Needs Some Introduction - Better Call Saul / Moon Knight / Barry (HBO)

By Needs Some Introduction

Deep dives into your favorite shows

Currently Watching:
Better Call Saul - AMC
Moon Knight - Disney+
Barry - HBO
We Own This City - HBO
Severance - AppleTV+

email:needssomeintroduction@gmail

I recommend music, movies and TV to my friends and we discuss them. We do deep dives on whatever we are watching as well as music we are discovering (or re-discovering). We delve into musicians such as... Prince, Fleetwood Mac, Pink Floyd, The Beastie Boys, the history of punk and dance music and so much more.

We appreciate any fandom, so let us know what topic you may want to learn more about.

Listen on Spotify Send voice message

Available on

Report content on Spotify

Just Recommendations 1 - Happy Mother's Day

Needs Some Introduction - Better Call Saul / Moon Knight / Barry (HBO)May 08, 2021

00:00

11:46

E101: Moon Knight FINALE! - Gods and Monsters - Episode 6

We have come to the end of another mixed bag of a MCU property. I still have a little concern as to the management of this current phase of MCU products. Hopefully, the Doctor Strange sequel is a bigger winner.

May 04, 202231:55

E100: Better Call Saul - Season 6 Episode 4 - Hit and Run

It's our 100 episode :). We forget to celebrate but we get another good episode of Saul (although it can't scale the heights of last week's epic). We are at the mid point of this first batch of episodes and if history is a guide, we should start to feel the pull of acceleration in the next 3. What is up with Gustavo's underground bunker and tunnel system? Maybe a hint of things to come.

May 03, 202201:03:34

E99: Barry - Season 3 - Episode 1 - forgiving jeff PLUS: Shining Girls, Tokyo Vice, We Own This City, Slow Horses

I have a conversation with my big sis and we talk Barry. Plus I recommend The Shining Girls on AppleTV+ along with Tokyo Vice, Slow Horses and We Own This City. There is just too much TV to watch. It looks like the downpour subsides a tiny bit in May. Maybe I can catch up on all these other shows. Here's hoping.

Apr 30, 202243:03

E98: Moon Knight - Episode 5 - Asylum

A significant improvement to the general quality of the show. It gives me some home that there was a reason to tell this story in this particular way. I have much more hope for the finale, now. But I still worry that there is too little time left to make this a satisfying season. For now, we do have ourselves a very solid episode, here.

Apr 27, 202228:09

E97: Better Call Saul - Season 6 Episode 3 - Rock and a Hard Place PLUS: Russian Doll (Netflix)

We find out the fate of one of our non-Breaking Bad crossover characters. And he gets to shine brightest of all just as he flames out. He will be missed.

Plus I have yet another conversation about last week's premier episodes. And Sona and I both saw Russian Doll on Netflix and thought it was not as good as last season.

Apr 26, 202247:06

E96: Moon Knight - Episode 4 - The Tomb PLUS: More Better Call Saul discussion

Nick and I break down the latest (and best, grading on a curve) episode of Moon Knight. Then we discuss the first two episodes of the final season of Better Call Saul. Plus, Nick has seen the finale of Severance and I edited out the spoiler parts so it’s safe for everyone. Make sure you catch up on it in case you haven’t done so yet.

Apr 23, 202255:36

E95: Better Call Saul Season 6 - Episodes 1 and 2

Better Call Saul season 6 is off to a great start with 2 episodes on par with their best. The tension from season 5 carries over immediately. And there are already some new mysteries to be resolved.

Apr 20, 202237:05

E94: Moon Knight - Episode 3 - The Friendly Type PLUS: Everything Everywhere All at Once - Review

I watch and recap the latest episode of Moon Knight. First, I give you a spoiler free review of the new film from The Daniels, Everything Everywhere All at Once, which is truly remarkable in multiple ways.

Apr 13, 202243:33

E93: Severance - Other Shows Like Severance PLUS: Better Call Saul - Catching up with Saul Goodman

First, I have a long list of Severance related recommendations.

Next, Sona and I discuss the morality of Better Call Saul and discuss Season 5 (and the show in totality) as we prepare for next week's 2 episode premier.

