Taking It Down

40 Episodes
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By: Blaine Duncan, TV Analyst

Edifying TV discussion from the working class South. Every episode of Taking It Down starts spoiler free and moves into specifics for analysis after a break. It's a look at both the show and what lies underneath. Join hosts Blaine, Adam, and Donovan each Sunday evening. A part of The Alabama Take podcast family since 2019: the only working class TV podcast.

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Alabama Coaches as TV Shows; 'Ted Lasso' as a Season and 'Carrie'
Alabama Coaches as TV Shows; 'Ted Lasso' as a Season and 'Carrie' episode artwork
#300
Yesterday at 10:15 PM

It's a full non-spoiler episode!

This week on Episode 300, the guys take some comments and a couple of questions, one of which has to do with the Hulu series 'Chad Powers' (2:04). The biggest question to tackle is that of Alabama football coaches if they were TV shows, which is where the hosts get to dive deep into their love of sports and scripted television (5:33).

They also explain why you should be watching 'Carrie' on Amazon Prime (29:11) and how 'Ted Lasso' has great moments for a show that's not that great (34:50).

For more, visit...


How Does 'Lanterns' Do In The End?
How Does 'Lanterns' Do In The End? episode artwork
#299
10/11/2026

In this episode, host Blaine gives a welcome and reveals how listeners can submit a question or comment for the next episode, Episode 300! Simply use the link here.

From there, Donovan joins and begins with a compliment to Sister Ray Davies (0:53) before they both discuss the merits of the ESPN documentary series 'Saban' (1:34). Keeping with non-spoilers, they then talk about the entire season of 'Lanterns' (7:08).

After a break, Blaine and Donovan dive into what made 'Lanterns' work and what made it slip (11:33).

For more, visit The Alabama Take and its website here.

<...


'Lanterns' Flies Higher Than Comic Book Fare; 'Ted Lasso' Is Just Good Enough
'Lanterns' Flies Higher Than Comic Book Fare; 'Ted Lasso' Is Just Good Enough episode artwork
#298
09/27/2026

This week, we let you know how to send in questions or comments for the upcoming 300th bash, which you can do with this link (0:03).

As the episode begins, Blaine lets you know where you can see Adam and his band Sister Ray Davies live in the coming week as they open for Luna, and you can also use this link to see where they'll be (1:18).

In non-spoilers to begin, the three hosts discuss if 'Lanterns' is more than a detective show (3:43) and if 'Ted Lasso' deserves a full discussion (7:58).

In spoilers, they...


'Lanterns' Was More Than Action, 'Ted Lasso' Disagreements, and 'Chad Powers' is King
'Lanterns' Was More Than Action, 'Ted Lasso' Disagreements, and 'Chad Powers' is King episode artwork
#297
09/20/2026

This week after the overview, welcome, and announcement for you to send in questions or comments with the link below (0:03), host Blaine welcomes Adam, Donovan, and all the new listeners in YouTube (1:05).

In the non-spoilers which begin every episode, they discuss how 'Lanterns' on HBO last week was a great entry for the series (2:18), how they have different opinions on the most recent 'Ted Lasso' (4:26), and why 'Chad Powers' remains the king (7:22).

In the spoilers, they get into what made 'Lanterns' great besides all the action (12:28), who stands where with 'Ted Lasso' (31:43),and how, exactly...


Depth of 'Lanterns' and a Bland 'Ted Lasso'
Depth of 'Lanterns' and a Bland 'Ted Lasso' episode artwork
#296
09/13/2026

This week, host Blaine welcomes and gives an overview as well as a way to send in questions for the upcoming 300th episode (0:03).

After briefly discussing Adam's upcoming tour (0:53), the hosts talk about recommendations for three shows without spoilers: 'Furious' on Hulu (2:22), 'Chad Powers' on Hulu (4:08), and 'Dark Matter' on Apple TV (6:19).

Then they discuss some broad, non-spoiler thoughts for the most recent episode of 'Lanterns' (8:21) before doing the same for the show 'Ted Lasso' (14:16).

For spoilers, the hosts break down who's who on 'Lanterns' (23:05) and why 'Ted Lasso' was so bland this...


