Back On The Block

The writers continue to bungle this Amanda-Michael smash-up. Plus: Jake gets terrible news and Allison gets a very surprising promotion. But most importantly, Doug and Karen do the pod together in the same room!  

Karen tells us all about the Motley Crue biopic “The Dirt,” and Doug provides theatre reviews of “Be More Chill” on Broadway, “White Noise,” “Do You Feel Anger,” and “Smart Blonde.” Plus: Agnes Varda and Russell Howard.

Is it possible we have fighting writers at play here? Some of this week’s plot points directly contradict where we left off last episode. But we do get to see Kimberly be both frightening and sensitive. And we meet Brooke Armstrong for the first time!  

We talk about “Buddy Vs. Duff,” review the shows “Ain’t Too Proud,” “Fleabag,” and “Accidentally Brave” and question the internal biases of those who watch entertainment for a living.

Amanda and Michael head to the Big Apple for her lymphoma treatment, with semi-surprising results. Plus: Alison and Billy handle a trying client, Sydney does not react to Jake and Jane’s budding relationship well, and the terrible Jo-Matt-John storyline finally comes to an end.  

Doug has a serious question! Plus, reviews of “Gloria Bell,” Leaving Neverland,” “Catastrophe,” “Countess and Friends,” and theatre reviews of “Kiss Me, Kate,” “The Cake” and “The Mother.”

Wil Syd make it out alive from Martin’s cult? Will Amanda start taking her cancer seriously? Will Jo ever stop making stupid decisions?  

We kick it East Coast and discuss the “Seinfeld” episode where “Melrose Place” pays a pivotal role. We also get sad, remembering the late Luke Perry, Stanley Donen, Albert Finney, Keith Flint and Katherine Helmond. Plus: discussion of the Morrissey concert on Broadway and reviews of “Daddy,” “Sea Wall/A Life,” and “Superhero.”

Special Guest Star Alyssa Maher joins us to rehash the Oscars with an emphasis on why people need to leave Bradley Cooper alone and why “Bohemian Rhapsody” somehow snookered everyone. We also revisit “Russian Doll” and review “Merrily We Roll Along” and “Hurricane Diane.”

Special Guest Star Alyssa Maher joins us as we primarily follow Amanda dealing with her cancer diagnosis and Sydney learning more about her new “friends.” Oh Syd. Poor Syd.  

With Peter gone and Austin adopted, we get a whole bunch of new stories, including the return of Meredith, the wrath of Rikki and new problem for Amanda that she can’t just condescend to.

We talk about “Russian Doll,” whether boring plays or bad audience members are a bigger problem, and do a post-mortem on the Grammys. Was there too much Alicia Keys or was it just right?

So many stories come to a head! Does Jo survive getting shot? Is Amanda’s life in danger? Will Alison marry Terry?  Also, Syd meets Rikki’s guru!  

We discuss the boring Super Bowl game and halftime show, and wonder who the best halftime acts might be. We also dig deep and wonder about the corrosive effect of media. Plus reviews of “Stan & Ollie,” “Green Book,” “True West,” “Eddie and Dave” and a tribute to the late Kristoff St. John.

Peter and Caitlin’s plan to oust Amanda continues, and Traci Lords becomes Sydney’s roommate (Really!) But it’s Jo who packs the best punch.

We review “Vice,” “Mary, Queen of Scots,” “The Titan Games” and the show “Trick or Treat.”

Jasmine Guy is in the house! And who she’s there with might surprise you. Alison is out of rehab and Jo is making dumb decisions, as usual. Plus, Peter continues to show his true colors and Kimberly and Syd are barely to be found.

We discuss "If Beale Street Could Talk," "Roma," "The Connors," and review the stage shows "Choir Boy" and "On Blueberry Hill." Plus: Karen tries to remember the name and star of a movie she saw years and years ago. Can you help us figure out what it was!?

It's Christmastime on the block, which means Amanda gets an unexpected visitor. Plus, Matt and Peter get involved with Jo's baby and Jane and Syd reach an unlikely holiday detente.

Doug turns over a new, shiny leaf. (Not literally.) Plus, discussion of "Can You Ever Forgive Me," "Dumplin’," "The Kominsky Method," "The Masked Singer," and the stage version of "To Kill a Mockingbird."