Taking It Down

Easily the best episode to date! This week on Taking It Down, Blaine, Adam, and Donovan start with the debacle of 'Paul vs. Tyson' on Netflix, which somehow results in what social media is of late (0:04).

For the non-spoiler section that begins each episode, they shift into the premiere of the second season of the Apple TV+ serires 'Silo' and determine if it fits the mold of "Dad TV" (4:39). What is "Dad TV," anyway? Keeping things spoiler-free, they also give an overview of the HBO show 'The Penguin' now that it is finished (14:08).

In the back half with spoilers, they discuss how 'Silo' and its themes are timely (18:38) and how 'The Penguin' became an elevated comic book story (34:35).

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The weekly TV podcast begins with Adam, Donovan, and Blaine revealing the listener survey results, which had surprises on what people like and how they watch TV (1:30).

In the non-spoiler section of the podcast, they all determine that shows like 'Somebody, Somewhere' are great and have a pertinence in today's landscape (4:39). Blaine recounts generalized ideas about 'Janet Planet,' now streaming on Max (10:05). And Adam and Blaine give everyone a thumbs up on the Amazon Prime film 'My Old Ass' (11:20).

In the spoilers, Blaine unpacks more about 'Janet Planet' (16:48) before they all unpack all the lovely ideas in 'My Old Ass' (20:29).

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This week, Blaine begins with an introduction for anyone listening on Election Day in the United States (0:01) before moving into non-spoiler thoughts on the Disney+ series 'Agatha All Along' (1:17). Its season finale coincided with Halloween, but did it have anything else going for besides fan service?

Then host of 'Takin' On Sports,' TD Wood, joins the show where they discuss the evolving dynamics of college football broadcasting (5:22). TD shares his perspectives on how this shift enhances some, but not all, football.

Then the two give non-spoiler thoughts on the Apple TV+ series 'Shrinking,' now in its second season (12:30). There is good and bad of the first three episodes of 'Shrinking' and its second season, and with spoilers, the hosts discuss what works and what may not, from acting to pacing to narrative (15:54).

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This week, Blaine announces a survey with a chance to win for listeners (1:35).

From there, it's a lot of TV to choose from. What do you pick (1:46)?

Then he recounts the journey of a particular Southern landscape of Jasper via 'TrueSouth' and its most recent episode on the SEC Network and Hulu without spoiling the latest from the show (3:32). Also in the non-spoiler section, he offers recommendations on the new documentary on Bruce Springsteen's touring life, 'Road Diary' on both Hulu and Disney+ (5:30).

In the spoiler section, it's an unpacking of heartfelt themes of family and work showcased in the latest episode of 'TrueSouth,' which features a poignant look at coal mining and its impact on families, particularly focusing on Caleb Johnson and his father, Ronnie (7:11) Additionally in the detailed part of the podcast, Blaine discusses the newly released documentary 'Road Diary,' which chronicles Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band's life and the emotional weight of aging, loss, and bonds (17:28).

To end, it's a quick reminder of the survey, which you can find linked here if you're interested in trying for a chance to win!

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On the weekly episode of the TV podcast, there are so many choices (0:38)!

To begin the non-spoiler section, Adam returns as he and hosts Blaine and Donovan try to unpack the quirky world of movie 'Hundreds of Beavers,' which truly exemplifies unconventional storytelling (0:59). The trio also explores the audience for 'Disclaimer,' a new series on Apple TV+, without any spoilers (7:57). The three dissect some of its themes and complexities while pondering who would appreciate it. Continuing in the early, non-spoiler part of the podcast, they talk about how 'The Penguin' and its third episode enhances the series as a whole (10:46).

As the spoiler section begins, they get into the competitive realm of 'The Challenge: Battle of the Eras,' where Adam shares what he's learned about certain dynamics (12:44). Donovan and Blaine try on 'Disclaimer' and its first two episodes: what's it about, those big choices, and the directing (21:11). To end, they discuss specifics of the third episode of 'The Penguin' and how it helped the show turn a corner well away from 'The Sopranos' (41:41).

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This week on the TV and streaming podcast, Blaine offers a quick introduction (0:01) and finds out that Threads offers plenty of ideas on what not to do (2:19)!