'Lanterns' Best Yet and 'Ted Lasso' Has Drama
'Lanterns' Best Yet and 'Ted Lasso' Has Drama episode artwork
#295
09/06/2026

This week on the episode, host Blaine gives an introduction, overview, and a way for you to send in questions for the upcoming 300th episode by submitting anything here (0:03).

Then Adam joins, and they briefly discuss his upcoming shows with Luna (0:46).

After that, they get into some non-spoiler talk with the HBO series 'Lanterns' (3:09) and its third episode as well as the fifth episode of 'Ted Lasso' (8:14).

For spoilers, they explain why 'Lanterns' aired its best episode to date (11:47) and how 'Ted Lasso' has real drama for the first time this season (26:41).

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Solving 'Lanterns' and 'Ted Lasso' Is on Track; Plus, Return of 'Dark Matter'
Solving 'Lanterns' and 'Ted Lasso' Is on Track; Plus, Return of 'Dark Matter' episode artwork
#294
08/30/2026

This week, host Blaine gives an introduction, overview, and an idea on how you can take part in the upcoming 300th episode with the link below (0:02).

In the non-spoiler section, the hosts determine how well they're enjoying 'Ted Lasso' this season (0:58), how 'Lanterns' is shaping up after two episodes (5:06), and the return of 'Dark Matter' on Apple TV (11:08).

In spoilers, they discuss what made 'Ted Lasso' click this week (18:01), what is to like and dislike with 'Lanterns' on HBO (30:59), and how 'Dark Matter' is intelligent sci-fi.

For more, visit The Alabama Take.

<...


'Ted Lasso' Improves and 'Lanterns' Make a Launch
'Ted Lasso' Improves and 'Lanterns' Make a Launch episode artwork
#293
08/23/2026

In this week's episode, Blaine gives a welcome, overview, and announcement on how you can get involved for the upcoming 300th episode by sending in a question or comment (0:02).

Once all the hosts are present, they discuss why the return of 'Chad Powers' makes them excited (1:01). Also in non-spoilers, Blaine and Donovan explain why 'Furious' on Hulu is worth the time (3:04) as well as 'Ted Lasso' and its improvements (6:11) and the mixed reaction of HBO's 'Lanterns' (10:33).

In spoilers, the guys detail how 'Ted Lasso' finally improved in its third episode, though not without faults (14:38) and...


Who Won 'House of the Dragon' and Is 'Ted Lasso' Copying Itself?
Who Won 'House of the Dragon' and Is 'Ted Lasso' Copying Itself? episode artwork
#292
08/16/2026

This week, after a quick overview and introduction (0:04), the hosts talk about the recent stats about the podcast, some of which are quite surprising for them (0:34). After that, the three preview 'Lanterns' and gauge their interests in the show (1:56). For non-spoilers, they determine if the season of 'House of the Dragon' was a success (7:15) and how they felt about the second episode of the new season of 'Ted Lasso' (12:25).

In spoilers, the hosts dole out specific opinions about the finale of 'House of the Dragon' (16:23) as well as why some of them think that 'Ted Lasso' may...


The Silent Explosions in the Penultimate 'House of the Dragon'; Plus, The First of 'Ted Lasso' Again
The Silent Explosions in the Penultimate 'House of the Dragon'; Plus, The First of 'Ted Lasso' Again episode artwork
#291
08/09/2026

This week after a quick hello and episode overview (0:04), Blaine gets Adam and Donovan to join the episode where they begin with some non-spoiler thoughts on the penultimate episode of 'House of the Dragon' (0:35). After that, they discuss the first episode return of 'Ted Lasso' in non-spoilers (7:26). Lastly in non-spoilers, it's an overview of who and who wouldn't like the new Hulu show 'Furious' (13:08).

In spoilers, it's a discussion about how the explosives of the penultimate 'House of the Dragon' are more silent this time (18:48). Plus, they break down what is happening in the opening of 'Ted...


'House of the Dragon' and the Rule of Women; Plus, 'Cape Fear'
'House of the Dragon' and the Rule of Women; Plus, 'Cape Fear' episode artwork
#290
08/04/2026

This week after a brief welcome (0:02), the hosts discuss the return of 'Ted Lasso': is there any excitement left (0:47)? Then Blaine makes a recommendation for the show 'Furious' on Hulu (3:35).

