Shows
Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast100. The Americans 5x5, "Lotus 1-2-3"John and Danielle are back to dig into The Americans 5x5, “Lotus 1-2-3,” and they are DISSOCIATING as they do so! With that theme, your hosts consider how this approach helps Philip and Elizabeth cope with their various missions and their less-than-ideal reality. John highlights the age-old Eros-Thanatos double whammy for not only Philip and Elizabeth (and their respective marks/partners), but Stan as well! Perhaps, dissociation is what one needs in order to maintain a double life, or overlook the cracks and fissures in that life. Turning to the segments, Danielle claims a win in the Dossier due...2025-05-081h 52Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast99. The Americans 5x4, "What’s the Matter with Kansas?"Your hosts break out the maps to tackle The Americans 5x4, “What’s the Matter with Kansas?” Does Danielle know where Kansas is on a map? Great question. Together, John and Danielle use the notion of logistics to analyze the main moves of the episode, turning quickly from Gabriel to Paige (TIM BACK!) to the seduction gambits of our two main characters. While Elizabeth has to do a lot of planning to seduce Ben (Mr. Spontaneous), Philip’s hand at logistics almost goes awry. We learn that Alexei is a logistics guy, and even Stan gets in on the logistic...2025-04-171h 36Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast98. The Americans 5x3, "The Midges," with Kennan FergusonThis week, John and Danielle are joined by their friend and fellow political theorist Kennan Ferguson! Together, these three dig into Danielle’s take on Season 5 Episode 3, “The Midges,” using the frame of ‘family’ - inspired by some of Kennan’s work (!) - to structure their discussion. They start with the bowling scene with Tuan and the Morozovs and then consider its mirror with Paige later on. They tackle Philip and Elizabeth’s dance in the hotel room and the final scene before moving onto the segments, which of course starts with Danielle’s reactions to MARTHA BACK. What a jumpscare! In G...2025-04-031h 51Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast97. The Americans 5x2, "Pests"Oh boy. John and Danielle are back at it for The Americans Season 5 Episode 2, “Pests.” Framing their discussion around “unofficial rules,” they consider how unwritten and unofficial rules structure the lives of our favorite spies, in particular how these dictate what to do with the grain situation and Gabriel, Tuan, and the Morozovs. Your hosts also consider the unwritten rules of teenagers when it comes to Paige and all her angst, as well as the relationship between Stan and Oleg. In the Dossier, Danielle introduces some suspicions about Renee, which John (as usual) ‘no-comments’ - stay tuned for Renee check-ins in...2025-03-201h 40Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast96. The Americans 5x1, "Amber Waves"WE ARE SO BACK! Back from an extended break in the Soviet Union, Danielle and John dive into Season 5 of The Americans! They take on Season 5 Episode 1, “Amber Waves,” by focusing in on the multiple manifestations of mothering that drive the episode. Together, they unpack the introduction of Tuan, pour one out for Hans (RIP), and ask after Claudia too. Danielle makes an (inappropriate) violent mothers joke before the head into the segments, which she follows up with some tinfoil-hat-theorizing about Mischa and Gabriel in the Dossier. John guides the pair through an in-depth analysis of William’s death in Gla...2025-03-061h 25
The Irish History Show102 The McMahon Murders
On this episode of the show we looked at the McMahon murders. The murders occurred on 24 March 1922 when six Catholic civilians were shot dead at the home of the McMahon family in Belfast. The victims were businessman Owen McMahon, four of his sons, and one of his employees. Two others were shot but survived, and a female family member was assaulted. Owen McMahon (50), Gerard McMahon (15), Frank McMahon (24), Patrick McMahon (22) and Edward McKinney (25) were killed outright while Bernard McMahon (26) died later. The youngest McMahon son, 12-year-old Michael, survived the attack by hiding behind furniture and pretending to be hit. John Mc...2024-10-111h 12Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast95. The Americans, Cringe Meme InterludeDanielle and John are back together, and to transition out of (brat?) summer and into another fall of teaching and The Americans podcasting, they reunited to perform a silly, cringe AF, ultra-frivolous exercise. After receiving a crucial Producer Amy primer, they power rank The Americans characters to determine who is the most Brat. Surprises abound. Because that is somehow not enough, they also place characters on the meme Kamala Harris political alignment chart. Who just fell out of a coconut tree? Your hosts? Tune in and find out.
We also managed to shoehorn in some Oasis chatter, and...2024-09-091h 04Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast94. The New Pope, Episode Nine[spoilers ahead in episode description]
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It's the end of an era as Regan and John expire in their earthly Popecasting, even as they ascend into Popecasting heaven, hopefully on a beach with a Papal Speedo-ed Lenny Belardo. This is a revelation (or is Revelation...) filled episode, and we cover it all: the Catholic fanaticism and holy war discourse that are giving Crusades, John Brannox's surprising and maybe surprisingly touching Angelus address to the crowds, Lenny's own address to the crowds, the resolution (?) of the terrorism plotlines this season. What about that closing montage -- too...2024-09-052h 30Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast92. The New Pope, Episode Seven[Major ep. 7 spoilers in this episode description]
Pope, saint, miracle worker, messiah, christ, antichrist, revenant, which best applies to resurrected Lenny Belardo?! And which apply to your dear hosts?! Regan and John plot out this and many other papal conundrums as they discuss LENNY BACK. Lenny’s return breaks the show, and we explore the new primary setting of the Venetian manor in this episode, new questions about the Church, and, most importantly, a new opening credits sequence featuring the Glowing Papal Speedo (Lenny’s job is beach). Much like Lenny can’t quite figure out his role i...2024-08-221h 47Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast91. The New Pope, Episode SixThis episode of TV is a whole ordeal (non-derogatory, we think), and your hosts attempt to chart a godly course through the instability and chaos of it all. Leopold Essence’s (what a name) cryptic bug and Sofia’s spy mission-slash-dislocation set off the whole episode: the violence, the scheming, the response (or lack thereof) to the scheming, and the Pope’s risky interview. Esther’s storyline is itself full of chaos and violence (in multiple forms), with Regan and John talking out their reactions to and analyses of these scenes and WTF this show is doing with its approach...2024-08-151h 26Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast90. The New Pope, Episode FiveHop in the Popemobile for a journey to the Vatican catacombs, Lourdes, the power of “no”, the power of Sharon Stone, and the inner workings of the collective mind of your hosts Regan and John. If the show is going to openly present narrative as a theme, there is no doubt we will run with it: if religion is a major narrative, what does that mean for the status of the church? Isn’t it fun to make a minor TV narrative about a major narrative of religion? How are Sofia and JP3 trying to shift the narrative in this e...2024-08-081h 23Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast89. The New Pope, Episode FourWe didn’t blackmail you into listening to this episode (we think), but we do frame our discussion about John Paul III, Voiello, Spaletta, and the machinations within the Vatican around the idea of blackmail. Does this culminate in considering whether Catholic dogma is inherently a form of blackmail. You (and Nietzsche) already knew that it does. The final scene between Pope JP3 and Gutiérrez may offer a (semi-depraved, in true Popeverse fashion) counterpoint about the reciprocal exchange of vulnerability, however.
Regan and John also discuss NUNS ON STRIKE in the main discussion, Catholica, and The Cave...2024-08-011h 21Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast88. The New Pope, Episode ThreeJohn and Regan have some reservations about Episode Three of The New Pope. Not included in those questions?: millipedes are godly – on that there is no doubt. This may be a plot-mover more than a great episode of TV, but such venal sins have never stopped NQGB before.