Apr 12, 202201:10:34

E92: Severance Episode 9 - The We We Are (Repost) PLUS: The Outlaws (Amazon Prime)

Sona and I aren't huge fans of this trend of ending shows on cliffhangers but it seems to be the current way of the industry. We did really enjoy the episode and have so many questions about what is to come.
Plus, I recommend the very entertaining comedy/thriller show The Outlaws on Amazon Prime.

Apr 10, 202201:02:11

E91: Moon Knight Episode 2 - Summon the Suit (REPOST) - PLUS: Winning Time (HBO) and Atlanta Season 3 (FX/HULU)

Episode 2 gives us exactly what we would expect after episode 1. I do wish they had moved the ball a bit further, in this episode, but next week looks to be the big shift in genre and tone that maybe we (I) have been waiting for.
Plus I give a mini review on the available five episodes of Winning Time on HBO (hugely entertaining but uneven) as well as the bold and always-interesting new season of Atlanta, just returning after 4 years.
Then I catch up with my friend Nick and we discuss Moon Knight (and digress into bashing the DCEU) before considering what may be in store for the future of the MCU universe(s).

Apr 09, 202201:08:34

E90: Severance Episode 8 - What's for Dinner? (REPOST) PLUS: Thoughts on the Oscars, The Girl From PlainVille, Pachinko

We get to see a bit of Irv in the outside world. Now we know why he has black under his nails. He likes Motorhead (wouldn't have guessed that). Helly and Mark kiss (!!). Is he cheating on his wife? Probably not, since he can't remember her anyway.

Then we discuss the embarrassing spectacle that the Oscars are. I recommend The Girl from Plainville on Hulu (at least the excellent pilot episode) and the AppleTV+ drama, Pachinko.

Apr 01, 202256:41

E89: Moon Knight - Episode 1 - The Goldfish Problem PLUS: Another Marvel Round-Up

I am on the fence as to the general tone of the show (and Oscar Isaac's accent). But I am willing to be convinced. I wish there was a second episode but I can wait another week.

Mar 30, 202254:38

E88: Severance Episode 7 - Defiant Jazz (Repost) PLUS: Deep Water (Spoilers)

Here is the full episode. If you happened to catch the preview, fast forward to 40 minutes.
Diafiance is definitely the theme of the week. We open with a surprising act of violence.
There is a huge reveal at the end of this episode which makes me have to go back and rewatch all the interactions between two specific characters. There are lots of questions.
Is Cobel in perpetual Innie mode? How much does "the board" know about the actions of the rebels? Why is such a supposedly important project so understaffed? Will we ever see Innie Burt again?
Then we spoil the terrible (but still kind of fun) Deep Water on Hulu.
You can get all the links to the Lumon Industries (videos and PDF) from the following link...
mashable.com/article/severance-lumon-industries-linkedin

Mar 25, 202201:19:34

E87: Severance Episode 6 Hide and Seek PLUS: Thoughts on Master (Prime) and Deep Water (Hulu)

I love this week's episode. It appears that the wheels may be falling off this Severance project. But that remains to be seen. The 70's paranoid thriller vibe is stronger than ever. Perhaps the show will pivot completely into thriller territory.

Sona likes it too. Less goats makes Sona happy (and me too, honestly).

Plus I do briefly give opinions on Master (a failed but very ambitious and stylishly creepy drama with overt horror elements) and the hilariously straight faced psychodrama Deep Water that is worth recommending purely for the stupid fun of it.

-----------------

The team angers Cobel by forming an alliance.

Mar 19, 202251:48

E86: Severance Episode 5 The Grim Barbarity of Optics and Design PLUS: After Yang (Showtime)

Sona and I both have issues with some of the weirdest touches in this week's episode. I worry that it is getting quirky for its own sake. But overall this is another strong episode. We do hope that the mystery starts to resolve somewhat in the upcoming weeks.

Also, I saw the new After Yang movie on Showtime and it moved me for reasons I can't quite put my finger on. Sona is reluctant to take my recommendation.

Irving and Dylan confront Burt about his lies. Mark and Helly discover a strange new department.

Mar 14, 202244:60

E85: The Batman - Review PLUS: Pam and Tommy - Finale (Hulu)

Pam and Tommy has wrapped up. It isn't a total success but still worth watching and if you have been waiting to binge it, it will probably go down easy (as long as you are comfortable with lots on nudity in the early episodes).

