Shat on TV

Best TV Podcast Reviews

Tagged: Francis

Westworld

Westworld Episode 4 Instant Take: “The Mother of Exiles”

All you pearl-divers got your answer as “Westworld” Season 3, Episode 4 revealed more of Dolores’ master plan, kicked up the violence, and turned on the sex appeal.Gene was left wondering, “Why Caleb?” Ashley raised an eyebrow at how Bernard and Stubbs knew so much, and Big D scribbled down a timeline that would make Carrie Matheson proud.The Shat Crew also discusses perhaps the goofiest “Westworld” moment of 2020 and learns to accept the show on its own terms.

Westworld-Episode-3-Theories-The-Absence-of-Field

Westworld

Westworld Episode 3 Theories: “The Absence of Field”

Texas shows up strong in this listener mail edition of Shat on TV: Westworld. Your email and voicemail concerning Season 3, Episode 3, brought in lots of expertise, from theoretical physics to medical protocol.This week’s topics include time as a loaf of bread, the “noble savage” philosophy, humanism vs. determinism, and how to pronounce Rehoboam like a true church-goer.We also talk Isaac Asimov, “Westworld” sound design, and a string of Umm … Actually for a defenseless Dick Ebert.

Westworld-Episode-3-Reviews-The-Absence-of-Field

Westworld

Westworld Episode 3 Review: “The Absence of Field”

Who the Hale is Charlotte? Roger Roeper returns to “Shat on TV” to explore the biggest question presented by Westworld Season 3, Episode 3: “The Absence of Field.”Ashley Schlafly explains the poem behind the episode’s title and reaches back to Ancient Rome to illustrate the predicament Caleb is facing. Gene Lyons celebrates Westworld’s vision of future tech: personal assistants, predictive models, augmented-reality glasses, artificial intelligence, drip implants, and of course that one stupid ambulance. The Shat Crew also looks into Charlotte’s self-mutilation, chunky metal balls, Serac’s identity, and Jamaican riot robots.

Westworld-Episode-3-Review-The-Absence-of-Field

Westworld

Westworld Episode 3 Instant Take: “The Absence of Field”

If your main question after Season 3, Episode 3, was “who’s in those pearls?” you missed a lot of really good TV. Westworld’s genre-switching was phenomenal; Tessa Thompson’s portrayal of another inside Charlotte Hale’s shell was impeccable, and plausible glimpses of future tech were both astonishing and chilling. In this instant reaction episode, we touch on Rahobo’s mirror reality, Caleb’s augmentation, Charlotte’s predator within, and the very idea of identity. The Shat Crew also announce their new Twitch channel and celebrate pedophile murder. Also, if you miss our opening theme music, blame Apple for not allowing Audacity on Catalina. We’ll have it fixed for the Deep Dive.

Westworld-Episode-1-Theories-Parce-Domine

Westworld

Westworld Episode 1 Theories: “Parce Domine”

Lister mail after the “Westworld” Season 3 Premiere covers Caleb’s humanity, the toll of trauma on military veterans, the anime “Psycho-Pass,” livestock lessons in an “umm, actually,” and sucking a butt. Things get steamy as Ashley Schlafly’s husband calls in; Gene bemoans his position as the podcast’s scapegoat; and Big D rebuke’s Mr. Lyons’ arrogance. The Shat Crew also explains why it sometimes uses listeners’ full names, why self-driving cars have driver seats and leaving room for Rehoboam.

Westworld Episode 1 Review Parce Domine

Westworld

Westworld Episode 1 Review: “Parce Domine”

Is the “real world” just a simulation? Is Francis a fidelity test? What’s Incite up to, and why is Gene Lyons so happy? We answer these questions and more in Shat on TV’s first “Westworld” Deep Dive of Season 3. Episode 1, “Parce Domine” brought us a Bible lesson, a new face for artificial intelligence, a missing Delos board member, updated opening credits, and a frank examination of personal data. Plus, Big D brings up “Robopocalypse” yet again; Gene laments freedom of choice, and Ashley talks opera.

Westworld Episode 1 Instant Take Parce Domine

Westworld

Westworld Episode 1 Instant Take: “Parce Domine”

Westworld Season 3 started off with a bang, literally, as new characters stepped onto the scene, familiar faces got their hands dirty, and HBO reminded us why it’s the king of TV production. The sets were amazing, the vision of the future was painstakingly detailed (if not derivative), and nudity was abundant. In this instant reaction episode, we highlight performances by Lena Waithe, Aaron Paul, and Marshawn Lynch; welcome the new “benevolent dystopian” vision laid out by “Westworld;” and theorize on the significance of Incite and Rehoboam. Also, Big D coins the term “Bernard Reverse Valet Mode,” Ash draws parallels to “Black Mirror,” and Gene drools over the soundtrack.

Westworld Season 3 Kickoff Telegraph

Westworld

Westworld Season 3 Kickoff Telegraph

“Westworld” fans write in and the Shat Crew responds to email about where Season 3 occurs, how to watch Season 2, where we’ve seen Kid Cudi before, who’s in Charles’ magical pearls, and more. We also read reviews (some nice, some not-so-nice) of our newest host, Ash, and Roger learns big words.