There is exploration of more than just millipedes in this episode, however. Your humble hosts tackle the new Pope’s three speeches, how parent-driven self-abnegation paired with a sense of grandiosity brings John Brannox and Lenny Belardo together, and, yes, the skeezy men and problematic depictions of disabi...2024-07-251h 20Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast87. The New Pope, Episode TwoRegan and John lay about the English manor of their collective mind as they journey with Team Vatican Dream Blunt Rotation to Sir John Brannox’s estate. Mysteries, Lenny apparitions, purple suits, white rooms, mysterious boxes, and depression abound. Can the dream team convince Sir John to become Pope? What do the different characters project onto Lenny? Have we broken new ground in the cravat + guyliner space? What is the Middle Way? Can your trusty hosts shoehorn in a Saltburn reference?
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Popecast without a Hot Confessor Summer check-in, replet...2024-07-181h 32Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast86. The New Pope, Episode OnePopeCast aka Hot Confessor Summer is BACK on Not Quite Great Books! Regan and John are reunited to begin their pilgrimage through The New Pope, the follow-up mini-series to their blessed The Young Pope.
Lenny may be the structuring absence of this episode and this season of TV, but there is plenty to ponder. After your hosts reflect on their interactions with Catholicism since last summer, they explore the relation of corruption and piety, what the cardinals seek from god and the pope, Silvio Orlando’s Lindsay Lohan turn, the wealth of the Church, and our queen Str...2024-07-111h 37Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast85. The Americans Season 4 in reviewTime for a check-in! John and Danielle look back on Season 4 of The Americans in its entirety! They dig into some of the big themes from the season, from Glanders, to Paige’s spy development, to the changes in Philip and Elizabeth’s relationship. With the help of previous guest Mike Rensink, they tackle all the different deaths and departures that occurred throughout the season, and John makes a game out of it for Danielle. Of course, they go through the biggest Ls from the Dossier, but touch on the wins too. It wouldn’t be a NQGB ep withou...2024-06-202h 00Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast84. The Americans 4x13, "Persona Non Grata"While William battles the Lassa virus, Danielle and John contend with the season 4 finale, “Persona Non Grata.” They consider the episode through the lens of endings that lack resolution, digging into the relationships between Philip and Elizabeth, Paige and her parents, as well as the state of affairs with the FBI, Arkadii, and of course, William. Danielle logs a number of losses (and one key win) in the Dossier, and offers some Season 5 predictions. In Glas, your hosts check in with Oleg, chat about Mischa, and John comments on the architecture and filmmaking regarding the quarantine room. After a quic...2024-06-061h 44Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast83. The Americans 4x12, "A Roy Rogers in Franconia"Danielle and John are back once again, and not only do they have questions about The Americans S4E12, "A Roy Rogers in Franconia," they have questions about questions. What happens in the aftermath of William's questions about his duty, Paige's questions about Elizabeth, and Oleg's questions about the USSR, and how do those questions reorient other characters? As we delve into these matters (and much more), there's still plenty of time to discuss first-kiss fish lips, a surprising Oleg-David Byrne connection, Dossier conspiracies, and (naturally) Plato SZN.
Sorry for the delay on this episode! The Americans Sea...2024-05-221h 43Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast82. The Americans 4x11, "Dinner for Seven", with Jordan CassDanielle and John are joined by one of John’s best friends, Jordan Cass, to chat all things The Americans 4x11, “Dinner for Seven.” Jordan proves himself to be an impressively prepared co-host, and helps guide us through the key points in this episode around various characters’ experiences of guilt. Together, your three hosts consider how guilt informs Elizabeth’s decisions, relationships with Pastor Tim and Alice, as well as the interaction between Stan and Oleg. In the Dossier, Danielle touches on Gabriel’s sex life, and Jordan and John ask a few leading questions. Jordan offers his insights about Paige’...2024-04-182h 00Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast81. The Americans 4x10, "Munchkins"Despite its name, this is not an episode about the Lollipop guild - it's The Americans 4x10, “Munchkins.” John and Danielle work through the different plot elements through the lens of entrapment: Stan & Aderholt, Alice & the Jennings, Elizabeth & Don, Gaad & the Munchkins. Danielle laments how Pastor Tim was snatched from his impending death and your hosts laud Keri Russel’s ‘are you kidding me’ face, which makes many-an-appearance this week. In Glas, they chat about Oleg and Tatiana (after Danielle makes a Dossier prediction), and touch on the significance of Kimmy’s return. In Borrowed Nostalgia, they analyze Alice’s fashion choi...2024-04-041h 40Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast80. The Americans 4x9, ”The Day After”Danielle and John are back to discuss The Americans 4x9, “The Day After.” They call on their Gen-X expert, Jon Keller, to weigh in on the titular TV special and its general significance. They dig into the challenges posed by obligation, thinking about obligations to self, others, and the nation as they structure the lives and decisions of Elizabeth, William, Philip, and Paige throughout the ep. In the Dossier, Danielle claims victory about some of her latest predictions. In Glas, your hosts are excited that racquetball has finally returned to the screen. They also evaluate Elizabeth’s spycraft techniques while...2024-03-211h 41Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast79. The Americans 4x8, ”The Magic of David Copperfield V: The Statue of Liberty Disappears”Buckle up, folks! This week, John and Danielle dig into The Americans S4E8, “The Magic of David Copperfield V: The Statue of Liberty Disappears.” Through the lens of consolidation, they consider the beautiful, silent opening scene of the episode, Martha’s departure, and the ensuing inner turmoil for Philip, challenges for Elizabeth (including an EST visit), and the clash with Paige. They also tackle Gabriel’s course-correct, TV magic, and EST as an MLM. With Martha gone, it’s time to turn to a new subject in the Dossier: Oleg and Tatiana! In Borrowed Nostalgia, your hosts call out the be...2024-03-071h 50Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast78. The Americans 4x7, ”Travel Agents”In their discussion of The Americans 4x7, “Travel Agents,” John and Danielle come face-to-face with the age-old question (at least for this show…) is the FBI good or bad at its job? And, on top of that, what about the KGB? They marvel at the parallel searches for Martha following her escape, happenings at the respective home bases, as well as the tensions between Philip and his two (?) leading ladies. Danielle reveals a new suspicion and a new worry in the Dossier, and in Borrowed Nostalgia, your hosts shut up and play the hits when they remark on phone booths...2024-02-221h 32Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast77. The Americans 4x6, "The Rat"Ohhh wow. Things finally come to a head as Danielle and John discuss The Americans S4E6, “The Rat.” They follow the arc of the episode, remarking on Martha’s farewell to her apartment, the tension at the safe house, the FBI discovery, the literal rat, and Martha’s escape. Don’t worry, your hosts don’t miss a chance to draw parallels between the sex scenes between Martha and Philip and Philip and Elizabeth, nor does Danielle miss a chance to lament the continued survival of Martha. They express some Borrowed Nostalgia for the TODAY show, tofu, broaches, and sexism a...2024-02-081h 53Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast76. The Americans 4x5, ”Clark’s Place”, with Lilly GorenJohn and Danielle are joined once again by the incomparable Lilly Goren to dig into The Americans 4x5, “Clark’s Place.” Together, they talk about the table-setting that happens throughout this episode, considering the emotional turmoil of Paige, Martha, and Philip. They take stock of Martha’s pill-popping, Philip’s conversation with Stan, and of course, the “priest” they bring to Pastor Tim. Don’t worry, your hosts also dissect the intense sex scene that closes the ep before heading into the segments. In the Dossier, Danielle voices some skepticism about Elizabeth’s promise to Philip, and in Glas, your hosts gush ov...2024-01-251h 51Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast75. The Hepta-Pod: Arrival and "Story of Your Life," with Desiree Weber and Sid SimpsonWe're receiving a transmission [static] The Americans podcasting interrupted [static] some heptapods have arrived for this hepta-pod(cast) [static] our favorite political-science-fiction enthusiasts Desiree Weber and Sid Simpson join John to break down this developing story.