Then I review the Batman, the script has tons of problems but I really love the style and design of this world. If you have watched the trailer (don't do that, by the way) you have already gotten a heaping serving of this dark style.

Lastly, I consider the bonkers franchise management of the DC universe (basically, no curation AT ALL) and somehow this chaos is working for them, financially.

Mar 09, 202250:24

E84: Severance Episode 4 - The You You Are PLUS: The AfterParty - Season Finale AND: Thoughts on The Tourist (HBO Max) and No Exit (Hulu)

The AfterParty wraps up with it's finale, Maggie. It's a good wrap up and the show did play fair but it just feels like it was a missed opportunity for something more interesting and more funny. Plus I review both the new Jamie Dournan show from Australia, The Tourist and the snowbound Hulu thriller, No Exit. I am a bigger fan of the former rather than the latter but there are good central performances in both.

Then Sona and I discuss last week's Severance episode before I break down the most recent episode.

---

The Afterparty (AppleTV+)

Maggie

An unexpected eyewitness emerges to help Detective Danner piece together the true story behind Xavier's demise.

Directed by

Christopher Miller

Writing Credits

Christopher Miller...(created by) Christopher Miller...(written by) Nicole Delaney...(executive story editor)

Cast (in credits order)

Tiffany Haddish...Detective Danner

Sam Richardson...Aniq

Zoe Chao...Zoë

Ike Barinholtz...Brett

Ben Schwartz...Yasper

---

Severance (AppleTV+)

The You You Are

Mar 06, 202201:01:42

E83: Should You Be Watching Euphoria? - PLUS: CyberSecurity and the Ukraine Invasion

Upon the finale of Euphoria's second season, I wonder why this show is so compelling. At it's best, it is one of the most emotional shows on TV. At its worst, it is a schlocky soap opera (usually in the same episode). Maybe that's what ends up making it so interesting.

But first, I think about the consequences of the Ukrainian invasion and what we can do to protect ourselves from the inevitable cyber attacks that will follow.

Resources:

https://www.cyber.nj.gov/

CyberSecurity Basics:

https://www.cyber.nj.gov/learn/cybersecurity-best-practices/#the-basics

CyberSecurity Primer for Business Owners:

https://www.cyber.nj.gov/learn/technical-guides/#instructional-guides

https://www.thisamericanlife.org/763/the-other-mr-president

https://www.wsj.com/articles/as-his-invasion-of-ukraine-sputters-putin-finds-himself-isolated-and-out-of-touch-11646000993

Mar 02, 202244:34

E82:Severance Episode 3 - In Perpetuity PLUS: Thoughts on The Afterparty

Another interesting episode of this quirky thriller. Plus brief thoughts on The Afterparty.

----

AppleTV+ Mark takes the team on a field trip, but Helly continues to rebel. A deteriorating Petey struggles to tell Mark about Lumon's misdeeds.

---

Directed by

Ben Stiller Writing Credits

Dan Erickson ... (created by)

Andrew Colville Cast (in credits order)

Adam Scott Adam Scott ... Mark

Zach Cherry Zach Cherry ... Dylan

Britt Lower Britt Lower ... Helly

Tramell Tillman Tramell Tillman ... Milchick

Feb 27, 202248:25

E78: Pam and Tommy - The Mainstreaming of Porn PLUS: The Afterparty - Episode 4

About 25 years ago the Pam and Tommy sex tape started circulating on the internet. A new Hulu series explores this moment in time. Sona and I talk about prosthetic genitals, the mainstreaming of sex (and how the internet facilitated it) and how leaked sextapes became a gateway to celebritihood.

There is plenty of food for thought, but the show still hasn't found its footing. We are willing to give it more time but the tone seems a little confused, so far.

Plus we discuss The Afterparty on AppleTV+ and Murderville on Netflix.

