Taking It Down

The Alabama Take
  • 5.0 (37)
  • TV REVIEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

There is a plethora of TV, and much of it is a waste. The people telling you what to watch? Too many of them have stakes in the business. Taking It Down fixes that. Every Tuesday, hosts Blaine, Adam, and Donovan tell you spoiler-free if a show’s worth your time. Then they discuss exactly why a series works or how it became junk. No pretension. No industry spin. Just clear talk that respects your Intelligence and helps you pick what's good to see. You want to know what’s worth it and the reason to watch it, including unpacking the episodes? That’s Taking It Down.

  1. An XL Episode From Rewatches to 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' to 'How to Get to Heaven from Belfast'!

    3D AGO

    An XL Episode From Rewatches to 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' to 'How to Get to Heaven from Belfast'!

    To help this podcast continue and the website The Alabama Take keep going, click this link to donate as much or as little as you wish. Every bit helps. Thank you! They're back after a hiatus that lasted too long! And it's with a plus-sized episode! This week, Blaine begins with how to make a donation for The Alabama Take, why it's important, and how the funds will be used (0:02) Blaine then gives an overview of the episode (1:47). In the non-spoilers, which begin every episode, Blaine, Adam, and Donovan thank those who have helped the site and podcasts thus far (2:44). The episode kicks off in earnest with shows they repeatedly watch and what makes that a must (5:04): included is the series 'Band of Brothers,' which Adam claims to be HBO's best series (5:29) and Blaine found 'Lonesome Dove' a must after hearing of the death of Robert Duvall (11:34). Plus, he throws in the brilliance of comedian Dusty Slay as well as his Alabama connection (13:56). Continuing with non-spoilers, Blaine explains in general how 'Wonder Man' is easily Marvel's greatest television series and its best attempt at anything in many years (15:08). From there, it's non-spoilers for shows that will appear in the spoiler section; the first of which is 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,' what could be the best of the George R.R. Martin universe of shows on HBO (17:19). Blaine and Adam then discuss how Apple TV's 'Shrinking' is stinking and a little bit of why (21:33). Lastly in the non-spoiler section is the new Netflix series 'How to Get to Heaven from Belfast,' which has all three hosts intrigued (22:39). After a short break, they get into the meat of the episode, pondering how goods HBO's 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' truly is and if what appears in the penultimate episode is fully needed (31:06). From there, it's the specifics on Apple TV's 'Shrinking' and why it now sucks (52:47). In the final spoiler conversation, all three hosts have full attention to Netflix's new show 'How to Get to Heaven from Belfast' (1:08:35) because of how quickly it lets the viewer in, which has a lot to do with aging. For more, visit The Alabama Take website. To sign up for the site's newsletter and not rely on social media, sign up here. To help both the podcast and The Alabama Take site itself, consider making a donation of any size with the link here.

    1h 28m
  2. It's the Seventies in Russia and 'A Knight' Makes Us Happy!

    JAN 27

    It's the Seventies in Russia and 'A Knight' Makes Us Happy!

    This week, Blaine welcomes everyone and gives a quick overview of the episode (0:02). From there, Donovan gives the guys the scoop on what the hype is behind the HBO series 'Heated Rivalry' (1:33). After that, the weekend was abuzz because of Netflix's live event 'Skyscraper Live,' which Donovan could not watch (9:31). Continuing in non-spoilers, they introduce 'PONIES' on Peacock (15:09), why 'The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins' is must-see (20:53), and how great it is to be back in Westeros with 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' (28:17). In the spoiler section, the host discuss how 'PONIES' is mostly great, though there could be fixes (30:18). Then they finalize this week's episode with the joy of 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' (43:31). For more, visit The Alabama Take website! To sign up for the site's newsletter rather than rely on social media, sign up here. To help both the podcast and The Alabama Take site itself, consider making a donation of any size with the link here. Companies mentioned in this episode: NBCPeacockHBONetflix

    54 min
  3. The Big TV Preview Episode!

    JAN 16

    The Big TV Preview Episode!

    The podcast episode is a unique, spoiler-free preview of upcoming TV shows set to debut from January through April. Blaine begins everything with a quick overview (0:03) before Adam and Donovan join and get a chance to rebuke his best-of-TV list from 2025 (2:42). Then it's time to discuss what's coming to TV this late winter and early spring as well as gauge our interest on various series (7:42). For more, visit The Alabama Take website with this link. To sign up for the site's newsletter, visit the link here. To help both the podcast and The Alabama Take site itself, consider making a donation of any size with the link here.

    30 min
  4. TV Finales: 'Stranger Things,' 'Plur1bus,' 'Welcome to Derry,' and 'The Chair Company'

    JAN 13

    TV Finales: 'Stranger Things,' 'Plur1bus,' 'Welcome to Derry,' and 'The Chair Company'

    This week, the episode kicks off with the trio—Adam, Donovan, and Blaine—reuniting after their holiday break to discuss the endings of 2025's television. To begin, Blaine breaks down where they've been and how it almost ended (0:02). In the non-spoiler section, the guys join Blaine to talk about 'Stranger Things 5' and its return to form (2:29). They also discuss the finales, without spoilers, for 'Plur1bus' (4:56), 'Welcome to Derry' (6:19), and 'The Chair Company' (9:07). In the spoiler section, it's what made 'Stranger Things 5' work (12:17), what 'Plur1bus' likely had to say (30:54), how 'Welcome to Derry' was more of a roller coaster than show (44:50), and how 'The Chair Company' achieved something utterly wild (49:13). For more, visit The Alabama Take website with this link. To sign up for the site's newsletter, visit the link here. To help both the podcast and The Alabama Take site itself, consider making a donation of any size with the link here.

