Needs Some Introduction
As a lifelong film and TV fan I try to bring historical knowledge of narrative trends to my weekly analysis and reviews (and hopefully a bit of humor also).
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Episodes
Friday Dec 12, 2025
Friday Dec 12, 2025
Victor breaks down the latest episode of Pluribus in a solo episode. Carol takes full advantage of her privilege but hedonic delights are less effective when it comes too easy. On the other hand, Manousos finds nothing at all easy as he tries to traverse most of a continent but gets thwarted by a particularly prickly tree.
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Monday Dec 08, 2025
Monday Dec 08, 2025
In this episode of 'Need Some Introduction,' host Victor and co-host Darren discuss various topics including their week-to-week watch updates. After reviewing the new Noah Baumbach film 'Jay Kelly' they delve into their thoughts on the penultimate episodes of HBO’s 'Welcome to Derry,' expressing mixed feelings about its narrative and execution. They also have a deep discussion revering the intricacies and strengths of HBO’s 'Watchmen' series, re-exploring its themes, character development, and exceptional storytelling. The conversation finishes with a peek at upcoming shows and movies they plan to cover in the future episodes including 'Fallout' and Netflix's 'Knives Out' sequel.
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00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:13 Current Shows and Future Plans
00:59 Netflix and HBO Deal Discussion
02:29 Theatrical Releases vs. Streaming
07:30 Upcoming TV Shows and Movies
18:35 Jay Kelly Movie Review
31:38 Welcome to Derry Episode Discussion
33:49 Critique of the Episode's Pacing and Script Issues
35:00 Imagery and Pennywise's Character Design
36:07 Sacrificing Richie: A Questionable Decision
37:57 Overstuffed Plot and Character Development Issues
38:04 Positive Aspects: Opening Scene and Practical Effects
39:17 Flashbacks and Scattershot Filmmaking
42:57 The Military's Plan and Its Flaws
48:23 Madeline Stowe's Daughter Storyline
49:24 Preview of Upcoming Seasons
51:54 Watchmen Rewatch: Highlights and Analysis
01:07:25 Upcoming Reviews and Final Thoughts
Friday Dec 05, 2025
Friday Dec 05, 2025
In this episode of 'Need Some Introduction,' host Victor and co-host Sona delve into the sixth episode of 'Pluribus' season one. They discuss the plot revelations including Carol's unsettling discovery about the food source, her unexpected trip to Las Vegas, and her interactions with Mr. Dete. They explore the philosophical complexities presented by the show's depiction of an artificial intelligence entity and its implications for the surviving humans. The episode also touches upon Carol's loneliness and her continued resistance to the new world order. Additionally, there is a discussion about the character Min and his own journey of discovery. Finally, the hosts touch on other recommended shows and movies such as 'The Beast in Me' and 'If I Had Legs I Would Kick You.'
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00:00 Introduction and Thanksgiving
03:09 Listener Feedback and Easter Eggs
06:36 Streaming Services and Industry News
11:53 Upcoming TV Shows and Movie Releases
15:59 Episode Breakdown Begins
19:14 Carol's Revelation and Vegas Visit
46:29 A Touching Act of Kindness
47:04 Breakfast and Character Development
47:53 Mr. Diabate's Deeper Understanding
48:29 Carol's Arrogance and Isolation
49:01 Carol's Conspiracy Mode
52:03 The Reality of the Situation
56:08 Manousos' Fascinating Day
58:03 The Journey Begins
01:05:36 Speculations and Theories
01:15:09 The Beast in Me Discussion
01:24:27 End of Year Reflections
Monday Dec 01, 2025
Monday Dec 01, 2025
In this episode of 'Need Some Introduction,' host Victor is joined by Darren to discuss their latest TV and movie watches. The episode primarily focuses on the sixth episode of 'Welcome to Derry,' while also touching on the unexpected finale of 'The Chair Company,' and individual impressions of Joel Edgerton's performance in 'Train Dreams.' The conversation digs into theories, character developments, and cliffhangers, along with exciting previews and recommendations for upcoming releases. Additionally, the hosts dive into a rewatch of 'Watchmen' and speculate about the next steps for their TV watching schedule, including the upcoming series 'Fallout.'
