The Prestige TV Podcast The Ringer

Justin Sayles and Jodi Walker struggle for power to recap ‘Ren Faire,’ a three-part HBO docuseries. They start by discussing their personal experiences with renaissance fairs, the complicated trio of main characters at the heart of this absurd Texas Renaissance Festival conflict, and what makes the Safdie brothers–produced documentary so refreshing (1:23). Along the way, they talk about how ‘Ren Faire’ illustrates themes indicative of our time regarding older people in positions of power (17:55). Later, they debate who ended up being the most tragic figure in the story and whether the blend of traditional documentary filmmaking with highly stylized techniques fully landed (29:13).

Hosts: Justin Sayles and Jodi Walker
Producer: Kai Grady
Additional Production Support: Justin Sayles
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Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney reunite in the courtroom to recap the two-episode premiere of ‘Presumed Innocent,’ the Apple TV+ limited series starring Jake Gyllenhaal. They start by discussing the benefits of translating this well-known courtroom drama into a serialized iteration, the strong ensemble of actors led by a showstopping Ruth Negga performance, and the violent nature of the story (1:05). Along the way, they unpack how swapping out Harrison Ford for Gyllenhaal significantly alters the chemistry of the Rusty Sabich character (28:00). Later, they talk through David E. Kelley’s lasting imprint on legal television and whether a single case is enough to sustain an eight-episode arc (37:31).

Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney
Producer: Kai Grady
Additional Production Support: Justin Sayles
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Charles Holmes and Jodi Walker fight with the monster under the bed to recap ‘Eric,’ the six-episode limited Netflix series starring Benedict Cumberbatch. They start by discussing their complicated reactions to the pilot, why the subplots are much more interesting than the main story line, and how the narrative becomes increasingly convoluted as the show progresses (2:06). Along the way, they unpack its attempts to tackle an overwhelming number of heavy themes throughout the bizarre crime drama (18:01). Later, they talk through the tonal whiplash and surprising twists in the finale (23:49).

Hosts: Charles Holmes and Jodi Walker
Producer: Kai Grady
Additional Production Support: Justin Sayles
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Rob Mahoney and Wosny Lambre lace up and hit the hardwood to recap the ‘Clipped’ two-episode series premiere. They start by sharing their initial feelings on the first two episodes, what makes the essence of V. Stiviano so difficult to capture on-screen, and the over-the-top nature of the performances (Laurence Fishburne’s Doc voice is certainly a choice) (1:38). Along the way, they discuss how the actual basketball sequences take away from the show (23:27). Later, they point out some of their favorite NBA superstar portrayals from the FX sports drama before handing out their own awards for Player of the Game and Most Uncanny Valley Moment (26:01).

Hosts: Rob Mahoney and Wosny Lambre
Producer: Kai Grady
Additional Production Support: Justin Sayles
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Joanna Robinson and Mallory Rubin face off head-to-head and recap the ‘Hacks’ Season 3 finale. They start by discussing their favorite episodes from the back half of the season, the stacked guest appearances throughout, and the intoxicating dynamic between Deborah and Ava (1:28). Next, they unpack the final moments of “Bulletproof” and the major twist at the end of the episode (12:07). Later, Joanna is joined by ‘Hacks’ cocreator Jen Statsky to talk about the rhythm of Deborah and Ava’s relationship, why it was important to heighten the stakes for this season, toying with romantic tropes with various characters, and much more (28:27).

Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Mallory Rubin
Guest: Jen Statsky
Producer: Kai Grady
Additional Production Support: Justin Sayles
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Justin Sayles and Jodi Walker go back to the courtroom and recap ‘The Jinx: Part Two’ finale. They start by discussing how Season 1 concluded with one of the most shocking endings ever, how true crime has progressed as a genre and since exploded into mainstream popularity between seasons, and why the opening scene is the most powerful moment in ‘Part Two’ (1:43). Next, they unpack how the return of the HBO docuseries differs from the initial run of episodes and what worked (and didn’t) across this unexpected follow-up season nearly 10 years after the fact (9:01). Later, they break down why some of the stuff left on the cutting-room floor had the potential to improve the final product of the second season (44:41).

Hosts: Justin Sayles and Jodi Walker
Producer: Kai Grady
Additional Production Support: Justin Sayles
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