From there with Adam and Donovan, they discuss the non-spoilers for the week. First, you have to see 'The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins' (1:02). From there, it's the big events in TV in the past week with 'The Pitt' and 'The Bachelorette,' but how do they know about this stuff (5:05)? Still in non-spoilers, the guys discuss the tones of 'DTF St. Louis' and how it achieves some specific styles of greatness (9:42). Their non-spoiler talk of the other HBO show 'Rooster' leads them to ask how great Steve Carell may be (12:48). Finally in non-spoilers, Blaine advises all to avoid both 'Imperfect Women' on Apple TV and 'Scarpetta' on Amazon Prime (20:24). This leads Donovan to reveal some news on trade paperbacks (23:30).

From there, it's a short break and then the spoilers: 'DTF St Louis' specifics on how it is getting better and better (26:42). Lastly, some spoilers about the second episode of the HBO series 'Rooster': it's good, but how good (49:59)?

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In this week's episode of the TV and streaming podcast Taking It Down, Blaine welcomes and gives a quick overview of the episode (0:02) before introducing Adam and explaining Donovan's absence (1:31).

From there, the two hosts are in non-spoilers and discuss a certain oddity to the series 'DTF St. Louis' found on HBO (1:31). They also discuss 'DTF St. Louis' in comparison to the new Amazon Prime series 'Scarpettta' (5:50). Then it's time to sing some praises for Steve Carell and his return to TV with the HBO series 'Rooster,' but they keep the spoilers away (9:53).

After a break, they do a quick check in with 'Shrinking' to begin the spoiler section (21:20) before moving into exactly what makes 'DTF St. Louis' both strange and unique (24:14). After that, they disucss specifics of the 'Rooster' premiere and what about it gives them hope (46:18).

To end spoilers, they add some thoughts on Oscar-nominated films (1:00:10) before getting a little more specific about the movie 'Hamnet' (1:01:39).

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When Donovan and Adam join Blaine, Blaine gives a special thank you to someone who helped with the fundraising for the host site and podcasts (1:23).

In the non-spoiler section, the hosts introduce the the new series on HBO 'DTF St. Louis' and hint that it may be better than most critics would say (2:23). After that, they discuss without spoilers how 'Shrinking' may have aired its best episode yet (11:40).

In the spoilers, they get into why 'DTF St. Louis' is so good (15:32) as well as how 'Shrinking' pulled out an excellent episode in a season that has not been as good (42:04).

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On this fine week of Taking It Down, Blaine introduces the show as well as explains how listeners can help both the show and the website The Alabama Take (0:03). They could use the help!

After the introductions, there are a few thank yous to be said to those who have donated to help the podcasts and site, which leads to the Madness of March, somehow (1:49). Plus, Blaine reads a comment from the site about the podcast and asks for help with an Irish term (3:42).

Continuing the non-spoiler talk, it's high praise for 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' (6:16), a nod to a slight improvement from 'Shrinking' (10:31), and some broad love for 'How to Get to Heaven From Belfast' (13:02).

After a break, the hosts discuss the specifics of why the finale of 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' had a perfect ending, which actually included no dongs (19:50). They spoil the most recent episode of 'Shrinking' to talk about some minor improvements for this season (28:08). Finally, the hosts discuss how 'How to Get to Heaven From Belfast' had resonance and depth perhaps missed upon first viewing (35:22).

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They're back after a hiatus that lasted too long! And it's with a plus-sized episode!

This week, Blaine begins with how to make a donation for The Alabama Take, why it's important, and how the funds will be used (0:02) Blaine then gives an overview of the episode (1:47).

In the non-spoilers, which begin every episode, Blaine, Adam, and Donovan thank those who have helped the site and podcasts thus far (2:44). The episode kicks off in earnest with shows they repeatedly watch and what makes that a must (5:04): included is the series 'Band of Brothers,' which Adam claims to be HBO's best series (5:29) and Blaine found 'Lonesome Dove' a must after hearing of the death of Robert Duvall (11:34). Plus, he throws in the brilliance of comedian Dusty Slay as well as his Alabama connection (13:56). Continuing with non-spoilers, Blaine explains in general how 'Wonder Man' is easily Marvel's greatest television series and its best attempt at anything in many years (15:08). From there, it's non-spoilers for shows that will appear in the spoiler section; the first of which is 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,' what could be the best of the George R.R. Martin universe of shows on HBO (17:19). Blaine and Adam then discuss how Apple TV's 'Shrinking' is stinking and a little bit of why (21:33). Lastly in the non-spoiler section is the new Netflix series 'How to Get to Heaven from Belfast,' which has all three hosts intrigued (22:39).

After a short break, they get into the meat of the episode, pondering how goods HBO's 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' truly is and if what appears in the penultimate episode is fully needed (31:06). From there, it's the specifics on Apple TV's 'Shrinking' and why it now sucks (52:47). In the final spoiler conversation, all three hosts have full attention to Netflix's new show 'How to Get to Heaven from Belfast' (1:08:35) because of how quickly it lets the viewer in, which has a lot to do with aging.

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From there, Donovan gives the guys the scoop on what the hype is behind the HBO series 'Heated Rivalry' (1:33). After that, the weekend was abuzz because of Netflix's live event 'Skyscraper Live,' which Donovan could not watch (9:31). Continuing in non-spoilers, they introduce 'PONIES' on Peacock (15:09), why 'The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins' is must-see (20:53), and how great it is to be back in Westeros with 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' (28:17).

In the spoiler section, the host discuss how 'PONIES' is mostly great, though there could be fixes (30:18). Then they finalize this week's episode with the joy of 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' (43:31).

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Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. NBC
2. Peacock
3. HBO
4. Netflix

Blaine begins everything with a quick overview (0:03) before Adam and Donovan join and get a chance to rebuke his best-of-TV list from 2025 (2:42).

Then it's time to discuss what's coming to TV this late winter and early spring as well as gauge our interest on various series (7:42).

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To begin, Blaine breaks down where they've been and how it almost ended (0:02). In the non-spoiler section, the guys join Blaine to talk about 'Stranger Things 5' and its return to form (2:29). They also discuss the finales, without spoilers, for 'Plur1bus' (4:56), 'Welcome to Derry' (6:19), and 'The Chair Company' (9:07).

In the spoiler section, it's what made 'Stranger Things 5' work (12:17), what 'Plur1bus' likely had to say (30:54), how 'Welcome to Derry' was more of a roller coaster than show (44:50), and how 'The Chair Company' achieved something utterly wild (49:13).

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In non-spoilers, the bulk of the discussion revolves around 'Welcome to Derry,' where they analyze the show's recent developments and if it can count as having thematic depth (16:19). From there, it is spoiler section for 'Pluribus,' where they recognize its unique storytelling (39:58).

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From there in the non-spoiler section, they all discuss the worries of the Netflix purchase of Warner Bros and HBO (3:01) before discussing 'Stranger Things 5' and its return to Netflix (7:49). Also on Netflix is the movie 'Train Dreams,' which they question who would enjoy it (14:29) before a quick non-spoiler look at 'Plur1bus' on Apple TV and how it is holding (19:08). They give a similar check-in with the HBO series 'Welcome to Derry' (21:04) before Blaine explains in the non-spoiler section how 'The Beast In Me' on Netflix goes wrong (22:09). He offers 'The Chair Company' as a potential great one before moving on (23:18).

In spoilers, the hosts discuss the excellence of 'Train Dreams' (25:59), what needs changed in 'Plur1bus' (51:10), and how 'Welcome to Derry' pales to another current series (1:05:23).

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He's in luck. He introduces one of the higher-ups at The Alabama Take (1:16), and Corey comes to the table to first recount 'Return of the Jedi' from years ago (2:01). From there, they briefly discuss this season of 'The Challenge: Vets and New Threats' (2:52) before getting into the meat of the show, which is HBO's 'IT: Welcome to Derry' and how the show successfully balances horror while remaining engaging for viewers in the nonspoiler section (4:56).

For spoilers, it's about the plot of the series and if it can maintain its scares (18:35).

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First, Blaine welcomes and gives an overview of the episode (0:02) before reminding everyone about this different podcast episode for Taking It Down (1:35).

Once Donovan joins, the two discuss how 'Welcome to Derry' from HBO has mixed merits (3:32). After that, they shift gears to Netflix's 'Death by Lightning,' as it has a witty and energetic narrative (21:15). The conversation then turns to Apple TV's 'Pluribus,' where they try their best to unravel its mysteries (33:46). To end, Donovan offers a brief thought on 'Frankenstein' which is now airing on Netflix (54:07).

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Blaine begins with a welcome and overview of the first non-spoiler show (0:03), but when Donovan joins, he questions the existence of UMass (2:13).

The hosts get into television with Ken Burns, controversy, and his new documentary 'The American Revolution' on PBS (3:56). Has he lost his touch? From there, it's short thoughts on 'The Beast in Me' from Netflix and how Matthew Rhys and Claire Danes can do no wrong (14:01). They continue a few ideas on 'IT: Welcome to Derry' (17:09) and praise the energy of 'Death by Lightning' on Netflix (25:15). They can't say much about 'Plur1bus' on Apple TV, but they try, especially about the creators (32:26) before moving into the Netflix film 'Frankenstein' and how it differs from other famous adaptations (34:53).

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From there, and still in non-spoilers, they discuss the big hit for Apple TV with 'Pluribus' (5:56) as it reunites the 'Breaking Bad' and 'Better Call Saul' crew. They stay with non-spoilers for the second and scary episode of 'Welcome to Derry' (10:14) as well as the finale for the FX and Hulu 'The Lowdown' (15:11).

In spoilers, they discuss what 'Welcome to Derry' gets right and what it can do to become great (19:25). They also discuss how 'The Lowdown' revealed what it really wants to be seen as, and it is perfect, including what it has to say, surprisingly on white savior trope (42:47).

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In the non-spoiler section, they begin by talking about how 'Chad Powers' may be a lot better than people expect (5:15). They give their first reactions to the HBO series 'It: Welcome to Derry' (14:26). Lastly, in the non-spoilers is the talk of 'Task' on HBO (24:14).

To begin spoilers, Blaine and Donovan talk about how 'Chad Powers' is great, though it may not even deserve to be as funny as it is (27:13). Then they finalize their thoughts on the HBO series 'Task,' a show that balances its heavy themes and leaves viewers asking questions long after it is complete (45:23).

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Shifting into the spoilers, Blaine and Donovan come to a temporary conclusion on what 'The Lowdown' has to say, especially in episodes three and four (20:38). Then they break down one of the best episodes of the year with the fifth episode of the HBO crime drama 'Task' (38:14).

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After an introduction and overview (0:02), the two begin with a talk on class reunions (1:28).

Then it's to television and the non-spoiler section to begin with a lighthearted look at 'Chad Powers' on Hulu (4:24). Moving on, they tackle Netflix's 'Monster: The Ed Gein Story', where the hosts critique its slow pacing and over-the-top performances (8:27). They also discuss 'Black Rabbit,' noting the dynamics between Jude Law and Jason Bateman (14:39). From there, it's a shift to Tulsa with 'The Lowdown' on Hulu (16:17). Finally in non-spoilers, they wrap up with 'Task' on HBO (22:03).

After the break, Blaine and Donovan detail what may be lurking under 'The Lowdown' (25:03) and how the intensity of 'Task' in its fourth episode still has plenty of threads to connect to be considered great (38:22).

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Once Donovan and Adam join, Blaine describes how he managed to miss the last few episodes of 'The Bear' and it has everything to do with the Disney+ series 'Andor' (2:08).

Also in the non-spoiler section, the guys have an email on 'Your Friends & Neighbors' on Apple TV+ (7:42), they discuss how 'Stick' is addressing all of their concerns (9:10), and somehow the non-spoiler talk about 'The Bear' turns into a treatise on smoking (11:38).

After the break, they detail how 'Stick' became even better (16:13) and how 'The Bear' needed season three for the current season four (35:36).

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Beginning the non-spoiler section properly, Blaine gives a sense of 'Smoke' from Apple TV+ and if it may be worth the time (6:09) before mentioning this week's episode of 'Stick' (10:08). All of the hosts give broad ideas on this current season of 'The Bear,' which aired its fourth season this weekend continuing to do so with the Netflix model (11:49).

