Popcorn for Dinner

Chris returns to the podcast (like he never left!) to discuss the recently concluded London Film Festival and some of its noteworthy films that are poised to take this year's awards season by storm. Later, Bankole is joined by Oseghale to get into the katana-wielding, hadith-praying, jihad-having, 'Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother', starring Mahershala Ali and directed by Bassam Tariq. 

(01:40) - Chris's Return to the London Film Festival
(04:45) - 'Wild Horse Nine'

(10:50) - 'Possible Love'

(13:50) - 'The Debut'

(17:40) - 'Paper Tiger'

(25:00) - 'Your Mother Your Mother Your M...

...Watch Your Back!

Bankole, Angel & Chris are back, tissues and their finest malts in hand, to discuss the emotional and eventful season finale of 'Slow Horses' Season 6. They mourn, try to answer some questions and above all, wonder why Damien saved his best suit for his worst day. 

(07:50) - Responding to some YouTube Comments

(09:25) - Season Finale Recap

(17:10) - Events at the Safe House

(28:00) - River & Frank

(30:20) - Lamb in London

(44:10) - River Returns Home

(58:30) - Season 7's Trailer

(1:09:20) - Episode Awa...

This is a good one. To discuss this week's excellent 'Slow Horses' episode, we've flown in Ebube for what we assure him is a harmless trade that definitely won't lead to his death. The group discusses the monumental shifts in River & Sid's relationship this week, Lamb's excellent spycraft, burning questions for the finale and most importantly, just how much is rent in London?

(04:30) - What Else We’re Watching 

(06:50) - Episode 5’s recap 

(10:00) - A Harrowing Cold Open

(19:00) - River & Sid 

(37:25) - Lamb 

(52:40) - Safe House 

(1:10:3...

'Digger', one of the year's most anticipated films turned most divisive, is finally here. It is Tom Cruise's first wholly original film in over a decade and he teams up with four-time Academy Award winner Alejandro González Iñárritu. The film boasts a stacked cast, lavish production design and an ambitious premise. So just where in the Digger Divide do Bankole & Ayisha fall?

(02:00) - 'Digger' Discussion (FULL SPOILERS)

(12:50) - What is the Film About? 

(20:45) - The Film’s Big Reveal

(37:50) - Societal Satires in 2026

(55:00) - The Critical Divide

...

Buddy System! That's the #1 rule for all spies, even when going to the little spy room. Bankole, Angel & Chris are back to discuss this week's episode of 'Slow Horses'. Can we trust Sid? Should Sid trust Diana? And does Lamb really have a heart of gold? They discuss it all, plus why this is a uniquely good episode for River.

(6:25) - Episode 4 Reactions 

(9:15) - Chaos at the Services

(18:20) - Diana

(29:30) - Lamb & Frank

(45:15) - Episode Awards

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Bankole, Angel and Chris are reminiscing about Bali as they discuss this week's episode of 'Slow Horses'. Pleasant reunions, unpleasant Lamb and an attempt to unfurl this season's mystery. We have it all. Do you want some tea?

(3:25) - Responding to Listeners’ Comments

(11:05) - Episode 3 Reactions

(11:30) - River & Sid

(23:10) - Louisa’s Return

(29:25) - Lamb, Ho & Reese

(33:55) - Diana & Flyte

(40:00) - Plot check-in 
(54:00) - Episode Awards

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Following the long-awaited arrival of the BAFTA-winning 'My Father's Shadow' on Netflix Africa, our friends from the Japa Diaries Podcast stopped by to share their interview with the film's director, Akinola Davies Jr. If you're in the United Kingdom, Canada or the USA, you can watch the film on MUBI

(2:15) - What is the Japa Diaries Podcast?

(5:00) - Abimisola’s ‘Japa story’

(10:05) - Spoiler-Free thoughts on 'My Father's Shadow'

(17:05) - Abimisola’s TV Watchlist
(21:15) - Japa Diaries' interview with Akinola Davies Jr. 

You can find the Japa Diaries Po...

It's an episode of returns...and we aren't just talking about Angel's. The crew gets into this week's heavy-on-the-answers episode of 'Slow Horses' Season 6. Diana's under pressure, Emma Flyte needs to drink, Standish needs to not drink and of course, the gag that was 4 years in the making. 

(03:45) - Episode Discussion
(5:00) - Answers for Last Week’s Mysteries

(24:28) - RIP Moira?