    1h 1m
  5. Inconsistence in 'Welcome to Derry' and 'Plur1bus' Goes Beyond A.I.

    12/16/2025

    Inconsistence in 'Welcome to Derry' and 'Plur1bus' Goes Beyond A.I.

    This week, Blaine gives a welcome and overview (0:02) before Donovan joins to talk non-spoilers about the D&D heavy episodes of 'Stranger Things 5' (1:12). They briefly talk about the new Netflix film 'Knives Out: Wake Up Dead Man' (6:24). From there, they continue some non-spoiler ideas on if 'Welcome to Derry' is good (7:43) and the amount of episodes left for 'Pluribus' (11:04). In non-spoilers, the bulk of the discussion revolves around 'Welcome to Derry,' where they analyze the show's recent developments and if it can count as having thematic depth (16:19). From there, it is spoiler section for 'Pluribus,' where they recognize its unique storytelling (39:58). For more, visit The Alabama Take website with this link. To sign up for the site's newsletter, visit the link here. To help both the podcast and The Alabama Take site itself, consider making a donation of any size with the link here.

    54 min
  6. How 'Train Dreams' Is the Movie of the Year, 'Plur1bus' Needs One Change, and 'Welcome to Derry' May Pull It Together

    12/09/2025

    How 'Train Dreams' Is the Movie of the Year, 'Plur1bus' Needs One Change, and 'Welcome to Derry' May Pull It Together

    This week, Blaine offers an overview of the podcast as a whole (0:02) before welcoming Donovan and Adam. Where has Adam been all this time (1:32)? From there in the non-spoiler section, they all discuss the worries of the Netflix purchase of Warner Bros and HBO (3:01) before discussing 'Stranger Things 5' and its return to Netflix (7:49). Also on Netflix is the movie 'Train Dreams,' which they question who would enjoy it (14:29) before a quick non-spoiler look at 'Plur1bus' on Apple TV and how it is holding (19:08). They give a similar check-in with the HBO series 'Welcome to Derry' (21:04) before Blaine explains in the non-spoiler section how 'The Beast In Me' on Netflix goes wrong (22:09). He offers 'The Chair Company' as a potential great one before moving on (23:18). In spoilers, the hosts discuss the excellence of 'Train Dreams' (25:59), what needs changed in 'Plur1bus' (51:10), and how 'Welcome to Derry' pales to another current series (1:05:23). For more, visit The Alabama Take website with this link. To sign up for the site's newsletter, visit the link here. To help both the podcast and The Alabama Take site itself, consider making a donation of any size with the link here.

    1h 16m
  7. Welcome to Derry: The Horror That Continues Giving and Connects to Real Life Scares

    12/02/2025

    Welcome to Derry: The Horror That Continues Giving and Connects to Real Life Scares

    Without Adam and Donovan, what's Blaine to do (0:02)? He's in luck. He introduces one of the higher-ups at The Alabama Take (1:16), and Corey comes to the table to first recount 'Return of the Jedi' from years ago (2:01). From there, they briefly discuss this season of 'The Challenge: Vets and New Threats' (2:52) before getting into the meat of the show, which is HBO's 'IT: Welcome to Derry' and how the show successfully balances horror while remaining engaging for viewers in the nonspoiler section (4:56). For spoilers, it's about the plot of the series and if it can maintain its scares (18:35). For more, visit The Alabama Take website with this link. To sign up for the site's newsletter, visit the link here. To help both the podcast and The Alabama Take site itself, consider making a donation of any size with the link here.

    42 min
  8. Thanksgiving Special: The Spoiler Episode for 'Welcome to Derry,' 'Death by Lightning,' and 'Plur1bus'

    11/26/2025

    Thanksgiving Special: The Spoiler Episode for 'Welcome to Derry,' 'Death by Lightning,' and 'Plur1bus'

    Taking It Down is back again in the same week for a Thanksgiving special wit all spoilers, so be careful and use the time stamps! First, Blaine welcomes and gives an overview of the episode (0:02) before reminding everyone about this different podcast episode for Taking It Down (1:35). Once Donovan joins, the two discuss how 'Welcome to Derry' from HBO has mixed merits (3:32). After that, they shift gears to Netflix's 'Death by Lightning,' as it has a witty and energetic narrative (21:15). The conversation then turns to Apple TV's 'Pluribus,' where they try their best to unravel its mysteries (33:46). To end, Donovan offers a brief thought on 'Frankenstein' which is now airing on Netflix (54:07). For more, visit The Alabama Take website with this link. To sign up for the site's newsletter, visit the link here. To help both the podcast and The Alabama Take site itself, consider making a donation of any size with the link here.

    56 min
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Hosts & Guests

5
out of 5
37 Ratings

About

There is a plethora of TV, and much of it is a waste. The people telling you what to watch? Too many of them have stakes in the business. Taking It Down fixes that. Every Tuesday, hosts Blaine, Adam, and Donovan tell you spoiler-free if a show’s worth your time. Then they discuss exactly why a series works or how it became junk. No pretension. No industry spin. Just clear talk that respects your Intelligence and helps you pick what's good to see. You want to know what’s worth it and the reason to watch it, including unpacking the episodes? That’s Taking It Down.

Information

  • Channel
    The Alabama Take
  • Creator
    Blaine Duncan
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    271
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Blaine Duncan
  • Show Website
    Taking It Down

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