Joanna and Mallory dive deep into the premiere of HBO’s new series ‘The Last of Us.’ They start with an overview of the franchise and their relationships with it (5:24). Then, they go through everything that happens in the episode, from the cold open set in 1968 to the introduction of Joel and eventually Tess and Ellie in 2023 (25:35). Later, they talk about some of their favorite Easter eggs from the episode (1:50:31).
If you would like to email Mal and Joanna about the show, you can reach them at hobbitsanddragons@gmail.com.

Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Mallory Rubin
Associate Producer: Carlos Chiriboga
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'The Last of Us’ Series Premiere Deep Dive

The Prestige TV Podcast covers the best shows on television with unparalleled passion and expertise. The feed features must-listen commentary from The Ringer’s own Bill Simmons, Joanna Robinson, Sean Fennessey, Mallory Rubin, Van Lathan, and many more. Subscribe to The Prestige TV Podcast for weekly recaps, comprehensive breakdowns, and exclusive creator & cast interviews.

TV & Film

Charles Holmes and Jodi Walker debate the merits of Netflix’s newest hit, 'Baby Reindeer,' in which a struggling comedian is made to deal with both a female stalker and his own dark past. They examine just how the show subverted viewer expectations, the way it leaned into (and away from) the true crime angle, and its brave portrayal of trauma.
Hosts: Charles Holmes and Jodi Walker
Producer: Devon Baroldi
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‘Baby Reindeer’ Review

Joanna is first joined by ‘Shogun’ cocreator Rachel Kondo and writer Caillin Puente to discuss writing the penultimate episode, Mariko’s fate, making Ochiba a more layered character than her book counterpart, why they decided to cut out the heir’s parentage as a plot point for the story, how Nagakado’s death came to fruition, and much more. Next, ‘Shogun’ writers Emily Yoshida and Maegan Houang talk to Jo about penning the script for the finale, the elderly Blackthorne sequences, what the final interaction between Toranaga and Yabushige says about the former, why the book’s ending was one of the toughest parts to adapt, and much more.

Host: Joanna Robinson
Guests: Rachel Kondo, Caillin Puente, Emily Yoshida, and Maegan Houang
Producer: Kai Grady
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‘Shogun’ Finale Interview Special

Jo and Rob return to break down the ‘Shogun’ finale. They discuss the surprising restraint throughout the final episode, their feelings about the show as a whole, and the revelation behind Toranaga’s true intentions. Along the way, they talk about the placement of Blackthorne’s seppuku moment and the beautiful subtlety of Ochiba’s poetry. Later, they unpack the ways in which the television adaptation surpassed the original work.

Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney
Producer: Kai Grady
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‘Shogun’ Finale Recap

Jo and Rob return to break down the ninth episode of ‘Shogun.’ They discuss Anna Sawai’s impressive performance, Mariko’s intense standoff at the castle gates, and how the show has been gradually building up to “Crimson Sky.” Along the way, they talk about Ochiba pulling the strings behind the scenes and her emotional interaction with Mariko. Later, they unpack the outcome of various main characters in the penultimate episode’s shocking final scene. 

Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney
Producers: Kai Grady and Isaiah Blakely
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‘Shogun’ Episode 9 Recap

Jo and Rob return to break down the eighth episode of ‘Shogun.’ They discuss the grand introduction of Edo, the emotionally crushing tea room exchange between Mariko and Buntaro, and Blackthorne’s unexpected revulsion toward his men. Along the way, they talk about the thematic significance of loyalty throughout the episode. Later, they unpack Hiromatsu’s devastating sacrifice and the substantial consequences of his decision.

Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney
Producer: Kai Grady
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'The Last of Us’ Series Premiere Deep Dive

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