(31:10) - Syd’s Return

(39:45) - Ho & Standish Corners

(45:55) - Episode Awards

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Host: Banko...

You are invited - yes, you too - to join Bankole & Ayisha as they tell you why you should run to see Olivia Wilde's excellent comedy, 'The Invite'. They then get into all the spoilers that make the Seth Rogen, Ed Norton and Penélope Cruz starrer one of the year's best films. Later, Bankole is joined by the film's 1st AC, Lucas Deans, to discuss the film's masterful camera work and his experiences working on both 'The Invite' & 'The Studio'.

(1:30) - Spoiler-Free Pitch for 'The Invite'
(14:20) - SPOILER WARNING

(21:07) - The film's e...

Someone's targeting the Slow Horses, and it's not just target practice...for dickheads. Bankole & Chris return to try to figure out what's happening while discussing the Season 6 premiere of Apple TV's 'Slow Horses'. Our friends are back!

(3:55) - Season 6 Premiere 

(11:43) - Diana as First Desk 

(16:50) - Flyte & Lamb 

(22:45) - Lamb & River’s investigation 

(28:10) - Goodbye David Cartwright 

(36:30) - Welcome back Frank 

(38:45) - Categories 

(41:45) - Jack Lowden’s Bond rumours

Read Chris' Season 6 Preview Here
Read Chris' Season 6 Review Here

You can s...

After T'Challa's electrifying debut in 'Captain America: Civil War' (No. 6), Marvel turned to the young and exciting filmmaker, Ryan Coogler, to bring the character's debut solo film to the screen. Backed by Coogler's recurring collaborators and some of the most interesting black actors working, 'Black Panther' was released to widespread acclaim, unending box office receipts, gold statues and a legacy that will stand the test of time.

(3:30) - Why we love 'Black Panther'
(11:36) - The film's indelible music
(23:13) - The duality of the film's perspectives
(1:08:00) - Categories
(2:00:40) - Film-Specific Superlatives
(2:08:10) - Hype...

There was an idea...to bring together some of Earth's mightiest podcast guests so that they could podcast on the movies Bankole couldn't do alone. So, grab your shield, hammers and bloody baseball cards, and let's go back to 2012, when the limits of our fanboy imagination were comprehensively surpassed. Bankole, Ebuka, Steve & Gil have a Hulk and are eager to discuss the 2012 smash-hit and cultural redefiner, 'The Avengers'. Shawarma after.

(5:20) - Why we love 'The Avengers'

(13:05) - The Joss Whedon Elephant in the Room

(21:12) - The Film's Legacy in 2026

(30:45) - Loki's...

Bankole & Gab are chasing down leads and running targeted searches as they discuss the merits of Hulu's sleeper great show, 'Furious'. They share why it's worth your precious summer time and compare it to clubhouse favourite, 'Mindhunter'. They then go into all the spoilers that make this such a great, albeit harrowing, watch. Hey look, they can feel their fingers again. 

(03:45) - Spoiler-Free Recommendation of FURIOUS 

(13:10) - SPOILER WARNING  

(14:40) - Favourite Relationship in the Show

(17:45) - Favourite Character in the Show
(34:35) - Who is the Title About?
(38:25) - Jake Lac...

Turns out the walls did in fact come tumbling down.

With a story this vast and a team this strong, 'House of the Dragon' Season 3 just had to go out with a bang, didn't it? And Ebube shows up to be king of the ashes with Afam and Soonen at his side — Team Red?

For the final episode of the season, the trio evaluates the story choices that defined the season's character arcs (1:18:08), but first, they of course sift through what might just be the show's most ambitious battle till date: The Treasons at Tumbleton (50:18). Be...

Plus a whole lot of Spider-Depression!

Bankole's arachnoid genes are mutating. Before he goes full spider though, Oseghale & Tateyana have joined him to discuss Tom Holland's latest spider-romp, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. Should Spider-Man be tipped? Was Magneto correct? Where does this rank in the Spider-Man franchise? They attempt to answer all that and more, while hopefully not creating the bane of mutant existence *cough* *cough*!

(05:05) - General Thoughts on The Film 

(36:15) - Sadie Sink’s Presence 

(49:25) - The Wider Marvel Universe's Role 

(1:08:13) - Damag...

Okay so... What are we actually doing here?