Feb 07, 202201:06:31

E77:Nightmare Alley - Review and Analysis

How does the film compare to the novel? In many ways, the novel is a far more challenging and disturbing work. The film still has its merits. Listen in to find out more about this strange film noir and the incredible biography of it's forgotten author, William Lindsay Gresham. --- An ambitious carny with a talent for manipulating people with a few well-chosen words hooks up with a female psychiatrist who is even more dangerous than he is. --- Nightmare Alley (2021) Full Cast & Crew Directed by Guillermo del Toro ... (directed by) Writing Credits Guillermo del Toro ... (screenplay by) & Kim Morgan ... (screenplay by) William Lindsay Gresham ... (based on the novel by) Cast (in credits order) Bradley Cooper Bradley Cooper ... Stanton Carlisle Cate Blanchett Cate Blanchett ... Dr. Lilith Ritter Toni Collette Toni Collette ... Zeena the Seer Willem Dafoe Willem Dafoe ... Clem Hoatley Richard Jenkins Richard Jenkins ... Ezra Grindle Rooney Mara Rooney Mara ... Molly Cahill Ron Perlman Ron Perlman ... Bruno Mary Steenburgen Mary Steenburgen ... Mrs. Kimball David Strathairn David Strathairn ... Pete Mark Povinelli Mark Povinelli ... The Major Peter MacNeill Peter MacNeill ... Judge Kimball Holt McCallany Holt McCallany ... Anderson Paul Anderson Paul Anderson ... Geek #1 Lara Jean Chorostecki Lara Jean Chorostecki ... Louise Hoatley Jim Beaver Jim Beaver ... Sheriff Jedediah Judd Clifton Collins Jr. Clifton Collins Jr. ... Funhouse Jack Tim Blake Nelson Tim Blake Nelson ... Carny Boss

Feb 03, 202245:24

E76: Ozark (Spoilers - Season 4) PLUS: The Afterparty - AppleTV+ - Episodes 1-2 and 3

We dig into spoilers of the Ozark season 4 first batch. And then we discuss the very promising AppleTV+ series The Afterparty, a comedic high-school reunion/murder mystery. I am on board by the end of the 3 episodes. Sona still has her reservations.

----------

The Afterparty When a high school reunion's afterparty ends in a death, everyone is a suspect. A detective grills the former classmates one by one, uncovering potential motives as each tells their version of the story - culminating in the shocking truth.

Series Directed by

Christopher Miller ... (4 episodes, 2022)Series

Writing Credits

Christopher Miller ... (created by) (6 episodes, 2022)

Christopher Miller ... (written by) (6 episodes, 2022)

Christopher Miller ... (story by) (6 episodes, 2022)

Christopher Miller ... (teleplay by) (6 episodes, 2022)

Nicole Delaney ... (executive story editor) (4 episodes, 2022)

Nicole Delaney ... (written by) (4 episodes, 2022)

Anthony King ... (written by) (2 episodes, 2022)

Jack Dolgen ... (written by) (1 episode, 2022)

Kassia Miller ... (teleplay by) (1 episode, 2022)

Bridger Winegar ... (written by) (1 episode, 2022)

Phil Lord ... (written by) (1 episode)

Rachel H. Smith ... (written by) (1 episode)Series Cast

Tiffany Haddish Tiffany Haddish ... Detective Danner

Sam Richardson Sam Richardson ... Aniq

Zoe Chao Zoe Chao ... Zoe

Ike Barinholtz Ike Barinholtz ... Brett

Ben Schwartz Ben Schwartz ... Yasper

Ilana Glazer Ilana Glazer ... Chelsea

Dave Franco Dave Franco ... Xavier

Tiya Sircar Tiya Sircar ... Jennifer #1

Genevieve Angelson Genevieve Angelson ... Indigo

Kelvin Yu Kelvin Yu ... Ned

Everly Carganilla Everly Carganilla ... Maggie

Jamie Demetriou Jamie Demetriou ... Walt

----

Ozark (2017–2022)

Series Directed by

Jason Bateman ... (10 episodes, 2017-2020)

Series Cast

Jason Bateman Jason Bateman ... Martin 'Marty' Byrde

Laura Linney Laura Linney ... Wendy Byrde

Sofia Hublitz Sofia Hublitz ... Charlotte Byrde

Skylar Gaertner Skylar Gaertner ... Jonah Byrde

Julia Garner Julia Garner ... Ruth Langmore

Lisa Emery Lisa Emery ... Darlene Snell

Charlie Tahan Charlie Tahan ... Wyatt Langmore

Feb 01, 202201:11:55

E75: Who Sampled? - 1971 Edition

Iain and I go back to 1971 and find songs throughout the last 50 years that have sampled some of that iconic music. Another example of how musical history is a continuum.