Join us as we discuss the 1998 novella "Story of Your Life" by Ted Chiang and the 2016 film Arrival (dir. Denis Villeneuve) that is based on the novella. After a genre-defining consideration of sci fi and politics, we turn to the novella and film to consider their engagement with language, the impossibility of storytelling, tragedy, free will and determinism, causality, teleology, time, th...2024-01-182h 01Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast74. The Americans 4x4, ”Chloramphenicol”Reeling from the Glanders exposure, your hosts are quarantined and tackle The Americans 4x4, “Chloramphenicol.” Together, after addressing Nina’s shocking demise, John and Danielle question what happens when Philip and Elizabeth are stuck - physically and emotionally - in quarantine. They take on Elizabeth’s hallucinatory dreams, the conversations between Philip and William, and then turn to consider what happens to others, like Paige and Martha, when they are absent. Danielle contemplates Paige’s loose lips and Martha’s always already impending death in the Dossier. It’s not all heavy - William’s got jokes, Philip’s got scruff, and the...2024-01-111h 47Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast73. The Americans 4x3, ”Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow”Back for another unhinged journey into the world of The Americans, John and Danielle take on Season 4 Episode 3, “Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow,” which Danielle only just now learned is what the acronym EPCOT stands for - oof. Your hosts consider the link between spying and MLMs (multi-level marketing schemes), with a few (just a few) digressions for good measure. John offers a Galaxy-brain EPCOT take that is sure to make your head spin while Danielle reverse-laments the non-death of Pastor Tim, who has evolved from Victorian ghost to Victorian ghost cockroach. There is yet another weird dream sequence in t...2023-12-281h 44Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast72. Saltburn, with Regan LevitteIt’s a Christmas miracle of abundance and debauchery! Danielle joins John and Regan Levitte (of NQGB Young Pope podcasting fame) to dig into the aesthetic feast contained in Emerald Fennel’s Saltburn. In this spoiler-filled episode, your three hosts traverse the labyrinth-like film in all of its absurdity, nostalgia-bombs, and bathtub antics. They contemplate what this movie is about, consider the beautiful cinematography and the tremendous acting, and of course, rank the most sicko mode scenes before recommending some double features. They cap off their discussion with a trip into the Cave, where it is still PLATO SZN, and...2023-12-261h 37Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast71.The Americans 4x2, ”Pastor Tim”Uh-oh. An entire episode named after Pastor Tim? Is this Danielle’s literal nightmare? Maybe. Oh well, back at it, Danielle (begrudgingly) and John dig into The Americans Season 4 Episode 2, “Pastor Tim.” Framing their discussion around truth-telling, they consider Nina’s arc, Paige’s honesty, and Philip’s own moments of clarity. In the Dossier, Danielle introduces her conspiracy theory about Glanders, which John (as usual) ‘no-comments’ - stay tuned for Glanders check-ins in later episodes. We are treated to our second weird dream sequence of the season, and it’s the return of PLATO SZN in the Cave, with the added bon...2023-12-141h 49Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast70. The Americans 4x1, ”Glanders”Back from Athens and Pope-cast respectively, Danielle and John dive into Season 4 of The Americans! They tackle Season 4 Episode 1, “Glanders,” by asking about the emotional and narrative choices that structure the episode. Together, they consider what it means to pick up right after the events of Season 3, the introduction of biological weapons, and of course Philip’s EST-situation and the confrontation with Stan. Their antics have also returned, alongside these cutting analyses: Danielle doubles down on her Martha-theorizing, and likens Pastor Tim to a Victorian ghost, while John attempts a joke about an all-Plato all-the-time Cave that is subsequently taken...2023-11-301h 38Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast69. The Young Pope, Episode TenHot Confessor Summer comes to a close as Regan joins John for her final (or not final, Lenny willing?) popely appearance on NQGB. Not only do they discuss the plot and character apotheoses in the finale, they also ask the divine questions of the series as a whole. Did Lenny experience character growth? Is this show a melodrama? What is Paolo Sorrentino doing with the final flourish of the show? What is the show saying about its characters and our relationship to them? What is the show's perspective on Cathlolicism? Did Regan make a good life decision when agreeing...2023-09-072h 05Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast68. The Young Pope, Episode NineRegan and John return for a truly remarkable episode of TV, The Young Pope episode nine. A long conversation about Gutierrez and Kurtweil discusses how the show is using but reworking conventional TV genres and tropes, Gutierrez's ministry, how the superb one-episode characters of David, Rose (the fan 'kiss'!), Freddy, and Pete shed light on Bernardo and on the show as a whole. There's much more to think and feel (so many feelings about this ep) through: the Spencer-Lenny abortion debate, Young Lenny's literal miracle, beautiful camerawork in the final Lenny-Spencer scene, and, of course, the revelation of Young L...2023-08-311h 42Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast67. The Young Pope, Episode EightIs Episode Eight of The Young Pope indulging in or satirizing colonialism? Your trusty shepherds Regan and John think it is (way more) the former and explain why as they discuss this extra-strange episode. They also talk through Lenny's grief-filled ennui jag -- complete with submerged pool prayer -- and smiting down of Sister Antonia in one of the show's most affecting scenes. There is still plenty of time to cover FEMEN, the looming Kurtwell investigation, kangaroos (RIP), nude mom visions, and yet another apex of Lenny's hot priest rating.
Sex and death, eros and thanatos, name...2023-08-241h 24Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast66. The Young Pope, Episode SevenRegan and John continue #HotConfessorSummer with episode 7 of The Young Pope. [Important character's] death leads the show and this podcast to consider how the show engages both the finitude and fragility of human existence, from Andrew's guilt to Lenny's Parent Quest to the scheming of Mary and the wannabe Lenny replacements. We also have football jerseys, spicy saints, a new pinnacle in Hot Priest Rating,
Did Regan also manage to lead us to consider the mysteries of Faygo and John also manage to shoehorn yet another Vertigo reference? Listeners, they did. All this and more when you giv...2023-08-171h 08Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast65. The Young Pope, Episode Six, with Lucia ManziGird yourself for miracles as John and Regan are joined by their colleague (and Italian politics expert, among many other skills) Lucia Manzi to discuss The Young Pope, Episode Six. Lucia's knowledge illumines the (Holy or not) spirit of the pod by putting Lenny's meeting with the Italian Prime Minister in the context of the Church's relationship to Italian politics and culture. Is Lenny an effective political actor and what is the show expressing through Lenny's political machinations?