In light of a semi-baffling narrative reversal in the way of character competence — plot coherence too perhaps — Ebube invites Afam and Soonen for some much needed analysis, and to figure out if 'House of the Dragon' still knows what it's doing this season

They start by discussing Aegon’s new path to resurrection (2:27) and proceed to dissect the episode’s themes as well as litigate Rhaenyra’s competence as a ruler (21:15) and give Mysaria a quarterly review she might not like (26:16).

<...

Fresh off the heels of the success of 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier', Marvel quickly announced that the Russo Brothers would be returning to helm the next film in the Captain America franchise. What then followed was a series of announcements that gradually sent its fandom into a shared delirium. Robert Downey Jr would be reprising his role as Iron Man...this time as an antagonist. The film would loosely adapt the famed Civil War storyline. The Black Panther would be making his MCU debut in the film. Then the big one: Marvel had reached a deal with Sony...

It's almost like 'House of the Dragon' finally remembered how to play the game of thrones.

With key characters making the competent moves Ebube always knew they were capable of, he returns to the fold to convene his council of competent analysts: Afam and Soonen. Now that Criston Cole's fate is sealed, they might have to find someone else they can love to hate.

They begin with a full retrospective on the enigma that is Ser Criston (2:05) while praising Loni Peristere's impeccable directing (9:09). They then go on to discuss Alicent's new set of troubles (22:28), Rhaenyra's...

...It's also supersized, sleek and so ambitious

It's the most anticipated film of the year, so Bankole, Priscilla and Nicky got in their ships for two decades to finally discuss Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey'. In a supersized podcast befitting a supersized film, they cover everything from book changes to modern parallels, what makes the film so good, all of Christopher Nolan's abilities on beautiful display, the excellent acting across the board and of course, Auramemnon

No wooden horses were harmed in the production of this podcast.

(05:05) - Pre-ODYSSEY Nolan thoughts

(13:40...

To paraphrase Lord Ormund Hightower, "one host is as good as another". Bankole subs in for Ebube this week to discuss another in a growing line of excellent 'House of the Dragon' episodes. Criston Cole is on suicide watch, Rhaenyra and Daemon need both marriage counseling and leadership training and Aegon has forgotten that his most athletic days are behind him.

Mummy issues, abortion tea and maybe Afam has a thing for the witches? We're getting into it all!

(6:50) - Responding to YouTube Comments
(10:45) - Criston Cole's suicidal odyssey
(26:30) - Halaena & Alicent's Decisions <...

In the first of a new series on Popcorn for Dinner, Bankole & Ebuka got together somewhere between the third dream layer and the Library of Love to appreciate the varied and beloved works of visionary filmmaker, Christopher Nolan.

Ahead of the highly anticipated release of 'The Odyssey', they discussed their favourite Christopher Nolan films and tried to decide which is his best film.

(5:45) - Our Histories with Christopher Nolan
(12:30) - Ebuka's Favourite Nolan
(40:26) - Bankole's Favourite Nolan
(57:30) - The Most Underrated Nolan Films
(1:00:45) - Christopher Nolan's Best Film

...

So this is how the other side lives.

Ebube, Afam and Soonen make their way to Tumbleton, keeping their hands to themselves of course, but not without strengthening their squadron with Gab making her Popcorn for Dinner debut — tensions are high after all.

They start by exploring the significance of Tumbleton itself (2:07) and go on to dissect everything from Rhaenyra's ever accumulating headaches (30:36) and Daemon's discovery (39:52), to Orwylle and Mysaria's perspectives (13:40) and why Ulf should have a very short leash (52:36). They of course also dive deep into Ormund's influence on Daeron (1:06:27) and the true ramifications of...

Ready for Christopher Nolan's epic take on an epic? So are we.

Bankole calls Ebube and Pricilla out of their farm in Ithaca for a forensic look at the ruins of Troy before mapping out the perilous journey they're about to take with Matt Damon. Some are even calling it… an odyssey! They discuss all you need to know about the events before 'The Odyssey', why Christopher Nolan might have been drawn to the project, the excellent material in store for some excellent actors and much more.

(05:30) - What to know about THE ILIAD
(13:30...

"I do not dream of labour" — Rhaenyra Targaryen

The princess has finally become the queen, and the guys are having a field day with the beautifully written — beautifully directed too — chaos. Ebube sets up a new Black council with Afam and Soonen for Rhaenyra, but not without first flying in Pete Peppers for some wisdom on governance.