Continuing in non-spoilers, they talk about how they felt with "Faceless Men" on 'House of the Dragon' (5:18) as well as a determination on if 'Cape Fear' is good or bad (11:07).

In spoilers, it's a deep dive into 'House of the Dragon' (15:40) and a final look at what 'Cape Fear' had to say (36:45).

For more, visit The Alabama Take website.

If you...


Are The Little Things Done Right? 'House of the Dragon' and 'Warfare' on HBO
Are The Little Things Done Right? 'House of the Dragon' and 'Warfare' on HBO episode artwork
#289
07/28/2026

This week on the podcast, Blaine gives an overview and welcome to all listeners (0:02) before inviting Adam and Donovan to discuss what they've done on the two week break (0:45). After that, Blaine explains in non-spoilers why 'Lucky' on Apple TV doesn't cut it for engaging viewing, but it may have a redeeming use (1:47). Also in non-spoilers, the hosts discuss their overall view of this season of 'House of the Dragon' (3:49) and the movie 'Warfare,' which is now streaming on HBO Max (8:04).

In spoilers, they discuss how 'House of the Dragon' is getting some major, but little...


Dragons, Drama, and Dilemmas on 'House of the Dragon' and Its Second Episode
Dragons, Drama, and Dilemmas on 'House of the Dragon' and Its Second Episode episode artwork
#288
07/07/2026

This week, host Blaine gives a welcome, overview, and note about next week (0:03). After that, Donovan, Adam, and Blaine begin general thoughts on the second episode of the third season of 'House of the Dragon' (1:19).

After a short break, they dive into unpacking the events of the episode of 'House of the Dragon' and what that means for some of the major players (14:29).

For more, visit The Alabama Take's website with the link here: https://www.thealabamatake.com


Back to 'House of the Dragon' and Why 'Cape Fear' Isn't What We Thought
Back to 'House of the Dragon' and Why 'Cape Fear' Isn't What We Thought episode artwork
#287
06/30/2026

This week, Blaine gives an overview of the episode (0:03) before he, Adam, and Donovan discuss what they want after five seasons of 'The Bear' on Hulu (0:38). From there and staying in non-spoilers, they get back into 'House of the Dragon' and its return (3:47). They also discuss that 'Cape Fear' may be a different type of show than initially suspected (12:23).

After a break, they dive into spoilers for the first episode of 'House of the Dragon' on HBO (15:47) as well as spoilers to prove their points on 'Cape Fear' from Apple TV (38:41).

For more, visit The...


Where Does 'Widow's Bay' Go From Here?
Where Does 'Widow's Bay' Go From Here? episode artwork
#286
06/23/2026

In the weekly episode, host Blaine gives a quick overview of the episode (0:02) before Adam and Donovan join the episode. They discuss the return of 'House of the Dragon' on HBO to begin (0:29). After that, they have non-spoiler thoughts on 'Widow's Bay' (3:13).

After the break, they unpack the finale of 'Widow's Bay' and discuss where it could go from there (8:35).

For more, visit the home site of the podcast at The Alabama Take with the link here: https://www.thealabamatake.com


How 'Widow's Bay' Sets Up What's Left and 'Cape Fear' Seeds a Good Series; Plus, 'Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed'
How 'Widow's Bay' Sets Up What's Left and 'Cape Fear' Seeds a Good Series; Plus, 'Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed' episode artwork
#285
06/16/2026

In this week's episode, host Blaine gives the usual hello, introduction, and overview (0:02) before inviting Adam and Donovan into the episode. They begin with hellos to specific listeners whom they know join the podcast each week (0:42).

To kick off non-spoilers, Blaine and Donovan have plenty of thoughts on Amazon's 'Spider-Noir' (2:19). The three of them then discuss what certain knowlege adds to watching the end of a season, especially one like 'Widow's Bay' (8:55). They mostly praise 'Cape Fear' and its first episode (15:50). Finally in non-spoilers, they explain why most people would get invested with the series 'Maximum Pleasure...


