Remote Control

An analysis of the opening episode of the Starz science-fiction espionage series. The conversation covers the show's gritty tone, the premise of dual realities, and the central performance of J.K. Simmons as he portrays two different versions of the same character.

The GCRN crew breaks down the first half of the final season of Breaking Bad. They discuss character arcs for Walter White, Jesse Pinkman, and Mike Ehrmantraut, the introduction of Todd and Lydia, and pivotal moments like the train heist and the mid-season finale cliffhanger. The team also explores the show's deliberate use of color, cinematography, and the intense, escalating tension as Walter's actions catch up with him.

We take a deep dive into the fourth season of Breaking Bad, examining the shifting power dynamics between Walt, Jesse, and Gus Fring. We discuss the intense, tightly wound narrative, the impact of the season's pacing, and specific standout episodes like 'Box Cutter,' 'Shotgun,' and 'Cornered.' Along the way, we analyze character arcs, the morality of the leads, and how the series handles long-term consequences and continuity.

A look at the 2007 FOX action series Drive, which followed twelve strangers participating in an illegal, high-stakes cross-country road race. The discussion covers the show's chaotic production history, its premature cancellation, and the difficulty of accessing the unaired final episodes today. The hosts examine key characters played by Nathan Fillion, Emma Stone, and Kevin Alejandro, alongside the show's complex plotting and varied soundtrack. They also explore the unaired pilot, recurring cast members with ties to comic book films, and why the series remains a compelling, albeit flawed, lost gem of mid-2000s television.

We dive into the Fox high-tech police procedural APB, discussing the premiere and the initial five-episode arc. We analyze the performance of Justin Kirk as tech billionaire Gideon Reeves, comparing his character arc and snarky persona to other well-known fictional figures. The conversation covers the ensemble cast, including Natalie Martinez as Detective Murphy, Ernie Hudson as Captain Conrad, and the standout return of Abe Benrubi. We also break down the show's integration of futuristic tech like drones and smart police gear into a modern-day Chicago setting and discuss the show's blend of procedural crime-solving with comic book-style action.

The show discusses the first five episodes of the NBC drama This Is Us, examining its nonlinear storytelling, emotional depth, and character arcs. The hosts debate the show's melodramatic nature and how it compares to other family-centric series. They also highlight key performances from Sterling K. Brown, Chrissy Metz, and Mandy Moore, and break down how the show handles complex themes like adoption, race, and weight. Finally, the discussion touches on the effective use of guest stars and the impact of the show's unique structure in the current television landscape.

The hosts discuss the third season of Breaking Bad, examining the show's shift toward darker character arcs and the evolution of the relationship between Walter White and Jesse Pinkman. They explore the introduction of key characters like Gus Fring and Mike Ehrmantraut, the impact of the Cousins, and the standout directorial choices in episodes like 'Fly.' The conversation also covers the show's effective use of flashbacks to flesh out the backstories of the RV and other series mysteries.

The hosts break down the second season of Breaking Bad, discussing Walter White's descent into moral bankruptcy, the introduction of Saul Goodman, and the memorable dynamic between Walt and Jesse. They reflect on the show's deliberate writing challenges, such as the plane crash flash-forwards, and critique the character arcs of Skyler and Marie. The conversation also covers the introduction of key figures like Hector Salamanca and the desert-set episode where the duo is left stranded, highlighting the dark humor and evolving tension that defines the series.

Mike and Ryan dive into Breaking Bad's first season, discussing Vince Gilligan's slow-burn storytelling approach and whether the deliberately paced drama lives up to its reputation. Mike initially found the show tedious compared to faster-paced procedurals like Law & Order, while Ryan binged seasons 1-3 on Netflix and became a devoted fan. They explore Walter White's character development from awkward, controlled chemistry teacher to someone asserting power through drug dealing, the chemistry (or lack thereof) between Walt and Skyler, and what the show is really saying about Walt's motivations—eventually revealed in season five when Walt finally admits he did it because he was good at it and it made him feel alive. They also discuss RJ Mitte's commitment to the role of Walt Jr., playing a character with cerebral palsy and even regressing his own therapy work to authentically portray the part, and compare Breaking Bad's approach to character-driven crime drama with The Shield. The hosts touch on the 2008 writers' strike that shortened season one to seven episodes, Dave Porter's minimalist score, and which later episodes they consider nearly perfect television.

Mike and DJ Valentine dive into Marvel's Luke Cage season one, discussing Mike Colter's breakthrough performance as the unbreakable hero, the show's deliberate homage to blaxploitation film aesthetic, and its bold engagement with police brutality and Black Lives Matter themes. They examine the pivotal mid-season villain shift from Cottonmouth to Diamondback, Rosario Dawson's standout role as Claire Temple across the Netflix shows, and the strength of the ensemble cast including Misty Knight and Pops. The conversation covers how the show's slow-burn storytelling and A Tribe Called Quest-influenced soundtrack create a noir atmosphere that sets it apart from other Marvel properties, and why Netflix's binge-release format enhances the viewing experience compared to traditional weekly releases.