----

No Diggity

Bill Withers

Maggot Brain

Mos Def

Jan 29, 202201:02:36

E74: Ozark! - The Afterparty - Servant

A potpourri of topics, this week. Ozark has returned for it's final season. This leads to a conversation of the show as well as its relationship to Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. I wonder if network executives would still have the patience to allow a Breaking Bad to develop.

We also preview our next group-watch, The Afterparty, on AppleTV+. Which also lead me to try to watch Servant (also on AppleTV+). And, boy, do I have thoughts on that crazy show (and on M Knight's career, in general).

It's a broad conversation but fun, nonetheless. Get ready to watch The AfterParty, starting this Friday.

Jan 24, 202201:05:21

E73: Nirvana vs Michael Jackson - January 11th 1992 - Part 2

30 years ago, billboard magazine published it's post-Christmas chart week issue and the music industry was shocked to see that Michael Jackson's highly anticipated and expensively promoted album had been knocked out from number one by Nirvana's Nevermind.
Iain and I discuss what this did and did not mean as far as the record industry is concerned. Regardless, this is another pivotal year in the music industry. We discuss some of our favorite tracks (some popular and some obscure) and this year within the contexts of our individual bios.

Jan 20, 202243:04

E72: YellowJackets - Season 1 - Finale! - PLUS: Thoughts on Archive 81 and The Tragedy of MacBeth

Sona and I discuss the finale of Yellowjackets. One of the best episodes but is it a finale? Good thing the show got renewed... Sic Transit Gloria Mundi Directed by Eduardo Sánchez Writing Credits Ashley Lyle ... (created by) & Bart Nickerson ... (created by) Katherine Kearns ... (executive story editor) Cast (in credits order) Melanie Lynskey Melanie Lynskey ... Shauna Tawny Cypress Tawny Cypress ... Taissa Ella Purnell Ella Purnell ... Teen Jackie Sophie Nélisse Sophie Nélisse ... Teen Shauna Jasmin Savoy Brown Jasmin Savoy Brown ... Teen Taissa Sophie Thatcher Sophie Thatcher ... Teen Natalie Samantha Hanratty Samantha Hanratty ... Teen Misty Steven Krueger Steven Krueger ... Ben Scott Warren Kole Warren Kole ... Jeff Christina Ricci Christina Ricci ... Misty Juliette Lewis Juliette Lewis ... Natalie Courtney Eaton Courtney Eaton ... Teen Lottie Liv Hewson Liv Hewson ... Teen Vanessa Jane Widdop Jane Widdop ... Teen Laura Lee Keeya King Keeya King ... Akilah Peter Gadiot Peter Gadiot ... Adam Alex Wyndham Alex Wyndham ... Kevyn Kevin Alves Kevin Alves ... Teen Travis Alexa Barajas Alexa Barajas ... Teen Mari Rekha Sharma Rekha Sharma ... Jessica Roberts Sarah Desjardins Sarah Desjardins ... Callie Rukiya Bernard Rukiya Bernard ... Simone Tonya Cornelisse Tonya Cornelisse ... Allie Stevens Aiden Stoxx Aiden Stoxx ... Sammy Abara-Turner Mya Lowe Mya Lowe ... Yellowjacket #1 Princess Davis Princess Davis ... Yellowjacket #2 Jeff Holman Jeff Holman ... Randy Walsh Colleen Wheeler Colleen Wheeler ... Suzie Michelle Choi-Lee Michelle Choi-Lee ... Campaign Manager Beverley Breuer Beverley Breuer ... Deb Degenaro

Jan 17, 202258:12

E71: Scream 5? (2022) - Review and Series Overview

I have seen Scream 5 and it is actually good. Sona has rewatched some of the sequels and we discuss that as well.

Jan 15, 202259:22

E70(SPOTIFY): Nirvana vs Michael Jackson - January 11th 1992

Episodes with music are only available on Spotify.

Here is the Spotify version of the same episode, featuring some full tracks.

Welcome to season 5!

Iain and I discuss what this did and did not mean as far as the record industry is concerned. Regardless, this is another pivotal year in the music industry. We discuss some of our favorite tracks (some popular and some obscure) and this year within the contexts of our individual bios.