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00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:30 Thanksgiving Catch-Up and Solo Episode Insights
01:54 Theories and Speculations on TV Shows
03:35 Stranger Things Phenomenon
11:11 Upcoming Netflix Releases and Reviews
15:17 Train Dreams: A Deep Dive
26:23 Chair Company Finale Spoilers
28:55 Unraveling the Dog Conspiracy
29:15 Ron's Son's Unusual Scholarship Plan
29:42 The Big Reveal and Season Finale
30:48 Speculations and Conspiracies
32:02 The Show's Renewal and Future Speculations
35:15 Welcome to Derry: A New Discussion
35:31 Critique of the Current TV Season
36:44 Character Dynamics and Storylines
43:27 Thematic Analysis and Metaphors
49:02 Watchmen: A Deep Dive
52:21 Upcoming Shows and Final Thoughts
Wednesday Nov 26, 2025
Wednesday Nov 26, 2025
In this Thanksgiving episode of 'Need Some Introduction,' Victor goes solo to breakdown the latest episode of 'Pluribus,' entitled 'Got Milk.' He covers the show's plot development, and the emerging themes. Victor also discusses future podcast content, including 'Welcome to Derry' and rewatching 'Watchmen,' and upcoming TV series like 'Fallout' Season 2 and various HBO releases. The episode also includes details on current streaming deals on platforms like Apple TV, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Peacock, and Paramount+, with recommendations for taking advantage of these offers. The episode ends with Victor's speculative theories regarding the mysterious milk substance discovered by Carol in 'Pluribus', and his inviting listener feedback.
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00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
00:16 Thanksgiving and Pluribus Episode Breakdown
00:56 Rewatching Watchmen and Cultural Themes
02:23 Upcoming Shows and Award Season
03:38 Streaming Deals for Thanksgiving
07:26 Carol's Struggles and Metaphors in Pluribus
15:09 Carol's Isolation and Investigation
18:15 Carol's Message and Philosophical Questions
23:21 Carol's Isolation and Human Connection
25:03 Animal Behavior and Virus Transmission
28:24 Carol's Encounter with Wild Dogs
30:02 The Mystery of the Milk Containers
35:08 Carol's Investigation and Cliffhanger
36:16 Speculations and Future Directions
42:14 Podcast Announcements and Closing Remarks
Friday Nov 21, 2025
Friday Nov 21, 2025
In this episode of Needs Some Introduction, Victor and Sona delve deep into the fourth episode of 'Pluribus,' titled 'Please Carol'. In news, the hosts discuss the recent TV show renewals and the intriguing bidding war between Netflix, HBO, Paramount, and Comcast for HBO's content. Detailed analysis of the episode covers Manuso's struggle for survival in Paraguay, Carol's quest to understand the unified consciousness, and the cliffhanger involving Zosia's fate. Broader themes such as the potential evolution of the hive mind and the importance of individualism are also explored. Speculation on future episodes includes the potential meeting of Manuso and Carol and the possibility of a cure for the unified consciousness. The episode wraps up with a mention of upcoming content and a discussion on maintaining thematic coherence.
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00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:28 Thanksgiving Plans and Travel Woes
02:06 HBO Announcements and Industry News
04:11 Show Recommendations and Reviews
11:08 Discussion on 'Please Carol' Episode
14:38 Manuso's Struggle for Survival
32:01 The Whiteboard Revelation
32:42 Carol's Hospital Visit
33:09 Freedom Falls and Carol's Past
34:25 The Unified Consciousness Dilemma
38:52 Carol's Experiment with Sodium Pentothal
45:20 The Cliffhanger: Zosia's Fate
55:01 Speculations and Future Plot Points
01:00:40 Recording Schedule and Closing Remarks
Tuesday Nov 18, 2025
Tuesday Nov 18, 2025
In this episode of 'Need Some Introduction,' Victor and Darren discuss various Stephen King adaptations, focusing on the new film 'The Running Man,' directed by Edgar Wright and starring Glen Powell. They compare the new film to the original 1980s Schwarzenegger version and to Stephen King’s book. They also touch upon King’s upcoming series adaptations, including 'Dark Tower,' and provide thoughts on 'Welcome to Derry' and its connection to the 'It' universe. Additionally, they critique 'The Running Man' adaptation’s box office performance, Edgar Wright’s filmography, and preview 'Train Dreams' while contemplating revisiting HBO’s 'Watchmen' series.
The conversation wraps up with a brief discussion about the disappointing Welcome to Derry episode.
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00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
00:17 Current Show Discussions: Welcome to Dairy and Pluribus
00:23 Stephen King Adaptations and Mike Flanagan's Works
03:57 The Running Man: Book vs. Movie
08:20 Edgar Wright's Directorial Style and Film Analysis
14:00 Glen Powell's Performance and Career
24:40 The Running Man's Ending and Final Thoughts
32:13 Critiquing the Ending
33:31 Lengthy Sequences and Pacing Issues
36:05 Box Office Performance and Star Power
41:24 Edgar Wright's Filmography
56:47 Welcome to Derry Episode 4
Friday Nov 14, 2025
Friday Nov 14, 2025
In the latest episode of the Need Some Introduction podcast, host Victor and co-host Sona delve into the third episode of the Apple TV series 'Pluribus,' titled 'Grenade.' They discuss Carol’s struggles with isolation and control in a post-apocalyptic world where everyone except her is part of a hive mind. The episode breaks down Carol’s interactions with other characters, her growing frustration, and her plans to leverage her newfound understanding of the rules governing this new world. Alongside, the hosts touch on various other series and movies, including 'One Battle After Another,' 'Edington,' and 'Poker Face.' The conversation also explores broader themes of socialism, human connection, and the disparities between the rich and the poor.
