Taking It Down

This week, Blaine begins with an overview (0:01).

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...

This week, Blaine gives the podcast overview (0:02) before previewing what the crew will cover this week (0:32).

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).

For more...

After an overview of the podcast (0:02) and a preview of this episode (0:27), Blaine welcomes Adam and Donovan to the show (1:05).

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...

This week's discussion kicks off with the recent debacle surrounding the ESPN app's rollout, raising questions about the ever-evolving landscape of streaming services (0:59). Blaine and Donovan express their frustration with the lack of clarity in ESPN's marketing and ponder the implications of a subscription-based model that seems to be inadvertently recreating cable television.

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...

This Tuesday, after host Blaine gives a brief overview (0:02), Adam and Donovan join to give some cursory thoughts into the gripping BritBox series 'Blue Lights,' which is also available on HBO Max (1:02). They offer ideas on how the show subverts expectations. Also in the non-spoiler section which begins each episode, the hosts tease upcoming discussions about 'Alien: Earth' from FX/Hulu (8:25).

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).

For more, visit The Alabama Take website with this...

This week, Blaine starts with an overview of the entire podcast (0:05) and what to expect before giving a rundown of the weekly episode (0:54).

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...

This week in the TV and streaming podcast, Blaine gives an overview (0:02) before he and Donovan discuss how politics has invaded television (1:04) with the funding for PBS (1:06). The question is: does that matter (1:08)?

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...

Blaine begins the episode with a podcast overview and the generalities of this week's episode (0:02).

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...

Weekly host Blaine welcomes and gives an overview for the episode to begin (0:02).

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...

This week on Taking It Down, Blaine begins with a welcome and an overview of the episode (0:02) before welcoming Adam and Donovan to discuss the big Bruce Springsteen music release which coincides with the trailer for his own biopic (1:03).

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...

This week, Blaine has a special guest to give the overview of the weekly episode (0:02) before he brings in co-hosts Adam and Donovan. Adam finally watched an episode of 'Your Friends and Neighbors' on Apple TV+ and he keeps it going with non-spoiler ideas on if he'll continue the series (0:49).

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...

This week, Donovan begins the non-spoiler section with a brief review of 'The Phoenician Scheme,' Wes Anderson's latest (1:11). Then Blaine and Donovan discuss some non-spoiler thoughts on 'Stick' and where it is on Apple TV+ (6:14). Donovan gives his overview of 'Andor,' the Star Wars spinoff, now that it is complete (8:14). Finally to end the non-spoiler segment, Blaine and Donovan discuss the dark world of 'Dept. Q' (12:25).

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)?

Blaine begins the episode with a welcome and overview (0:02) before he offers Adam and Donovan a recommendation and a nod to Apple TV's 'Stick,' featuring Owen Wilson, which has a surprising potential to charm us all—if it can manage to steer clear of its own sand traps (1:04).

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...

Blaine and his sidekick begin with an announcement about the home site The Alabama Take (0:01) before getting into what the episode covers for the week (0:45).

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).

Blaine begins the episode with a quick welcome before offering an overview of the episode's discussions (0:01).

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).

Blaine, Adam, and Donovan reunite after a couple of weeks away from the microphones.

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...

Blaine, Adam, and Donovan gather together again before a week off.

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...

We welcome people who listen as we normally do (0:02). We give the contents of this episode (1:06).

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)

This week, Taking It Down begins with a welcome and how to help if you enjoy the episode (0:01). Also in the introduction is an overview of what the episode covers (1:38).

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...

This week on Taking It Down, host Blaine begins with a welcome and how listeners can help the podcast (0:01).

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...

It's an extra episode this week, as we discuss the Netflix' series, 'Adolescence,' a show that's been being lauded by many.

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.

For more from us and our family of podcasts, visit The Alabama Take.

If you'd like to help...

This week, we dive deep into emotional waters of our podcast as we first dedicate the episode to the memory of Lauren Beck, a vibrant young writer whose spirit and words brightened our community (0:01).

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...

This week, Blaine gives a welcome to listeners and lays out the format for anyone new -- as well as small request (0:01).

