Joanna Robinson and Mallory Rubin convene for a deep dive, as they are wont to do, into the myriad theories circulating the internet and their brains concerning the mysterious finale ending of Season 2 of ‘The White Lotus.’ They are joined by television writer and podcast host Starlee Kine to go through each character grouping and discuss their predictions and the internet’s predictions.
Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Mallory Rubin
Guest: Starlee Kine
Producer: Sasha Ashall
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‘The White Lotus’ Season 2 Finale Theory Extravaganza

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

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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‘Shogun’ Episode 8 Recap

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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‘The White Lotus’ Season 2 Finale Theory Extravaganza

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