The Toy Department – Episode 422

In Episode 422, Madden and Kolsky have a quick Chelsea FC digression before they dive on in to:

  • A semifinal to remember on Top Chef: Destination Canada (4:05) and how the scenery and cookery combined with emotional moments for a tremendous episode of television…
  • The new Max show Duster (17:50) and how it makes you wonder why we haven’t seen more of Josh Holloway…
  • The disappointing new Guy Ritchie movie Fountain of Youth (22:50) and how it could have come to exist…
  • The enjoyable and well-executed Black Bag (28:40) and how Steven Soderbergh is always good for 90 minutes of quality…
  • Apple TV+’s new comedy Murderbot (33:40) and Alexander Skarsgård’s hilarious turn as an android with a television addiction…
  • Two more really good episodes of Black Mirror (36:35) featuring a tour de force from Paul Giamatti and a satisfying sequel to USS Callister…
  • Homework for next week (49:55), including: the finalé of Top Chef: Destination Canada, the new HBO Max film Mountainhead, the new Apple TV+ show Stick and Hulu’s new 20-something sitcom Adults…

The Toy Department – Episode 298

In Episode 298, Madden and Kolsky are back after a two-week break to deliver the pop culture commentary you’ve become accustomed to, covering:

  • Hulu’s Jon Krakauer adaptation Under the Banner of Heaven (1:50) and how its spooky darkness does not detract from its quality…
  • The return of HBO Max’s Kaley Cuoco vehicle The Flight Attendant (10:35) and how it remains a lot of fun despite being somewhat ridiculous…
  • The start of season three of HBO’s Barry (17:05) and how original and creative the show continues to be…
  • HBO’s new David Simon show We Own This City (20:25) and how it is, in many ways, The Wire — The Later Years, but is also incredibly well-done…
  • Showtime’s new show The Man Who Fell to Earth (29:05) and how it’s pretty damn entertaining and features some BIG and very enjoyable acting performances…
  • The latest in Top Chef: Houston (33:40), whether the right chef was eliminated and who has distinguished themselves as favorites heading into the final few episodes…
  • A few preliminary thoughts on the upcoming premiere of The Challenge: All-Stars 3 (52:20) and all the excitement that awaits our hosts and all the dedicated Challenge fans out there…
  • Homework for next Friday (58:30), including: more Top Chef: Houston, along with THE PREMIERE of The Challenge: All-Stars 3, the new Showtime show I Love That For You, the new Paramount+ show The Offer and the return of Made for Love on HBO Max…