In the spoiler section, the crew discuss the questions and answers of the first three episodes of the fourth season of 'The Bear' (21:15).

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Also in the non-spoiler section is the other Apple TV+ show of the week with 'Stick,' which takes us into our golf adventures (5:35). Blaine and Donovan discuss broad ideas on if 'Dept. Q' succeeded its goal (12:58).

In the spoilers, it's back to 'Stick' and why it can't find balanced despite being a fun show (16:58). Finally, with all of the series now seen, Blaine and Donovan determine if the whole mystery was ever worth it (38:20).

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After the break, it's only 'Dept. Q' on Netflix and the focus is where it lands as far as crime thrillers go: does it go beyond the genre (19:28)?

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From there and still in the non-spoiler section, Blaine and Donovan take a hard look at FX’s 'Adults,' a show that’s trying to capture an essence (3:37). Still in non-spoilers, all three hosts round it out with 'Bono: Songs of Surrender,' a documentary that goes beyond mere fanfare (7:07).

In the spoiler segment after the break, Blaine and Donovan get into the specifics of what makes 'Adults' fail miserably (15:53) as well as what allows for 'Bono: Songs of Surrender' soar above mere U2 history (28:18).

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Once Adam and Donovan join, Blaine breaks down some things about Todd Chrisley (1:26) before they briefly discuss the new Wes Anderson trailer (4:09) and theater expectations gone wrong (6:27).

From there, it's the usual non-spoiler section where Blaine broadly explains how 'Duster' goes sideways (8:51), an overview of this season of 'Hacks' on Max (11:03), general feelings on the season of '100 Foot Wave' (16:19), and the overall thoughts of 'The Last of Us' (19:20).

In the spoiler section, Adam and Donovan break down 'Hacks' (21:34). Blaine and Adam discuss the profundities of '100 Foot Wave' (36:03). And finally, Donovan and Blaine try to determine if 'The Last of Us' ends fairly (53:30).

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Once Adam and Donovan join the podcast, the three say hello to some specific listeners (1:16). They then have a brief tangent on celebrity deaths prompted by the recent passing of George Wendt (5:13). From there, they run down a list of possible streaming television shows that could be worth your time (8:36).

Continuing the non-spoiler section, they broadly discuss 'The Studio' and its completion on Apple TV+ (24:21) as well as the season thus far of HBO's 'The Last of Us' (27:51).

In the spoiler section, the hosts break down why 'The Studio' works so well as a deeper comedy (30:39) and how the thematic shift in 'The Last of Us' may be more natural than they realized (51:51).

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First, Blaine welcomes listeners and discusses how listeners can now join The Alabama Take site (0:02).

Adam and Donovan rave about The Alabama Take's newsletter (1:33) before Blaine points to Adam's talents and how not only is he booming but how listeners can find him beyond the podcast (3:36).

Then the podcast gets into the TV and streaming, sort of: to begin with no spoilers, Adam explains why the film 'Sinners' could be a topic for next week as well as why people need to watch it (4:53). They also discuss '100 Foot Wave' and its return to HBO (8:36), 'The Studio' on Apple TV+ (13:45), and 'The Last of Us' and its new season in the non-spoiler section (17:53).

In the spoiler section, the three hosts discuss details on 'The Studio' (20:13) and how it isn't just 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' as well as how 'The Last of Us' nearly had them bailing on the show (36:15).

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As always, the episode begins with a section devoted to non-spoilers: Blaine offers a welcome and some episode notes for the week (0:02). After Adam and Donovan join, the three discuss the deluge of television choices that seem high quality and how you could easily see Adam in person in a few months (2:13). Though 'Black Mirror' dropped a new season this weekend, the hosts ponder if its time has come and gone (4:09). Blaine asks Donovan about the lingering images of 'Adolescence' without spoilers as well as the news about it being a part of education (5:46). In a funny moment, Adam admits that the new Apple TV+ show 'The Studio' fills him with anxiety (8:53). Donovan and Adam give ideas on why they enjoy 'Hacks' on Max so much as it returns for its new season (12:49). It's an easy sell, but Blaine hooks the two co-hosts on the other new Apple TV+ series, 'Your Friends and Neighbors,' starring Jon Hamm (16:57). Lastly in the opening segment, they touch on 'The White Lotus' and its recent season (22:39).

After a break, Blaine has a quick question on 'Hacks' that could be a spoiler (26:28) before they complete a character-by-character critique of 'The White Lotus' and its third season as well as a quick ranking of the three seasons (27:22).

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For this special Thursday episode, it's almost all of Netflix's 'Adolescence' as it is the only series we cover -- that is, if you'll forgive some talk about where '30 Rock' lands as a comedy (2:05)

As far as the Netflix, four-part miniseries has import in each scene. We start with no spoilers about the series (5:22) before getting into spoilers for the second, third, and forth episode of the daring series (10:33)

From there, Blaine begins the non-spoiler section to drop in for a brief thought on the new Apple TV+ show 'The Studio' (2:21). The podcast moves into a non-spoiler presentation of the Hulu sensation 'Good American Family,' a series that due to self-awareness starts its early season incredibly well (3:28). Without spoilers, the guys offer some interesting factoids about the HBO hit 'The White Lotus' (9:35).

In the spoiler half, tensions are running high in 'The White Lotus' and its penultimate episode, but it's a season that may be asking its best questions yet (14:51).

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Once co-host Adam joins, the podcast begins its non-spoiler section as the two hosts question where Donovan is (1:28) before quickly getting into news about 'The Pitt' on Max and what that news tells us about TV (1:59).

Also in non-spoilers is their conversation about the new Apple TV+ series 'The Studio' with Seth Rogen and if listeners should watch it (10:20). Before the break, they also discuss some non-spoilers on the sixth episode of the HBO show 'The White Lotus' (13:52).

After the break, it's time to dig into the spoilers. This week, it's only the sixth episode of 'The White Lotus,' which provides plenty of material as Blaine and Adam note its tantalizing tone (17:30).

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After a short welcome and a method for our audience to help the podcast if they would like (0:01), we briefly discuss some TV of late (2:15). Then we break down some of the buzz surrounding 'Adolescence' in the non-spoiler section (3:03).

After the break, we discuss what makes 'Adolescence' get so much praise.

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To begin, we touch base on 'Dope Thief' from Apple TV+ and its third episode, but it's covered in the non-spoiler section for those who are still deciding about the series (3:14).

Also in non-spoilers, we cover quick thoughts on 'The White Lotus' and its fifth episode (04:48) and 'Severance,' with its final episode of the season (7:23).

After the break, 'The White Lotus' gives us plenty to discuss about emotions, resentments, and revelations in the fifth episode (10:23. With 'Severance,' it's even more as we reflect humor, heartbreak, and the season as a whole (31:06).

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After a quick hello to Adam and Donovan, Blaine explains to them in the non-spoiler section on why 'Dope Thief' on Apple TV+ could be the next must watch piece of TV (1:11). After that, it's a few cursory thoughts on where 'The White Lotus' is at this point with no spoilers (8:01).

Coming back from a thirty-second break, it is time for spoilers: in this segment, the hosts get into specifically what is still improving with 'The White Lotus' (12:10) and how 'Severance' answers questions, poses new ones, and intentionally stays ambiguous on other issues (34:53).

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To kick off the non-spoiler section this week, Blaine gives Adam a list of many new shows that neither have seen to determine what would make for a good episode of the podcast (1:59). 'Celtic City' on HBO shows what good sports documentaries should do (3:05). 'Deli Boys' on Hulu and why it sounds interesting (7:17). 'The Righteous Gemstones' begins its fourth and final season on HBO (8:45). 'Daredevil: Born Again' may not be enough for the wreck of Marvel and Disney+ (10:11). The upcoming 'Dope Thief' has potential on Apple TV+ (11:33).

Also in the non-spoiler section, Adam shares why 'Gladiator II,' now streaming on Paramoutn+, may be more funny than intended (14:16). To end the section, the two both agree about the third episode of 'The White Lotus' on HBO (17:041).

For spoilers and the part of the podcast to avoid each week if you aren't caught up on a series, Blaine and Adam think that the third episode of 'The White Lotus' improved upon the first two and the effect of a bold, conversational choice (20:15).

Finally, the two talk about episode eight of this season of 'Severance' where they break apart episode eight to show that most of the internet is wrong that it is boring (46:01). Answers abound for "Sweet Vitriol" and the two hosts loved it.

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Then it's into the TV discussions. 'Zero Day' on Netflix may look like a thrilling ride with Robert De Niro in the lead with an all-star ensemble, but in the non-spoiler section, we begin with it and why it fails (1:11). Also in the non-spoiler section is the HBO show 'The White Lotus' and how the third season needs to change (8:53).

As we switch into the spoiler section, we detail the second episode of 'The White Lotus' and what it is doing right and wrong (13:09). Lastly, we explain how 'Severance' achieved amazing heights with its most recent episode (36:46).

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After getting Adam into the co-host's chair, Blaine begins the non-spoiler section and tries to convince him that 'The Pitt' is one of the best and most different medical dramas on TV, but is Adam sold on it (1:44)? The two also talk about the return of 'The White Lotus' on HBO for its third season (13:49).

For the spoiler section, the hosts unpack all the characters of the new third season of 'The White Lotus' from its first episode (23:39).

After 'The White Lotus,' they continue coverage of 'Severance': what do the pairs of the sixth episode have to hint for the back half of the second season (43:41)?

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Donovan and Blaine then talk about what sticks with them throughout the fifty years of 'Saturday Night Live' (2:17) before shifting into the different Wild West of the Utah War in Netflix's series 'American Primeval' (6:59). The guys break down the show and its connections with no spoilers before discussing some of 'Severance' and its fifth episode in the non-spoiler section of the podcast (21:52).

After the break in the spoiler section of the week, it's only the fifth episode of 'Severance,' which gives both Donovan and Blaine a lot to think about despite its mid-point episode appearance (24:53).

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To begin, Blaine gives some non-spoiler thoughts on the first three episodes of the Netflix Western 'American Primeval' and how it overcome an early issue (0:28). Then with Adam and Donovan, the three discuss what's on TV soon with 'The White Lotus' from HBO (6:01). Still keeping with non-spoilers, the hosts talk about what 'Severance' does right this season (8:12). In the spoiler section, it's a discussion of reality and simulation -- and a lot more -- with 'Severance' through its first four episodes (12:15). I mean, who knew a discussion about severed consciousness could lead into Freud’s theories on the uncanny? Yep, we’re going there!

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After the break, the hosts get into spoilers with discussions on the first three episodes of 'Severance' this season (21:05). Then it's all the big, heavy ideas of 'The Brutalist' and a discussion on if it says something about them all (44:59).

To wrap, Blaine complains about how MTV dropped the ball with 'The Challenge: All Stars' and its fifth season (1:12:59).

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Then it's the much-anticipated second season of 'Severance' on Apple TV+ as it has finally arrived, and they start broad, with no spoilers, on its complexities and themes (10:30).

Blaine, Donovan, and Adam then get into the spoilers of the first episode of the second season where they explore the show's unique premise, the shows' questions, identity, and self (22:22). The discussion touches on the balance between mystery and character development, as well as the show's clever use of humor amidst some dark plot lines.

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In the spoiler section, it's politics and identity with 'A Complete Unknown,' as well as some of what's fact and fiction from the film (21:59). They then tackle the eerie reimagining of 'Nosferatu,' where the gothic horror evokes a certain vibe (44:37). Lastly in spoilers, 'Conclave' really is a must-see movie as it offers a new and gripping story in the secretive world of papal elections where the guys discuss even more identity and politics (54:54).

This week's episode ends with a short vote on what other Dylan eras are worthy of film (1:21:53).

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For the weekly spoiler section, they recount 'Somebody Somewhere' and its run on HBO with talk about its poignancy, grief, and trust of friendship (11:57). Then for more spoilers, it's a conversation on the the pacing, writing, and acting of the Apple TV+ series 'Silo,' where Adam questions if he should continue and why (34:33). To end the spoiler section, Blaine and Donovan quickly discuss the sixth and final season of 'What We Do in the Shadows' to set up its final episode next week (44:48).

