Back on the Block

The writers continue to bungle this Amanda-Michael smash-up. Plus: Jake gets terrible news and Allison gets a very surprising promotion. But most importantly, Doug and Karen do the pod together in the same room!

 

Karen tells us all about the Motley Crue biopic “The Dirt,” and Doug provides theatre reviews of “Be More Chill” on Broadway, “White Noise,” “Do You Feel Anger,” and “Smart Blonde.” Plus: Agnes Varda and Russell Howard.

Is it possible we have fighting writers at play here? Some of this week’s plot points directly contradict where we left off last episode. But we do get to see Kimberly be both frightening and sensitive. And we meet Brooke Armstrong for the first time!

We talk about “Buddy Vs. Duff,” review the shows “Ain’t Too Proud,” “Fleabag,” and “Accidentally Brave” and question the internal biases of those who watch entertainment for a living.

Amanda and Michael head to the Big Apple for her lymphoma treatment, with semi-surprising results. Plus: Alison and Billy handle a trying client, Sydney does not react to Jake and Jane’s budding relationship well, and the terrible Jo-Matt-John storyline finally comes to an end.

Doug has a serious question! Plus, reviews of “Gloria Bell,” "Leaving Neverland,” “Catastrophe,” “Countess and Friends,” and theater reviews of “Kiss Me, Kate,” “The Cake” and “The Mother.”

Wil Syd make it out alive from Martin’s cult? Will Amanda start taking her cancer seriously? Will Jo ever stop making stupid decisions?

We kick it East Coast and discuss the “Seinfeld” episode where “Melrose Place” pays a pivotal role. We also get sad, remembering the late Luke Perry, Stanley Donen, Albert Finney, Keith Flint and Katherine Helmond. Plus: discussion of the Morrissey concert on Broadway and reviews of “Daddy,” “Sea Wall/A Life,” and “Superhero.”

Special Guest Star Alyssa Maher joins us to rehash the Oscars with an emphasis on why people need to leave Bradley Cooper alone and why “Bohemian Rhapsody” somehow snookered everyone. We also revisit “Russian Doll” and review “Merrily We Roll Along” and “Hurricane Diane.”

Special Guest Star Alyssa Maher joins us as we primarily follow Amanda dealing with her cancer diagnosis and Sydney learning more about her new “friends.” Oh Syd. Poor Syd.