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My recap of “411 Exit” includes a discussion of Tyler Durden, family matters, and The Stepford Wives but all in the context of Mr. Robot’s penultimate episode. Enjoy.
My recap of “410 Gone” includes a discussion of romantic comedies, Darlene’s dreams, E-coin dreams, and some moments with Leon. Enjoy!
My recap of “409 Conflict” includes a discussion of Elliot succeeding, Elliot rediscovering himself, and a bit about Angela and the Dark Army too. Enjoy!
My recap of “408 Request Timeout” includes a discussion of the third alter, reconciliation between Elliot and Mr. Robot, and Dom’s revenge. Enjoy!
My recap of 407 Proxy Authentication Required includes a discussion of the foundational event for everything that has happened during the entire show, oh and some stuff about Elliot and Fernando Vera.
My recap of “406 Not Acceptable” includes a discussion of Elliot’s true nature, Dom’s dilemma, and Vera’s bat Enjoy!
My recap of “405 Method Not Allowed” includes a discussion of fingerprinting, the nine lives of Elliot Alderson, and Phillip Price’s pending date. Enjoy!
My recap of “404 Not Found” includes a discussion of desperation, David Lynch, Leonard Cohen, and Big Brother. Merry Christmas Eve!
My recap of “403 Forbidden” includes a discussion of engineering the engineer, prom dresses, and Magda. The contemplation moves me deeply.
Game of Thrones
Well, there is no more Night King, so what can we expect from the battle for King’s Landing? Me recap of "Game of Thrones Season 8 Episode 5 “The Bells”
This episode might finally have broken me, way too much stupid to shake a stick at. Anyway, this is my recap of Season 8 Episode 4 of Game of Thrones “The Last of the Starks”
Does the Night King win the battle for Winterfell? Or will humanity survive the Winds of Winter? Find out in my recap of “The Long Night”
Tyrion tries to stop being stupid, Bran is no longer Bran but he still has a plan, oh and Jon has important news for Daenerys. Enjoy my recap of Season 8 Episode 2 “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms”
Game Of Thrones is back.
Sansa is really smart, Jon Snow and Tyrion are not very smart, and more reunions than you can shake a dragon at.
It’s my first recap of Season 8, enjoy!
“The Dragon and the Wolf” includes betrayals (big and small), reunions, and legendary theories verified for once and for all. Enjoy!
Game of Thrones Season 7 Episode 6 “Beyond The Wall” involves magnificent sacrifices, exposes monumental betrayals, and changes the order of battle dramatically. Enjoy!
Game of Thrones Season 7 Epsiode 5 "Eastwatch" has Jorah returning to Dragonstone, Tyrion taking a trip home, and Sam becoming a lord (and a few other surprises). Enjoy!
In Game of Thrones S7 E4 "The Spoils of War" Arya comes home, Cersei makes friends with a Bank, and one heck of a good battle broke out. Enjoy!
Cersei receives her prize from Euron, Jon Snow gets his prize from Daenerys, Sansa takes charge (and ‘enjoys’ a reunion), and Benioff and Weiss make me grumpy. Enjoy!
My Game of Thrones Season 7 Episode 2 "Stormborn" recap allowed me to discuss Sansa's future, the importance of Realism, and Theon's understandable, but sad, cowardice. Enjoy!
Game of Thrones Season 7 Episode 1: "Dragonstone" is really about starting to draw up the battle lines for the coming conflict between the Iron Throne and the Dragon Throne. Enjoy!
Firing up the Game of Thrones machine for the first time this year in order to talk about the uproar around the #WinterIsHere trailer and about the possibilities of Cleganebowl actually happening this season.
Another chapter in my deep-dive into the Game of Thrones companion book - The World of Ice and Fire: The Untold History of Westeros and the Game of Thrones.
This week, we are covering the chapter "Valyria's Children."
Enjoy!
Another Chapter in my deep dive into The World of Ice And Fire; The History of Westeros and the Game of Thrones.
This week, I am covering the "Valyria's Children" chapter of the book.
Enjoy!
Another entry in my deep-dive into The World of Ice and Fire: The Untold History of Westeros and the Game of Thrones.
This week I am covering the chapter called "The Long Night"
Enjoy!
This is part three of my companion series to the book "The World of Ice and Fire: The Untold History of Westeros and The Game of Thrones."
I am going through every chapter and breaking down the details. This week I am covering "The Age of Heroes" chapter.
Enjoy!
This is my breakdown of the "Coming of the First Men" chapter of the book The World Of Ice and Fire: The Untold History of Westeros and the Game of Thrones.