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For non-spoilers, they discuss the change in the show in tone and focus (0:55). For spoilers, talk about the specifics of the impact of the narrative's pacing, starting with episode six (5:10). The conversation also touches on the real-life implications of violence and the lingering effects of trauma on individuals and communities.

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As the episode moves into spoilers, the crew discuss the vital Thanksgiving episode of 'Somebody, Somewhere' and how it hits hard (14:34) which leads them to give a special hello and hope for social media (24:14).

Then it's the big question: is this season of 'Shrinking' any good (26:15)? After that, it's the complex interplay of historical drama and personal stories in the FX/Hulu series 'Say Nothing' and its first four episodes (36:31).

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Blaine and Donovan then get into the spoilers with 'Say Nothing' and how it tackles the history of the Troubles in Northern Ireland in the first two episodes (22:01). They then shift to the specifics and spoilers of hilarity of 'What We Do In The Shadows,' where vampire life in Staten Island is more than immorality (38:23). Finally, for the most recent episodes from 'Somebody, Somewhere,' they talk about how it brings a unique style of realism (50:47).

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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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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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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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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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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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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.

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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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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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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.

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Donovan offers up his recommendation without spoilers on the Netflix series 'Ripley' (9:48). From there, the hosts then dig deeply into back half of 'Ripley' and its themes of identity, ambition, and class (10:43). They explore the character of Tom Ripley and his complex relationships with other characters, as well as the use of art and symbolism throughout the show, including interpretations on those aspects and more. Expect spoilers in the back half after that ten minute mark.

To end, it's a tease of what to come next week and why Donovan reads the newsletter (41:01).

Towards the middle Blaine is joined by Corey Hannah (12:42), host of both 'Alabama Slam' and 'We Are A Star War' to talk about one of the podcast that has to go to everyone's surprise. 'Alabama Slam' ends, but Blaine gets Corey to look back on the show, which episodes were best, which surprised, and what will happen next (19:41).

There, Corey brought the heat on a player on 'The Challenge' whom he has grown tired of hearing. Who could it be (24:04)? And the guys end with ideas on the current season of 'The Challenge: Battle for the Eras' (26:22).

No spoilers! The hosts dive into 'Lady in the Lake' from Apple TV+, 'Ripley' on Netflix, and 'The Challenge: Battle of the Eras' on MTV—find out which shows made the cut and why (16:04).

Spoilers ahead! The hosts unleash on 'Lady in the Lake,' calling it not just bad, but a total disaster—Blaine even watched it twice to make sure (19:56). From there, the hosts discover the haunting beauty of Netflix's 'Ripley' and what sets it apart from other versions, including a transportation into its eerie world (28:46). Finally, it's Adam’s passionate take on 'The Challenge: Battle of the Eras,' which will convince you it’s the show to watch all season long as well as some insights you may have missed (44:37).

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In the last bit, Blaine welcomes back his special guest for a quick review of 'IF,' a movie now streaming on Paramount+ (11:08).

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Once Adam and Donovan join the conversation, talk turns to that big Olympics opening and question why Blaine hates the competitions (4:29) before catching their breaths over the huge Comic Con news from Marvel (13:09). Or was it as big as the MCU thinks? Is Marvel playing scared?

The guys discuss all the trailers from the previous weeks, including thoughts and ideas on 'A Complete Unknown,' 'The Penguin,' 'Joker: Folie à Deux,' and 'Gladiator 2' (23:12).

Does 'House of the Dragon' continue to fly? Is the magic truly back? If not, what's grounding it (33:10)?

Lastly, they introduce the new Netflix series 'The Decameron' from the ancient text of the same name, yet this is a comedy about the Black Death. Does it work, and who's it for (37:35)? Spoilers for the show's first episode begins later (46:54).

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From there, it's episodes five and six of this season of 'House of the Dragon' with spoilers (7:27) before he brings in a special co-host for a brief trip into Disney+ (19:08).

To end, it's a wrap on the season of 'The Bear': episodes nine and ten plus overall thoughts (21:21).

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Adam and Donovan join to talk about the dragon warfare and political drama of the fourth episode of 'House of the Dragon,' titled "The Red Dragon and the Gold" (5:15).

In the second segment, they discuss episodes five through eight of the new, third season of 'The Bear' which is streaming on Hulu (32:25).

Once Adam and Donovan join, they reveal some random TV they normally don't discuss on the podcast (11:43) before the entire crew dig into the third episode of 'House of the Dragon,' titled "The Burning Mill" (14:58).

After a break, Donovan and Blaine unpack the first four episodes of 'The Bear,' including all the fear on the screen that simmers (37:19).

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Apple TV+ cancels 'The Big Door Prize' and he explains why that's both sad and worrisome (2:13). Blaine previews next week (3:28) before getting into the week of TV with co-hosts Adam and Donovan, and that includes a bad Biden performance (4:21).

Adam and Blaine discuss 'Bodkin' from Netflix in general (5:28) before spoiling their final thoughts on the series as a whole (8:31). Then everyone chimes in on 'House of the Dragon' and its second episode in broad terms (17:49) before diving into the spoilers of that episode (20:39).

Blaine and Donovan reflect on what may be to come from this season of 'The Bear' without any spoilers (37:27). Then they give overall opinions on 'Dark Matter' from Apple TV+ (40:32) before discussing specifics of the great finale (44:27).

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The conversation then transitions to a discussion about the Netflix movie 'Hit Man' (11:43) where the crew discuss if it is worth your time without spoilers (11:43). The hosts provide their opinions on another Netflix series, 'Bodkin,' which followers a podcaster and a mystery as well as themes of identity, true crime, and small-town dynamics (15:29). The timestamp for spoiling only the first four episodes begin a little later (15:29).

From there, it's brief ideas on 'Presumed Innocent' and why its so fun as Blaine tries to convince the guys to watch it with his own preview (31:02). Then it's 'Dark Matter' with no reveals (32:35) until they transition to all spoilers with the Apple TV+ show: it is a high-quality, thrilling sci-fi show that successfully balances big questions with exciting storytelling (34:00).

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Blaine offers some background of The Alabama Take and the podcast (2:56) and a preview (5:56). When Donovan and Adam join, the hosts reflect on their journey with Taking It Down (7:18).

Then it's one of their favorite segments in quite some time: listener questions (9:31)! With listeners' help, they discuss other media (10:12), TV shows they enjoy despite being unpopular (16:18), their favorite moments from the podcast (22:45), the best part about having a podcast (27:40), Ethel Cain and her music (28:34), their favorite series since beginning (29:20), the recent final of 'The Challenge: All Stars' (32:16), if they've changed opinions now (32:56), the best episode they've ever produced (37:16), what they got right through the years (38:46), the definition of done up real good (41:38), and bread (42:50).

Then they briefly review the Star Wars series 'The Acolyte' on Disney+ with no spoilers (43:56) before diving into spoilers for the first episode of 'House of the Dragon' (47:29).

After that, Blaine gives final thoughts on 'Sugar' from Apple TV+ with no spoilers now that it has ended its run (2:08) as well as a check-in with no spoilers on 'Under the Bridge,' which is nearing its final installment (3:51). After everyone joins the show, the question is, how do we feel now that Bob Dylan is 83 (6:02)? It's TV talk from there. The crew begin talking about 'Dark Matter' and its first two episodes without spoilers before breaking down some specifics of what makes it a good show (9:36). After the break, it's the documentary now on Netflix titled 'Butterfly in the Sky: The Story of Reading Rainbow,' which has the crew reminiscing on both 'Reading Rainbow' and poignant stories on reading itself (23:05). You won't want to miss the ending.

When the entire crew joins, they toss ideas for the upcoming 200th episode (7:16) before discussing the depth of the ideas in 'Dark Matter' as well as non-spoiler thoughts on the show itself from Apple TV+ (9:38). After that, they decide how they feel about the announcement of two more seasons of 'Shōgun' (20:30).

After the break, Blaine and Donovan discuss episodes four and five of the HBO series 'The Sympathizer': was it purposefully without intention? (28:20).

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The big topic, though, is spoilers: they should be handled with care and respect for the creators and viewers, and Blaine uses a particular one at the culture site Vulture and author Kathryn VanArendonk (4:46). It will leave you fired up or feeling sorry for the critic. You can judge!

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Adam and Donovan join and they all discuss the direction and lack of criteria for 'The Challenge: All-Stars' The guys offer ideas and opinions on the current fourth season of the spin-off series.

After the break, it's the second and third episodes of the HBO adaptation of the book 'The Sympathizer.' It's a lot about duality, identity, and the absurdity of war as they unpack their feelings on the two entries. Plus, a whole lot of Robert Downey Jr.

Find more on TheAlabamaTake.com

From there, the entire crew join in to talk without spoilers on 'Shōgun' (4:42) before breaking down the incredible finale in depth with spoilers (7:21).

To end the episode, Donovan and Blaine discuss the first four episodes of 'Baby Reindeer' in more depth (28:25).

As always, check out the site TheAlabamaTake.com for more and hop on the newsletter by visiting https://thealabamatake.com/newsletter -- this week only, it comes with a fun quiz!

After that, Blaine returns to the Apple TV+ show 'Sugar' to discuss a few things from the fourth episode, all without spoilers (5:28). Hulu's new series 'Under the Bridge' has his attention. He recaps some of his broad thoughts on it without spoiling any of it (6:27).

From there, Donovan and Adam join the show, and Donovan gives his recommendation on the new HBO series 'The Sympathizer' in the spoiler-free section (9:36). It's full spoilers from that point as all three are eager to talk about the penultimate episode of 'Shōgun,' "Crimson Sky" (15:18).

Then it's more in-depth with the first episode of 'The Sympathizer' as Blaine and Donvoan talk about its blend of comedy and gravitas and if that's sustainable (35:15).

Find a lot more at TheAlabamaTake.com as well as the YouTube channel for The Alabama Take.

Blaine also reviews the latest episode of 'Sugar' and its developing mystery which may be too easy to have determined (33:28).

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This week's episode features an ad from our friends at the podcast Polyphonic Press, a show for music fans of all stripes where each week the hosts review a classic album from a list of over one-thousand releases from all genres of music. The twist? They have no idea what album will spin! Join them on Tuesdays for a new classic album and listen along to rediscover (or discover) the best in music.

This week's episode features an ad from our friends at the podcast Polyphonic Press, a show for music fans of all stripes where each week the hosts review a classic album from a list of over one-thousand releases from all genres of music. The twist? They have no idea what album will spin! Join them on Tuesdays for a new classic album and listen along to rediscover (or discover) the best in music.

Find and talk to Taking It Down on Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky.

As always, the YouTube channel for The Alabama Take features all episodes of this podcast and the rest of the family of podcasts.

This week's episode features an ad from our friends at the podcast Polyphonic Press, a show for music fans of all stripes where each week the hosts review a classic album from a list of over one-thousand releases from all genres of music. The twist? They have no idea what album will spin! Join them on Tuesdays for a new classic album and listen along to rediscover (or discover) the best in music.

Find and talk to Taking It Down on Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky.

As always, the YouTube channel for The Alabama Take features all episodes of this podcast and the rest of the family of podcasts.

Look at TV from a different angle: Taking It Down is the The Alabama Take's TV and streaming podcast from irrelevant Southern thinkers. Audio podcast is out every Tuesday morning and can be streamed above or with the links at the bottom of the page. The video component of the podcast airs on Wednesday evenings at 5:00 p.m. CST.

Takeaways

• The change in the video schedule for Taking It Down on Video has been made to align better with the coverage of the challenge and to provide a separate entity for challenge discussion.
• The setting of Alaska in True Detective allows for an exploration of mental illness in a dark environment.
• The supernatural element in the show could benefit from a more subtle approach, with hints and glimpses rather than jump scares.
• The engaging endings of the episodes create anticipation for the next one and keep viewers hooked.
• The characters' mental states, such as Navarro's bleeding ears, add to the mystery and intrigue of the show.
• The unresolved storylines and the introduction of new characters, like Otis Heiss, leave viewers wanting more.
• Other TV shows, such as those on Apple TV, offer potential for exciting and compelling storytelling. The search for John Wilkes Booth after he kills Lincoln is a fascinating historical drama.
• Apple TV+ has a variety of original shows, including Constellation, Sugar, The Big Door Prize, Dark Matter, and The Lady in the Lake.
• Ash Wednesday is a significant day for Elvis Perkins fans.

