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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Jo and Rob return to break down the seventh episode of ‘Shogun.’ They discuss the aftermath of Saeki’s betrayal, how Nagakado’s fate is a major departure from the book, and the many question marks surrounding Toranaga’s plan (or lack thereof). Along the way, they talk about the increasingly complicated dynamic between Mariko and Buntaro. Later, they consider whether or not “Crimson Sky” is just one big misdirection.

Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney

Producer: Kai Grady

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Jo and Rob return to break down the sixth episode of ‘Shogun.’ They discuss the effective use of flashbacks in this episode, the theatrics behind Toranaga’s political maneuvering, and how the show deftly deploys violence. Along the way, they talk about the growing jealousy that revolves around Blackthorne. Later, they’re joined by ‘Shogun’ series cocreators Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo to talk about making sure the humor from the novel translated from the page to the screen, the power of Fuji’s reaction shots, why Toranaga was the perfect role for Hiroyuki Sanada to play, and much more.

Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney

Guests: Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo

Producer: Kai Grady

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Andy Greenwald is joined by Tim Simons and Matt Walsh to discuss a handful of series finales from shows that represent the weird era of ’80s television including ‘St. Elsewhere,’ ‘Newhart,’ ‘ALF,’ ‘Sledge Hammer!,’ ‘Dallas,’ and ‘Dinosaurs.’ They start by talking about their first experiences with finales, how the final episodes of this decade’s shows seemed to both be in conversation and in competition with one another, and the reasons why TV was much more playful during this time (5:07). Along the way, they go through each ending and unpack everything, from the shocking reveal at the end of ‘St. Elsewhere’ to the monolithic nature of ‘Dallas’ to the surprisingly dark messaging in the last scene of ‘Dinosaurs,’ and so much more (13:32). Finally, they answer the titular question: Did it stick the landing? (99:55).

Host: Andy Greenwald

Guest: Tim Simons and Matt Walsh

Producers: Kaya McMullen and Kai Grady

Theme Song and Other Music Credits: Giancarlo Vulcano

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Jo and Rob return to break down the fifth episode of ‘Shogun.’ They discuss the multiple meanings behind the episode’s title, “Broken to the Fist,” the implications of Buntaro’s return, and Toranaga’s schemes within schemes. Along the way, they talk about Moeka Hoshi’s nuanced performance as Fuji and how Yabushige got played. Later, they briefly look ahead at what Lady Ochiba’s menacing arrival could mean for the back half of the season.

Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney

Producer: Kai Grady

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Andy Greenwald is joined by Chris Ryan to discuss “Chapter 29,” the series finale of ‘Eastbound & Down.’ They open by talking about Danny McBride’s uncut style of comedy, why the HBO series warrants an extended conversation including but not limited to its comic hijinks, and how the creative team behind the show has since evolved (2:26). Along the way, they discuss its never-ending list of perfect guest stars, and the gradual character development of Kenny Powers (18:53). Later, they explain how the finale is an example of both a satisfying conclusion and radical experimentation (40:17). Finally, they answer the titular question: “Did it stick the landing?” (64:50)

Host: Andy Greenwald

Guest: Chris Ryan

Producers: Kaya McMullen and Kai Grady

Theme Song and Other Music Credits: Giancarlo Vulcano

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Jo and Rob return to break down the fourth episode of ‘Shogun.’ They discuss the quiet brilliance of the moments between the action and conversations, the concept of the Eightfold Fence, and Fuji's much more prominent role in the story. Along the way, they talk about how Omi manipulated Toranaga’s failson, Nagakado, to make a significant mistake. Later, they highlight why the gory visuals from the end of the episode were compelling.

Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney

Producer: Kai Grady

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Andy Greenwald is joined by Joanna Robinson to discuss “Beyond Life and Death,” the series finale of ‘Twin Peaks.’ Andy starts by talking about how the theorizing around the show made him fall in love with television, before they discuss the unlikely pairing between David Lynch and ABC, and how the mystery crime drama benefited from being helmed by two very different co-creators (4:34). Along the way, they unpack Lynch’s staunch refusal to reveal any meaning behind the story, the finale itself, and making peace with ambiguity (31:49). Later, they share their complicated feelings on ‘Twin Peaks: The Return' (72:52). Finally, they answer the titular question: “Did it stick the landing?” (99:30).

Host: Andy Greenwald

Guest: Joanna Robinson

Producers: Kaya McMullen and Kai Grady

Theme Song and Other Music Credits: Giancarlo Vulcano

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Jo and Rob return to break down the third episode of ‘Shogun.’ They discuss the contrast between the show’s use of digital effects and its production design, what Toranaga’s clever getaway plan reveals about his character, and the bubbling connection between Mariko and Blackthorne. Along the way, they talk about the action-heavy escape in the Osaka sequence and how it differs from the book. Later, they close by unpacking the stalemate between the Council of Regents upon Toranaga’s sudden departure.

Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney

Producer: Kai Grady

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Andy Greenwald is joined by Bill Simmons to discuss “Flip,” the series finale of ‘The Larry Sanders Show.’ They start by talking about why it’s one of HBO’s most underrated shows, why Garry Shandling was the perfect fit for the lead role, and how the ’90s comedy blurred the lines between fiction and reality (2:00). Along the way, they discuss the ways in which it was a tortured production behind the scenes and how it influenced the next wave of workplace sitcoms (25:25). Later, they break down the final season’s heightened stakes leading up to the finale (39:40). Finally, they answer the titular question: “Did it stick the landing?” (87:27).

Host: Andy Greenwald

Guest: Bill Simmons

Producers: Kaya McMullen and Kai Grady

Theme Song and Other Music Credits: Giancarlo Vulcano

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