Lucia also joins to discuss Saints and Hot Priests, while Regan and John cover Andrew's dalliances, the tragedy of An...2023-08-101h 24Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast64. The Young Pope, Episode FivePut on your finest tiara and reddest gloves and join Regan and John as they discuss The Young Pope Episode Five. They rightfully focus on what one of your hosts (guess who) calls one of the greatest TV scenes ever with Lenny's address to the cardinals, as Lenny would have it no other way. Can the audience both identify with Lenny's existential sadness and despise his speech? How do Esther and Voiello draw out different emotional registers of the show?
Also covered: the weirdest and saddest seduction, visual flourishes and visual gags, papal athleisure, and feet talk. If f...2023-08-031h 18Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast63. Billions 4x1, ”Chuck Rhoades’s Greatest Game”Amy and John are back with the next installment of The One Percent series here on the NQGB, covering Billions Season 4, Episode 1. After dispensing with the villain origin story of this episode, they figure out whether this shallow show has anything interesting to say about capitalism, power, and gender. From the favors money can't buy to the worst dialogue written to an inexplicable John Malkovich performance to the NYC 1% core of the show, this episode has it all.
Is Chuck Rhoades the Carrie Bradshaw of finance bros? Is he basically Amy Schiller? Tune in and find out.
...2023-08-011h 03Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast62. Total Cinema, Baby: Barbie, Oppenheimer, and Mission ImpossibleWelcome to Total Cinema, Baby, a Not Quite Great Books production! Danielle and John are BACK recounting their epic weekend partaking in the Barbenheimer cinema experience, and adding the latest Mission: Impossible to the mix for good measure. Join your hosts as they reunite to take in the cinema event of the summer. They set the scenes of their viewing experiences and the Big Picture-inspired origins of “Total Cinema, Baby” before diving into their takes on all three films. Keep in mind, this is a spoiler-filled podcast! First, they tackle Greta Gerwig’s Barbie (15:49), working through their takes, favorite jokes...2023-07-291h 48Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast61. The Young Pope, ”Episode Four”You Must, You Must, You Must listen to this episode: Regan and John return for another Young Pope episode, taking this opportunity to focus on bodies and power in this episode and in Catholicism more broadly, as Esther becomes a central character of the show. This episode also helps us focus on how we emotionally relate -- and how Paolo Sorretino might expect his audience to relate -- to the psychic travails of the characters of the show. There are also saintly TikTok discussion, Tonnino Petola/Sheep Mary coverage, Voiello-Giorlamo questions, and dancing Greelanders!
Check yourself for a...2023-07-271h 30Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast60. The Young Pope, ”Episode Three”Regan and John are back for more Young Pope as they try to lift up God's weight through the magic of podcasting and the help of...*checks notes*...a stuffed deer? They puzzle through the ways that different members of Curia respond to Lenny's faith (or lackthereof) and wrestle with their own faith, wonder whether absence is indeed presence, and map out this episode's politicking.
There's still plenty of time for Esther conversation, introducing a new saintly quest, breaking down the title sequence, and the unabated continuation of Hot Priest Rating. Forget the body and blood, all y...2023-07-201h 18Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast59. The White Lotus 1x4, ”Recentering”Amy Schiller joins John for the first in our *podcast voice* limited series, The One Percent, where we take seriously and frivolously shows that depict the lifestyles and political economy of the one percent (and adjacent). First up: The White Lotus, Season 1 Episode 4, "Recentering."
Amy and John dive into the show's depiction of wealth, virtue, and self-soothing; explore Amy's Kitty/Shane-stanning and John's counter identification with Rachel, unpack the multiple Talmudic layers of interpretation the show opens up, spend time with Nietzsche, and of course, discuss non-profit management. Some of your favorite segments remain, while others emerge....2023-07-181h 19Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast58. The Young Pope, ”Episode Two”Kangaroos and severe speeches and emotional turmoil, oh my! John and summer 2023 co-host Regan are back for the second episode of Young Pope. They consider kangaroos and motherhood (seriously), Lenny's self-conflict as it plays out in his "invisible Pope" proclamation and remarkable address to the crowd of St. Peter's Square, Catholicism's relation to sex and the body, Voiello's attempts at charity, and Sister Mary's role in the Vatican.
Meanwhile, Hot Priest Rating and Aquinas Time in The Cave continue, and they find plenty of time for digressions on Salinger bros, Harvard and the ivory tower, St. Anthony's pa...2023-07-131h 32Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast57. The Young Pope, ”Episode One”John is joined by summer guest co-host Regan Levitte to worship at the altar of 2016's The Young Pope, which NQGB is covering this summer before returning to The Americans. Covering the first episode, they discuss the show's approach to Catholicism (and excavate their own lapsed Catholicism), examine the dream sequences, assess Lenny Belardo as the titular young Pope and Jude Law as Lenny Belardo, and more.
The Danielle Dossier is rechristened with a new name suitable for Regan's predictions, The Cave gets dedicated to everyone's favorite canonical Catholic political thinker, and Regan introduces a brand new segm...2023-07-061h 23Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast56. The Americans, Season 3 in reviewAfter a whirlwind end to Season 3 of The Americans, Danielle and John pause to reflect on the season. What has changed about the show this season? Why did critics view this season as the one where The Americans reached its highest (Platonic?) form? How good is Danielle at the Dossier? Tune in as we discuss these, other pressing S3 questions, and somehow end up discussing Homeland, all before wishing Danielle farewell for the summer.