Time in 'Widow's Bay'; Plus, a Preview of 'Cape Fear'
Time in 'Widow's Bay'; Plus, a Preview of 'Cape Fear' episode artwork
#284
06/09/2026

This week, Blaine gives an overview and welcome to begin (0:02). Adam then joins the show with news of his tour with Luna (0:47). After that, they discuss the remake of 'Cape Fear' as a preview in non-spoilers and what it says about remakes in general (1:47). From there, it's a short, non-spoiler discussion on the eighth episode of 'Widow's Bay' (5:15) before Adam uses both 'Widow's Bay' and 'Hacks' to compare how 'Euphoria' got so bad (7:37).

After the break, the two hosts discuss 'Widow's Bay' in depth and with spoilers (11:14).

For more, visit The Alabama Take's website or...


Mysteries of 'Widow's Bay'; Plus, 'The Boroughs,' 'Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed,' and More!
Mysteries of 'Widow's Bay'; Plus, 'The Boroughs,' 'Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed,' and More! episode artwork
#283
06/02/2026

This week, Blaine welcomes and gives an overview of the episode (0:02) before moving into some brief thoughts on 'The Boroughs' on Netflix (0:37), which excels due to its cast, such as Clarke Peters. 'Devil in Silver' on AMC+ brings a question about Dan Stevens (4:19). The new Apple TV show 'Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed' may be next for the hosts (6:19). Donovan and Adam agree that 'Hacks' has improved upon its third season (8:03). The last piece of non-spoilers is an overview of how they're all feeling about 'Widow's Bay' on Apple TV (10:23).

After a break, the hosts unpack the sixth and...


What 'Euphoria' Says About Culture; Plus, the Joy of 'Margo's Got Money Troubles' and a Classic 'Widow's Bay'
What 'Euphoria' Says About Culture; Plus, the Joy of 'Margo's Got Money Troubles' and a Classic 'Widow's Bay' episode artwork
#282
05/26/2026

In this week's episode, Blaine gives a hello and introduction (0:02) before Donovan and Adam join the show. In Donovan's introduction, he offers life advice for the podcast listeners (0:40)and then the conversation turns to how much 'Euphoria' has devolved and what it says about the culture (1:35).

From 'Euphoria,' Blaine gives various reasons on why 'Margo's Got Money Troubles' can bring so much joy to watch (14:29). Adam then gives a quick check-in for the HBO series 'Hacks' (19:19). Still in non-spoilers, Donovan and Blaine tell Adam how 'Widow's Bay' is doing amazing things (22:05).

For spoilers, Blaine...


Comfort Shows and TV That Says Something: 'Rooster,' 'Lord of the Flies,' and 'Widow's Bay'
Comfort Shows and TV That Says Something: 'Rooster,' 'Lord of the Flies,' and 'Widow's Bay' episode artwork
#281
05/19/2026

This week, Blaine gives an overview and a welcome to begin (0:02) before introducing the hosts (0:43).

This week, they begin with non-spoilers as usual, including brief thoughts on 'Margo's Got Money Troubles' on Apple TV (1:17). From there, they get into the season of 'Rooster' on HBO without spoiling (2:26) and then the new Netflix miniseries 'Lord of the Flies' (13:10). For the last of non-spoilers, they discuss the Apple TV series 'Widow's Bay' and how it's doing (18:22).

In spoilers, they begin with 'Rooster' and its season as a whole (21:38) before moving into the intensity of 'Lord of the...


Sabotage and Horror: 'Beef' and 'Widow's Bay'
Sabotage and Horror: 'Beef' and 'Widow's Bay' episode artwork
#280
05/11/2026

This week, host Blaine gives an overview of the podcast episode to begin (0:02). After that, he welcomes Donovan, and they both talk about brief podcast news (0:36).

In the non-spoilers for TV, Blaine gives Donovan a reason why they'll no longer cover 'Euphoria' (1:14) before moving into the new episode of 'The Bear' that dropped in surprise this week titled "Gary" (3:14). They also discuss why they're interested in covering 'Lord of the Flies' on Netflix (6:12).

They then give broad, spoiler-free thoughts on the second half of 'Beef' on Netflix (8:51), 'Widow's Bay' and its first three episodes on...


The Best TV of 2026 Thus Far
The Best TV of 2026 Thus Far episode artwork
#279
05/05/2026

This week, it's host Blaine by himself and he uses the alone time to give an overview of the podcast and episode (0:01) as well as make an announcement about video with The Alabama Take's podcasts (0:55).