The Alabama Take brings you an entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! But we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

To begin, it's a quick question on the Expats on Amazon Prime (1:27), before shifting into Masters of the Air on Apple TV+ to land on how it holds up thus far against its predecessors from HBO (4:02). The hosts ask Donovan why he watches Bluey (20:38) before Donovan and Blaine break down "Part Three" of True Detective: Night Country to uncover just how good it is at its halfway point and to question if it leans to heavily into one particular aspect the first season may have avoided (24:07).

At 5:00 p.m. CST on Tuesdays, you can watch the the weekly YouTube video segment, which has the group discussing how bad this season is of The Challenge: Battle for a New Champion as well as the dominating performance of the elimination winner.

Takeaways

• The TV show Masters of the Air has received mixed reviews, with some praising its portrayal of World War II and others finding it lacking compared to previous war-themed series.
• The animated children's show Bluey has garnered a following among both kids and adults, with its relatable characters and heartwarming stories.
• The hosts express their opinions on various TV shows and highlight the importance of personal preferences when it comes to entertainment.
• The discussion of True Detective: Night Country "Part 3: provides insights and analysis of the episode, showcasing the hosts' engagement with the series.
• The show could potentially continue as an anthology series, exploring different themes and characters in each season.
• The portrayal of women in the series is complex and highlights their strength and resilience.
• Flashbacks provide insight into characters' pasts and relationships.
• Living in darkness for extended periods can have a significant impact on mental health.
• Unresolved threads, such as the trailer and effigy, leave room for further exploration in future episodes.
• The destruction of nature by human activities may be connected to the emergence of ancient horror.

The Alabama Take brings you an entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! But we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

Find the other podcasts in The Alabama Take network in any podcast app. Not only that, but all podcasts now appear in the YouTube channel for The Alabama Take. For Taking It Down, that includes both the audio version of the episode and the bonus footage from that week.

Look at TV from a different angle: Taking It Down is the The Alabama Take's TV and streaming podcast from irrelevant Southern thinkers. Audio podcast is out every Tuesday morning and can be streamed above or with the links at the bottom of the page. The video component of the podcast airs on Tuesday evenings at 5:00 p.m. CST.

For this week, it takes a full episode to dig into the mysteries of "Part Two" of the captivating True Detective: North Country. After a brief discussion on some co-hosts' whereabouts and a quick story about Bob Dylan (2:33), Donovan and Blaine begin to unravel the second episode of the HBO series (3:23).

Taking It Down is the The Alabama Take's TV and streaming podcast for listeners who have time for the TV, but not time for much else. From us, you'll get the mundane and absurd, the complex and the simple, the easy and the hard all with zero Hollywood b.s.

For extra footage, the YouTube channel for The Alabama Take has even more from Taking It Down. 

The Alabama Take brings you an entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! But we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

Find the other podcasts in The Alabama Take network in any podcast app or here on the site. Not only that, but all podcasts now appear in the YouTube channel for The Alabama Take. For Taking It Down, that includes both the audio version of the episode and the bonus footage from that week.

For the episode this week, the entire crew gathers to determine just what to make of the Amazon Prime film Saltburn (1:46) and Donovan and Blaine break down the direction of the two most recent episodes of Fargo, "Linda" and "Blanket" (22:20).

For extra footage, the YouTube channel for The Alabama Take has even more from Taking It Down. This week, the extra YouTube video has the crew returning to their weekly coverage of The Challenge: Battle for a New Champion and some focused griping as well as thoughts on how the show could improve.

Summary This week, the first segment is all about Saltburn from Amazon Prime. It covers various themes, comparisons to other films, opinions on the movie, debate on the controversial scenes, unscripted moments, nostalgic music, age and experience, critiques of it, class argument, implications, analysis of a scene, domino effect in the movie, and the performance of the actors. The second segment has a deep dive into "Blankets," the recent episode of Fargo.

Takeaways

• The controversial scenes in the movie sparked a debate among the participants.
• The movie was compared to other films, with a focus on the cast and performances.
• Opinions on the movie varied, with some participants enjoying it despite the controversial scenes.
• The class argument in the movie was discussed, with differing views on its effectiveness.
• The movie had moments of unscripted improvisation, which added to the overall experience.
• The plot and believability of certain aspects of the movie were critiqued.
• The performance of the actors, particularly Jacob Elordi, was praised.
• Different interpretations of the movie's themes and messages were explored.
• The use of nostalgic music and its impact on the viewing experience was discussed.
• The conversation concluded with mixed feelings about the movie and its overall quality.
• The two recent episodes of Fargo. 

This week, staffer and movie buff Ty Edmondson is back on the podcast to talk about his favorite things of the year that was as well as give a glimpse into what could be worth our time in 2024.

Blaine and Ty discuss their favorite movies (1:25), including Past Lives and Beau Is Afraid. They also talk about the Wes Anderson collection on Netflix (10:25) and Ridley Scott's Napoleon (11:38). The conversation then shifts to books and TV shows, with recommendations such as The Creative Act by Rick Rubin and Miss Jane by Brad Watson (13:08). They also discuss their favorite concerts and music, including the artist underscores and the album Scaring the Hoes by JPEGMafia and Danny Brown (20:38). The conversation covers various topics including music, social media, upcoming movies and TV shows, and a mention of the Mean Girls reboot (40:30). The hosts discuss their favorite artists and albums, their transition to using alternative social media platforms, and their anticipation for new releases coming in 2024 (46:08).

Summary In this conversation, Blaine and Ty Edmondson discuss their favorite movies, including 'Past Lives' and 'Bo Is Afraid.' They also talk about the Wes Anderson collection on Netflix and Ridley Scott's 'Napoleon.' The conversation then shifts to books and TV shows, with recommendations such as 'The Creative Act' by Rick Rubin and 'Miss Jane' by Brad Watson. They also discuss their favorite concerts and music, including the artist underscores and the album 'Scaring the Hose' by JPEG mafia and Danny Brown. The conversation covers various topics including music, social media, upcoming movies and TV shows, and a mention of the Mean Girls reboot. The hosts discuss their favorite artists and albums, their transition to using alternative social media platforms, their anticipation for new releases in the entertainment industry, and their thoughts on the Mean Girls reboot. Overall, the conversation provides insights into their personal interests and opinions on popular culture.

Takeaways The hosts share their favorite artists and albums in the music genre. They discuss their transition to using alternative social media platforms. They express their excitement for upcoming movies and TV shows. They mention the Mean Girls reboot and discuss the cultural significance of the original movie.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Recap 01:25 - Favorite Movies 06:03 - Barbie and Oppenheimer 10:25 - Wes Anderson Collection 11:38 - Ridley Scott's Napoleon 13:08 - Books and TV Shows 20:38 - Concerts and Music 36:50 - Discussion about music and artists 40:30 - Transition to talking about social media 41:57 - Speculation about the future of Twitter 46:08 - Anticipation for upcoming movies and TV shows 52:19 - Mention of Mean Girls reboot 54:59 - Closing remarks and goodbye to Twitter

The Alabama Take brings you an entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! But we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

Find the other podcasts in The Alabama Take network in any podcast app. Not only that, but all podcasts now appear in the YouTube channel for The Alabama Take. For Taking It Down, that includes both the audio version of the episode and the bonus footage from that week.

Summary The conversation revolves around the movie 'Leave the World Behind' on Netflix. The hosts discuss various aspects of the film, including the similarity between actors, the dizzying camera work, cinematography preferences, expectations from the director, and a comparison with the TV show 'Mr. Robot'. They conclude with closing remarks and announcements for future episodes.

Main Points The similarity between actors can be distracting for viewers. Dizzying camera work can be a polarizing aspect the movie. Knowing the director's style and expectations can influence one's perception of a film. Comparisons with other works can provide insights into the strengths and weaknesses of Leave the World Behind.

Episode 182 Chapters 3:23 - The cinematography of Leave the World Behind 6:41 - The plot of the film with no spoilers 7:54 - Spoilers begin for Leave the World Behind 8:47 - Why the editing does work more than the camera work 16:54 - The final scene of the movie 27:44 - Next week on the podcast and beyond

The Alabama Take brings you an entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! But we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

Find the other podcasts in The Alabama Take network in any podcast app or on the site. 

For this week's episode, the crew start with some quick Substack shoutouts that are worthy of your time (1:24) before looking back on Loki without any spoilers now that the second season has ended (3:06). After that, it's a debate on if The Curse from Nathan Fielder and Showtime is funny or any good at all (5:33). The final segment after the break has Donovan and Blaine breaking down the specifics of the third episode of this fifth season of Fargo on FX and Hulu (22:01).

If you're a fan of video podcasts, the YouTube channel for The Alabama Take has extra footage different from the audio episode. 

The Alabama Take brings you an entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! But we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

Find the other podcasts in The Alabama Take network in any podcast app. Not only that, but all podcasts now appear in the YouTube channel for The Alabama Take.

This week, we get right to the point: is Napoleon a good movie? It sure could've been with some of these fixes (2:03). After the break, we discuss how Fargo returns, checks some boxes, but gets back to form (21:18).

If you're a fan of video podcasts, the YouTube channel for The Alabama Take has extra footage different from the audio episode, found below, but we need a name. Chime in! Win prizes!

The Alabama Take brings you an entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! But we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

Find the other podcasts in The Alabama Take network in any podcast app. Not only that, but all podcasts now appear in the YouTube channel for The Alabama Take.

In this week's audio version of the podcast, the entire crew is here to first dive into the current season of MTV's The Challenge: we'll unpack why it has a different vibe and who annoys us most (1:20). After a break, Donovan talks himself into possibly loving the new David Fincher movie on Netflix The Killer (14:05) before we spoil the movie (23:04).

If you're a fan of video podcasts, the YouTube channel for The Alabama Take has extra footage different from the audio episode, found below, with takes on the new trailer for the upcoming film Napoleon as well as leftover thoughts on The Beatles and the bad reviews of The Marvels.

With only Adam and Blaine this week, the guys veer way out of the podcast's usual lane of TV to talk about The Beatles. Prompted by the new single "Now and Then," they talk discuss production, albums, and songs. The episode begins with the podcast's roots (1:20) before explaining why this week isn't a TV episode (2:23). There's a dash of football discussion (4:29) before the two hosts talk about The Beatles: the new single, previous work without John Lennon, favorite albums, favorite songs, and the man who played hundreds of copies of The White Album (5:44). The episode wraps with a mushroom-specific "Strawberry Fields Forever" tale (30:27) before Adam assigns some Beatles homework everyone will love (31:49).

If you're a fan of video podcasts, the YouTube channel for The Alabama Take has extra footage different from the audio episode, found below, with takes on Daylight Saving Time, seasons, and author Caleb Johnson's recent fiction "The Camper."

This week for the audio episode of the podcast, Donovan and Blaine discuss some new options with the audio and video versions of Taking It Down (1:45) before moving into the sad news of Matthew Perry's death (3:20). Then it's a wrap on the final four episodes of the Netflix series The Fall Of The House Of Usher (7:54). Was it worth it? Does it answer all of its questions?

If you're a fan of video podcasts, the YouTube channel for The Alabama Take has extra footage from the audio episode, found below, with some thoughts on the Tuscaloosa Chukker reunion and what to make of the new season of The Challenge, its thirty-ninth installment of the series.

The Alabama Take brings you an entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! But we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

Find the other podcasts in The Alabama Take network in any podcast app. Not only that, but all podcasts now appear in the YouTube channel for The Alabama Take. For Taking It Down, a bonus footage version is on YouTube. 

This week for the audio episode of the podcast, the four hosts have brief announcements on where they'll be this week if you want to come and see them (2:13) before getting into some thoughts on social media sites (5:37). From there, it's the problems of the still enjoyable Loki series on Disney+ (7:19). After a short break, there's a break down of episodes three and four of The Fall Of The House Of Usher, and one host ain't buying it (23:02). To wrap, there's a short talk on Tuscaloosa music, particularly a show in the coming days (49:16).

