Remote Control

The Remote Control crew examines Fox's Red Band Society pilot, a hospital-set drama following a group of terminally ill teenage patients who form an unlikely friendship. Hosts TFG1 Mike and Doug Able discuss how the show's ensemble cast—including Octavia Spencer as Nurse Jackson and Charlie Rowe as the comatose narrator—creates genuine character depth, comparing the series to Dead Poets Society for its camaraderie and emotional resonance. The episode also covers TV news from late October 2014, including renewals for The Flash and Jane the Virgin, cancellations like Manhattan Love Story, and casting updates for Arrow and Gotham.

The crew dives into The CW's Flash pilot, exploring Barry Allen's origin, his newfound speed powers following the Star Labs particle accelerator explosion, and the emergence of metahumans in Central City. They discuss the casting choices—including Grant Gustin as Barry, Candice Patton as Iris West, and Tom Cavanaugh reprising his role from the 1990s Flash series—and break down the special effects, particularly the lightning-fast speed sequences. The hosts also touch on the larger mythology hinted at in the pilot, including the mysterious red and yellow blur connected to Barry's mother's death and the show's connection to Arrow and the larger CW DC universe. Before the main review, the crew covers TV news including Gotham's full season pickup, casting updates for NCIS: New Orleans with Dean Stockwell and Scott Bakula reuniting, and Frank Langella joining FX's The Americans.

Mike and Doug dive into the CBS pilot for Stalker, a crime thriller from creator Kevin Williamson about the LAPD's Threat Assessment Unit. They discuss the show's premise following detectives Beth Davis (Maggie Q) and Jack Larsen (Dylan McDermott) as they investigate a fire-obsessed stalker, along with a secondary case involving aggressive harassment between college roommates. The hosts analyze the pilot's opening attack scene and its credibility issues, explore how the episode weaves multiple storylines together, and react to the creepy moments designed to unsettle viewers. Both give the show a cautious 2.5 out of 5 remotes, finding it holds their interest enough to watch a couple more episodes before deciding whether to continue, though they note the procedural format and reliance on Maggie Q's appearance feel familiar and somewhat derivative of CSI.