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...

Taking It Down begins with host Blaine welcoming new listeners as well as a piece of homework for all interested (0:01)

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...

This week, we begin with a welcome and small request (0:09).

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...

Blaine begins the week with a welcome and quick summary of the episode this week (0:01).

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).

...

This week's episode of Taking It Down opens with a welcome specific to new listeners (0:01) before a quick summary for the week (0:45).

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...

This week, it's a quick look at 'American Primeval' on Netflix and a close look into the fourth episode of Apple TV's 'Severance.'

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...

The episode begins with brief, non-spoiler thoughts on 'Silo' and its most recent season (0:52). Then the three hosts discuss the acclaimed TV series 'Severance' from Apple TV+ and if it can hold all of the mysteries it is creating (5:14). Also in the non-spoiler section, Adam and Blaine praise the very thing that could make 'The Brutalist' a turn-off to a few (10:23).

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...

This week, the Taking It Down cast reflect on the profound work of director and musician David Lynch (1:51).

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...

The TV and streaming podcast for The Alabama Take returns from its winter break, which means it's time for movies. It's a set of three films, and every episode begins with some broad and non-spoiler thoughts to begin, and in this case, it's the Bob Dylan movie 'A Complete Unknown' (0:59). The crew then answers if 'Nosferatu' is worth the theater experience (7:34). Then they end the non-spoiler section with high praise for the streaming movie 'Conclave' on Peacock (15:34).

In the spoiler section, it's politics and identity with 'A Complete Unknown,' as well as some of what's fact...

Join the host Blaine Duncan as he introduces the premise of show "Taking I Down" as the one podcast to hear get your knowledgek of hosts join for their favorite moments from 2024, which from television, movies, books, and music that brought them joy. The conversation kicks off with a spirited discussion of the standout series "Shogun" and the impressive finale of "What We Do In The Shadows." They delve into the series' final season, exploring its unique blend of humor and meta-commentary, while acknowledging fan reactions to unresolved storylines and character relationships. The hosts also touch on their personal...

This week on Taking It Down, the hosts get into the emotional finale of HBO's 'Somebody Somewhere,' in broad ways in the non-spoiler section to begin the episode (1:08). Additionally, they discuss the second season of Apple TV+'s 'Silo,' as they now have mixed feelings on the show (5:48).

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...

This week, the hosts get to the back half of FX/Hulu's series 'Say Nothing.'

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.

If you are interested in Descript as mentioned in the show, the link to it is: https://get.descript.com/31mu8d2mia99

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This week's episode begins, as usual, with the non-spoiler section. First up, Adam returns and is eager to talk about 'Say Nothing' (0:07). They also talk about 'Shrinking' in the non-spoiler section (7:25). And then give a recommendation or not on the movie on Apple TV+ 'Blitz' (10:41).

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...

This week's episode begins with some basics on Thanksgiving (0:03) before Blaine and Donovan welcome new listeners who may be from the Bluesky app (2:44). After that, they begin the non-spoiler section for judgements on the TV shows 'Say Nothing' on FX/Hulu which presents a grounded story on the Troubles in Ireland (3:23). Then they explain why 'What We Do In The Shadows' on FX/Hulu still works after six seasons (13:59) and the aspects of HBO's 'Somebody, Somewhere' that works so well (19:42).

Blaine and Donovan then get into the spoilers with 'Say Nothing' and how it tackles the history...

Easily the best episode to date! This week on Taking It Down, Blaine, Adam, and Donovan start with the debacle of 'Paul vs. Tyson' on Netflix, which somehow results in what social media is of late (0:04).

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...

The weekly TV podcast begins with Adam, Donovan, and Blaine revealing the listener survey results, which had surprises on what people like and how they watch TV (1:30).

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...

This week, Blaine begins with an introduction for anyone listening on Election Day in the United States (0:01) before moving into non-spoiler thoughts on the Disney+ series 'Agatha All Along' (1:17). Its season finale coincided with Halloween, but did it have anything else going for besides fan service?

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...

This week, Blaine announces a survey with a chance to win for listeners (1:35).

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...