If you're a fan of video podcasts, the YouTube channel for The Alabama Take has an extended version the episode with discussions about Alabama author Caleb R. Johnson, the new Rolling Stones' album, and the finale of The Challenge: USA on CBS. 

The Alabama Take brings you an entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! But we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

Find the other podcasts in The Alabama Take network in any podcast app or in the YouTube channel for The Alabama Take.

All four co-hosts this week are pretty interested in the new trailer of True Detective: Night Country, which is set in Alaska and stars Jodie Foster, and each of the hosts determines what's the impact the show could have (2:08). After that, the group pick up where they left off last week and analyze the final three short films from Wes Anderson on Netflix: The Rat Catcher, Poison, and The Swan (7:04). The final segment covers the first two episodes of the Netflix horror show The Fall of the House of Usher where the group differs on its level of entertainment (21:47).

If you're a fan of video podcasts, the YouTube channel for The Alabama Take has an extended version the episode with discussions about Loki's second episode with no spoilers and The Challenge: USA with spoilers. 

The Alabama Take brings you an entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! But we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

This week the gang have a time dissecting the first episode of the new season of Loki (1:20). They also discuss the impact of Wes Anderson and his new short film on Netflix The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (20:30). To wrap the show, the gang narrows down what's in store for the next episode since there are a lot of choices as well as ask for a favor (43:48).

If you prefer video podcasts, the YouTube channel for The Alabama Take has an extended version the episode with discussions this week about what to watch and read for Halloween and The Challenge: USA thoughts!

The Alabama Take brings you an entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! But we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

Find the other podcasts in The Alabama Take network in any podcast app. 

If you're a fan of video podcasts, the YouTube channel for The Alabama Take has an extended version the episode, found below, with discussions about seeing Beyonce live!

The Alabama Take brings you an entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! But we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

Find the other podcasts in The Alabama Take network in any podcast app. 

For those who prefer the video podcast, head to YouTube and find The Alabama Take. There in this week's episode, we begin with talks about HBO's cancellation of Winning Time, the big loss on The Challenge: USA, the upcoming season of Fargo with Jon Hamm, and why Natalie loves The Great British Bake Off. 

The Alabama Take brings you an entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! But we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

Find the other podcasts in The Alabama Take network in any podcast app. Not only that, but all podcasts now appear in the YouTube channel for The Alabama Take. For Taking It Down, that includes an audio-only version and a video version with bonus content!

This week's episode begins with a list of specific thank yous to the donors of the donation drive for the home site, The Alabama Take (1:58). If you helped out and pitched in, then you'll hear your name! From there, it's a few jokes at the expense of two specific politicians who made news this week (4:36). Then we get into Victor LaValle, the author of The Changeling and this year's Lone Women on what makes his work good (6:39) before we dive fully into the Apple TV+ adaptation of his work, The Changeling, which has a lot to unpack (10:18). After the break, we're back in Europe with Welcome to Wrexham, the FX/Hulu show. Before we discuss the show, we talk about the country of Whales itself (31:02) and then discuss how the show is great, but sometimes lacks a voice (35:18). Thanks everyone for listening!

If you're a fan of video podcasts, the YouTube channel for The Alabama Take has an extended version the episode, found below, with discussions about the upcoming Mike Flanagan project on Netflix The Fall Of The House Of Usher, which has us intriguied and how the entire Aquaman franchise never catches our eye. That extra footage is on the YouTube video only and is included in the first several minutes of the show.

Taking It Down is the site's TV and streaming podcast for listeners who have time for the TV, but not time for much else. From us, you'll get the mundane and absurd, the complex and the simple, the easy and the hard all with zero Hollywood b.s.

The Alabama Take brings you an entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! But we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

This week's episode begins with the hypothesis that Apple TV+ has taken the crown from HBO for quality TV shows (2:37). Then, the group give spoiler-free thoughts on why The Changeling from the same streamer feels so special (9:28). After a short break aboutThe Alabama Take, it's a breakdown of what happened -- and where it could lead -- on the most recent episode of The Challenge: USA (14:03).

If you're a fan of video podcasts, the YouTube channel for The Alabama Take has an extended version the episode with some wilder discussions on recent discourses around Martin Short and Ahsoka, particularly how Twitter has driven them. And you'll get some medical ideas on cysts! Yes, cysts! The extra footage is always in the video version of the show for the first few minutes.

The Alabama Take brings you an entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! But we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

The entire crew gather to first talk about the intersection of college football and intellectualism and how it's not a dichotomy (2:38) before shifting into The Challenge: USA and asking if production has too much of a hand in certain things (7:07). After the break, Blaine and Donovan discuss at length how zany and sober the latest HBO documentary Telemarketers is, which people should view just for the enlightenment (17:01).

If you're a fan of video podcasts, the YouTube channel for The Alabama Take has an extended version the episode, found below as well, with bonus discussions on Burning Man and the recent passing of the legendary Jimmy Buffett.

The Alabama Take brings you an entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! But we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

Find the other podcasts in The Alabama Take network in any podcast app or on the site. Not only that, but all podcasts now appear in the YouTube channel for The Alabama Take. For Taking It Down, that includes an audio-only version and a video version with bonus content!

After nearly the entire month of August on a break, the entire crew of Taking It Down is back to reflect on the passing of Bob Barker first, as well as offer thoughts on celebrity deaths of late (2:16). After that, the major segments begin with a breakdown of how the HBO series How To With John Wilson has dipped in quality. After a break, the crew discuss how The Challenge: USA on CBS became as good as its predecessor on MTV and why everyone should be watching it (15:17).

If you're a fan of video podcasts, the YouTube channel for The Alabama Take has an extended version the episode, found below as well, with bonus discussions on who's the Listener of the Week for the final time this year, why he deserves it, and how Ahsoka on Disney+ does a balancing act that many people need it to do. And we pepper in just a touch of dumb college football talk when it comes to jet lag, as a TV and streaming podcast should.

The Alabama Take brings you an entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! But we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

Find the other podcasts in The Alabama Take network in any podcast app!

For this week's episode, the crew at Taking It Down go spoiler free for all of the discussions. The talks begin with an explanation of the upcoming August break for the podcast and a call to action from listeners (1:37). From there, it's a dive into the online backlash on Secret Invasion, particularly its recent finale (3:37). After that, Donovan makes a recommendation of the Max star-studded series Full Circle from writer and director Steven Soderbergh (12:15). The Max show reminds them that How To With John Wilson has returned; it's easy to talk about its brilliance (23:45).

After a break, it's an unpacking of Oppenheimer without spoilers, which leads to a big complaint of podcasts such as Pop Culture Happy Hour from NPR and beyond (29:28). The podcast ends with some news on social media as well as what to do during the August break (45:36).

The Alabama Take brings you an entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! But we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

Find the other podcasts in The Alabama Take network in any podcast app or on the site. Plus, all podcasts now stream in the YouTube channel for The Alabama Take. For Taking It Down, that includes an audio-only version and a video version with bonus content!

Guest host Ty Edmondson is back on Taking It Down this week to help explain how Knock At The Cabin, now streaming on Peacock, is two-thirds good. They begin with a brief talk about the one that got away: Succession on HBO (1:38) before talking some generalities of Knock At The Cabin (4:24). After the break, they discuss the movie and book in depth with spoilers (15:02).

For the YouTube version of this week's show, found below, the bonuses include a talk with Ty on what makes a movie great as well as the Listener Of The Week!

The Alabama Take brings you an entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! But we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

Find the other podcasts in The Alabama Take network in any podcast app. Not only that, but all podcasts now appear in the YouTube channel for The Alabama Take. For Taking It Down, that includes an audio-only version and a video version with bonus content!

In this week's episode, we dissect how It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia keeps being funny and why it's a television classic (1:35). After the break, it's a deep dive into the mysteries of the Apple TV+ sci-fi drama Silo, which is worth a look (18:28).

For a transcript of this week's episode, see the website.

For the YouTube version of this week's show, found in The Alabama Take's YouTube channel, the bonus material includes a trip to IKEA to begin, how it's the 165th episode of this podcast, and spoiler-free analysis the FX/Hulu series What We Do in the Shadows. For the last segment, Natalie and Blaine dissect some microscopic moments of "Beloved," the fourth episode of Secret Invasion. Hint: it's better than critics think!

The Alabama Take brings you an entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! But we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

Find the other podcasts in The Alabama Take network in any podcast app. 

Apple TV+ has some quality shows, and we have recommendations almost solely from that streaming app, including Hijack (1:37), City On Fire (3:04), and Silo (5:04) all with spoiler-free discussions. Then it's a brief note on the current season of The Righteous Gemstones and why it's not quite as good, yet, as previous seasons (8:11). After the break, it's a short discussion on the details that Secret Invasion is adding to its show that make it a little better than other Disney+ and MCU shows have been (11:32).

For a transcript of this week's episode, see the website. For bonus footage, watch the video in YouTube for The Alabama Take. 

The Alabama Take brings you an entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! But we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

Find the other podcasts in The Alabama Take network in any podcast app. 

For this week's Taking It Down, it's a brief thought on the 4th of July (1:36) before talking about Juvenile's Tiny Desk Concert on NPR (2:23). Then the rest of the episode is dedicated to the back half of the current season of The Bear, particularly what the characters' actions tell us about the series (4:15).

The Alabama Take brings you an entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! But we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

Find the other podcasts in The Alabama Take network in any podcast app. Not only that, but all podcasts now appear in the YouTube channel for The Alabama Take. For Taking It Down, that includes an audio-only version and a video version with bonus content!

In Episode 162 of Taking It Down, the crew begin with the secret recipe of the second season of The Bear as they discus the first three episodes of the new season on Hulu (1:37). After the break, it's a talk on how there are potentials within the first episode of the Disney+ series Secret Invasion (18:21).

Find the other podcasts in The Alabama Take network in any podcast app.

Find any of the podcasts in The Alabama Take family of podcasts by visiting the site or searching them out in your favorite app!

The Alabama Take brings you an entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! But we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

The Alabama Take brings you an entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! But we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

Find the other podcasts in The Alabama Take network in any podcast app.

The Alabama Take brings you an entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! But we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

Find the other podcasts in The Alabama Take network in any podcast app.

The Alabama Take brings you an entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! Yet we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

Find the other podcasts in The Alabama Take network in any podcast app.

The show begins with a movie recommendation since Ty is back on the show (1:37). After that, it's a breakdown of the fifth episode of the HBO show Barry and how many of its shots and scenes are worth a rewatch (2:23). We tell what to watch for and why.

After the break, it's a discussion of the first two episodes of HBO's miniseries White House Plumbers and explain how it maintains its hilarity through its display of history (26:40).

Find a transcript of the show on The Alabama Take website. 

The Alabama Take brings you an entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! Yet we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

Find the other podcasts in The Alabama Take network in any podcast app.

We begin with a few brief thoughts on the writers' strike and what that may mean for television: just look at past strikes (1:36). Then, it's the fourth episode of the fourth and final season of Barry, which allows for a lot of its characters not only to carry the episode but also tell large parts of their story (6:36).

A listener gets a shoutout and thanks (17:50) before we give the hosts their hellos (18:27). After a break: a discussion on what's working very well for Love & Death on HBO Max (20:07). Finally, we get incredibly tickled on the outrageousness of the second episode of this season of Somebody Somewhere -- unless you watched, it may not be what you expect (35:17).

A transcript of the episode appears on the second page of The Alabama Take site for this episode.

The Alabama Take brings you an entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! Yet we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

Find the other podcasts in The Alabama Take network in any podcast app or from the site.

Does the new stand-up special Baby J from John Mulaney live up to his previous work (1:40)? We explain why Somebody Somewhere on HBO is well done normcore television (15:54).

After the break, we have a quick audience question (28:26) before we dissect how Perry Mason does mystery right (28:56).

With so much TV, a lot of which is promising, we run down some ideas on what to watch (2:43). Then Natalie gives a few spoiler-free thoughts on The Challenge: World Championships (3:58). It's a lot of bemoaning when it comes to the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3 (5:07) as well as the planned series for Harry Potter (5:46) from HBO.

From there, the crew dissect what a bust the entire season of The Mandalorian was (6:35) before talking about the hits and misses of this third season of Ted Lasso as it enters its halfway point (22:26).

