"Down Neck." In the lone episode of the series directed by a female (Lorraine Senna Ferrara), Jarod, Drew, and Josh discuss whether shows like The Sopranos perpetuate toxic masculinity. As the episode explores Tony's past, our hosts realize his nostalgia for the time may be unfounded. Are current TV audiences dumber than they've ever been, or do they just have shorter attention spans?
Links:
Rotten Tomatoes "Greatest HBO Original Series" Bracket (our motivation to end recency bias)
Psychologist vs. Psychiatrist Article
Snatch directed by Guy Ritchie on IMDb
Peter Jackson on IMDb
The Seventh Seal directed by Ingmar Bergman on IMDb
Once Upon a Time in the West directed by Sergio Leone on IMDb
Seven Samurai directed by Akira Kurosawa on IMDb
The Hidden Fortress directed by Akira Kurosawa on IMDb (Jarod misspeaks and calls it "The Last Fortress")
Roma directed by Alfonso Cuarón
Certified Copy directed by Abbas Kiarostami

Episode 7: Free Will vs. Destiny

With the recent oversaturation of critically acclaimed TV, are younger generations forgetting The Sopranos? Three millennials -- Jarod Backens, Drew Madden, and Josh Fink (who has never seen the show!) -- unpack each episode to determine if The Sopranos should still be considered the best show of all time. This millennial’s love letter is the perfect companion as you watch or re-watch the series.

TV & Film

Film Reviews

After Shows

"I Dream of Jeannie Cusamano." The season finale! Jarod, Drew, and Josh dive into the last episode of the season that changed TV forever. They ponder if Tony's real family or mob family are more important to the story. Is this the best first season in TV history?
 
Links:
Occam's razor on Wikipedia
Drew Madden Art Website
Josh Hasn't Seen The Sopranos on Twitter
Questions or comments? Reach out on www.jarodbackens.com 

Episode 13: A Mother Larger Than Life

"Isabella." Do heroes always get the worst assassins? Jarod, Drew, and Josh reflect on Tony hitting rock bottom and the tendency of characters in the show and people in real life disguising their emotions. Drew thwarts a dream bear from entering his tent.
 
Links:
"40 Hours a Week" Dumb and Dumber Clip
The Rascals Hall of Fame Induction Speech by Steven Van Zandt YouTube Video
Drew Madden Art Website
Josh Hasn't Seen The Sopranos on Twitter
Questions or comments? Reach out on www.jarodbackens.com 

Episode 12: Serotonin Syndrome

"Nobody Knows Anything." Is Livia Soprano the most powerful person in New Jersey? Jarod, Drew, and Josh rave about the show's ability to alter the audience's expectations on what's true and what's not. Josh believes Tony is a good leader as he navigates who the rat is in his crew.
 
Links:
Game theory on Wikipedia
Giancarlo Esposito Emmy Nomination Video on Twitter
Your Jordans Are F***ed Up! Video of Giancarlo Esposito in Do the Right Thing
Fear City (Netflix Documentary) on IMDb
Drew Madden Art Website
Josh Hasn't Seen The Sopranos on Twitter
Questions or comments? Reach out on www.jarodbackens.com

Episode 11: Mafia Game Theory

"A Hit Is a Hit." As the show shifts from the main season arc, Jarod, Drew, and Josh reflect on the versatility and wide range of themes of The Sopranos. Like Christopher, none of them can explain what makes a "hit." Do the heavy themes of The Sopranos make the show less approachable than other series?
 
Links:
Rich vs. Wealthy Chris Rock Standup Clip
Spike Lee Breaks Down His Film Heroes YouTube Video
Buffett's Bet with the Hedge Funds Article on Investopedia
Don't Keep Your Day Job Podcast
The Peter Attia Drive Podcast
BiggerPockets Podcast
Drew Madden Art Website
Josh Hasn't Seen The Sopranos on Twitter
Questions or comments? Reach out on www.jarodbackens.com 

Episode 10: The King Becomes the Jester

"Boca." Is The Sopranos a high quality soap opera? Jarod, Drew, and Josh attempt to define justice in terms of Tony and Artie's decisions in this episode. Josh thinks the series has reached the point of the entrée in a fine dining restaurant. Drew prefers his raft guiding blunders to the stresses Tony faces in his daily life.
 
Links:
Yes, Mad Men Is a Soap Opera The Atlantic Article
The Strange Brain of the World's Greatest Solo Climber Nautilus Article
Drew Madden Art Website
Josh Hasn't Seen The Sopranos on Twitter
Questions or comments? Reach out on www.jarodbackens.com

Episode 7: Free Will vs. Destiny

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