Never fear, John will be back next week with a special guest to cover...well, you'll just have to listen (or check us ou...2023-06-221h 15Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast55. The Americans 3x13, ”March 8, 1983”, with Jon KellerWe end this season with a BANGER. Your hosts are joined once more by their good friend, the ‘Lev Gorn Whisperer’, Jon Keller. Together, they discuss The Americans Season 3 Episode 13, “March 8, 1983.” Inspired by Philip’s newfound EST-thusiasm, John, Danielle, and Jon frame the discussion using the relationship between the body and the truth. This offers a window into Philip’s general disposition and challenges in the ep, Paige & Elizabeth in Berlin, and the exchange between Anton and Nina, not to mention it offers another chance to discuss whether Stan is good at his job! Borrowed Nostalgia becomes Unborrowed Nostalgia, and Keller r...2023-06-152h 36Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast54. The Americans 3x12, ”I Am Abassin Zadran”The drama just keeps escalating this season! Taking on the penultimate episode, John and Danielle consider The Americans Season 3 Episode 12, “I am Abassin Zadran.” There’s nowhere else to start but with Martha and Clark, but of course your hosts have to check in on Paige, since she’s acting out following the big reveal. In Glas, John and Danielle get into the choices around Abassin Zadran, and pick this thread up again in the Cave where John offers a rousing deep dive into Minoo Moallem’s “Whose Fundamentalism.” Building on the episode’s troubling themes of fundamentalism and an East/West div...2023-06-081h 25Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast53. The Americans 3x11, ”One Day in the Life of Anton Baklanov”John and Danielle are back on their own this week to contemplate the world through the eyes of Anton Baklanov. Together, they dig into The Americans Season 3 Episode 11, “One Day in the Life of Anton Baklanov.” They really start at square one, with John explaining the framing device to a none-the-wiser Danielle, and then they ask how using Anton as a lens impacts their takeaways from the ep itself. They follow-up on all things Paige/Jennings in the aftermath of the last episode, and check in on Gabriel, Nina, and of course Martha. They touch on some solid (if surp...2023-06-011h 20Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast52. The Americans 3x10, ”Stingers,” with Lilly GorenWOW, what an episode! John and Danielle call in the reinforcements to help them dissect Season 3 Episode 10 of The Americans, “Stingers.” Your hosts are joined once more by the illustrious Lilly Goren to discuss ALL things Paige, from the reveal to Philip and Elizabeth’s responses to Paige’s reaction as it unfolds over the next day. Together, they unpack the timely drop-in from Stan, and start to consider the deeper implications of this all for the Jennings family. There is a celebratory Dossier discussion, obviously regarding Paige, but they count the Zinaida reveal as a win for Danielle as well...2023-05-251h 48Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast51. The Americans 3x9, ”Do Mail Robots Dream of Electric Sheep?”“Do mail robots dream of electric sheep?” Do they ‘mangia’? Do they feel Philip probe their deepest depths to plant a bug? All great questions. This week, John and Danielle tackle Season 3 Episode 9 of The Americans, “Do Mail Robots Dream of Electric Sheep?” touching on Elizabeth’s shocking honesty with Betty, Hans’ CHOICES, and the showdown between Philip and Gabriel. In the Dossier, Danielle floats a new Zinaida theory and checks in on her Martha predictions. John muses over the 80s-ness of aspirin and beer, and then offers a helpful gloss of Foucault on confession to help your hosts contemplate some...2023-05-111h 21Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast49. The Americans 3x7, ”Walter Taffet”WOW. There’s a lot to unpack in The Americans Season 3 Episode 7, “Walter Taffet,” but your hosts are up for the challenge. After she gets over her shock, John helps Danielle contemplate the implications of the bug, its discovery, and everything it puts into circulation. They chat Martha, marveling over the acting choices and story beats, from the bathroom scene to the sweep to the exchange with Clark. In the Cave, they pick up on the significance of the bug itself, with John offering a gloss of Bruno Latour’s work on actants to think differently about the objects in the s...2023-04-131h 23Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast48. The Americans 3x6, ”Born Again”Oh boy, lots of baptism/bible/church talk in this episode - for Season 3 Episode 6 of The Americans, “Born Again,” Danielle and John are back on their own, and focused on the theme of new beginnings and rebirth as it weaves its way through this intense episode of TV. After unpacking the baptism scene (including Danielle’s questions about Buddy Christ), your hosts consider the parallel conversations and situations between Elizabeth and Paige alongside Philip as Jim and Kimmy. They laugh at Philip’s use of prayer to placate Kimmy, but also consider the intimacy of the interaction at the same...2023-03-301h 24Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast47. The Americans 3x5, ”Salang Pass,” with Mike RensinkFor The Americans Season 3 Episode 5, “Salang Pass,” your hosts John and Danielle are joined by faithful Listener Mike, author of the much-beloved and incredibly useful Dossier excel sheet. Together, these three tackle the myriad and complicated questions of children that animate this episode, from Martha’s adoption-obsession, to Philip’s moral quandary over Kimmy and the questionable parallels to Paige, and the rising tensions between Philip and Elizabeth on that matter. Both John and Mike plead the fifth as Danielle questions reality in the Dossier, with Mike adding his own questions about Zinaida to the mix. Your hosts have a blast...2023-03-161h 41Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast46. The Americans 3x4, ”Dimebag”Danielle and John talk about The Americans Season 3 Episode 4, ‘Dimebag’. Together, they consider the role of truth and deception, and how these shape the dynamics in this week’s episode. They highlight the role of manipulation - of others and of oneself - across multiple characters, focusing on the rising tensions between Philip, Elizabeth and Paige, as well as Stan, Nina, and even Kimmy. Don’t worry - John and Danielle do not miss the chance to celebrate all the awesome 80s nods in this ep, from Yaz to boomboxes to Julia Garner’s hair, Borrowed Nostalgia is chock-full this week...2023-03-021h 37Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast45. The Americans 3x3, ”Open House”Well, this is a first for NQGB - due to technical issues, a chaotically fun episode with some returning favs, Emily Crandall and Producer Amy Schiller, has been lost to the technology gods. But don’t fret fair listeners, your hosts John and Danielle thread their discussion of The Americans Season 3 Episode 3, “Open House,” with insights from their now-absent friends. They debate the sexiness factor of basement dentistry, track the rising tension over Paige, and consider the curious entry of Zinaida while marveling over the spycraft of the car scene. Of course, they can’t ignore the academic backstory of Hans...2023-02-161h 04Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast44. The Americans 3x2, ”Baggage”Back together to discuss ‘Baggage’, Season 3 Episode 2 of The Americans, John and Danielle tackle all the different forms of baggage that are in play in this season and series. Bodies arrive and depart in various bags and containers, and Nina gets a new cellmate. They consider emotional, physical, and psychic baggage that comes along with Annelise’s body for all involved. Your hosts track how tensions rise between Philip and Elizabeth over Paige and Philip’s new lead with Youssef before Danielle adds some new entries to the Dossier, always suspicious. Danielle brings J. Peter Euben’s reading of Euripides’...2023-02-021h 19Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast43. The Americans 3x1, ”EST Men”After a lengthy hiatus, John and Danielle are back with The Americans Season 3 Episode 1: "EST Men". They are coming at you from a car in Troy, New York - of course, on their way back from location scouting the Jennings’ impromptu upstate NY vacation from the end of Season 2! In this ep, your hosts consider Elizabeth’s encounters with both Charlotte and the Gaad and Aderholt, the brewing conflict over Paige, and contemplate once again whether Stan is good at his job. Of course, they can’t pass up an opportunity to chat about the Nina aftermath or EST. In the...2023-01-191h 09Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast42. Artistic Choices, VFX, and CapitalismBefore diving into Season 3 of The Americans, and after a summer of some high highs (The Americans Season 2) and lower highs (their MCU jaunts), John and Danielle take a moment to reflect on the kinds of artistic choices that draw them into TV shows. In particular, they consider the recent controversies over Marvel and Netflix's uses of VFX artists and studios, and use it as a broader jumping off point to discuss visual effects in other shows (and the recent Jordan Peele film Nope), as well as how these choices impact their ability to enjoy shows. No Cave this...2022-09-291h 07Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast41. The Americans, Season 2 in reviewNow that they’ve made it through two full seasons of The Americans, Danielle and John take a chance to step back and consider their reactions to different characters, relationship development, and really, the show overall. They compare season 1 to season 2, and dig into the new characters that this season introduced. They use an amazing spreadsheet developed by listener Mike to induct some predictions into the Danielle Dossier Hall of Fame. The journey is just beginning!
2022-09-221h 07Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast40. Art v. Content, Horkheimer v. MCUWe’ve got a treat for you this week - surprising no one, John’s Horkheimer deep dive in the final Moon Knight Cave went on a bit longer than we let on, and we’re serving you the entire debate in this bonus episode of NQGB. Listen in as John obliterates Marvel by thinking with Horkheimer himself. Don’t worry, Danielle doesn’t let them off scot-free, and gives her own analysis of the cultural production of the MCU and Marvel alike. Both your hosts are throwing heat in this bonus ep. Enjoy!
