Power

22:28 The Impact of Wealth on Accountability

26:33 Character Dynamics and Family Rivalries

29:45 The Illusion of Change in Abusive Relationships

34:50 Concluding Thoughts on the Series and Its Themes

Instagram: @assumeitwillbebrilliantpod 

Music: Humblux - S.H.E. Cali Greens - Artillery (Extended Clip) 8, 14, and 18

In this episode, Nomsa and Portia delight in disucssing the deeply moving and technical triumph that is Netflix's hit psychological crime drama Adolescence. They explore the shows themes of of masculinity, the impact of social media and technology on youth, the complexities of victimhood and accountability, and the societal judgments and implications of a narrative surrounding a young boy accused of murder for misogynistic reasons. Ultimately, they highlight the need for deeper and more honest conversations about gender, masculinity, and violence in contemporary society.

01:04 Overview of 'Adolescence' Series

02:59 Character Analysis and Performances

07:55 Themes of Masculinity and Adolescence

11:58 Psychological Insights and Parental Dynamics

17:55 The Impact of Technology and Society

24:02 Exploring Violence and Responsibility

29:56 Cultural Reflections and Gender Dynamics

37:30 Concluding Thoughts on Masculinity and Media

Instagram: @assumeitwillbebrilliantpod 

Music: Humblux - S.H.E. Cali Greens - Artillery (Extended Clip) 8, 14, and 18

In this episode, Portia and Nomsa delve into the intricacies of Apple TV's 'Severance', focusing on its second season while reflecting on the entire series. They explore the concept of severance, where employees have their memories split between work and home lives, leading to profound moral dilemmas. The hosts discuss character dynamics, the slow-burn narrative style, and the overarching themes of power, control, and grief. They also touch on the show's mysteries and plot twists, emphasizing the emotional depth and complexity of the characters. Focusing on the characters' motivations and the implications of their actions in the shows unique (but somewhat universal) corporate environment, they delve into the intricate emotional arcs presented in the second season, discuss the satirical elements of work-life balance, and what is anticipated for the upcoming third season.

00:00 Introduction to Severance

01:05 Understanding the Concept of Severance

04:47 Character Dynamics and Relationships

08:59 Themes of Power and Control

11:34 The Slow Burn Narrative

16:25 Mysteries and Plot Twists

20:45 Grief and Redemption

22:58 Exploring Character Dynamics and Motivations

29:24 Favorite Scenes and Emotional Arcs

35:31 Work-Life Balance and Satirical Elements

43:41 Anticipating Season 3 and Character Developments

Instagram: @assumeitwillbebrilliantpod 

Music: Humblux - S.H.E. Cali Greens - Artillery (Extended Clip) 8, 14, and 18

In this episode, the hosts discuss the Apple TV show 'Shrinking,' focusing on its themes of grief, therapy, and community. They explore character dynamics, particularly the relationships between the main character, Jimmy, and those around him, including his daughter, friends, and colleagues. The conversation highlights the show's blend of comedy and drama, emphasizing the importance of healing through relationships and the complexities of personal growth. They explore themes of community dynamics, the confrontation of shame and guilt, and the distinction between growth and change in relationships. The hosts also share their favorite characters and predictions for future seasons, reflecting on the show's ability to tackle serious topics with humor and heart.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Show and Hosts

01:06 Overview of 'Shrinking' and Its Themes

05:08 Character Dynamics and Relationships

10:11 Season Two Developments and Character Growth

15:09 Community and Healing Through Relationships

20:04 The Role of Therapy and Personal Growth

25:11 Exploring Shame and Compassion

29:54 Character Favorites and Predictions for the Future

Instagram: @assumeitwillbebrilliantpod 

Music: Humblux - S.H.E. Cali Greens - Artillery (Extended Clip) 8, 14, and 18

In this episode, we discuss the Hulu series 'Paradise,' exploring its plot, and delving into the show's commentary on class and power dynamics. We also chat about the role of music in setting the atmosphere, and as usual give our overall impressions of the writing and storytelling style. It’s safe to say we loved this one and can’t wait for future seasons. We hope you enjoy!

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Paradise

01:12 Plot Overview and Character Introductions

05:16 Initial Impressions and Themes

10:01 Character Development and Writing Style

19:30 Exploring Themes of Class and Power

28:08 The Role of Music and Atmosphere

35:55 Concluding Thoughts and Future Expectations

Instagram: @assumeitwillbebrilliantpod 

Music: Humblux - S.H.E. Cali Greens - Artillery (Extended Clip) 8, 14, and 18

And we're back! In this episode, Nomsa and Portia reconnect and welcome you to the first episode of Season Five to reflect on their personal growth, life changes, the current state of the world and what's in store for the season. They discuss their experiences over the past months, including challenges in their careers and personal lives, while also sharing their thoughts on various tv shows they've been enjoying. The conversation touches on themes of mental health, societal issues, and the importance of laughter and joy amidst chaos.

00:00 Welcome Back to Season Five!

01:41 Reflections on Life and Growth

10:31 Navigating Current Events and Social Issues

12:56 Recommendations and Reviews

Shows mentioned:

• ​The Yellowstone Series and Spinoffs
• ​Apple TV+'s Multiple offering in general
• ​The creepiest of creepies known as Netflix's You
• ​Amazon Prime's Wheel of Time
• ​Reality TV Classic 'Survivor'
• ​The beloved, longstanding, and probably past it's prime Grey's Anatomy
• ​And more!

Instagram: @assumeitwillbebrilliantpod 

Music: Humblux - S.H.E. Cali Greens - Artillery (Extended Clip) 8, 14, and 18