Assume It Will Be Brilliant

Assume It Will Be Brillant
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Join Nomsa and Portia as they explore the network and television streaming universe to discuss how the stories being told on our screens relate to life, love, pop culture, current affairs, social justice and everything in between.

  1. 08/14/2025

    Everything is on Fire...but Sugar We're Going Down Swinging

    In this episode, Portia and Nomsa say goodbye as Season Five of the podcast comes to an end. From the surprise success of "Paradise" to the gripping themes in "The Bear," in a lively discussion they reflect on the season's highlights and share their thoughts on all the shows they wish they could have discussed with you this year. These include HBO MAX's riveting medical drama 'The Pit', Apple TV's Seth Rogen led satrical comedy 'The Studio', the second season of the ever popular video game based 'The Last of Us', and just to sprinkle in a little reality mess...Netflix's 'The Ultimatum Queer Love'. They share their insights on the realism of medical dramas, the humor in comedies, and the emotional depth of post-apocalyptic narratives, while also leaving room to critique the current state of their podcasting inspiration, the long-running Shonda Rhimes offering 'Grey's Anatomy'. 00:00 Season Five Reflections 04:28 Exploring 'The Pit' 12:35 'The Studio' on Apple TV 19:49 'The Last of Us' Season Two 26:44 Reality TV: 'The Ultimatum Queer Love' Discussion 32:46 Final Thoughts on 'Grey's Anatomy' Season 21 #TheLastOfUs #ParadiseShow #TheBear #ThePit #TheStudio #UltimatumQueerLove #FourSeasonsShow #GreysAnatomy If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Follow us on Instagram at @assumeitwillbebrilliantpod and email us at assumeitwillbebrilliant@gmail.com with your thoughts! Music: Humblux - S.H.E. Cali Greens - Artillery (Extended Clip) 8, 14, and 18

    39 min

  2. 07/31/2025

    Everything is on Fire...is Capitalism Fanning the Flames?

    This week Nomsa and Portia make it a double feature! They discuss the third and final season of Hwang Dong-hyuk's mega hit Netflix show Squid Game alongside Apple TV's Jon Hamm led dark comedyYour Friends and Neighbors in order to tease out what both show have to say about the effects of capitalism society and the individual. They contrast and compare the different struggles of the characters in 'Squid Game' against those of the affluent but trapped lives in 'Your Friends and Neighbors'; consider the role of capitalism in shaping societal values and individual choices; and offer reflections on the power of spectacle and the human condition in a capitalist world. 00:00 - Introduction 05:30 - The global impact and themes of 'Squid Game'. 15:45 - Your Friends and Neighbors: Commentary on American capitalist culture. 25:00 - Juxtaposition of Wealth and Desperation: The two shows' portrayal of capitalism. 35:20 - The Power of Spectacle: How both shows reflect on societal values and human nature. 45:00 - Gender and Choices: The different choices faced by men and women in both shows. 55:30 - Final thoughts  #SquidGame #Capitalism #TVShows #PodcastDiscussion If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Follow us on Instagram at @assumeitwillbebrilliantpod and email us at assumeitwillbebrilliant@gmail.com with your thoughts!

    50 min

  3. 07/17/2025

    Everything is on Fire...We can't 'Bear' to see it end

    In this episode, Nomsa and Portia delve into a Pod favorite - the fourth and fantastic season of FX's hit fine dining Chicago based dramedy - 'The Bear'. They explore the shows main characters' development and emotional self-actualization arcs, as well as the show's brilliant balance of humor and gravity. Nomsa and Portia also touch upon the importance of specificity in cultural representation and the depth of relationship and conflict among characters. The conversation highlights key episodes and concludes with reflections on the finale, and how it potentially sets the stage for future character growth and narrative direction. 00:00 Introduction and Empowerment 01:52 Exploring Season Four of The Bear 07:50 Character Development and Emotional Journeys 12:07 Realistic Conversations and Monologues 16:38 Family Dynamics and Vulnerability 22:03 Cultural Representation and Personal Growth 25:41 Mentorship and Cultural Connections 28:53 Exploring Bicultural Experiences 31:54 Family Dynamics and Emotional Labor 36:05 Navigating Relationships and Vulnerability 40:39 The Finale: Growth and New Beginnings If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Follow us on Instagram at @assumeitwillbebrilliantpod and email us at assumeitwillbebrilliant@gmail.com with your thoughts! Music: Humblux - S.H.E. Cali Greens - Artillery (Extended Clip) 8, 14, and 18

    50 min

  4. 07/10/2025

    Everything is on Fire...A Handmaid Lets it Burn

    In this episode, Nomsa and Portia discuss the sixth and final season of Hulu's TV adaptation of the classic text by Margaret Atwood eponymously named The Handmaid's Tale. In this conversations, as usual, they delve into the themes and character dynamics of the show, exploring it's relevant and dystopian world of Gilead where the roles of women are strictly and opressively prescribed, and where those without power are constantly navigating the complexities of acting ethically and morally within, outside and against an oppressive regime. Nomsa and Portia discuss all the main characters and how their journeys reflect broader societal issues. The conversation highlights the show's critique of patriarchy, the struggle for identity, and the consequences of compliance and resistance, culminating in reflections on the series finale, its lasting impact, and speculation on whether further adaptations of Margret Atwood's work to continue the story are forthcoming. CW: Mentions of sexual assault and violence 00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Show 01:56 Dystopian Themes and Women's Subjugation 06:28 Character Arcs and Emotional Struggles 10:24 Resistance and the Fight for Freedom 17:48 Complex Relationships and Betrayals 24:36 Closure and Reconciliation 31:40 The Future of Gilead and the Ongoing Struggle Instagram: @assumeitwillbebrilliantpod  Music: Humblux - S.H.E. Cali Greens - Artillery (Extended Clip) 8, 14, and 18

