Decoding Westworld

NOTE: We’re planning to do a mailbag bonus episode soon! Let us know your questions and TV recommendations by emailing us at decodingtv(AT)gmail(DOT)com.In this episode of Decoding TV, David Chen and Patrick Klepek discuss Jon Stewart's return to The Daily Show and the season finale of True Detective: Night Country. Is Jon Stewart still the voice we need right now? Did True Detective: Night Country stick the landing? Are people out of control for going after Alan Sepinwall for liking it? Is Nic Pizzolatto acting like a cringe-y asshole online (again)? Listen to hear us discuss all these topics and more!Shownotes:00:03:11 - Jon Stewart’s return to The Daily Show00:26:56 - The discourse around True Detective: Night Country00:42:30 - True Detective: Night Country Part 6 (season finale)Homework for next week:Constellation Eps 1-3 (Apple TV+)Shogun Eps 1-2 (Hulu/FX)Links:Listen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap RadioSubscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, Cross

In this episode of Decoding TV, David and Patrick discuss the why/how the ads of the Super Bowl kinda stink these days, Warner/Fox/Disney’s new streaming venture, whether or not Mr. and Mrs. Smith on Prime Video is about anything (and whether or not it needs to be), and how we anticipate True Detective: Night Country wrapping up.Let us know what you think of all of the above by emailing us at decodingtv(AT)gmail(DOT)com!Shownotes:00:03:15 - Warner, Fox and Disney Launch Joint Sports Streaming Venture00:17:30 - The Ads of Super Bowl LVIII00:37:45 - Mr and Mrs. SmithEpisode 5 - Do You Want KidsEpisode 6 - Couples TherapyEpisode 7 - InfidelityEpisode 8 - A Breakup01:02:04 - True Detective: Night Country Part 5Homework for next week:True Detective: Night Country Part 6 (Max)The Daily Show (Comedy Central)Links:Listen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap RadioSubscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, CrossplayFollow this podcast on InstagramFollow this podcast on TiktokSubscribe to David’s

In this episode of Decoding TV, David and Patrick discuss Evan Rachel Wood’s comments about the end (or lack thereof) of Westworld, Netflix and Apple TV+’s upcoming show slate, and why Nic Pizzolatto should probably stay off Instagram for a few more weeks.Let us know what you think of all of the above by emailing us at decodingtv(AT)gmail(DOT)com!Shownotes:3:48 - Evan Rachel Wood on Westworld’s Ending17:00 - Apple TV+’s upcoming slate and Netflix’s upcoming slate45:00 - Nic Pizzolatto and Issa Lopez’s comments on Night Country53:00 - Mr and Mrs. SmithEpisode 1 - First DateEpisode 2 - Second DateEpisode 3 - First VacationEpisode 4 - Double Date1:19:30 - True Detective: Night Country Part 4Homework for next week:True Detective: Night Country Part 5 (Max)Mr. and Mrs. Smith Eps 5-8 (Prime Video)Links:Listen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap RadioSubscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, CrossplayFollow this podcast on InstagramFollow this podcast on TiktokSubscribe to David’s free newsletter, Decoding EverythingFoll

In this episode of Decoding TV, David and Patrick discuss the upcoming season of Squid Game and the return of Jon Stewart to The Daily Show. Then it’s time to dive into Masters of the Air, Expats, and True Detective: Night Country.Is Jon Stewart’s return a good thing, or the sign of a network running on fumes? Can Squid Game seize the popular imagination again? Does Masters of the Air capture the same magic as Band of Brothers? Does Expats show Nicole Kidman and Lulu Wang at the top of their game? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more!Let us know what you think of all of the above by emailing us at decodingtv(AT)gmail(DOT)com!Shownotes:4:00 - Squid Game 2 will premiere in 202423:00 - Jon Stewart is returning to The Daily Show31:30 - Masters of the Air Eps Part 1 and Part 252:00 - Expats episodes 1 and 2 (“The Peak” and “Mongkok”)1:22:00 - True Detective: Night Country Part 3Homework for next week:True Detective: Night Country Part 4 (Max)Mr. and Mrs. Smith Eps 1-4 (Prime Video)Links:Listen to