To end, it's plenty of analysis and laughs on how Barry may be the best thing on TV -- Donovan and Blaine discuss the first two episodes of the HBO show's fourth and final season (30:54).

The Alabama Take brings you all the entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! Yet we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

Find the other podcasts produced by The Alabama Take in any podcast app or on the site.

The Alabama Take brings you all the entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! Yet we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

Find the other podcasts from The Alabama Take in any podcast app.

The Alabama Take brings you all the entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! Yet we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

Find the other podcasts from The Alabama Take in any podcast app or directly from the site. 

The Alabama Take brings you all the entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! Yet we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

Find the other podcasts produced by The Alabama Take in podcast app or directly on the site.

To help us do a complete wrap on The Last of Us, we bring in host of This Song Sucks Josh Kavanaugh to talk about the show, the game, and if it all worked (2:57). Josh sticks around to help analyze the first three episodes of The Mandalorian and is surprised by The Book of Boba Fett in the process (31:26).

At the end of the show, Donovan and Blaine praise the first two episodes of the HBO show Perry Mason for taking it slow and casting Matthew Rhys (46:51).

The Alabama Take brings you all the entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! Yet we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

Find the other podcasts in the network on the site or your favorite app.

With even more laughs than usual, Taking It Down starts with ads that aren't ads at all as well as music announcements (1:30). From there, the group discusses a goodbye of sorts for Arrested Development, which turns into a lesson on digital versus physical copies (3:51). It all leads to a hilarious set of listener questions that involve spoilers and spoiler hatred (6:02), Point Break (11:23), albums that never get old (13:15), Cocaine Bear (17:05), doing our homework (18:02), an Ant-Man query (18:58), and stand-up comedy (19:33).

After the break, which is newly redesigned and you'll want to hear, Donovan and Blaine break down the beauty of the seventh episode, "Left Behind," of the HBO series The Last of Us and conclude that it is a retelling of Romeo and Juliet once again (23:31).

The Alabama Take brings you all the entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! Yet we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

Find the other podcasts in the podcast network in any podcast app!

The Alabama Take brings you all the entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! Yet we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

Find the other podcasts in the podcast network in any podcast app or on The Alabama Take website.

The Alabama Take brings you all the entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! Yet we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

Find the other podcasts in The Alabama Take's network in any podcast app.

In the crew's goofiest show to date, this episode of Taking It Down easily has more Patrick Mahomes than ever offered in the show's catalog thus far. To begin, the Taking It Down group shares some recommendations and possible ideas for upcoming episodes of the podcast, including: the 1963 unreliable narrator novel It Happened in Boston?; the WWII film Narvik on Netflix; new television from Apple TV+ Shrinking and Servant; and the strange South American novel Tender Is The Flesh (1:19). No spoilers for any of the recs, so listen to see if something strikes you.

After the break, it's spoilers galore! The gang breaks down the fourth and fifth episodes of The Last Of Us on HBO, including if the show can rise above a few tropes of the genre and even some its own tropes the series is settling into with regularity (13:05).

The Alabama Take brings you all the entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! Yet we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

Find the other podcasts in The Alabama Take podcast network in any podcast app.

The Alabama Take brings you all the entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! Yet we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

Find the other podcasts in the podcast network in any podcast app or directly from the site.

The Alabama Take brings you all the entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! Yet we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

Find the other podcasts in the podcast network in any podcast app or on the site.

We get right into the fine dining of the HBO Max movie The Menu, which we all liked but only to a point and it doesn't hurt us to try to cram in as many food puns as we possibly can (2:43). After the break, we talk about video games and the first episode of the HBO show The Last of Us (23:26). It's a series that could be tailor made for at least one of our hosts.

The Alabama Take brings you all the entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! Yet we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

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To start, we talk the joy of local libraries before we get into White Noise on Netflix and why it reminds us of both Steven Spielberg and David Lynch (3:42). After the break, it's all about the Netflix film Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths and why two of us found it mesmerizing and one of us did not (26:41).

The Alabama Take brings you all the entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! Yet we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

Find our other podcasts in your favorite podcast app.

Thoughts on 2023 makes us question if it is the year of A.I. (2:07) which leads to a quick takedown of the movie Moonfall and Natalie's draw to disaster movies (3:15). After that, Blaine makes some revisions to the top television of the previous year as Fleishman Is In Trouble deserves some praise (5:28).

The gang then analyze the lovable Glass Onion, which is now on Netflix (8:15), and the drama on recent episodes of this season of The Challenge (26:43).

The Alabama Take brings you all the entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! Yet we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

Find our other podcasts in your favorite podcast app or on the site.

For the final show of the year, we recap the year that was (2:47). We give thoughts on such pop culture b.s. as Twitter, crypto, and NFTs (3:56) before getting into what we liked about the year (7:58).

After the break, host Blaine previews his top ten television shows of the year (25:55).

The Alabama Take brings you all the entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! Yet we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

Find our other podcasts in your favorite podcast app or on the site.

Donovan gets excited when Liberty loses, which is what happened in some recent bowl game action (2:06). This week's podcast primarily focuses on the connection to Showtime's miniseries George and Tammy (2:40); the overview of Michael McDonagh's works (7:21); and some thoughts, analysis, and spoilers for The Banshees of Inisherin (15:24).

From there, it's the bulk of the episode as the gang dissects the enjoyment of the Netflix movie Emily The Criminal (26:14) as well as a very deep dive into the final episodes and overall amazement of The English from Amazon Prime, including why its flawed but still great (42:17).

The Alabama Take brings you all the entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! Yet we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

The Alabama Take brings you all the entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! Yet we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

After a two-week hiatus due to vacationing, resting, and traveling, Taking It Down, the pop culture podcast from The Alabama Take network, is back to first briefly discuss Halloween and Halloween songs (3:43). Then it's an equally brief and broad talk about the new Taylor Swift album (5:02). It's important that we discuss our disdain for the botched She-Hulk ending, which was good with merely one aspect, but horrible with much more (6:28).

After that, the hosts discuss plenty of news from the first two episodes of this season's The Challenge, which is subtitled Ride or Dies. (You can also read a weekly column on The Alabama Take site every Thursday afternoon.)

After a short news break, the gang does as deep of a dive as they've ever done and this one is on The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power from Amazon Prime with two actual Tolkien scholars (31:14)!

Listen on the this site with the player above or in any podcast app by searching for Taking It Down.

After a break, it's a quick check-in with the Disney+ show Andor (28:06) and it's just too fun not to talk about House of the Dragon, which has the hosts talking about the sixth episode of that HBO show (36:03).

The Alabama Take brings everyone the entire family of podcasts and writings -- all with no ads! Yet we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site, the writings, and podcasts going.

It's autumn music from listeners' suggestions (2:24). House of the Dragon and its stellar "We Light The Way" fifth episode (13:24). We don't talk She-Hulk and it is easy not to do (30:21). There is a plethora of television shows now, and we can't decide what could be next (31:12). We do talk about the premiere of Andor and its three episodes (33:41). There's enough for everyone to come eat at the show that is The Patient (42:56)

Listen on the this site with the player above or in any podcast app by searching for Taking It Down.

On Taking It Down this Tuesday, we start with a check-in on the FX/Hulu series Welcome to Wrexham (4:03) before revealing how Twitter can get it done after some college football (8:02). Then it's talk on large swaths of entertainment news: corrections about our episode; the return of The Handmaid's Tale and why it's hard to care; the b.s. online about The Little Mermaid; and a gauge on our interest of the AMC series Interview with the Vampire (12:10). After that, everyone gives a temperature check on the Amazon Prime show The Rings of Power -- good for those who want no spoilers (15:19). However, the conversation about House of the Dragon's fourth episode "The King of the Narrow Sea" is packed with spoilers as we dissect what it has to say for the show now and moving forward and explain why Donovan needed an adult for it(19:36).

After the break, we offer what we can about She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (33:29) and enjoy discussing The Patient on FX/Hulu (41:45).

Listen to this and the whole family of Alabama Take podcasts on TheAlabamaTake.com or in any podcast player!

This week, we waste no time by starting with general, non-spoiler thoughts on the huge, expensive Amazon Prime show The Rings of Power: the ratings from this group are very high (3:14). There are a few connections made for the lack of Listener of the Week, Dilly Bars, and a shoutout to this week's College Football Pick 'Em winner, and luckily that's all tied into a short segment (11:53). But after that, there is plenty of talk about House of the Dragon's second and third episodes (14:32).

After some cool announcements, it's a discussion of the precipitous downfall of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (37:01) before lauding the new FX/Hulu series The Patient, which stars Domhnall Gleeson and Steve Carell in interesting roles; it may be more in how much we believe in the show runners (44:26).

The Alabama Take brings a variety of podcasts and writings with no ads, but we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site and podcasts going.

In Taking It Down this week, the gang starts with an ending of Listener of the Week (3:07) before moving into the first episode of the recording-breaking HBO show House of the Dragon (4:14). Although a week behind, Taking It Down can't help but talk about it. After the break, thoughts on the second episode of the Disney+ show She-Hulk: Attorney at Law and whether the optimism for the series continues (27:25). Finally, there's discussion on the new soccer reality TV series from FX/Hulu Welcome to Wrexham (37:18). You know, that show about Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney buying a small soccer club over in Whales. Yeah, that one. Who's this one for and is it good?

Anyways, it's all that and more in this week's episode of Taking It Down, the 129th episode of this masterpiece of thought.

The Alabama Take brings a variety of podcasts and writings with no ads, but we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site and podcasts going.

Taking It Down this week begins with some tales centered on school (1:28) before explaining what exactly happened with Listener of the Week (4:19).

The gang then dissect why the Hulu movie Prey deserves better than it's "good B-movie" description (5:42). Natalie is blown away and then solves TikTok (31:00) before the entire group discusses reasons to be optimistic about the new Disney+ entry She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (31:58). Just before ending, Natalie has a Paper Girls question to pose (47:43).

All that and more in this week's episode of Taking It Down, the 128th in the bank.

There's always a lot more at The Alabama Take. 

Taking It Down returns this week and as always starts by awarding the Done Up Real Good Listener of the Week as a thank you to a listener for their input (2:48). Then it's some short discussion on how much time we'll give to the upcoming HBO show House of the Dragon (3:52), Amazon Prime's The Rings of Power (6:57), and Disney+'s She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (8:17). Next, Adam talks about watching South Park celebrate a long run (10:57) before shifting gears to discuss some of the movie Belfast as it recently became available on HBO Max (13:51). He gives his spoiler-free thoughts on Belfast to explain why it works so well as a movie. Finally the two hosts discuss the urgent, frightening, and well-paced drama on Apple TV+ Five Days at Memorial, which is based on the true events in a hospital in New Orleans just after Hurricane Katrina (20:03). But it's more than just trauma porn, right?

As with every episode, listeners can find it in any podcast app, including Spotify, or listen with the embedded player above.

The podcast Taking It Down releases weekly on Tuesday mornings. Check out the site TheAlabamaTake.com for a lot more, including the online shop where you can find all kinds of shirts, mugs, and bags with all of the different show logos!

Blaine, Adam, and Donovan award the Listener of the Week, who takes the team into being international (2:30)! Then the group has very specific ideas on how to cast Wolverine in the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe adventures -- and it doesn't involve Taron Egerton (3:54).

Natalie joins the crew and the four hosts discuss the recent piece by head writer Patrick Akers which posits that Adam Sandler is one of the greatest (8:31). Is he? And what's his best performance? And here's the video referenced in the talk of Sandler's very early MTV days, pre-SNL.

After a break, Donovan and Blaine dissect the many threads of the new Jordan Peele film Nope (32:50). The podcast episode of Where's the Line? mentioned in that discussion can be found here on Apple and here in Spotify.

As with every episode, listeners can find it in any podcast app, including Spotify, or listen with the embedded player above.

The podcast Taking It Down releases weekly on Tuesday mornings. Check out the site TheAlabamaTake.com for a lot more, including the online shop where you can find all kinds of shirts, mugs, and bags with many different shows logos!