Jan 11, 202201:16:17

E69: Dexter New Blood - Episode 10 - FINALE! - Sins of the Father - PLUS: Yellowjackets Season Catch-up

Sona tells us about her covid experience. Then we break down the season finale of Dexter: New Blood. It ain't great.

Then, we talk about Showtime's Yellowjackets again. Sona finally caught up and we discuss all the craziness in preparation for next week's finale.

---

Sins of the Father

Directed by

Marcos Siega

Writing Credits (in alphabetical order)

Jeff Lindsay ... (based on the novel "Darkly Dreaming Dexter" by)

Clyde Phillips

Cast (in credits order)

Michael C. Hall Michael C. Hall ... Dexter Morgan

Jack Alcott Jack Alcott ... Harrison Morgan

Julia Jones Julia Jones ... Angela Bishop

Johnny Sequoyah Johnny Sequoyah ... Audrey Bishop

Alano Miller Alano Miller ... Sgt. Logan

-----------

Yellowjackets

Directed by

Daisy von Scherler Mayer

Writing Credits

Ashley Lyle ... (created by) &

Bart Nickerson ... (created by)

Ameni Rozsa ... (written by) &

Sarah L. Thompson ... (written by)

Katherine Kearns ... (executive story editor)

Cast (in credits order) complete, awaiting verification

Melanie Lynskey Melanie Lynskey ... Shauna

Tawny Cypress Tawny Cypress ... Taissa

Ella Purnell Ella Purnell ... Teen Jackie

Sophie Nélisse Sophie Nélisse ... Teen Shauna

Jasmin Savoy Brown Jasmin Savoy Brown ... Teen Taissa

Sophie Thatcher Sophie Thatcher ... Teen Natalie

Samantha Hanratty Samantha Hanratty ... Teen Misty

Steven Krueger Steven Krueger ... Ben Scott

Warren Kole Warren Kole ... Jeff

Christina Ricci Christina Ricci ... Misty

Juliette Lewis Juliette Lewis ... Natalie

Liv Hewson Liv Hewson ... Teen Vanessa

Keeya King Keeya King ... Akilah

Jane Widdop Jane Widdop ... Teen Laura Lee

Peter Gadiot Peter Gadiot ... Adam

Kevin Alves Kevin Alves ... Teen Travis

Alexa Barajas Alexa Barajas ... Teen Mari

Rekha Sharma Rekha Sharma ... Jessica Roberts

Jack DePew Jack DePew ... Teen Jeff

Pearl Amanda Dickson Pearl Amanda Dickson ... Teen Allie

Luciano Leroux Luciano Leroux ... Javi Martinez

Mya Lowe Mya Lowe ... Yellowjacket #1

Princess Davis Princess Davis ... Yellowjacket #2

Michelle Choi-Lee Michelle Choi-Lee ... Campaign Manager

Jan 10, 202252:17

E68: The Beatles: Get Back - Episodes 2 and 3 PLUS: Beatles Deep Cuts

Episodes with music are only available on Spotify.

Iain and I discuss the rest of the Peter Jackson documentary. They finally perform again, publicly (the famous rooftop concert).

Plus we play some deeper cuts. Make sure to listen on Spotify to hear the full tracks.

------------------

The Beatles: Get Back

Series Directed by

Peter Jackson ... (3 episodes, 2021)

Michael Lindsay-Hogg ... (3 episodes, 2021)

Series Cast

John Lennon John Lennon ... Self (archive footage)3 episodes, 2021

Paul McCartney Paul McCartney ... Self (archive footage)3 episodes, 2021

George Harrison George Harrison ... Self (archive footage)3 episodes, 2021

Ringo Starr Ringo Starr ... Self (archive footage)3 episodes, 2021

Michael Lindsay-Hogg Michael Lindsay-Hogg ... Self (archive footage)3 episodes, 2021

Linda McCartney Linda McCartney ... Self (archive footage)3 episodes, 2021

Yoko Ono Yoko Ono ... Self (archive footage)3 episodes, 2021

Mal Evans Mal Evans ... Self (archive footage)3 episodes, 2021

Billy Preston Billy Preston ... Self (archive footage)2 episodes, 2021

Jan 07, 202257:13

E68 (Excerpt): The Beatles: Get Back - Episodes 2 and 3 PLUS: Beatles Deep Cuts