Taking It Down

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 they recommend it (15:46)? They do a midpoint check-in with the HBO series 'Rooster' (23:11) and a discussion of 'Shrinking' now that it has ended its third season (27:28). Before leaving non-spoilers, Blaine and Donovan explain why they recommend 'The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins' so often (30:48). They end the first half with ideas for next week (32:55). To begin spoilers, they start with a listener email about 'DTF St. Louis' and its surprises (35:18). Then they transition into the HBO series 'Rooster' and how it has a lot to offer from Steve Carell but even more than just him (51:41). Lastly, they close the spoilers with 'Shrinking' where they grade the ups and downs of the third season, and they determine how to weigh it as a whole season (1:01:23). For more, always check out The Alabama Take site and to support the site and its podcast, feel free to donate to the Buy Me A Coffee donation page where all proceeds go to the site.

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 HBO show 'Rooster' leads them to ask how great Steve Carell may be (12:48). Finally in non-spoilers, Blaine advises all to avoid both 'Imperfect Women' on Apple TV and 'Scarpetta' on Amazon Prime (20:24). This leads Donovan to reveal some news on trade paperbacks (23:30). From there, it's a short break and then the spoilers: 'DTF St Louis' specifics on how it is getting better and better (26:42). Lastly, some spoilers about the second episode of the HBO series 'Rooster': it's good, but how good (49:59)? For more, visit The Alabama Take website. To sign up for the site's newsletter rather than rely on social media, sign up here. To help both the podcast and The Alabama Take site itself, consider making a donation of any size with the link here.

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 praises for Steve Carell and his return to TV with the HBO series 'Rooster,' but they keep the spoilers away (9:53). After a break, they do a quick check in with 'Shrinking' to begin the spoiler section (21:20) before moving into exactly what makes 'DTF St. Louis' both strange and unique (24:14). After that, they disucss specifics of the 'Rooster' premiere and what about it gives them hope (46:18). To end spoilers, they add some thoughts on Oscar-nominated films (1:00:10) before getting a little more specific about the movie 'Hamnet' (1:01:39). For more, visit The Alabama Take website. To sign up for the site's newsletter rather than rely on social media, sign up here.

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 get into why 'DTF St. Louis' is so good (15:32) as well as how 'Shrinking' pulled out an excellent episode in a season that has not been as good (42:04). For more, visit The Alabama Take website. To sign up for the site's newsletter rather than rely on social media, sign up here. To help both the podcast and The Alabama Take site itself, consider making a donation of any size with the link here.

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 for help with an Irish term (3:42). Continuing the non-spoiler talk, it's high praise for 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' (6:16), a nod to a slight improvement from 'Shrinking' (10:31), and some broad love for 'How to Get to Heaven From Belfast' (13:02). After a break, the hosts discuss the specifics of why the finale of 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' had a perfect ending, which actually included no dongs (19:50). They spoil the most recent episode of 'Shrinking' to talk about some minor improvements for this season (28:08). Finally, the hosts discuss how 'How to Get to Heaven From Belfast' had resonance and depth perhaps missed upon first viewing (35:22). For more, visit The Alabama Take website. To sign up for the site's newsletter rather than rely on social media, sign up here. To help both the podcast and The Alabama Take site itself even long after the fundraiser, consider making a donation of any size with the link here.

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 helped the site and podcasts thus far (2:44). The episode kicks off in earnest with shows they repeatedly watch and what makes that a must (5:04): included is the series 'Band of Brothers,' which Adam claims to be HBO's best series (5:29) and Blaine found 'Lonesome Dove' a must after hearing of the death of Robert Duvall (11:34). Plus, he throws in the brilliance of comedian Dusty Slay as well as his Alabama connection (13:56). Continuing with non-spoilers, Blaine explains in general how 'Wonder Man' is easily Marvel's greatest television series and its best attempt at anything in many years (15:08). From there, it's non-spoilers for shows that will appear in the spoiler section; the first of which is 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,' what could be the best of the George R.R. Martin universe of shows on HBO (17:19). Blaine and Adam then discuss how Apple TV's 'Shrinking' is stinking and a little bit of why (21:33). Lastly in the non-spoiler section is the new Netflix series 'How to Get to Heaven from Belfast,' which has all three hosts intrigued (22:39). After a short break, they get into the meat of the episode, pondering how goods HBO's 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' truly is and if what appears in the penultimate episode is fully needed (31:06). From there, it's the specifics on Apple TV's 'Shrinking' and why it now sucks (52:47). In the final spoiler conversation, all three hosts have full attention to Netflix's new show 'How to Get to Heaven from Belfast' (1:08:35) because of how quickly it lets the viewer in, which has a lot to do with aging. For more, visit The Alabama Take website. To sign up for the site's newsletter and not rely on social media, sign up here. To help both the podcast and The Alabama Take site itself, consider making a donation of any size with the link here.

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' is mostly great, though there could be fixes (30:18). Then they finalize this week's episode with the joy of 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' (43:31). For more, visit The Alabama Take website! To sign up for the site's newsletter rather than rely on social media, sign up here. To help both the podcast and The Alabama Take site itself, consider making a donation of any size with the link here. Companies mentioned in this episode: NBC Peacock HBO Netflix

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

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 Derry' was more of a roller coaster than show (44:50), and how 'The Chair Company' achieved something utterly wild (49:13). 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 the podcast and The Alabama Take site itself, consider making a donation of any size with the link here.