In this episode of Decoding TV, David and Patrick discuss David’s recent trip to Sundance, react to news of the Emmy’s record low ratings, ponder the potential of a She-Hulk season 2, reflect on what happens when creators get too close to the material they put out, and continue their coverage of Echo and True Detective.Let us know what you think of all of the above by emailing us at decodingtv(AT)gmail(DOT)com!Shownotes (Times may be off by 1-2 mins due to dynamically inserted ads. When in doubt, listen for the trailer/clip of the show).4:00 - David’s trip to Sundance23:00 - Emmy ratings hit a new low33:09 - She-Hulk season 2 is not looking good42:10 - Issa Lopez asks for help with Rottentomatoes scores56:15 - Echo Episodes 3-5 (“Tuklo” “Toloa” and “Maya”)1:18:00 - True Detective: Night Country Part 2Homework for next week:True Detective: Night Country Part 3 (Max)Masters of the Air episodes 1-2 (Apple TV+)Expats episodes 1-2 (Prime Video)Links:Listen to Patrick’s video

This Week In Streaming is a show on the Decoding TV podcast feed that covers the most interesting shows available on streaming each week. On this episode, David Chen is joined by writer, filmmaker, and YouTuber Jessie Earl to discuss the final five episodes of Fargo season 5, which are streaming right now on Hulu/FX:Episode 6 - The Tender TrapEpisode 7 - LindaEpisode 8 - BlanketEpisode 9 - The Useless HandEpisode 10 - BisquikThe last half of the season brought us to a massive standoff, before a time jump takes us to an epilogue. How did we feel about how things resolved? Were we a fan of how each character’s plot was resolved? And what did we make of the final scene of the show (series?)? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more!Stay tuned for our new weekly podcast, as we continue to cover shows such as True Detective: Night Country and Echo. When possible, we will broadcast the episode live on YouTube, so be sure to follow us there. Thanks for being a paid su

Welcome to Decoding TV’s new weekly format!For years, Decoding TV has decoded weekly TV shows like Westworld, The Last of Us, Succession, and The Curse. We’ve loved diving in depth into these shows, analyzing them, and sharing our theories. But doing the show the way we did had a fatal flaw: People mostly didn’t listen to the podcast if they weren’t watching the show! Also: there are some shows we want to talk about that might not be dense enough to support a weekly recap podcast. So we’re launching this new weekly format, and hopefully you feel comfortable tuning in even if you’re not watching any specific show. Each week we’ll open by talking about 1-2 general topics about the world of television and entertainment. Then we’re going to dive into specific TV show episodes we’ve watched. We’ll put trailers when we bring up a new TV show, and also note the timestamp in the shownotes so you can fast forward if you don’t want to hear about a specific show.On occasion, we will continu

Stay tuned to the podcast next week as we re-launch in a new weekly format!In this episode of Decoding TV, Patrick Klepek and David Chen are joined by Jessie Earl to discuss the tenth episode of The Curse on Paramount+/Showtime, “Young Hearts.”Well folks. What to say about this one? The first 20 minutes of this episode is standard Curse fare, with a healthy dose of awkwardness and obliviousness. But then the show takes a hard pivot and really swings for the fences with its final hour. Is it successful? Is it thrilling? Is it amazing technically? And what does it all mean in the end? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more!Links:Email us and let us know what you think at decodingtv(AT)gmail(DOT)comSubscribe to Jessie Gender on YouTubeSubscribe to Jessie’s second YouTube channelLearn more about Jessie’s short film, IdentiteazeListen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap RadioSubscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, CrossplayFollow this podcast on InstagramFollow this podcast on TiktokSubscribe to David