The team can't help but sink their teeth into Ormund's clever gambit and all its potential repercussions, before getting into everything from Rhaenyra's goals to her stress, as well as the voices pulling her in different directions. They also t...

A talking raccoon and a sentient tree?!

When Marvel's 'Guardians of the Galaxy' hit theatres in 2014, it faced doubts from all angles, from Kree and Xandarians alike. However, James Gunn's injection of humour, colour and the right amount of irreverence quickly made the film an instant fan-favourite. 12 years later, it's made it to Number 7 on our MCU 12 list. Some are saying that's really the most important part of its legacy.

(03:05) - Why we love 'Guardians of the Galaxy'
(13:40) - Character Introductions
(50:00) - Categories
(1:20:10) - Film Specific Superlatives
(1:31:25) - Hope for 'Avengers...

They've gone and done it now, haven't they? They pissed off the Dragon Queen. And for that, heads WILL roll.

For the second episode of 'House of the Dragon' Season 3, Ebube, Afam and Soonen dissect the aftermath of the Battle of the Gullet, note the subtle and not-so-subtle differences between Aemond and Daemon, and rave about Emma D'Arcy's incredible acting.

They talk about the incredible loses incurred by Corlys, Alicent's brazen plans, Mysaria's place in Rhaenyra and Daemon's marriage, and the fact that Alys will definitely have a bigger role to play in what's to...

Okay, here it is. It's the worst service you're ever going to face: 3 turns, the restaurant is flooded and we're nearly out of food. So why am I smiling?!

Bankole & Pete are leading service today as they discuss the final season of Hulu's 'The Bear'. Family reunions, emotional releases, recognising genius and taking your first flight. There's a lot to get into and Bankole's bringing his tissues along. Hands!

(04:20) - 5 Seasons of THE BEAR
(13:00) - Season 5's structure
(23:35) - An Emotional Episode 7
(35:30) - Goodbye to THE BEAR

You can support...

THIS is what happens. Still.

Ebube and Emmanuel reunite for a deep dive into the surprisingly quick return of Apple TV's 'Your Friends & Neighbours', and they bring Angel along for the ride. The trio gets into everything from Tori's ingratitude (7:33) to Mel's unhinged seasonal arc and Coop's penchant for doing the worst possible thing at any given moment. They talk about the influence of Coop's father in his life, as well as Barney's decisions and Elena's woes.

They of course also review the tentpole addition to the cast for the new season — James Marsden as Ow...

HBO's 'House of the Dragon' is FINALLY back for its third season! But at what cost?

Ebube summons Afam and Soonen for a deep dive into a truly pyrrhic victory, dealt at the most pivotal naval battle the realm has ever known, and brace for the inevitable as they evaluate the legacy of Jacaerys Velaryon, as well as take stock of the confusion across the entire board.

They discuss the audacity of Alicent's offer and the problems she faces now that her rug's been pulled (6:55), including her relationship with Aemond (12:10) and the schemes of the...

The TLDR here is simple: 'BEEF' Is the Best Show on Netflix right now.

But hop in anyway because Ebube's summoned AJ and Soonen for a union that's decidedly NOT fueled by road rage or deteriorating romance. The trio get into everything from who's actually in the right this season, to what the show has to say about the systems that feed the human condition

They talk about how this season is as much about class warfare as individual conflicts (4:27), in line with what this season of the show is truly about (6:31); as well as...

From battle planets to long lost imperialist siblings, Jeremiah joins the guys for the zany, multi-planetary trip that is 2017's 'Thor: Ragnarok'. Was this the first time Thor came into his own or was he beloved before then? Should Taika have been a one-and-done director? All this and more!

So come listen before you're pardoned...from life

(02:35) - Why we love 'Thor: Ragnarok'
(12:20) - Listener Voicemail (Robert)
(48:00) - Categories
(1:03:50) - Film-Specific Superlatives
(1:11:10) - Hope for 'Avengers: Doomsday'

Please support us here.
Also available on YouTube.

...

Bankole, Angel & Pete exhaust their contact lists before calling Robert Bailey Jr to discuss the excellent finale to a return-to-form fifth season of Apple TV's 'For All Mankind'. In a wide-ranging discussion, they touch on Robert Bailey Jr's scene-stealing turn in last year's 'Pluribus', the return of Will Tyler in the finale and the impactful events on both Titan and Mars.

