Author: Alastair

Ep. 58: White Collar

~ Alastair ~ 5 Comments

We conclude our Writing Communities series with a look at White Collar, a smart, likable series with two great central performances. Thanks to everyone for listening, commenting and being a part of the conversation. PopD will return after the summer hiatus!

[Listen now] | [Go to iTunes]

Story Analysis & Ratings:

Lucy says: 4 Pops ~ Lucy’s comments are coming soon.
Lucy’s rating breakdown: Protagonist: 5, Main Cast: 4, Supporting Cast: 3
Alastair says: 4 Pops ~ A fun, engaging show that is much smarter than it needs to be. Peter and Neal are great characters, their relationship is fascinating, and their world is one of sharp lines and gorgeous cinematography.
Alastair’s rating breakdown: Protagonist: 5, Main Cast: 4, Supporting Cast: 3

Poll: Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.

Info:

Story: A white collar criminal agrees to help the FBI catch other white collar criminals using his expertise as an art and securities thief, counterfeiter and racketeer. Creators: Jeff Eastin

Ep. 57: Leverage

~ Alastair ~ 7 Comments

Leverage is sharp, smart and engaging, but scratch the surface and you’ll find some of the deepest, most fascinating character writing on television.

[Listen now] | [Go to iTunes]

Story Analysis & Ratings:

Lucy says: 5 Pops ~ Lucy’s comments are coming soon.
Lucy’s rating breakdown: Protagonist: 5, Main Cast: 5, Supporting Cast: 5
Alastair says: 5 Pops ~ This show built on a strong beginning to become one my favorites. Deep, deft characterization complements tight plots, and the writing is nothing short of brilliant. Unmissable.
Alastair’s rating breakdown: Protagonist: 5, Main Cast: 5, Supporting Cast: 5

Poll: Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.

Info:

Story: A crew of high-tech crooks attempt to steal from wealthy criminals and corrupt businessmen. Creators: John Rogers, Chris Downey

Ep. 56: In Plain Sight

~ Alastair ~ 9 Comments

U.S. Marshall Mary Shannon must protect her witnesses and take care of her family with the help of her partner and an unlimited amount of snark. Stay tuned after the music for our five-minute rant about season four!
[Listen now] | [Go to iTunes]

Story Analysis & Ratings:

Lucy says: 3 Pops ~ Lucy’s comments are coming soon.
Lucy’s rating breakdown: Protagonist: 3, Main Cast: 3, Supporting Cast: 3
Alastair says: 3 Pops ~ This show does so much right, but is compromised by a unlikable, self-righteous protagonist. Enjoy it for the episodic storytelling, but don’t hold out hope that anyone will meaningfully arc — or stick around if they do.
Alastair’s rating breakdown: Protagonist: 2, Main Cast: 4, Supporting Cast: 3

Poll: Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.

Info:

Story: U.S. Marshall Mary Shannon must hunt down witnesses for federal cases in the witness protection program while also raising a rather dysfunctional family and her own personal life. Creator: David Maples

The July 4th Job

~ Alastair ~ 1 Comment

Jenny is returning from RWA in New York, Lucy and Alastair are entangled in home repairs, and everyone is busy with preparations for tomorrow’s celebrations. Since we’re all otherwise engaged, we’re going to cancel the live chat to accompany today’s viewing of Leverage.

The episodes for today are The Nigerian Job and The Juror No. 6 Job, both from the first season. Watch them whenever you have time, and we’ll take the conversation to the podcast comments.

The In Plain Sight podcast will go up on the site tomorrow, with Leverage coming a few days after. White Collar will be our last live chat of the season, and then we’re taking the PopD Summer Hiatus, which you should imagine as a sun-drenched summer musical full of attractive people in 1960s-style bathing suits.

Have a great weekend everyone, whatever you’re celebrating!

Ep. 55: Life

~ Alastair ~ 13 Comments

In this (very belated) episode, we look at the complex and fascinating story of Charlie Crews, a falsely-imprisoned police officer who goes back to work to find those responsible.
[Listen now] | [Go to iTunes]

Story Analysis & Ratings:

Lucy says: 5 Pops ~ Lucy’s comments are coming soon.
Lucy’s rating breakdown: Protagonist: 5, Main Cast: 5, Supporting Cast: 5
Alastair says: 5 Pops ~ The writing unfolds beautifully as the story progresses, revealing new layers of complexity and character. Life may not be to everyone’s taste, but it’s a masterclass in character writing.
Alastair’s rating breakdown: Protagonist: 5, Main Cast: 5, Supporting Cast: 5

Poll: Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.

Info:

Story: A former police officer returns to the force after having been wrongly imprisoned for years. Creator: Rand Ravich