My goal is to work my way through the entire book, one chapter at a time, to gain a deeper understanding of the A Song of Ice and Fire series of books and the Game of Thrones television show (which I recap).
Enjoy!
I am doing a weekly deep dive into each chapter of George R. R. Martin's book "The World of Ice & Fire: The Untold History of Westeros and The Game Of Thrones.
I am starting at the beginning, this is my examination of the "Dawn Age" chapter.
Enjoy!
So, finally, the end of the series. #1 Battle of the Bastards
Stephen King said that he liked doing this kind of serial release (bit by bit) of his books (I think he did this with The Green Mile).
I know that I am no Stephen King, so maybe that explains why I didn't love doing it this way. But, I believe it took my 11 days to release the 10 parts.
I hope you enjoyed it!
All the way up to #2? Yup, just one more after today in the countdown to #1 of my reasons I didn't love Season 6 of #GoT.
Today I am complaining about the untimely and incomprehensible end of The High Sparrow.
Enjoy!
Just a few left in my series of things that I did not love about Season 6.
Today I am revealing #3 Ramsay Bolton
Enjoy!
Getting to the nitty-gritty, all the way to the final four of reasons that I didn't love Season 6.
Today I am talking about Littlejon Umber's gift to Ramsay Bolton.
Enjoy!
My continuing attempt to burn all possible bridges between myself and all of the other Game of Thrones Fans in the world. Yes, I am doing this despite being a massive fan of GoT.
Anyway, this is part 5 and asks why Bryndon Tully decided he should commit suicide by Swordfighting.
Almost half way through this series where I complain about elements of Season 6 of Game of Thrones.
On the good side, I realize that I am in the minority about Season 6. On the bad side, I am pretty sure I am right about most of this.
In fairness, I do love the series on the whole, but I have to be honest. Enjoy!
Many have asked me throughout Season 6 why I was so critical of Game of Thrones Season 6. This series is my attempt to explain my frustrations with last season.
I fully realize both that I am in the minority about Season 6 and that Benioff and Weiss, on the whole, have done an amazing job. I am a fan of the show.
Enjoy!
Sure, the season may be over, but I promised a few more articles.
Here is the third part of a ten-part series of reasons that I am the one person who did not love Season 6 of Game of Thrones.
Hope you enjoy!
I am counting down the 10 things that made me a critic of Season 6 of Game of Thrones.
Today is #9 and should come as no surprise to anyone that Dorne makes the list.
Enjoy!
Sure, the season may be over, but I promised a few more articles.
Here is the first part of a ten-part series of reasons that I am the one person who did not love Season 6 of Game of Thrones.
Hope you enjoy!
Binge-watch Season 6 of the HBO show Game of Thrones with this in-depth (and sometimes critical) guide.
Who Is Mr. Robots Landlord?
My recap of Mr. Robot Season 4 Episodes 412 and 413 “The Finale” includes a discussion of monsters, masks, Fallout 3, and reintegration. I also take the chance to thank Sam Esmail for allowing us to be part of this great adventure.
My recap of “411 Exit” includes a discussion of Tyler Durden, family matters, and The Stepford Wives but all in the context of Mr. Robot’s penultimate episode. Enjoy.
My recap of “410 Gone” includes a discussion of romantic comedies, Darlene’s dreams, E-coin dreams, and some moments with Leon. Enjoy!
My recap of “409 Conflict” includes a discussion of Elliot succeeding, Elliot rediscovering himself, and a bit about Angela and the Dark Army too. Enjoy!
My recap of “408 Request Timeout” includes a discussion of the third alter, reconciliation between Elliot and Mr. Robot, and Dom’s revenge. Enjoy!
My recap of 407 Proxy Authentication Required includes a discussion of the foundational event for everything that has happened during the entire show, oh and some stuff about Elliot and Fernando Vera.
My recap of “406 Not Acceptable” includes a discussion of Elliot’s true nature, Dom’s dilemma, and Vera’s bat Enjoy!
My recap of “405 Method Not Allowed” includes a discussion of fingerprinting, the nine lives of Elliot Alderson, and Phillip Price’s pending date. Enjoy!
My recap of “404 Not Found” includes a discussion of desperation, David Lynch, Leonard Cohen, and Big Brother. Merry Christmas Eve!
My recap of “403 Forbidden” includes a discussion of engineering the engineer, prom dresses, and Magda. The contemplation moves me deeply.
My recap of “402 Payment Required” includes a discussion of three-card monte, Phillip Price changing teams, and Darlene reconciling with her mother’s death. Enjoy
“Don’t worry, be happy,” my recap of “401 Unauthorized” season four episode one of Mr. Robot. ‘whiterose’ throws everyone into panic and weakness., Price throws a vase, and Dom makes a new friend.