2022-09-1521 minNot Quite Great Books: a TV podcast39. The Americans 2x13, ”Echo,” with Jon KellerStrap in, folks, Jon Keller is back for the season 2 finale, “Echo,” and this is an episode you do not want to miss! Together, your hosts take the major reveals of the show piece by piece, starting with Fred’s mission in the cold open, Paige’s protest experience, and the impromptu family trip to a motel in the middle of nowhere before they (over?) analyze the Jared reveal and Nina’s removal. Jon and John debate Arkadii’s awareness about Oleg and Nina’s relationship, and then delight in a Gorbachev/Oleg comparison. In a shocking turn of events, Daniel...2022-09-081h 57Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast38. The Americans 2x12, ”Operation Chronicle”On this week’s episode, “Operation Chronicle,” John and Danielle try to make sense of all the different forms of escalation taking place in the series. They first follow Larrick as his actions impact Philip and Elizabeth, Paige, Jared, and Fred, before shifting gears to think about the escalation between Arkadii, Nina, Oleg, and Stan. Though distinct, your hosts consider how spying both enables and limits the abilities of different characters to make connections. John logs some questions for Danielle in the Dossier, and your hosts come up with their own codes words/phrases to use in case of a spyi...2022-09-011h 29Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast37. Moon Knight 1x6, ”Gods and Monsters”We did it - we made it to the end of our Marvel run!! For the final episode of Moon Knight, John and Danielle tackle the main plot points - Ammit/Khonshu and Layla/Marc/Steven/Harrow fights, the binding of Harrow, and the Jake Loughly reveal - before turning to a lengthy (understatement!) discussion of questions of binaries, expectations, and their overall enjoyment of this series and Marvel properties more generally. They offer some sweet and prickly roses and thorns from their experience chatting about Marvel and MK together. After subjecting John to multiple sessions with fellow-MCU lovers...2022-08-302h 04Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast36. The Americans 2x11, ”Stealth”Things are really coming to a head season 2 - Danielle and John work together to make sense of the rising levels of tension and intensity they see in The Americans Season 2 Episode 11, “Stealth.” They ask about Kate’s fate, her relationship to Jared, and how this all impacts Philip and Elizabeth’s relationship. They also marvel over the centrality of Nina’s role in everything, which of course includes a brief sojourn into depressed-Stan land, and a detour into Stan’s FBI comic books, and whether/how those are connected to MacGruff the Crime Dog (maybe only in Danielle’s brain). Focu...2022-08-251h 36Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast35. Moon Knight 1x5, ”Asylum”, with Nick CarnesBuckle up, NQGB fans - John and Danielle are joined by the brilliant Dr. Nick Carnes. Nick is the co-editor of The Politics and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, along with former repeat-guest of the podcast, Dr. Lilly Goren. Together, they consider how the show helps us think about the hero/antihero divide before diving deep into how the show represents trauma, violence, and DID, and how the Egyptian setting/cosmology impacts the choices and representations. The discussion is wide-ranging and flush with takes, both on Moon Knight, but also on the broader MCU. Nick offers his favorite Marvel easter...2022-08-231h 42Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast34. The Americans 2x10, ”Yousaf”This week, John and Danielle consider the fall-out of multiple series’ events as it unfolds in The Americans Season 2 Episode 10, “Yousef.” In this ep, the past is rearing back with a vengeance, resulting in some pretty serious consequences. Within this framework, they also think together about the relationship between sex and death, both in this ep and throughout the series, and especially how this manifests in the scenes with Annalise, Yousef, and Javid. John asks Danielle for some S2 predictions in the Dossier, and shouts out a few memorable Russian phrases, making his past Russian teachers proud! This ep celebr...2022-08-181h 22Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast33. Moon Knight 1x4, ”The Tomb”Back for another installment of their Moon Knight deep dive, John and Danielle go it alone this week. Together, starting at the end, they ask what is real, and contemplate what to make of the sanitarium scene. John offers some surprise entries for his own Dossier, and Danielle offers some Marvelsplaining about the god statues in the pyramid. Your hosts agree to disagree about the level of ridiculousness regarding the Alexander the Great reveal, and Danielle delights in bringing some JL Austin in the Cave. Of course, they can’t resist the opportunity to watch and react to Oscar Is...2022-08-161h 12Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast32. The Americans 2x9, ”Martial Eagle,” with Lilly GorenThis week, John and Danielle are joined by their first MCU/Americans crossover guest, Lilly Goren! You last heard Lilly on Loki Episode 5 “Journey into Mystery” - now she’s back with your hosts for The Americans Season 2 Episode 9, “Martial Eagle.” This episode has so much going on, so John and Danielle are thrilled to have Lilly help untangle the different plot points. Together, they consider the role of deception throughout the episode - from the opening mission to the base, Paige’s continued obsession with church, and even between Sandi and Stan. They ask about Philip’s own personal journ...2022-08-111h 30Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast31. Moon Knight 1x3, ”The Friendly Type,” with Regan LevitteDanielle and John are joined by their first Moon Knight guest host, Regan Levitte, John’s colleague and friend! Together, they consider the potential contribution of the MCU to contemporary culture, and they declare NQGB a Layla stan podcast. John asks some solid question in Marvelsplaining, and Regan regales everyone with a fascinating discussion of fanfiction, remixing, and the generative potential of a feminist entry point into MCU properties. In the Cave, Regan, John and Danielle dig deeper and link their broader discussion to questions of the monomyth (a la Joseph Campbell) and Edgar Rice Burroughs’ colonialist thinking. Come for...2022-08-091h 41Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast30. The Americans 2x8, ”New Car”Back on their own again this week, John and Danielle tackle The Americans S2E8, “New Car.” They structure their discussion around the way each major plot thread poses a question about the relationship between pure ideology and lived experience. They explore this tension through Philip’s flashy new purchase, relationships to capitalism, the conflict with Larrick, and even around the challenges with Henry. John has some pressing questions for Danielle in the Dossier, and in the Cave, your hosts meet Mark Fisher to discuss the link between this ep’s questions and capitalist realism. There’s also a healthy do...2022-08-041h 21Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast29. Moon Knight 1x2, ”Summon the Suit”For the second installment of their Moon Knight deep dive, John and Danielle think together about what the MCU is trying to do with this episode, since the series seems much less connected to other MCU properties than Loki. John and Danielle diverge on their level of enjoyment, but can both get on board with exclusively calling each other ‘Bruv’ from now until the end of time. Your hosts meet Layla for the first time (!), react to the utopian community and the view of the police the episode offers, and John asks some solid questions in Marvelsplaining. To cap it o...2022-08-021h 21Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast28. The Americans 2x7, ”ARPANET,” with Emily CrandallJohn and Danielle are joined by their friend, feminist theorist, professor, and co-host of the Stuck in Stoneybrook podcast Emily Crandall to discuss The Americans Season 2 Episode 7, “ARPANET.” Together, they organize their main discussion around the question of human attempts to exert control over technology, using this frame to tackle polygraphs, bugging the internet (um, what?), and even the Lucia/Elizabeth/Nicaragua plotline, not to mention giving Henry more attention than his parents or the show. It’s a very active Danielle Dossier, when Emily adds her own theories and John asks whether Katie or Claudia is more sus. In the...2022-07-281h 38Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast27. Moon Knight 1x1, ”The Goldfish Problem”Fresh off their Loki bonus run, John and Danielle tackle a new MCU series, Moon Knight. Danielle is still (sort-of) in the MCU driver’s seat, with John bringing his more "critical" eye to the project. Together, they consider Steven Grant’s role