In this episode of Decoding TV, Patrick Klepek and David Chen discuss the ninth episode of The Curse on Paramount+/Showtime, “Young Hearts.”In this episode, Whitney has an awkward encounter with Cara at a spa, but what does it say about her character? Fliplanthropy tries to make the pivot to a show where Whitney and Asher love each other more, but will it work? What exactly was Asher doing in the bathroom anyway? And how did Whitney react to Asher’s final plea at the end? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more!Links:Email us and let us know what you think at decodingtv(AT)gmail(DOT)comListen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap RadioSubscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, CrossplayFollow this podcast on InstagramFollow this podcast on TiktokSubscribe to David’s free newsletter, Decoding EverythingFollow David on InstagramFollow David on Tiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This Week In Streaming is a show on the Decoding TV podcast feed that covers the most interesting shows available on streaming each week. On this episode, David Chen is joined by writer, filmmaker, and YouTuber Jessie Earl to discuss the season finale of A Murder at the End of the World, “Retreat.”As with most mysteries, this one came down to a visit to the accusing parlor will the detective slowly solved the crime. What did we think of how the big mystery finally resolved? What exactly was this show trying to say about the nature of AI and technology? How well did it use its memorable characters? What did we make of all the flashbacks with Darby and Bill? And Listen to hear us discuss all this and more!Stay tuned for our continuing coverage of The Curse, plus details about a new weekly Decoding TV show that will launch in the coming weeks. When possible, we will broadcast the episode live on YouTube, so be sure to follow us there. Thanks for being a paid subscriber!Links:Email us and let us know what you thi

In this episode of Decoding TV, Patrick Klepek and David Chen discuss the eighth episode of The Curse on Paramount+/Showtime, “Down and Dirty.”In this episode, Asher and Whitney’s marriage strains to the breaking point and Whitney’s manipulation begin to spiral out even further. Who do we think actually tried to bait Asher with the chicken? What did Whitney do in the bathroom/elevator with that strange man? WTF is Dougie trying to accomplish with Nala, exactly? And what did we think of the pilot episode of Fliplanthropy on YouTube? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more!Links:Email us and let us know what you think at decodingtv(AT)gmail(DOT)comListen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap RadioSubscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, CrossplayFollow this podcast on InstagramFollow this podcast on TiktokSubscribe to David’s free newsletter, Decoding EverythingFollow David on InstagramFollow David on Tiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Decoding TV, Patrick Klepek and David Chen discuss the seventh episode of The Curse on Paramount+/Showtime, “Self-Exclusion.”In this episode, the cracks begin to show in Whitney and Asher’s marriage. But to what extent are the cracks real vs. Whitney putting on a show? How much does it cost to buy a racist mini-golf statue these days? Is it worth having a lock on your freezer if you have roommates? And what do we think is really going on with the shooting style of The Curse? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more.Links:Email us and let us know what you think at decodingtv(AT)gmail(DOT)comListen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap RadioSubscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, CrossplayFollow this podcast on InstagramFollow this podcast on TiktokSubscribe to David’s free newsletter, Decoding EverythingFollow David on InstagramFollow David on Tiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This Week In Streaming is a show on the Decoding TV podcast feed that covers the most interesting shows available on streaming each week. On this episode, David Chen is joined by writer, filmmaker, and YouTuber Jessie Earl to discuss the first four episodes of Fargo season 5, which are streaming right now on Hulu/FX:Episode 1 - The Tragedy of the CommonsEpisode 2 - Trials and TribulationsEpisode 3 - The Paradox of Intermediate TransactionsEpisode 4 - InsolubiliaEpisode 5 - The TigerFargo has always been a show that’s heavily inspired by the work of the Coen Brothers. How did we feel about what this season did with the source material? Is Juno Temple able to hold the show together as the protagonist this season? What does this show have in common with The Fall of the House of Usher? And what do we think will be the fate of Roy and his son Gator, not to mention Munch and Dot? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more!Stay tuned for our continuing coverage of The Curse as well as other shows like Th