Blaine, Adam, and Donovan award the Listener of the Week, who wins this week for a very special reason (2:05). Donovan recounts his time as a Chick-fil-A manager (4:48). That leads to a deep examination of the FX/Hulu series The Bear, which will contain spoilers for the show as the group talks about its music, themes, and foodie culture (8:26).

After a short update about the site, there is talk on the FX/Hulu show starring Jeff Bridges, The Old Man, but no spoilers at all (30:35). Blaine suggests the Apple TV+ show Black Bird with spoiler-free reasons on why it's worth the time (33:23).

From there, it's a deep dive into the problems of Thor: Love and Thunder (35:44) as well as the MCU at this week's Comic Con (44:54), which could fix some issues. Lastly, everyone makes a promise for the upcoming Amazon Prime show The Rings of Power (53:55).

Find our other podcasts in your favorite podcast app or here on the site.

In this week's episode of Taking It Down, we discuss the entirety of Stranger Things 4 and how it's better than the previous season (4:01). Then after a break, we talk about the The Challenge: All Stars most recent season now that it's wrapped and why it was fine (30:05). Donovan catches up on some movies and discusses the summer flavor of Top Gun: Maverick (37:12). Adam believes in The Bear on FX/Hulu (42:22) and Blaine briefly tries to sell the gang on another FX/Hulu show, The Old Man (49:38).

As with every episode, listeners can find it in any podcast app, including Spotify, or listen with the embedded player above.

The podcast Taking It Down releases weekly on Tuesday mornings. Check out the site TheAlabamaTake.com for a lot more, including the online shop where you can find all kinds of shirts, mugs, and bags with many different shows logos!

The Alabama Take brings a variety of podcasts -- with even more to come -- and website writings with no ads, but we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site and podcasts going.

Taking It Down begins as is custom with the Done Up Real Good Listener of the Week (2:28) who is sure to receive her prize! Then, it's a house divided on the finale of the Disney+ series Obi-Wan Kenobi (6:18) and the gang likes and doesn't like Dr. Strange and the Multiverse of Madness (17:46).

A quick note: Taking It Down will be off next Tuesday but will return on July 12. Have a safe summer and holiday!

As with every episode, listeners can find it in any podcast app, including Spotify, or listen with the embedded player above.

Don't forget: normally, the podcast Taking It Down releases weekly on Tuesday mornings. Check out the site TheAlabamaTake.com for a lot more, including the online shop where you can find all kinds of shirts, mugs, and bags with many different shows logos!

For this week's Taking It Down, the gang gives out the Done Up Real Good Listener of the Week award (5:01) after some random beginning musings. From there, it's why Barry may be one of the most American shows on TV now (5:53). After the break, Adam helps the rest of the group like the penultimate episode of Obi-Wan Kenobi more (33:12) and Natalie chastises Blaine for his vague thoughts on this week's episode of the Disney+ show Ms. Marvel (44:41).

Give this week's episode a listen with the player above or find it in any podcast app.

Don't forget: the podcast Taking It Down releases weekly on Tuesday mornings. Check out the site TheAlabamaTake.com for a lot more, including the online shop where you can find all kinds of shirts, mugs, and bags with many different shows logos!

It's a packed episode as Taking It Down starts with the customary Listener of the Week (3:37) before moving into a spoiler-free talk on what critics get right and wrong about the new Jurassic World: Dominion (5:01). From there, the crew spoil the ending of the current set of episodes from Stranger Things 4 as they contemplate what could come from the series in July (13:54).

After a news update, the conversation shifts to the new Disney+ series Ms. Marvel (35:43), the most recent episode of Obi-Wan Kenobi (43:24), and some spoiler thoughts on the current season of The Challenge: All Stars on Paramount+ (51:09).

After some news during the break, everyone is all in on the new Wilco album Cruel Country, but why (23:47)? The group also talks a little about what makes the new Drive-by Truckers' record worth your time (23:47).

In a hilarious bit, Donovan can't help but nitpick about the third episode of Obi-Wan Kenobi (31:53) before the podcast winds down with some explanations on why the HBO show We Own This City is one of the best and most vital of the year (36:17).

This podcast Taking It Down releases weekly on Tuesday mornings. Check out the site TheAlabamaTake.com for a lot more, including the online shop where you can find all kinds of shirts, mugs, and bags with many different and notable shows from The Alabama Take. 

In a longer segment, Adam and Blaine discuss the first two episodes of the return to Hawkins with Netflix's Stranger Things 4 (9:31).

After a break, it's brief discussion of The Challenge: All Stars (29:21) before talk on if Star Wars can deepen its mythos with the long-awaited Disney+ show Obi-Wan Kenobi (33:11).

Join us every week on Tuesday mornings for new episodes of Taking It Down. Check out the site TheAlabamaTake.com to venture into the online shop for all kinds of shirts, mugs, and bags with many different shows merch!

Taking It Down starts this episode with the Done Up Real Good Listener of the Week (4:31), which leads to a discussion of both The Orion, Huntsville's new amphitheater, and Alabama's spot in current culture (4:57). From there, it's a question of what, exactly is happening in North Alabama and does anyone really know (7:43)?

There is so much television, that the guys briefly mention some that they're watching or planning on watching soon (11:54) before they deep dive into both We Own This City and what policing should do as a whole (19:09).

After a break, it's more lighthearted fare with some discussions on all the possibilities of season three of The Challenge: All Stars, including a favorite topic: coffee enemas (30:51)!

Join us every week on Tuesday mornings for new episodes of Taking It Down. Check out the site TheAlabamaTake.com and venture into the online shop for all kinds of shirts, mugs, and bags with many different shows logos!

We start this week with another Done Up Real Good Listener of the Week, and this time, it's someone with a big announcement (1:42). Then the guys talk trailers, particularly two: House of the Dragon (2:10) and Obi-Wan Kenobi (6:21). One of the two has the guys feeling more excited than the other.

Natalie then joins the cast as they lay out how they all feel about Moon Knight and why the finale disappointed -- as well as where it fits as a MCU show (12:29). Blaine then offers some very quick, very vague, and very spoiler-free thoughts on Dr. Strange and the Multiverse of Madness (26:02). After that, Donovan and Blaine go deep into the first two episodes of the new HBO and David Simon show We Own This City as well as the show's connections to The Wire (27:33).

Keep in touch! We have plenty to see and hear at The Alabama Take!

Talk to you next week!

It's a top notch, high quality, fantastic and fun episode of Taking It Down this week, and as is the custom, the gang begins with the Listener of the Week (2:10). Make sure to let us know you're a listener so that you can win the big prize! From there, everyone complains at the news coverage concerning Johnny Depp and Amber Heard: why, oh why (2:39)?! Adam finally wraps up Severance and has a few cursory thoughts on it which he provides without spoiling any of the very spoiler-possible show (4:49). And in keeping with no spoilers, Donovan and Blaine tiptoe around the fifth and penultimate episode of Moon Knight (6:38). Is it still one of the best from Disney+?

From there, it's more in depth discussions, albeit a lot of geeking out, about HBO's excellent series Barry and the first episode of its third season (8:56) and the mind-bending trip of the second season of Russian Doll on Netflix, including what the new season is saying about past trauma (18:52).

We offer listeners a preview -- and maybe a chance to pick -- what we cover next week (38:12)!

If you like the show, let us know! You can leave a review on your podcast app! You should also tell a friend! Share us online! Subscribe to the show! Give us some stars in Apple Podcasts! And most of all: thanks so much for listening.

Natalie joins the group this week, and thank goodness: she explains why she never watched Better Call Saul (2:27), why she deserves the Done Up Real Good Listener of the Week award (3:22), and how we're wrong for not talking about both Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings franchises (4:22). She also lends her distinct viewpoints on the fourth episode of Moon Knight (8:07) and she elaborates on her issues with Batman's costume as we break down the movie The Batman (13:45).

After the break, Blaine and Donovan dive deep into why The Northman didn't hit like it should've (32:46).

Give us a listen! Tell a friend! Share us online! Subscribe to the show! Rate us on a podcast app! Give us some stars in Apple Podcasts! And most of all: thanks so much for listening.

Talk to you next week!

In this week's episode of Taking It Down, we start in a usual spot with a new Listener of the Week (3:38)! Congrats, surprise listener!

While Donovan can't help himself with the USFL and there's plenty to be said (4:22), Blaine wonders aloud about the upcoming final season of Better Call Saul (10:10). From there, Blaine breaks down -- without spoiling a thing -- those first two episodes of the quite good Amazon Prime show Outer Range (12:25). What expectations does the crew have now that Stranger Things 4 has finally released a trailer (17:00)? What other expectations can be had for the recent glimpses and rumors surrounding Dr. Strange and the Multiverse of Madness (26:57)? We discuss both of those, and with the help of Natalie in the second half, we also get into why the third episode of Moon Knight just wasn't as thrilling as the first two (30:52).

Give us a listen! Tell a friend! Share us online! Subscribe to the show! Rate us on a podcast app! Give us some stars in Apple Podcasts! And most of all: thanks so much for listening.

Talk to you next week!

This week on the show, it's another Listener of the Week to begin (2:39)! After the award, Adam breaks down some of the new HBO documentary Tony Hawk: Until the Wheels Fall Off (4:12) and all three hosts then talk about the second episode of the Disney+ series Moon Knight (9:50).

The back half of this week's podcast then discusses in depth the season finale of the Apple TV+ show Severance, which could be one of the best finales of the year (25:33). Find out why.

As always, drop us an email or DM online and let us know you're listening or what you think. Share us with a friend or on any social media app as well! Find The Alabama Take on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

Talk to you all next week!

It's about time that Taking It Down has returned, for there is much to discuss: we award our first Listener of the Week (3:27) before talking about social media and Harry Styles (3:58). From there, we give broad, spoiler-free thoughts on the teaser trailer to the upcoming HBO show House of the Dragon (8:35), which is a spinoff of the famed Game of Thrones, and the newest season of the FX show Atlanta (11:21).

Before the break, Adam breaks down his thoughts on Paul Thomas Anderson's latest movie Licorice Pizza (15:25). To wrap the show, everyone discusses what they like and don't like about the Disney+ show Moon Knight, which stars Oscar Isaac and Ethan Hawke (25:05).

If you haven't, you should really consider subscribing, rating, reviewing, and sharing the show! And let us know that you're a listener! Taking It Down is housed under all of The Alabama Take's social media accounts, so reach us there or via email!

From there, Donovan gives a completely spoiler-free set of impressions from The Batman, which is still in theaters but set to hit HBO Max on April 19 (15:32). Speaking of HBO Max, they both dissect the new comedy Our Flag Means Death while avoiding spoilers on that show (20:03).

After a quick break of announcements, the guys debate the best introductions of television, and even award the crown to one in particular (26:58). Then they do a deep dive and offer speculations into the mysterious Apple TV+ show Severance (31:12)

Subscribe, rate, review, share, and holler at us! Taking It Down is housed under all of The Alabama Take's social media accounts. Let us know what you think and what you've been watching, hearing, or reading!

After a break with a few announcements, Taking It Down talks the mysterious and disturbing new Apple TV+ show from Ben Stiller Severance (33:46).

Subscribe, rate, review, share, and holler at us! Taking It Down is housed under all of The Alabama Take's social media accounts. Let us know what you think and what you've been watching, hearing, or reading!

This week on Taking It Down, Blaine recounts a moment in his own home that usually is reserved for television shows or movies as he and the wife were catching up on The Righteous Gemstones (2:09). After that, the three hosts talk briefly on the future of The Alabama Take in general (4:02).

Then in the main segments, Adam helps break down what makes the new Big Thief album -- Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You -- such a masterpiece (8:21). After the break, it's a long talk on the comedown of the sixth episode of Euphoria (29:58).

A programing note: Taking It Down will be off on March 1st, but will return to its weekly format after the break.

Subscribe, rate, review, share, and holler at us! Taking It Down is housed under all of The Alabama Take's social media accounts. Let us know what you think and what you've been watching, hearing, or reading!

Taking It Down, one of the best pop culture podcasts in production, begins with sad news and shared grief this week as we honor and mourn the loss of the Alabama music legend D.C. Moon (1:34). We hope that all find solace in his music that he left for all to hear.