Then Blaine and Donovan dive into the intriguing worlds of 'Bad Monkey' as the beginning of the nonspoiler section of the podcast (3:20). Blaine pits 'The Penguin' against 'Agatha All Along' and finds a clear winner in 'The Penguin' without ruining either (8:30).

Then the two get into spoiler discusses as they share their thoughts on how 'Bad Monkey' balances humor and drama, engaging characters, and witty dialogue (20:48). As the conversation shifts to the final two episodes of 'Bad Monkey,' they explore the emotional weight of this particular plot, particularly the twists and developments of a couple of characters.

With their signature Southern flair, they weave in self-effacing humor while dissecting plot points and character arcs, making for an entertaining and insightful listen. Join them as they navigate the complexities of these shows, offering a blend of analysis and silliness each week. Follow the show in your favorite podcast app or find more on The Alabama Take site.

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This week's episode begins with how to help out the podcast if you wanted (0:58) before moving into some brief thoughts on the new trailer for season two of 'The Last of Us' from HBO (2:51).

In the nonspoiler section, Blaine and Donovan discuss the visually captivating film 'I Saw the TV Glow' and the latest episode of 'The Penguin' (4:35).

As they shift to a deeper analysis and spoilers, listeners are treated to a rich exploration of 'I Saw the TV Glow,' where emotional weight and how it haunts are part of the discussion (14:02). The conversation continues with an examination of episode two of 'The Penguin,' focusing on character dynamics and the show’s take on Gotham's crime (37:58).

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The latest episode of Taking It Down has the hosts hitting on four noteworthy TV shows this week all of which are all currently streaming. First, they begin with nonspoiler related thoughts on "Bad Monkey," "The Penguin," 'The Challenge: Battle of the Eras," and "Agatha All Along" (2:00).

After the overview and recommendations, they discuss the seventh and eighth episodes of "Bad Monkey" on Apple TV+, noting Vince Vaughn's standout performance and the show's balance of humor and intrigue, despite some uneven episodes (13:01). They then turn their attention to "The Penguin" on Max, where Colin Farrell's portrayal of Oswald Cobblepot - well, Cobb - is lauded for its odd humor and depth, although the show's overall worth is still up for debate (21:56). The conversation shifts to "The Challenge: Battle of the Eras" on MTV, where the Adam and Blaine debate whether the format truly serves the legendary competitors effectively (34:36). Lastly, Natalie returns to the podcast and she and Blaine talk "Agatha All Along" on Disney+. How does the blend of playful spookiness and adult humor work (48:44)?

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If you wish to help the podcast, feel free to leave a one-time donation: https://taking-it-down.captivate.fm/support

In this episode, 'Taking It Down' kicks off by asking the audience for their input on podcast chatter (0:48) before diving into a spoiler-free comparison of Disney+ 'Agatha All Along' and Max's 'The Penguin' (2:22). Next, Donovan joins the show and the two hosts share recommendations for 'Bad Monkey' on Apple TV+ with no spoilers to begin (12:33) before covering Episodes Three through Six in detail and with spoilers (15:24). In it, the two analyze these episodes' plot developments, character arcs, standout moments, and why its so funny.

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It's the weekly episode with Blaine beginning things on how he came to DIRECTV and it almost got bad (1:36). Blaine then recounts not just how he came to enjoy the FX/Hulu show 'English Teacher' but what about it was the turning point -- all without spoilers (3:03).

Then Blaine and Donovan decide that 'The Old Man' from FX/Hulu will deserve their attention again (7:38).

What does it mean to binge a show and did you know what the research says (8:35)? They determine their preference before moving into some basics of the new season of the 'Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' Amazon series without ruining any plot points because Donovan just can't hold his tongue (11:56).

Blaine explains to Donovan why he and audiences will like 'English Teacher' but he gives no spoilers on it for those who may wonder if the show is for them (13:42).

They give an overview of 'Bad Monkey' on Apple TV+ (21:22) before a deep dive into why it works so damn well, which will have spoilers for the first two episodes (26:05).

Finally, Donovan and Blaine offer up some ideas for the next episode (45:17). Find them online or comment on The Alabama Take site to cast your vote.

This podcast is an Alabama Take production and part of The Alabama Take's network of podcasts. Each episode begins with no spoilers about TV and movies that are streaming.