Then Victor and special guest, Lucy, who is making her first appearance on the podcast, discuss a wide array of television shows and movies. They dive into the highs and lows of 'Alien Earth,' disappointed by its promising start but unsatisfying finish before focusing on 'Down Cemetery Lane,' Mick Heron's adaptation for TV, which has captured their interest more than the latest season of 'Slow Horses.' They talk in-depth about the unique blend of British humor and drama, shedding light on cultural nuances and discussing standout characters portrayed by Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson. Finally, in recommendations, they discuss Scorsese rewatches, shout-out 'Good Boy,' a low-budget horror movie praised for its creativity and 'Sorry, Baby,' a touching film now available on HBO Max.
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00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
00:33 Movie Recommendations and Reviews
02:22 TV Show Updates and Cancellations
05:35 Upcoming Podcast Episodes and Discussions
06:22 New Shows to Watch
12:31 Harlan Coben Adaptations
19:27 Down Cemetery Road Review
25:20 Pluribus Episode Breakdown
36:06 Cloudy Skies and Missed Opportunities
38:39 Isolation and Personal Loss
41:18 Comfort Shows and Personal Reflections
42:42 A Perfect Yet Flawed World
53:20 The Grenade and Realizations
01:04:17 Speculations and Future Directions
01:10:18 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:10:35 Discussing 'Alien: Earth' Series
01:12:21 Reviewing 'Down Cemetery Lane'
01:13:12 Comparing 'Down Cemetery Lane' and 'Slow Horses'
01:14:56 Character Analysis: Ruth Wilson and Emma Thompson
01:23:20 Visual Style and Cinematic Risks
01:28:25 Mistrust in Government and Bureaucracy
01:29:24 British Cultural Perceptions
01:30:39 Humor and Cultural References in the Show
01:36:04 Supporting Characters and Their Impact
01:37:38 Recent TV Shows and Movies Discussion
01:40:53 Low Budget Films with High Impact
01:42:15 Final Recommendations and Farewell
Monday Nov 10, 2025
Monday Nov 10, 2025
In this episode of Need Some Introduction, host Victor is joined by Darren to dive into a variety of film and TV show discussions. They review the new Predator film, discussing its themes and technical achievements. They also explore Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein adaptation on Netflix, dissecting its artistic elements and impact. Lastly, they delve into the third episode of Welcome to Derry, analyzing its storyline and connections to Stephen King's IT. The episode also includes a brief discussion on other current shows and movies, providing audiences with recommendations and insights.
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00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:40 Discussion on 'Welcome to Derry' and Related Shows
01:34 Listener Feedback and 'Pluribus' Coverage
07:01 Recommendation: 'Death by Lightning' on Netflix
16:47 Review of the New 'Predator:Badlands' Film
26:45 Review of the New 'Frankenstein' Adaptation
37:12 Del Toro's Attention to Detail and Design
40:36 Digital vs. Film in Gothic Romance
41:09 Frankenstein's Overpowered Strength
41:30 Set Design Critiques
44:19 Del Toro's Filmography Rankings
47:21 The Devil's Backbone and Blade II
48:10 Hellboy and Pan's Labyrinth
50:04 Pacific Rim and Crimson Peak
51:01 The Shape of Water and Nightmare Alley
55:45 Pinocchio and Final Thoughts on Del Toro
59:06 Welcome to Derry: Episode 3 Review
01:08:02 Upcoming Reviews and Final Remarks
Friday Nov 07, 2025
Friday Nov 07, 2025
In this episode of 'Need Some Introduction,' host Victor and his guest Sona delve into the much-anticipated Apple TV Plus series 'Pluribus,' created by Vince Gilligan. They discuss the show's intriguing blend of horror, comedy, and drama, featuring Ray Seehorn in the lead role. The conversation spans the show's initial setup, its thematic elements, and the philosophical questions it raises about individuality and collective consciousness. They also touch on parallels between the show's premise and the current AI revolution. Additionally, the hosts share personal anecdotes, including Sona's cultural connections and Victor's experiences with AI in his professional life. The episode concludes with a teaser for their next discussion on the series 'The Beast in Me.'
mailto:needssomeintroduction@gmail.com
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
01:03 Halloween Recap and Family Stories
03:42 New York City Politics and Election Insights
06:17 Upcoming Podcast Episodes and Movie Reviews
07:53 Technical Issues with Apple TV
09:00 Pluribus Series Discussion Begins
09:14 Vince Gilligan's Career and X-Files Connection
13:37 New Series: The Beast and Me
16:02 Pluribus Episode Breakdown
48:51 High-Stakes Motorcycle Chase
50:08 The Plane Scene: A Love-Hate Relationship
52:27 Carol's Arrival and the Hive Mind
54:39 The Lady Pirate Revelation
55:37 Carol's Emotional Outburst
58:58 The Unified Consciousness Debate
01:22:10 Philosophical Musings on AI and Humanity
01:36:51 Upcoming Show Preview and Final Thoughts