as storyteller, Egyptian cosmology and the broader colonialist vibes of the property, and whether this is a successful first ep of a series (read: will John enjoy this more of less than Loki?). They bring back some of their regular MCU segments, change up the Easter Egg hunt a bit, and hang with Deleuze and Guattari in t...2022-07-261h 10Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast26. The Americans 2x6, ”The Red Door”In this week’s episode, John and Danielle ask how desire impacts the characters and the plot in The Americans Season 2 Episode 6, “The Red Door.” They tackle the ~interesting~ dynamics between Elizabeth and Philip, the complicated question of desire when it comes to missions, and they meet Larrick, who they suspect will be with us for a few more episodes. But it’s not just desire this week: Claudia makes another appearance in Danielle Dossier, and Gaad tells Stan he’s bad at his job (just like we’ve been saying this whole time!). And in the Cave, John and Danielle...2022-07-211h 20Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast25. Loki 1x6, ”For All Time, Always”They did it (or, rather, John made it!). Back together for the season finale of Loki, “For All Time, Always”, and ready to ask some big questions. They consider the stakes of the decisions that Loki and Sylvie face, and how Kang’s (ok, ok, He Who Remains) entry into the series impacts time, space, and the Politics of the MCU. Danielle asks John what he would change in order to enjoy this more, and John even completes his first Marvelsplain to date! Like Kang looming over the series from the start, your hosts meet Hobbes in the Cave, who ha...2022-07-191h 30Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast24. The Americans 2x5, ”The Deal”This week, John and Danielle dig into Season 2 Episode 5 of The Americans, “The Deal” by considering the different deals that confront our characters in the episode. They tackle the geopolitical and interpersonal stakes of the deals between the USSR and Israel, Yossi and Philip, and even Martha and Elizabeth’s wig-happy Jennifer. They ask how these different deals ultimately impact Philip and Elizabeth’s relationship before a trip into the 80s nostalgia fueled by cigarettes and Kenny Rogers refs. Your hosts take a page out of Baklanov’s book by meeting Hannah Arendt in the Cave to think about her work o...2022-07-141h 17Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast23.Loki 1x5, ”Journey Into Mystery,” with Lilly GorenJohn and Danielle are joined by the incomparable Lilly Goren to discuss Episode 5, “Journey into Mystery”. Together they offer a power ranking of Loki variants, revisit the query of what makes a Loki a Loki, and dig into the chaos of the Loki gang and Alioth alike. Lilly offers an eye-opening parallel with the Wizard of Oz, and then dazzles our hosts with a description of her forthcoming co-edited volume Politics and the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the segment with a similar name!
Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
2022-07-121h 38Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast22. The Americans 2x4, ”A Little Night Music”Back on their own this week, Danielle and John wade into Season 2 Episode 4 of The Americans, “A Little Night Music.” This episode is full of religious imagery, and John makes sure to exploit Danielle’s discomfort at this at every turn (in good fun!). Together, they wade through the youth group, Paige’s lying, Stan and Philip’s relationship, and of course, the return of Claudia (much to Danielle’s chagrin). There’s a lot of nostalgia for the unremembered 80s this week, and Danielle’s Dossier is overflowing. Your hosts are joined by Augustine in the Cave to help them parse...2022-07-071h 38Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast21. Loki 1x4, ”The Nexus Event”Loki the character and the show are both agents of chaos! John and Danielle tackle Episode 4, “The Nexus Event,” thinking together about timeline stability & the TVA, the meaning of home, and the role of friendship in the show. Danielle asks John how he feels about the episode’s variant reveal, and she drops a new meta-theory to help capture what accounts for her enthusiasm and John’s lack thereof for this show. They dig into the carceral-state status of the TVA and John continues his winning streak in the Easter Egg Hunt. They meet Aristotle in the cave to think mo...2022-07-051h 23Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast20. The Americans 2x3, ”The Walk-In”, with Amy SchillerJohn and Danielle welcome Producer Amy back on mic again for Season 2 Episode 3 of The Americans, “The Walk-In.” After responding to some listener mail (!), they dig into some of the major events of this ep: Paige’s visit to Aunt Helen, Elizabeth’s visit to Jared and the complicated feels this raises, and of course, Stan’s laundry-driven breakthrough. They have some fun amidst the darker themes of the episode, moving from discussions of loneliness to the unremembered 60s fashion and Kelli’s phenomenal hair. Amy helps John and Danielle welcome Simone Weil in the cave, and of course, they can’t w...2022-06-301h 14Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast19. Loki 1x3, ”Lamentis”After many (!) episodes, John and Danielle finally record from the same room together! Recorded live from the Innovation Garage, your hosts discuss Episode 3 of Loki, “Lamentis.” They consider what makes a Loki a Loki, take the episode and themselves a little too seriously, and also wonder if Sylvie is ACAB. Danielle Marvelsplains and John triumphs in this week’s Easter Egg Hunt. Plato makes his second appearance in the Cave, and Danielle smuggles in some bonus Cave-adjacent content through Euripides’ Trojan Women and what it might take to survive an apocalypse.
Music by Lesfm from Pixabay2022-06-281h 13Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast18. The Americans 2x2, ”Cardinal”Still reeling from the big swings of last week’s episode, Danielle and John take on Season 2 Episode 2 of The Americans, “Cardinal”. They discuss the various relationships they encounter in this episode - from Philip and Fred, to Nina and Arkadii, and of course, Elizabeth and her kids - thinking together about the episode’s role after last week’s intensity. They are joined by Foucault in the cave for a deeper dive into Elizabeth’s paranoia. But don’t worry, it’s not all serious: there is also a lot of 80s love this week!
Music by Lesfm 2022-06-231h 12Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast17. Loki 1x2, ”The Variant”John and Danielle are back for Episode 2 of Loki, “The Variant.” Danielle Marvelsplains what it means to hide in an apocalypse, and your hosts debate what counts as a joke and how/whether goats are funny, while also thinking a little about gender, temporality, and company towns. John offers an impressive gloss of Agamben in the Cave, and takes on a new round of Easter Egg Hunt. If The Americans is a show made for both of your hosts, Loki shows us where they diverge from one another, but that is part of the fun!
Music...2022-06-211h 13Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast16. The Americans 2x1, ”Comrades”John and Danielle are back with a new set of takes on The Americans Season 2 Episode 1, “Comrades”. They confront the episode’s swing to brutality, the swift entry and exit of some friends from work, plus Paige’s heightened suspicions. They also dig into spycraft, deer imagery, and Philip’s glow-up. Season 2 quite literally kicks off with a bang.
Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
2022-06-161h 15Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast15. Loki 1x1, ”Glorious Purpose”Summer is here and so is a new series deep dive on NQGB! John and Danielle shift gears, and tackle the Disney+ series, Loki. Danielle is in the driver’s seat this time around, with John riding shotgun as resident MCU-noob. After watching Episode 1, “Glorious Purpose,” they discuss who might be the audience for a show like this (is it John? Jury’s out) and introduce a few new segments: Marvelsplaining, Easter Egg Hunt, and Politics & the MCU, and bring back a few of their faves from their Americans run (Glas, Minor Char of the Week, and of course, the Cave...2022-06-141h 22Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast14. A Grand Theory of TasteDanielle and John take a break from episode-by-episode reviews to indulge some metanarrative about their respective (and surprisingly divergent) tastes in TV and film. Taking off from John’s proposed grand unifying theory, they explore aesthetic excess, escapism in film and TV, spectacle, fandom, IP, “prestige TV,” and beautiful terror. Along the way, they touch on a number of shows/universes: in order, Devs, Severance, The Terror, The Young Pope, The Americans and spy fiction, Station Eleven, the MCU, Star Wars, Atlanta, and A Song of Ice and Fire and Game of Thrones.
