Parenting Roundabout

Every Wednesday, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property, and currently, that's Running Point. We continue to enjoy the performances here, and many of the jokes, but think the writers are consulting the sitcom tropes playbook a bit too often. Mentioned: Joe Mande, a writer and producer on both The Good Place and Parks & Rec; Shrinking.

Next Wednesday, we'll watch season 1, episode 8, "The Streak." We'll be back tomorrow with our weekly roundup.

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. The "two" of the title might refer to the unlikely pairing of Ana Lucia and Jack's father, Christian Shephard, or to the two castaways who lose their lives in the shocking final minutes of the episode.

Next Tuesday, we'll continue with season 2, episode 21, "?." (That's not a typo.) Tomorrow, we'll continue our discussion of a newer show, Running Point.

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week.

Catherine's library find is a picture book called Bear in a Bathrobe by Maddie Frost. Check out the cover to see the bathrobe—and the matching ice skates. Mentioned: Back After This by Linda Holmes.

Terri's random recommendation is a qualified plug for the AeroPress coffee maker, which works well under specific circumstances.

In the archives, we checked in on an episode from 2019, reporting on the critters in our lives.

Next week's lineup: 

• Lost S2 E20, "Two for the Road," on Tuesday, May 6
• Running Point S1 E7, "A Special Place in Hell," on Wednesday, May 7
• Weekly roundup on Thursday, May 8

Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

This episode was recorded before a live studio audience ... of dogs.

Every Wednesday, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property, and currently, that's Running Point. This episode had the entirely predictable sitcom move of "angry rant is recorded and broadcast," as well as the now-common for this show move of "Marcus saves the day." Mentioned: Grizz and Dot Com on 30 Rock, Councilman Jamm on Parks & Rec, and Take Your Child to Work Day.

Next Wednesday, we'll watch season 1, episode 7, "A Special Place in Hell." We'll be back tomorrow with our weekly roundup.

This episode was recorded before a live studio audience ... of dogs.

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. This episode gave us Rose and Bernard's story (turns out, Bernard is ... a lot) and showed us that Rose and Locke have something in common. Meanwhile, pieces are being put into place for a confrontation with the Others as the end of the season draws nearer. Mentioned: Michael Emerson (who plays Not-Henry Gale) on his wife Carrie Preston's show, Elsbeth, and his own show, Person of Interest.

Next Tuesday, we'll continue with season 2, episode 20, "Two for the Road." Tomorrow, we'll continue our discussion of a newer show, Running Point.

​This episode was recorded before a live studio audience ... of dogs.

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week.

Catherine's library find is The Wedding People, a novel by Alison Espach that's circulating heavily at her library and lived up to the hype. Mentioned: The movie Elizabethtown.
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Terri's random recommendation is a writer she's shouted out before, Brian Grubb. This time, he's got a take on Reacher that delighted both Terri and her husband. If you haven't watched the show, here's a scene to give you a taste.

In the archives, we checked in on an episode from 2018 on sharing, and when it's OK not to.

Next week's lineup: 

• Lost S2 E19, "S.O.S.," on Tuesday, April 29
• Running Point S1 E6, "The Yips," on Wednesday, April 30
• Weekly roundup on Thursday, May 1

Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

This episode was recorded before a live studio audience ... of dogs.

Every Wednesday, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property, and currently, that's Running Point. This episode brought us the inevitable falling-into-a-pool-in-formalwear moment (three out of five Gordons), which is definitely some kind of sitcom law. And though raised by a single mom, Jackie shows he's savvy enough to play Mom against Dad, or in this case, brother against brother. Mentioned: Retta and Ike Barinholtz praising Max Greenfield's dance moves on Good Hang with Amy Poehler.

Next Wednesday, we'll watch season 1, episode 6, "The Yips." We'll be back tomorrow with our weekly roundup.

This episode was recorded before a live studio audience ... of dogs.

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. This episode was nothing but sad, as we flashed back to Hurley's time in a psychiatric hospital and learned more about who was (and wasn't) there with him.

Next Tuesday, we'll continue with season 2, episode 19, "S.O.S." Tomorrow, we'll continue our discussion of a newer show, Running Point.

​This episode was recorded before a live studio audience ... of dogs.

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week.

Catherine's library find is a series of children's early chapter books starring a rat named Ratnip. And yes, there's one about a slice of pizza.
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Terri's random recommendation this week is a celebrity podcast. We'd only do this for Amy Poehler! Mentioned: The Afterparty and the Parks & Recollection podcast.

In the archives, we checked in on an episode from 2016 (!) on the parenting finish line. Mentioned: Our discussion on how to define "young adult."

Next week's lineup: 

• Lost S2 E18, "Dave," on Tuesday, April 22
• Running Point S1 E5, "Beshert," on Wednesday, April 23
• Weekly roundup on Thursday, April 24

Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

This episode was recorded before a live studio audience ... of dogs.

Every Wednesday, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property, and currently, that's Running Point. This week, two brothers are entirely absent, but the other two are uncomfortably close, as Ness camps out at Sandy's pristine (clearly child-free) home. Meanwhile, Isla's usual "flip the script, come out on top" plan doesn't come together by the end of the episode. Mentioned: Korean dol ceremony and Brian Grubb's "Customer Reviews of the White Lotus Family of Resorts."

Next Wednesday, we'll watch season 1, episode 5, "Beshert." We'll be back tomorrow with our weekly roundup.

This episode was recorded before a live studio audience ... of dogs.