In this episode of Decoding TV, Patrick Klepek and David Chen discuss the sixth episode of The Curse on Paramount+/Showtime, “The Fire Burns On.”In this short episode, Whitney and Dougie hatch a plan to betray Asher. Is this the beginning of the end for our favorite reality couple? Is there any hope for “Fliplanthropy”? Who would leave chicken in a fire station bathroom? Is “Green Queen” actually a good name? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more.Links:Email us and let us know what you think at decodingtv(AT)gmail(DOT)comListen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap RadioSubscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, CrossplayFollow this podcast on InstagramFollow this podcast on TiktokSubscribe to David’s free newsletter, Decoding EverythingFollow David on InstagramFollow David on Tiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Decoding TV, Patrick Klepek and David Chen discuss the fifth episode of The Curse on Paramount+/Showtime, “It’s a Good Day.”In this episode, Whitney continues charging headfirst into her misguided plans to help the community. But how do we think it’s all going to go wrong this time around? Is 80 degrees really too hot for the inside of a house? Is Asher just a powder keg waiting to go off at any moment? And why would being on camera motivate anyone to burst into song? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more.Links:Email us and let us know what you think at decodingtv(AT)gmail(DOT)comListen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap RadioSubscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, CrossplayFollow this podcast on InstagramFollow this podcast on TiktokSubscribe to David’s free newsletter, Decoding EverythingFollow David on InstagramFollow David on Tiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Decoding TV, Patrick Klepek and David Chen discuss the fourth episode of The Curse on Paramount+/Showtime, “Under the Big Tree.”This episode is a clear middle chapter, developing some characters and letting a few plotlines simmer before presumably bigger events explode sometime in the future. How well is the Dougie storyline working for us and where do we think it’s heading?Links:Email us and let us know what you think at decodingtv(AT)gmail(DOT)comListen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap RadioSubscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, CrossplayFollow this podcast on InstagramFollow this podcast on TiktokSubscribe to David’s free newsletter, Decoding EverythingFollow David on InstagramFollow David on Tiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This Week In Streaming is a show on the Decoding TV podcast feed that covers the most interesting shows available on streaming each week. On this episode, David Chen is joined by writer, filmmaker, and YouTuber Jessie Earl to discuss the first four episodes of Invincible season 2, which are streaming right now on Amazon Prime Video:Episode 1 - A Lesson For Your Next LifeEpisode 2 - In About Six Hours I Lose My Virginity to a FishEpisode 3 - This Missive, This Machination!Episode 4 - It’s Been A WhileThis season of Invincible comes with a rather odd release schedule, as the final episodes of the season won’t air until 2024. How did we feel about the pacing of this season? How do plotlines in the show feel compared to their execution in the comics? What were the main storylines that stuck with us this season? And what do we make of how, well, cruel the show can be? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more!Stay tuned for our continuing coverage of The Curse as well as

In this episode of Decoding TV, Patrick Klepek and David Chen discuss the third episode of The Curse on Paramount+/Showtime.This episode ventures out of the land of cringe and into the scary land of sadcringe, requiring several multi-layered performances. How well did we think our main actors pulled off these moments? What do we think this show is trying to say about the impact of well-meaning, ill-thought-out progressive machinations? And should you ever run after girls while waving a $100 bill? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more!Links:Email us and let us know what you think at decodingtv(AT)gmail(DOT)comListen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap RadioSubscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, CrossplayFollow this podcast on InstagramFollow this podcast on TiktokSubscribe to David’s free newsletter, Decoding EverythingFollow David on InstagramFollow David on Tiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This Week In Streaming is a show on the Decoding TV podcast feed that covers the most interesting shows available on streaming each week. On this episode, David Chen is joined by his wife (AKA @joyonapping) to discuss the first four episodes of The Crown season 6:Episode 1 - Persona Non GrataEpisode 2 - Two PhotographsEpisode 3 - Dis-Moi OuiEpisode 4 - The AftermathThis season follows a rather disappointing season in which Charles seemed to be the hero while the Queen and Princess Diana were sidelined. Does season 6 create a compelling story out of one of most important plotlines in The Crown’s history? What do we think of how real-life events compare with the show’s depiction of them? And has the show finally figured out what to do with the Queen? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more!Stay tuned for our continuing coverage of The Curse as well as a This Week In Streaming episode about Invincible Season 2. When possible, we will broadcast the episo

In this episode of Decoding TV, Patrick Klepek and David Chen discuss the second episode of The Curse on Paramount+/Showtime.This episode maintains the agonizing cringe and awkwardness of the first episode as Asher and Whitney get involved with a local art show. But in what ways is Whitney blundering through this situation that make it so painful? What do we make of Dougie’s backstory and where the show is going with it? And what exactly is going on at the end of the episode? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more!Links:Email us and let us know what you think at decodingtv(AT)gmail(DOT)comListen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap RadioSubscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, CrossplayFollow this podcast on InstagramFollow this podcast on TiktokSubscribe to David’s free newsletter, Decoding EverythingFollow David on InstagramFollow David on Tiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.