Taking It Down

Blaine welcomes everyone and admits it almost didn't happen today. (0:02).

He brings in Donovan, they get into a discussion about a couple of streaming shows 'The Lowdown' on FX/Hulu which stars Etah Hawke and 'Black Rabbit' on Netflix which features Jude Law and Justin Bateman (1:19). It's interesting that Apple TV+ pulled the plug on the Jessica Chastain series 'The Savan' because of recent events (4:49). Blaine comments more on the FX series 'The Lowdown' (6:01) from Sterling Harjo before they both shift into non-spoiler thoughts on the third episode of HBO's 'Task' (8:24). 'Alien: Earth' wraps its FX run, and they discuss it without spoiling here (13:49).

After the break, they get into spoilers for both 'Task' and its family woes (21:12) as well as the final two epsiodes of FX/Hulu's 'Alien: Earth,' highlighting the complex themes and character dynamics that make both shows resonate with viewers (35:30).

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Blaine gives the usual warm welcome for the week (0:02) before he, Adam, and Donovan begin the non-spoiler section with HBO's gripping drama 'Task' and what it says about two family dynamics (1:29). Then Blaine and Dononvan decide upon the FX and Hulu intriguing series 'Alien: Earth' and how much value it has beyond the franchise fans (6:10). Before they break for spoilers, Blaine checks in with Adam and his burgeoning band Sister Ray Davies as well as their upcoming album (9:49).

After the break, it's the reality of 'Task', the heavy themes it carries and how Mark Ruffalo and Tom Pelphrey knock it out in episode two spoilers (13:54).

Also in spoilers, Blaine and Donovan break down a couple of limits to 'Alien: Earth,' which shouldn't hinder fans or casual viewers as the series makes a stand for the working class (28:44).

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This week, Blaine begins with an overview (0:01).

Amid the current surge of compelling television offerings, the three determine which ones that they may or may not watch in the coming weeks (1:15).

They have a spoiler-free talk of how the first episode of HBO's 'Task' explores the moral complexities of its characters (11:48)while 'Alien: Earth' combines thrilling sci-fi elements with thematic questions (20:19). They also touch on general thoughts on the second season of 'Blue Lights' (22:37).

As they transition into spoiler-filled thoughts, they cover the first episode of 'Task' and its lonely men (25:40), 'Alien: Earth' and its creepy storyline (45:50), and the final two episodes of the great TV show on HBO Max 'Blue Lights' (1:00:30).

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This week, Blaine gives the podcast overview (0:02) before previewing what the crew will cover this week (0:32).

From there, all of the hosts preview the possible gritty world of the new HBO series 'Task' as they prepare for the first episode (1:02). As they transition into 'Blue Lights,' Blaine, Adam, and Donovan share insights into the character development and moral dilemmas faced by the officers in general in the non-spoiler section (6:17).

After the break, Blaine and Donovan break down the first four episodes of the second season of 'Blue Lights' with spoilers (12:51).

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After an overview of the podcast (0:02) and a preview of this episode (0:27), Blaine welcomes Adam and Donovan to the show (1:05).

This week, they begin the non-spoiler section with broad thoughts on how 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' serves as a satirical mirror of American culture (1:48). After that, they discuss how 'Blue Lights' stays intelligent and captivating with its fresh perspective (14:28).

In the spoiler section, Blaine and Donovan break down the specifics of what made 'It's Always Sunny...' a return to form, particularly the finale (24:06).

They then discuss - with spoilers - the evolving production quality of 'Blue Lights' for its finale of season one and its beginning of season two; plus, its deeper storytelling (35:49).

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This week's discussion kicks off with the recent debacle surrounding the ESPN app's rollout, raising questions about the ever-evolving landscape of streaming services (0:59). Blaine and Donovan express their frustration with the lack of clarity in ESPN's marketing and ponder the implications of a subscription-based model that seems to be inadvertently recreating cable television.

They then shift gears in the non-spoiler section to explore the gritty British series 'Blue Lights,' now available on HBO Max, which follows probationary police officers navigating the complexities of law enforcement in Belfast (7:59). They offer a teaser on 'Alien: Earth' from FX and Hulu, hinting at its intriguing premise (17:41).

In spoilers, it's a break down of episodes three, four, and five of the first season of 'Blue Lights' and how the show deals with the rules (23:49).

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This Tuesday, after host Blaine gives a brief overview (0:02), Adam and Donovan join to give some cursory thoughts into the gripping BritBox series 'Blue Lights,' which is also available on HBO Max (1:02). They offer ideas on how the show subverts expectations. Also in the non-spoiler section which begins each episode, the hosts tease upcoming discussions about 'Alien: Earth' from FX/Hulu (8:25).

In spoilers, all three have ideas on the first three episodes of 'Blue Lights' and how it centers on fear in modern Northern Ireland (13:03).

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This week, Blaine starts with an overview of the entire podcast (0:05) and what to expect before giving a rundown of the weekly episode (0:54).

When joined by Donovan and Adam, Adam recounts his visit to the U.K., which included seeing Oasis live with some friends (1:44).

For non-spoilers, the hosts talk about 'King of the Hill' and its return on Hulu (8:01), the Netflix sports documentary 'SEC Football: Any Given Saturday' (19:10), and the Britbox series 'Blue Lights' comes to HBO Max (22:51).

In the spoiler section, the hosts discuss what makes 'King of the Hill' a staple of TV and good for these times, including who Hank Hill votes for (28:22). They talk about what's lacking thus far in 'SEC Football: Any Given Saturday,' but it is someone who could be coming (49:53). Lastly, Blaine and Donovan unpack the hints of the first episode of 'Blue Lights' (56:10).

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This week in the TV and streaming podcast, Blaine gives an overview (0:02) before he and Donovan discuss how politics has invaded television (1:04) with the funding for PBS (1:06). The question is: does that matter (1:08)?

The other big political and TV news came from Colbert this week who had a shocking announcement (6:37).

The hosts dissect how Netflix got one release date perfect (12:09) before transitioning into what could be FX's big franchise hit (13:24).

In non-spoilers, they discuss why 'Stick' continues its improvement (16:26) and how 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' produced one of its best episodes in years (18:56).

For spoilers, the guys talk about the tactics of solid TV from 'Stick' (20:46) and the cultural touchstones in 'It's Always Sunny...' this week (30:30).

The two end the show with an idea for next week (39:15).

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Blaine begins the episode with a podcast overview and the generalities of this week's episode (0:02).

Once Donovan joins, they discuss the return of the longest-running TV show, 'It's Always Sunny In Philadephia' and determine how its sustained its longevity (3:15). From there, they have brief discussion on the Apple TV+ series 'Stick' and its most recent episode (11:14). To conclude the non-spoiler segment, they give thought to 'The Bear' as a whole season (14:42).

After a short break, it's time to discuss the ridiculous plot points of both 'It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia' and 'Abbott Elementary,' as the gang end their time there (14:57). Both hosts agree that the Apple TV+ 'Stick' had its best episode thus far, and they explain why (32:38). Finally, it's the last four episodes of the fourth season of 'The Bear' (35:38) Was it better than season three? Were problems solved? All that, and more on this week's Taking It Down episode.

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