Links to items we discuss...2022-06-091h 31Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast13. The Americans 1x13, ”The Colonel,” with Jon KellerStrap in, friends! John and Danielle have called on fellow Americans connoisseur Jon Keller to dissect the season 1 finale, “The Colonel.” Together, they discuss what to make of Philip and Elizabeth’s quarrel, Claudia, Nina, and shoddy spy tactics before Keller regales our hosts with some personal anecdotes about Lev Gorn’s (Arkady) gym habits. This wild ride should not be missed!
Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
2022-06-021h 52Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast12. Americans 1x12, ”The Oath”In the penultimate episode of Season 1 of The Americans, Danielle and John tackle the multiple oaths that take place in “The Oath”. They marvel at Clark and Martha’s nuptials and Nina’s heel turn (or was Stan the heel all along?), and chat about how oaths unite these two sets of events. Wig check returns, and your hosts meet Freud in the cave. Come for the spycraft, stay for the abundant 80s references!
Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
2022-05-261h 12Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast11. The Americans 1x11, ”Covert War”John and Danielle are back for Season 1 Episode 11 of The Americans, “Covert War”. Tensions run high between Elizabeth and Claudia, and your hosts are HERE FOR IT. Interpersonal strife parallels geopolitical tensions, and John and Danielle get into it all. Danielle raises some concerns about Claudia in this week’s Danielle Dossier, and John celebrates the quirkiness of Arkady.
Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
2022-05-191h 05Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast10. The Americans 1x10, ”Only You”Join Danielle and John as they discuss Season 1 Episode 10 of The Americans, “Only You”. This episode really ratchets up the stakes, and John and Danielle are along for the ride! They discuss the parallels between Gregory, Claudia, and even touch on Stan’s drunk monologue before considering how this episode fits into the season as a whole. And, for some reason John questionably raises the possibility of Stan-Philip homoerotic desire. Finally, they meet Medea in the Cave - listen in to see how a murderous mother links up to this ep of The Americans!
Music by Lesf...2022-05-121h 11Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast9. The Americans 1x09, ”Safe House”Still buzzing from the Hanley Sororal Conspiracy from our last episode, John and Danielle are on their own this week to tackle Season 1 Episode 9 of The Americans, “Safe House”. They ask whether any of the houses are really safe as they dig into the show’s display of bro culture, suffering, and violence. We get our first ‘Danielle Dossier’ case closed - tune in to find out if Danielle’s (conspiracy) theory was right on the money, or just misplaced anxiety! Not to mention, a Cave segment that makes John extremely uncomfortable.
Music by Lesfm from Pixabay2022-05-051h 16Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast8. The Americans 1x08, ”Mutually Assured Destruction,” with the Hanley sistersThis week, John and Danielle are joined by some very special guests - plural - Danielle’s sisters: Kaitlin, Becky, and Tori. Our hosts manage to squeeze in some insightful discussion about The Americans S1E8, “Mutually Assured Discussion” with the help of the two-thirds of the Hanley sisters that watched the episode! Tori helps us understand how effective Philip’s wigs actually are, and Kaitlin joins John in silently judging Danielle Dossier. We replace the Cave with Sororal Conspiracy, and hear a ton of embarrassing stories about Danielle from childhood!
Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
2022-04-281h 37Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast7. The Americans 1x07, ”Duty and Honor”On their own again this week, Danielle and John dig into The Americans Season 1 Episode 7, “Duty and Honor”. As both Philip and Stan explore extramarital dalliances, our hosts consider what duty and honor mean in a world defined by spying, murky loyalties, and double agents. Don’t worry, they also have travel agent takes for days, and end the episode with a sprinkling of everyone’s favorite Renaissance prince, Niccolo Machiavelli. Plus, a mid-season check-in with some minor concern (or concern-trolling, as the case may be). The podcast equivalent of the travel agent convention of our dreams!
Music by...2022-04-211h 15Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast6. The Americans 1x06, ”Trust Me,” with Amy SchillerJohn and Danielle are back with their first special guest of the season, their friend Amy Schiller! Together, they dive into The Americans Season 1 Episode 6, “Trust Me”. They take a moment to address the experience of engaging with this show against the contemporary backdrop of the Russian invasion of Ukraine before shifting to talk about the episode’s major themes: trust, violence, and family life. Amy pitches John and Danielle on watching Billions on NQGB’s own version of Shark Tank for TV takes.
Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
2022-04-141h 24Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast5. The Americans 1x05, ”COMINT”This week, John and Danielle tackle The Americans Season 1 Episode 5, “COMINT”. They marvel at how Elizabeth slithers between cars and get into questions of patriarchy, violence, and of course, all the relationship dynamics on display. The return of Dirtbag Philip inaugurates another round of wig talk, which is never boring!
Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
2022-04-071h 15Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast4. The Americans 1x04, ”In Control”Who is “In Control” this week? Your hosts, John and Danielle, of course, as they return to discuss Season 1 Episode 4 of The Americans. After a check-in on how this episode plays with scale in the series, they discuss the overwhelming presence of Reagan, cool spycraft moments, and reflect on the anxiety of scenes in the woods. Come for John’s takes on Russian translation, stay for this week’s trip into The Cave.
Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
2022-03-311h 14Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast3. The Americans 1x03, ”Gregory”Danielle and John dive into The Americans Season 1 Episode 3, “Gregory”. They discuss the episode’s treatment of secrets and lies, consider the racial dynamics at play, marvel at some great camerawork, and offer their first impressions of Gregory and Claudia. Don’t worry, they make time to check in about bangs and 80s pop culture too! They also tap into their own lived experiences to evaluate how New York stands in for "Philadelphia".
Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
2022-03-241h 12Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast2. The Americans 1x02, ”The Clock”John and Danielle continue their exploration of The Americans with a rousing discussion of Season 1 Episode 2, “The Clock.” They generate a wide-ranging discussion that examines the role of the nuclear family and racial dynamics in the episode, while still making sure to carve out some time to gush about the 80’s nostalgia brought on by headphones and wigs in “The Clock”. “Minor Character of the Week” and “The Cave” also return!
Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
2022-03-171h 11Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast1. The Americans 1x01, ”Pilot”In their first (!) episode, John and Danielle start by laying out the motivations behind this podcast before diving into a lively discussion of the pilot episode of The Americans. Come for their careful consideration of nationalism, lies, and spycraft; stay for the segments on Soviet aesthetics, needle drops, and the award for ‘Minor Character of the Week’.
Join Danielle and John as they use their analytical skills to deep dive into The Americans this season on Not Quite Great Books: A TV Podcast.
Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
2022-03-171h 26Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast0. Why is Not Quite Great Books?: a (long) trailerDanielle and John banter about the origins, schticks, plans and more for Not Quite Great Books: a TV podcast, which kicks of with a episode-by-episode review of The Americans.
First episode coming soon!
2022-03-1008 min