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,' where they recognize its unique storytelling (39:58). 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 the podcast and The Alabama Take site itself, consider making a donation of any size with the link here.

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 Derry' (21:04) before Blaine explains in the non-spoiler section how 'The Beast In Me' on Netflix goes wrong (22:09). He offers 'The Chair Company' as a potential great one before moving on (23:18). In spoilers, the hosts discuss the excellence of 'Train Dreams' (25:59), what needs changed in 'Plur1bus' (51:10), and how 'Welcome to Derry' pales to another current series (1:05:23). 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 the podcast and The Alabama Take site itself, consider making a donation of any size with the link here.

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 maintain its scares (18:35). 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 the podcast and The Alabama Take site itself, consider making a donation of any size with the link here.

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 to unravel its mysteries (33:46). To end, Donovan offers a brief thought on 'Frankenstein' which is now airing on Netflix (54:07). 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 the podcast and The Alabama Take site itself, consider making a donation of any size with the link here.

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 'IT: Welcome to Derry' (17:09) and praise the energy of 'Death by Lightning' on Netflix (25:15). They can't say much about 'Plur1bus' on Apple TV, but they try, especially about the creators (32:26) before moving into the Netflix film 'Frankenstein' and how it differs from other famous adaptations (34:53). 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 the podcast and The Alabama Take site itself, consider making a donation of any size with the link here.

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 to Derry' gets right and what it can do to become great (19:25). They also discuss how 'The Lowdown' revealed what it really wants to be seen as, and it is perfect, including what it has to say, surprisingly on white savior trope (42:47). 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 the podcast and The Alabama Take site itself, consider making a donation of any size with the link here.

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, though it may not even deserve to be as funny as it is (27:13). Then they finalize their thoughts on the HBO series 'Task,' a show that balances its heavy themes and leaves viewers asking questions long after it is complete (45:23). 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 the podcast and The Alabama Take site itself, consider making a donation of any size with the link here.

Blaine and Donovan are back this week with plenty of TV discussions. After an introduction and overview (0:02), the two begin with a talk on class reunions (1:28). Then it's to television and the non-spoiler section to begin with a lighthearted look at 'Chad Powers' on Hulu (4:24). Moving on, they tackle Netflix's 'Monster: The Ed Gein Story', where the hosts critique its slow pacing and over-the-top performances (8:27). They also discuss 'Black Rabbit,' noting the dynamics between Jude Law and Jason Bateman (14:39). From there, it's a shift to Tulsa with 'The Lowdown' on Hulu (16:17). Finally in non-spoilers, they wrap up with 'Task' on HBO (22:03). After the break, Blaine and Donovan detail what may be lurking under 'The Lowdown' (25:03) and how the intensity of 'Task' in its fourth episode still has plenty of threads to connect to be considered great (38:22). For more, visit The Alabama Take website with this link. To help both the podcast and The Alabama Take site itself, consider making a donation of any size with the link here.

Blaine welcomes everyone and admits it almost didn't happen today. (0:02). He brings in Donovan, they get into a discussion about a couple of streaming shows 'The Lowdown' on FX/Hulu which stars Etah Hawke and 'Black Rabbit' on Netflix which features Jude Law and Justin Bateman (1:19). It's interesting that Apple TV+ pulled the plug on the Jessica Chastain series 'The Savan' because of recent events (4:49). Blaine comments more on the FX series 'The Lowdown' (6:01) from Sterling Harjo before they both shift into non-spoiler thoughts on the third episode of HBO's 'Task' (8:24). 'Alien: Earth' wraps its FX run, and they discuss it without spoiling here (13:49). After the break, they get into spoilers for both 'Task' and its family woes (21:12) as well as the final two epsiodes of FX/Hulu's 'Alien: Earth,' highlighting the complex themes and character dynamics that make both shows resonate with viewers (35:30). For more, visit The Alabama Take website with this link. To buy the shirt mentioned in the episode, visit the link here. To help both the podcast and The Alabama Take site itself, consider making a donation of any size with the link here.

Blaine gives the usual warm welcome for the week (0:02) before he, Adam, and Donovan begin the non-spoiler section with HBO's gripping drama 'Task' and what it says about two family dynamics (1:29). Then Blaine and Dononvan decide upon the FX and Hulu intriguing series 'Alien: Earth' and how much value it has beyond the franchise fans (6:10). Before they break for spoilers, Blaine checks in with Adam and his burgeoning band Sister Ray Davies as well as their upcoming album (9:49). After the break, it's the reality of 'Task', the heavy themes it carries and how Mark Ruffalo and Tom Pelphrey knock it out in episode two spoilers (13:54). Also in spoilers, Blaine and Donovan break down a couple of limits to 'Alien: Earth,' which shouldn't hinder fans or casual viewers as the series makes a stand for the working class (28:44). If you enjoy, leave a short review in your podcast app of choice! 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 the podcast and The Alabama Take site itself, consider making a donation of any size with the link here.

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' and its creepy storyline (45:50), and the final two episodes of the great TV show on HBO Max 'Blue Lights' (1:00:30). 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 the podcast and The Alabama Take site itself, consider making a donation of any size with the link here.