    37 min

  5. 07/03/2025

    Everything is on Fire…and “You” Lit the Match

    In this episode, Nomsa and Portia discuss the series finale, season 5 of Netflix's 'You'. They focus on the character of Joe Goldberg and the themes of trauma, wealth, power, and accountability, as well as the show's dark humor and societal commentary and reflections. They explore Joe's relationships, his relationship tp those relationships, and the delusions that both he and the women around him experience. Overall, they highlight the show's ability to provoke thought about the nature of evil, the consequences of actions, and the societal structures that enable and hide such behaviors, allowing them to persist. 00:00 Introduction to the Series Finale of 'You' 01:29 Character Analysis: Joe Goldberg's Journey 04:51 The Complexity of Joe's Relationships 09:16 The Show's Dark Humor and Themes 10:41 Casting and Performance Highlights 12:34 The Delusion of Joe Goldberg 17:17 Societal Reflections on Wealth and Power 22:28 The Impact of Wealth on Accountability 26:33 Character Dynamics and Family Rivalries 29:45 The Illusion of Change in Abusive Relationships 34:50 Concluding Thoughts on the Series and Its Themes Instagram: @assumeitwillbebrilliantpod  Music: Humblux - S.H.E. Cali Greens - Artillery (Extended Clip) 8, 14, and 18

    44 min

  6. 06/26/2025

    Everything's on Fire...But Nothing Burns Like Adolescence

    In this episode, Nomsa and Portia delight in disucssing the deeply moving and technical triumph that is Netflix's hit psychological crime drama Adolescence. They explore the shows themes of of masculinity, the impact of social media and technology on youth, the complexities of victimhood and accountability, and the societal judgments and implications of a narrative surrounding a young boy accused of murder for misogynistic reasons. Ultimately, they highlight the need for deeper and more honest conversations about gender, masculinity, and violence in contemporary society. 01:04 Overview of 'Adolescence' Series 02:59 Character Analysis and Performances 07:55 Themes of Masculinity and Adolescence 11:58 Psychological Insights and Parental Dynamics 17:55 The Impact of Technology and Society 24:02 Exploring Violence and Responsibility 29:56 Cultural Reflections and Gender Dynamics 37:30 Concluding Thoughts on Masculinity and Media Instagram: @assumeitwillbebrilliantpod  Music: Humblux - S.H.E. Cali Greens - Artillery (Extended Clip) 8, 14, and 18

    51 min

  7. 06/19/2025

    Everything is on Fire...and so is Severance S2

    In this episode, Portia and Nomsa delve into the intricacies of Apple TV's 'Severance', focusing on its second season while reflecting on the entire series. They explore the concept of severance, where employees have their memories split between work and home lives, leading to profound moral dilemmas. The hosts discuss character dynamics, the slow-burn narrative style, and the overarching themes of power, control, and grief. They also touch on the show's mysteries and plot twists, emphasizing the emotional depth and complexity of the characters. Focusing on the characters' motivations and the implications of their actions in the shows unique (but somewhat universal) corporate environment, they delve into the intricate emotional arcs presented in the second season, discuss the satirical elements of work-life balance, and what is anticipated for the upcoming third season. 00:00 Introduction to Severance 01:05 Understanding the Concept of Severance 04:47 Character Dynamics and Relationships 08:59 Themes of Power and Control 11:34 The Slow Burn Narrative 16:25 Mysteries and Plot Twists 20:45 Grief and Redemption 22:58 Exploring Character Dynamics and Motivations 29:24 Favorite Scenes and Emotional Arcs 35:31 Work-Life Balance and Satirical Elements 43:41 Anticipating Season 3 and Character Developments Instagram: @assumeitwillbebrilliantpod  Music: Humblux - S.H.E. Cali Greens - Artillery (Extended Clip) 8, 14, and 18

    46 min

  8. 06/12/2025

    Everything's on Fire..But We're in Our Happy Place Watching Shrinking

    In this episode, the hosts discuss the Apple TV show 'Shrinking,' focusing on its themes of grief, therapy, and community. They explore character dynamics, particularly the relationships between the main character, Jimmy, and those around him, including his daughter, friends, and colleagues. The conversation highlights the show's blend of comedy and drama, emphasizing the importance of healing through relationships and the complexities of personal growth. They explore themes of community dynamics, the confrontation of shame and guilt, and the distinction between growth and change in relationships. The hosts also share their favorite characters and predictions for future seasons, reflecting on the show's ability to tackle serious topics with humor and heart. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Show and Hosts 01:06 Overview of 'Shrinking' and Its Themes 05:08 Character Dynamics and Relationships 10:11 Season Two Developments and Character Growth 15:09 Community and Healing Through Relationships 20:04 The Role of Therapy and Personal Growth 25:11 Exploring Shame and Compassion 29:54 Character Favorites and Predictions for the Future Instagram: @assumeitwillbebrilliantpod  Music: Humblux - S.H.E. Cali Greens - Artillery (Extended Clip) 8, 14, and 18

    39 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Join Nomsa and Portia as they explore the network and television streaming universe to discuss how the stories being told on our screens relate to life, love, pop culture, current affairs, social justice and everything in between.

Information

  • Creator
    Assume It Will Be Brillant
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    72
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Assume It Will Be Brillant
  • Show Website
    Assume It Will Be Brilliant