Then he gives a good suggestion on how not to rely on social media for the podcast (4:02).

After that break, Blaine reveals his top five shows of the year in a random order (4:34) which includes Marvel's 'Wonder Man,' 'The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins,' and more.

For more from The Alabama Take, click here.

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TV's Dark Corners: 'Euphoria,' 'Beef,' 'Half Man,' and More
TV's Dark Corners: 'Euphoria,' 'Beef,' 'Half Man,' and More episode artwork
#278
04/28/2026

In this week's episode, host Blaine welcomes everyone with an introduction and overview of the weekly show (0:02).

To begin, Blaine and co-host Donovan discuss where listeners can see Adam on tour (0:59).

Then the TV discussions begin with non-spoilers on why 'Euphoria' is struggling to make a connection (2:34), yet something as dark as 'Beef' and its second season is thrilling (8:34). After that, Blaine explains without spoilers how 'Half Man' is not for the faint at heart (12:26). He and Donovan discuss the seventh episode of 'Rooster' on HBO and the new Netflix series 'This is a Gardening...


'Euphoria' Disappoints, Promising Shows, and 'DTF St. Louis' Finale,
'Euphoria' Disappoints, Promising Shows, and 'DTF St. Louis' Finale, episode artwork
#277
04/21/2026

This week as usual, Blaine gives an overview of the podcast episode to begin (0:02).

From there, he and Donovan begin the non-spoiler section with Adam's absence and where to see his band Sister Ray Davies on tour in the U.K. (0:50).

After those notes, the hosts discuss what has. happened to 'Euphoria' as it gets off to a bad start (2:39). Then it's a brief conversation on why sites cover reality TV and what they think of it (9:37). Then it's a list of television shows this week and next week which all sound promising, some of...


How People Watch TV Wrong with 'DTF St. Louis,' 'Rooster,' and 'Shrinking'
How People Watch TV Wrong with 'DTF St. Louis,' 'Rooster,' and 'Shrinking' episode artwork
#276
04/14/2026

Taking It Down is back this week! With a rundown of the episode (0:02), Blaine discusses the absence of the show (1:26). From there, they talk about Adam's upcoming tour, which stumps Blaine, and why he'll be away from the podcast (1:58). This prompts a quick talk about social media, especially TikTok, and how to contact the podcast (5:55).

There, Blaine brings up the notion of how people watch TV all wrong sometimes with a brief mention of 'The Pitt' in non-spoilers (9:30). The non-spoiler section continues with an overview of 'DTF St. Louis': now that they've reached the penultimate episode, can...


Steve Carell's Greatness in 'Rooster' and the Tones of 'DTF St. Louis'
Steve Carell's Greatness in 'Rooster' and the Tones of 'DTF St. Louis' episode artwork
#275
03/24/2026

This week, per usual, host Blaine opens the episode with an introduction and overview of what's to come (0:02).

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...


'DTF St. Louis' and Its Vibes; Steve Carell Returns to the Spotlight in 'Rooster'
'DTF St. Louis' and Its Vibes; Steve Carell Returns to the Spotlight in 'Rooster' episode artwork
#274
03/17/2026

To help both the podcast and The Alabama Take site itself, consider making a donation of any size with the link here.

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...


Unraveling 'DTF St. Louis' and 'Shrinking' Does Its Best
Unraveling 'DTF St. Louis' and 'Shrinking' Does Its Best episode artwork
#273
03/10/2026

In the weekly episode, Blaine introduces the show with a welcome and overview as well as the topics of the week (0:03).

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...


How 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' and 'How to Get to Heaven From Belfast' Get It Right!
How 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' and 'How to Get to Heaven From Belfast' Get It Right! episode artwork
#272
03/03/2026

To help with funding, which is only asked for once every four years or so, click here.

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...


An XL Episode From Rewatches to 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' to 'How to Get to Heaven from Belfast'!
An XL Episode From Rewatches to 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' to 'How to Get to Heaven from Belfast'! episode artwork
#271
02/24/2026

To help this podcast continue and the website The Alabama Take keep going, click this link to donate as much or as little as you wish. Every bit helps. Thank you!