(4:40) - Robert's feelings on 'Pluribus' journey

(14:00) - Thoughts on the 'For All Mankind' S5 finale

(16:40) - Figuring out the 2020 Flashforward
(18:50) - Margo & Will's reappearances 
(29:20) - Titan Apologies 
(51:14) - Aleida's POV...

With great podcast power comes the great responsibility to discuss the full season of Prime Video's 'Spider-Noir'. Bankole & TMT grab their fedoras and coats and head back to the 1930s to examine Nic Cage's first TV role, what made this show so exciting and the constant allure of a period crime mystery.

(6:05) - Their Preferred Format
(11:05) - Thoughts on the Show
(19:10) - Character Analyses
(30:25) - Performances

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Host: Bankole Imoukhuede
Guest: TMT
Production by: Bankole Imoukhuede

Welp. Here we are. The show with the endlessly cynical take on superheroes has finally come to a close, and Ebube and Oseghale have thoughts. Let's make one thing clear, everyone got what they deserved. Well... Almost everyone. The guys try to make sense of the show's final chapter and address the internet's thoughts on what will go down as one of the most divisive series finales in pop culture.

As they figure out if the show truly stuck its landing, they get into the potential hubris of cinematic universes (8:23); Antony Starr's career-defining performance (18:26); Butcher's alternate future (32:02...

North London Forever!

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Hosts: Bankole, Ebuka & Jibbz
Guest: Kosa
Production by: Bankole Imoukhuede

Ore joins Bankole and Angel this week as they attempt to defend Happy Valley while discussing the penultimate episode of 'For All Mankind' Season 5. Do we need science? Do we need guns? All these and more important questions on this week's podcast. Mojega!

(6:00) - Titan

(22:55) - Mars
(39:00) - Miles, Palmer & Lily

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Host: Bankole Imoukhuede
Guests: Angel & Ore
Production by: Bankole Imoukhuede

It's battle stations for Bankole and Angel as they try to fend off invading forces while discussing Episode 8 of 'For All Mankind' Season 5. We get Angel's opinions on last week's events, thoughts on why you should never overshare and how good your singing needs to be to change the hearts and minds. Brace yourself, it's a rocky storm and there's TNT!

(4:30) - Angel’s thoughts on Episode 7

(8:50) - Alex & Lily’s reactions to the Dome Disaster 

(11:25) - New Team Dynamics on Titan 

(14:30) - Mars v OPEF 

(26:10) - More Space Sh*t

Are you Homelander's #1 fan? Do you accept him as your Lord & Saviour? Then welcome to HomeLand where you can spend your day loving America's greatest hero, learn about where the Angel visited him and join the parade in honour of his blessed father, Soldier Boy. Make sure to grab your official Homelander-branded merch from our Vought Shop on your way out. There's enough for the entire family!

(04:07) - The Deep’s Storyline 

(11:50) - MM reclaiming his humanity 

(18:35) - Butcher & Hughie

(34:00)- Homelander's Executive Decisions

(44:00) - Frenchie & Kimiko 

Yo...

Bankole, Ebube & Pete are doing push-ups in preparation for a big night discussing the seventh episode of 'For All Mankind' Season 5. Subterfuge in space, disasters in domes and that's not even including the Nicki Minaj needle drop. Happy Valley, we have a problem!

(2:50) - Thoughts on the STAR CITY Trailer
(10:00) - 6 Month Time Jump & The New Status Quo
(30:50) - Dev's Dome Disaster
(36:55) - The Titan Mission

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Host: Bankole Imoukhuede
Guests: Ebube Ubochi & Pete Peppers
Production by: Bankole Imoukhuede<...

Bankole & Oseghale just can't leave show business, so they are hiding out at the local VMC this week as they discuss the exhilarating sixth episode of 'The Boys' Season 5. Old Supes, Old Legends and a New Status Quo. Welcome to the Movies!

(1:40) - Discussing Some Criticisms of the Season
(12:14) - The Legend & MM
(15:15) - The Legend & Homelander
(29:36) - Homelander's Evolution
(37:40) - Soldier Boy's Role in the Season

You can support us here.
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Host: Bankole Imoukhuede
Guests: Oseghale
Production by: Bankole Imoukhuede