The three hosts then talk about the Super Bowl and college football, which was crazy with news, particularly in Auburn, Alabama (2:23). In a quick version of "The Lord's Coming Back Real Soon," they discuss commercials (6:43). From there, it's new music, which may have us returning back to Big Thief's album next week (7:31).

Adam is finally caught up on Euphoria, which means that Blaine and Adam try to praise the fifth episode as much as possible since it earned it (11:17).

After the break, it's talk about the Oscar nominees this year and how lackluster it all seems (24:09). One contender for Best Picture is Nightmare Alley, which is now streaming on HBO Max, so the guys discuss it in depth (27:49). Lastly, The Book of Boba Fett wraps its wild, uneven season and Donovan and Blaine look back on that final episode (46:20).

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After the break, it's all about the latest episode of The Book of Boba Fett that everyone is talking about (26:47).

Stay in touch! We're on all social media platforms under The Alabama Take banner, so find us and say hello. Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

Don't forget that all your merch needs can be filled with a quick visit the online shop, where you can grab a t-shirt, coffee mug, or plenty of other goodies! It's one way to let everyone know you love Taking It Down and The Alabama Take!

Subscribe, rate, review, and share the show with others! Next Tuesday, Taking It Down will be back with more from movies, television, music, or books!

The Alabama Take is happy to bring both the variety of podcasts and website writings with no ads, but we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site and podcasts going.

After the break on what's happening on the site, the three folks applaud -- finally! -- an episode of The Book of Boba Fett, which really looks a lot like another show, at least for one episode (26:26).

Let us know what you're watching, what you think, and where you listen! We're on all social media platforms under The Alabama Take banner, so find us and say hello. Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

After a short break, it's news to Adam and Donovan that Moon Knight is coming and has a trailer (25:22). To end the episode, they all have thoughts on the most recent episode of The Book of Boba Fett from Disney+ called "The Gathering Storm" (27:08).

If you enjoy, make sure to subscribe, share, rate, and review! New episodes are out every Tuesday morning!

For this week's episode of Taking It Down, Natalie joins Blaine and Donovan for a full episode, and they begin with sports -- or lack thereof -- and immediately land on their thoughts on live mascots (1:36). From there, in lieu of any more sports, they break down the finale of The Challenge: All Stars from Paramount+ (4:11). It's hard to understand how Taking It Down doesn't discuss the HBO shows The Righteous Gemstones or Euphoria, so Natalie and Donovan attempt to explain that oversight (13:35) before they all give their thoughts on the first episode of the HBO Max show Peacemaker starring John Cena (15:37).

After a short break, everyone breaks down why The Book of Boba Fett just isn't working (29:05).

New episodes appear every Tuesday morning usually so subscribe to the podcast to hear them each week.

Let not your eyes nor ears deceive you! Taking It Down is out on an unscheduled Monday in order to talk a bit about the college football national championship game, which is how we begin this week (0:55). After football, it's all about the top shows from 2021 (10:19), our favorite movies from last year (18:56), and what we consider the best in music from 2021 (21:14).

After a short break, we discuss the second episode The Book of Boba Fett, which was an improvement from the first (27:49). We then talk about how the finale of Landscapers on HBO was a big disappointment (35:22). Lastly, we cover the movies, music, and television we look forward to this year (46:13).

New episodes appear every Tuesday morning usually so subscribe to the podcast to hear them each week.

We have a lot to catch up on, but we do it efficiently enough for you all! This week on Taking It Down, we start with some college football bowl season comedy (1:28) before Natalie joins us to help sift through what about the finale of the Disney+ show Hawkeye left us feeling cold (4:02).

From there, it's a discussion of the second season of the HBO show How to with John Wilson that somehow digresses into some reflection on the Bang energy drink (14:17). Everyone has thoughts about Adam McKay's new Netflix movie Don't Look Up: is it too simple to be good (24:24)? Before the break, our own Adam Morrow tells us spoiler-free reviews of both The French Dispatch as well as the new Matrix film (38:12).

After the break, the Taking It Down crew talk disappointedly about The Book of Boba Fett from Disney+ (44:09) and curiously about the first two episodes of the HBO Max show Station Eleven (51:43). It's all here! Use the time stamps to navigate your way or listen from start to finish on this oversized episode!

Join us for this episode and every episode on Tuesday mornings!

Taking It Down is, of course, here for you this Tuesday for another insightful episode! We've got a lot on our minds to begin, including the Omicron variant of COVID-19 (2:16), Bowl Season, and YouTube TV (3:51). Before we get into the episode proper, though, we address some comments from last week and offer some thanks (8:37).

Then our group have final thoughts on the finale of The Challenge: Spies, Lies and Allies (10:31). From there, we dive into the MCU once again to talk about some spoiler-free thoughts on the new Spider-Man: No Way Home film (26:14) and the penultimate episode of the Disney+ show Hawkeye (28:54).

After the break, the Taking It Down crew analyzes the two episodes of the HBO Max show Landscapers as it is now halfway complete (38:36).

Join us for this episode and every episode on Tuesday mornings!

It's a stuffed but fantastic episode this week! Thanks to all who've listened as Taking It Down gets to Episode 100! In this week's podcast, the group begins with a few comments on the Heisman before digging deep into the spectacular new Netflix film The Power of the Dog from director Jane Campion and starring Benedict Cumberbatch.

But then, it's all from the listeners! We answer the recent questions garnered from you all this past week, and we have a lot of fun doing it!

Join us for this episode and every episode on Tuesday mornings!

And thank you all again for inviting us into your phone or computer.

We hope all of our listeners visit the online shop and grab a t-shirt, coffee mug, or something else for the upcoming holidays! It's one way to let everyone know you love Taking It Down and The Alabama Take!

Subscribe, rate, review, and share the show with others! Next Tuesday, Taking It Down will be back with more from movies, television, music, or books!

For any merch related to The Alabama Take or our numerous podcasts and shows, make sure to visit the Tee Public store for the site! You'll find everything from from mugs to hoodies!

The Alabama Take is happy to bring both the variety of podcasts and website writings with no ads, but we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site and podcasts going.

For Taking It Down's 99th (!) episode, Blaine, Adam, And Donovan start with some adamant talk about both the SEC Championship Game and the dissection of the Alabama fanbase (1:25). We also celebrate our winners of the inaugural College Football Pick 'Em (8:48). Should we do the Bowl Pick 'Em? Let us know!

Natalie joins the show and helps dissect what's right with the most recent episode of Hawkeye from Disney+ and what's wrong with it (13:22). She also offers up her worries about the upcoming movie Spider-Man: No Way Home (27:24).

After the break, Adam is back to point out some of the more granular aspects of the documentary series The Beatles: Get Back and discusses why it's a fantastic show (32:48).

The next episode of Taking It Down will be the 100th show! For that episode, we want you to help celebrate and be part of the process! We'll take as many listener questions as possible about TV, movies, music, books, and well beyond! Get those to us in any social media account or simply email TheAlabamaTake@gmail.com.

We hope all of our listeners visit the online shop and grab a t-shirt, coffee mug, or something else for the upcoming holidays! It's one way to let everyone know you love Taking It Down and The Alabama Take!

Subscribe, rate, review, and share the show with others! Next Tuesday, Taking It Down will be back with more from movies, television, music, or books!

For any merch related to The Alabama Take or our numerous podcasts and shows, make sure to visit the Tee Public store for the site! You'll find everything from from mugs to hoodies!

The Alabama Take is happy to bring both the variety of podcasts and website writings with no ads, but we still have some bills to pay. If there's nothing in the shop to interest you, feel free to make a donation: venture to Buy Me A Coffee or visit our Venmo and PayPal to help to keep the site and podcasts going.

Taking It Down is sneaking up on its 100th show. For the 100th episode, we'll take as many listener questions as possible about TV, movies, music, books, and well beyond! Get those to us in any social media account or simply email TheAlabamaTake@gmail.com.

We hope all of our listeners visit the online shop and grab a t-shirt, coffee mug, or something else for the upcoming holidays! It's one way to let everyone know you love Taking It Down and The Alabama Take!

Subscribe, rate, review, and share the show with others! Next Tuesday, Taking It Down will be back with more from movies, television, music, or books!

This week on the Taking It Down podcast, Adam recounts his days as a minister, or at least as an officiant of a wedding or two (1:31). Then it's on to a discussion about the weekend of college football, but things get insane and funny when the weeks-old story of the Texas monkey who had a brief layover in and around the University of Alabama rears its head again (3:38). If you haven't heard that one, don't miss Adam's telling of it.

The weekend was a good one, though, if you like music: we discuss the live music from Oasis and Bruce Springsteen as well as the tease of more from U2 (15:32).

Returning to Adult Swim is the wonderful show Joe Pera Talks With You, which we adore and explain why no one should miss out (27:34). Also returning, Hulu's hilarious take on Catherine the Great of Russia -- simply titled The Great -- is back and just as funny (34:16). We decide that it could be even better than before. All that, and not to mention some excitement on the horizon (44:33)!

Taking It Down is sneaking up on its 100th show. For it, we'll take as many listener questions as possible about TV, movies, music, books, and well beyond! Get those to us in any social media account or simply email TheAlabamaTake@gmail.com.

We hope all of our listeners visit the online shop and grab a t-shirt, coffee mug, or something else for the upcoming holidays! It's one way to let everyone know you love Taking It Down and The Alabama Take!

Subscribe, rate, review, and share the show with others! Next Tuesday, Taking It Down will be back with more from movies, television, music, or books!

It's a great week on Taking It Down -- that is always the case when special co-host Natalie Morrow joins the podcast! This week, we discuss things that are on the pop culture horizon in television and film, particularly things we may cover in the coming weeks (1:49). There's a bit of a divergence as Blaine rants about pop culture websites (3:19) before coming back around to the list of possibly good shows and movies (5:11). From there, Adam and Natalie assess the movie Spencer, which stars Kristen Stewart and documents a brief time with the late Princess Diana (11:37). Before the break, we all give our thoughts on the newly released Paramount+ season of The Challenge: All Stars: do we need it now (21:37)? We all get back into the Marvel Cinematic -- and television -- Universe by discussing Marvel's What If...? (39:22). Plus, we all finally get around to watching the Marvel film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings as it made its Disney+ debut over the weekend (43:27). After disregarding it at first, did we like it at all?

We hope all of our listeners visit the online shop and grab a t-shirt, coffee mug, or something else for the upcoming holidays! It's one way to let everyone know you love Taking It Down and The Alabama Take!

Subscribe, rate, review, and share the show with others! Next Tuesday, Taking It Down will be back with more from movies, television, music, or books!

In a rare bonus episode of Taking It Down, the guys continue their recent discussion on the 500 Greatest Songs List from Rolling Stone magazine. They have some thoughts on what seems right and what is definitely wrong with the list. Also included are some Springsteen-based coffeeshop ideas, the original lyrics to "Tutti Frutti," and Megan Thee Stallion's ballot. Give it a listen from the player above or download into your favorite podcast app.

And let us know what you think about the list! Did Rolling Stone even come close to getting it right? Not really, right? Are we stupid, too? Probably!

As always, feel free to visit the online shop and get your own t-shirt, coffee mug, or more to let everyone know you love Taking It Down!

Subscribe, rate, review, and share the show with others! Next Tuesday, Taking It Down will be back with more from movies, television, music, or books!

It's the weekly pop culture discussion podcast from The Alabama Take, and this week it all begins with COVID booster shots (1:15). Hear some first-hand accounts of what the booster shots were like. The guys then sift through a little bit of college football (3:50) before everyone gives his final assessment of Midnight Mass from Netflix (6:26). And since most of the gang has now conquered Squid Game, they give some resting thoughts on the Korean phenomena (13:38).

In one of the first of two primary segments, it's an in-depth discussion of the first three episodes of Netflix's great drama Maid (16:14). After briefly considering a little bit of new music (34:23), everyone gives his opinion on the most recent update to Rolling Stone magazine's 500 Greatest Songs (36:23). What does the list get right and wrong? We've got opinions.

And are you still digging the new logo? Make sure to visit the online shop and get your own t-shirt, coffee mug, or more to let everyone know you love Taking It Down!

Subscribe, rate, review, and share the show with others! Next Tuesday, Taking It Down will be back with more from movies, television, music, or books!