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...


It's the Seventies in Russia and 'A Knight' Makes Us Happy!
It's the Seventies in Russia and 'A Knight' Makes Us Happy! episode artwork
#270
01/27/2026

This week, Blaine welcomes everyone and gives a quick overview of the episode (0:02).

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...


The Big TV Preview Episode!
The Big TV Preview Episode! episode artwork
#269
01/16/2026

The podcast episode is a unique, spoiler-free preview of upcoming TV shows set to debut from January through April.

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).

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

To sign up for the site's newsletter, visit the link here.

To help both...


TV Finales: 'Stranger Things,' 'Plur1bus,' 'Welcome to Derry,' and 'The Chair Company'
TV Finales: 'Stranger Things,' 'Plur1bus,' 'Welcome to Derry,' and 'The Chair Company' episode artwork
#268
01/13/2026

This week, the episode kicks off with the trio—Adam, Donovan, and Blaine—reuniting after their holiday break to discuss the endings of 2025's television.

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 Derr...


Inconsistence in 'Welcome to Derry' and 'Plur1bus' Goes Beyond A.I.
Inconsistence in 'Welcome to Derry' and 'Plur1bus' Goes Beyond A.I. episode artwork
#267
12/16/2025

This week, Blaine gives a welcome and overview (0:02) before Donovan joins to talk non-spoilers about the D&D heavy episodes of 'Stranger Things 5' (1:12). They briefly talk about the new Netflix film 'Knives Out: Wake Up Dead Man' (6:24). From there, they continue some non-spoiler ideas on if 'Welcome to Derry' is good (7:43) and the amount of episodes left for 'Pluribus' (11:04).

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...


How 'Train Dreams' Is the Movie of the Year, 'Plur1bus' Needs One Change, and 'Welcome to Derry' May Pull It Together
How 'Train Dreams' Is the Movie of the Year, 'Plur1bus' Needs One Change, and 'Welcome to Derry' May Pull It Together episode artwork
#266
12/09/2025

This week, Blaine offers an overview of the podcast as a whole (0:02) before welcoming Donovan and Adam. Where has Adam been all this time (1:32)?

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...


Welcome to Derry: The Horror That Continues Giving and Connects to Real Life Scares
Welcome to Derry: The Horror That Continues Giving and Connects to Real Life Scares episode artwork
#265
12/02/2025

Without Adam and Donovan, what's Blaine to do (0:02)?

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...


Thanksgiving Special: The Spoiler Episode for 'Welcome to Derry,' 'Death by Lightning,' and 'Plur1bus'
Thanksgiving Special: The Spoiler Episode for 'Welcome to Derry,' 'Death by Lightning,' and 'Plur1bus' episode artwork
#264
11/26/2025

Taking It Down is back again in the same week for a Thanksgiving special wit all spoilers, so be careful and use the time stamps!

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...


History and Scares: A Non-Spoiler Episode Full of TV Suggestions
History and Scares: A Non-Spoiler Episode Full of TV Suggestions episode artwork
#263
11/25/2025

Taking It Down comes out this week with two episodes, and this, the first, offers thoughts that are all without spoilers.

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...


'Plur1bus' Is All Of Us, 'Welcome to Derry' Is Good Enough To Scare, 'The Lowdown' Reveals Its Secrets!
'Plur1bus' Is All Of Us, 'Welcome to Derry' Is Good Enough To Scare, 'The Lowdown' Reveals Its Secrets! episode artwork
#262
11/11/2025

Blaine welcomes everyone to being Taking It Down (0:02) but then Blaine and Donovan get into non-spoilers with all the new television that's currently airing, much of which sound appealing (4:32) as well as the newly filmed 'Frankenstein' (4:53).

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...


How Heavy Was 'Task'? Does 'Chad Powers' Deserve to be This Good? First Reactions to 'Welcome to Derry'
How Heavy Was 'Task'? Does 'Chad Powers' Deserve to be This Good? First Reactions to 'Welcome to Derry' episode artwork
#261
11/04/2025

This week, Blaine welcomes Donovan and gives the welcome and overview for this week's episode (0:01). They discuss how there is a lot to pick on TV lately, some of which they'd even like to see if time allowed (3:41).

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...