Decoding Westworld

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This Week In Streaming is a show on the Decoding TV podcast feed that covers the most interesting shows available on streaming each week. On this episode, David Chen is joined by writer, filmmaker, and YouTuber Jessie Earl to discuss the first two episodes of A Murder at the End of the World, streaming on Hulu:Episode 1 - Homme FataleEpisode 2 - The Silver DoeBrit Marling and Zal Batmanglij are back again with another sci-fi show, only this one has a murder mystery at the center of it. What did we think of this diverse ensemble cast? What were our thoughts on the sci-fi elements in the show and how resonant they are with current events? And why do we think this show was mysteriously delayed from summer to fall of 2023? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more!Stay tuned for our continuing coverage of The Curse as well as Invincible Season 2. We’ll also make an episode about Murder at the End of the World when the finale airs. When possible, we will br

In this episode of Decoding TV, Patrick Klepek and David Chen discuss the first episode of The Curse on Paramount+/Showtime. We’ll be covering this show weekly through January 2024 and we hope you’ll have a chance to join us for it!This show features a core trio of incredible talent (Benny Safdie, Nathan Fielder, and Emma Stone). How did we feel their skills were applied in this episode? Where is the show most insightful and where is it taking cheap shots? How painful of an experience did we find watching this episode to be? Why should you not play audio of this show near where your kids are hanging out? And do we have any idea of where this show is going? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more!Stay tuned for more announcements of what we’ll be covering right here on Decoding TV. Links:Email us and let us know what you think at decodingtv(AT)gmail(DOT)comListen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap RadioSubscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, CrossplayFollow this podcast on Instagram

In this episode of Decoding TV, Patrick Klepek and David Chen dive into Loki season 2 episode 6, “Glorious Purpose.”Loki’s finale is not only one of the best episodes of the season but possibly one of the best episodes of the show altogether. How did we feel about the way the show used its time travel mechanics? Where does this season leave all of our beloved characters? What did we think of the ultimate resolution of Loki’s character? And what do we make of the future of Kang and Loki in the MCU? Listen to hear us discuss all this and more!Thanks for joining us for our coverage of Loki! NEXT WEEK: We’ll begin covering The Curse on Showtime/Paramount+. Stay tuned for more announcements of what we’ll be covering right here on Decoding TV. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This Week In Streaming is a show on the Decoding TV podcast feed that covers the most interesting shows available on streaming each week. On this episode, David Chen is joined by writer, filmmaker, and YouTuber Jessie Earl to discuss the first season of Gen V, streaming on Prime Video.This was a really strong season of television! But how seamless (or not) were the tie-ins to The Boys? Was Marie Moreau a compelling protagonist? What did we think of the show’s ultraviolence and general grossness? Where does the ending leave us for the next seasons of both The Boys and Gen V? And what did we make of that big cameo at the end of the finale? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more!Later this week as we wrap up our coverage of Loki season 2. When possible, we will broadcast the episode live on YouTube, so be sure to follow us there. Thanks for being a paid subscriber!Links:Email us and let us know what you think at decodingtv(AT)gmail(DOT)comSubscribe to Jessie Gender on YouTubeLearn more about Jess

In this episode of Decoding TV, Dan Gvozden from the Amazing Spider-Talk podcast and David Chen dive into Loki season 2 episode 5, “Science/Fiction.”This episode finds Loki dealing with the fallout from the events of last episode and maybe also learning some valuable lessons too. What did we think about how this episode paid off long running threads? What is this show trying to say about the art of storytelling, if anything? What are we expecting for the end of this season? And was the real TVA the friends we made along the way? Listen to hear us discuss all this and more!We’ll be covering Loki weekly right here on Decoding TV, so stay tuned to hear our reaction to each episode this season!Links:Email us and let us know what you think at decodingtv(AT)gmail(DOT)comCheck out Dan’s podcast the Amazing Spider-Talk podcastFollow this podcast on InstagramFollow this podcast on TiktokSubscribe to David’s free newsletter, Decoding EverythingFollow David on InstagramFollow David on Tiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.c

In this bonus episode, Patrick Klepek and David Chen discuss the Five Nights at Freddy’s movie currently streaming on Peacock.What is the appeal of this videogame property? Is it possible to take any of these characters seriously? How did the videogame’s lore interact with the story they were trying to tell? And why is this movie so good for society even if we ultimately don’t like it very much? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more!Links:Email us and let us know what you think at decodingtv(AT)gmail(DOT)comListen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap RadioSubscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, CrossplayFollow this podcast on InstagramFollow this podcast on TiktokSubscribe to David’s free newsletter, Decoding EverythingFollow David on InstagramFollow David on Tiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Patrick Klepek and David Chen dive into Loki season 2 episode 4, “Heart of the TVA.”This episode delivers on the best of what this show has to offer. But is that enough? What are the moments that shocked Patrick and David? How close did that scene come to being rated R? Do we think that the backstories of Renslayer, General Dox, and Victor Timely got quite enough time in the oven? What could possibly happen after that ending? Listen to hear us discuss all this and more!We’ll be covering Loki weekly right here on Decoding TV, so stay tuned to hear our reaction to each episode this season!Links:Email us and let us know what you think at decodingtv(AT)gmail(DOT)comListen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap RadioSubscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, CrossplayFollow this podcast on InstagramFollow this podcast on TiktokSubscribe to David’s free newsletter, Decoding EverythingFollow David on InstagramFollow David on Tiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.