Mr. Robot Eps3.9Shutdown -r ended season three on a disturbing note. We don't know much more than we knew before and the rules of the show seem to have been altered. Follow me down the S3 finale rabbit hole.
An interesting but confounding and confusing episode of Mr. Robot (including many twists and turns). Hopefully, I have read the clues correctly. Enjoy
Mr. Robot Eps3.7dont-delete-me.ko was one of the oddest episodes ever aired that was not directed by David Lynch. Hopefully, I can make a little sense of it all. Enjoy.
Mr. Robot Eps3.6fredrick&tanya.chk is about coming to grips with complicity and accepting the expectation of sacrifice. In other words, things are totally nuts (as usual). Enjoy!
Mr. Robot Eps3.5.kill-process.inc revealed that I was right about the 71 Facilities but also exposed new information about Angela, Tyrell, and announced the Pirce Zhang war. Enjoy!
Mr. Robot Eps3.4runtime-error.r00 brings me back to some old theories about the show, Elliot, Angela, and the Dark Army. Enjoy!
Lots of intrigues and double-dealing on Mr. Robot this week but ultimately Eps3.3metadata.par2 was really about Darlene Alderson.
Mr. Robot Eps3.2legacy.so gets to the bottom of "Who Is Mr. Wellick's Landlord." This week I am talking all things Swedish Fish, coffee mugs, and subtext. Enjoy!
Mr. Robot Eps3.1undo.gz was totally packed with almost non-stop action. One of the most major events in the history of the show happens early and it was almost hard to remember it by the end. Buckle up!
Mr. Robot Eps3.0power-saver-mode.h led me to contemplate fusion, time-travel, parallel universes and disintegration in under one hour and fifteen minutes. Enjoy!
Dissecting the new official Rami Malek interview to see if it offers any clues to how Elliot will end up in disintegration in Season 3 (as promised). Enjoy!
Sometimes you have to spend all normal Mr. Robot operations (like when Sam Esmail is willing to chat about The Cure). Enjoy!
Elliot Alderson is an important protagonist because he represents our diversity, addiction, mental illness, and our massive population of formerly incarcerated people. Enjoy!
This week I am covering a wide-variety of new developments in the Mr. Robot universe from new teaser trailers to interviews with B.D. Wong and Tod Campbell (Mr. Robot's cinematographer)
This week I am covering the Leonard Cohen poem "Democracy" and its application to what might happen during Mr. Robot Season 3. Enjoy!
This week I am talking about the Mr. Robot Season 3 Trailer and the larger significance of the Mr. Robot Original Funko Ads. Enjoy!
This week's Predicting Robot (Mr. Robot) is talking about the artist known as "whiterose" including a short discussion with B.D. Wong and Sam Esmail and a discussion of why a person is a password (not a name). Enjoy!
The San Diego Comic-Con Mr. Robot experience has already started broadening to allow all of us to play with the advent of E-Coin and in the world of E-Corp. Here is a quick guide to the most recent events.
Decarceration Nation
Josh and Joel discuss the Dignity for Incarcerated Women Act and the National Day of Empathy (March 6th). Enjoy!
This week Josh and Joel talk about the problems with Plea Bargains. Enjoy!
This week I interviewed Lauren-Brooke Eisen Senior Counsel at the Brennan Center for Justice and the author of the book "Inside Private Prisons"
Show notes and research from the Decarceration Nation Podcast Episode 4 "Cash Bail." Enjoy!
Why Prosecutors have an immense amount of power to influence criminal justice legislation and to prevent reforms.
Episode 2 of the "Decarceration Nation" podcast (with Josh and Joel) including all of the notes and citations.
The Decarceration Nation Podcast (with Josh and Joel) takes a serious look into radically restructuring our approach to incarceration. Enjoy episode #1!
OPS Spotify Playlists
This is a sampler playlist of songs from my Best Albums of 2017 list. Enjoy, Explore, and Share Music!
Been slacking a bit on the playlists lately, this new mixed-tape style playlist includes music from Waxahatchee, Cayetana, Zola Jesus, DEVO & many others. Explore, Enjoy, and Share Music!
Another grouping of not so randomly organized songs in a mixed-tape style Playlist formation. Cabaret Voltaire, Mas Ysa, The Cure & many others make an appearance. Explore Enjoy and Share Music!
Lots of great new music on this mixed-tape style playlist, songs from Pinact, Worriers, Big Hush, Mescaleros and many others. Explore, Enjoy, and Share Music!
Vanilla Stranger Boy is my weekly Mixed-Tape style playlist featuring Moody Beach, LCD Soundystem, Car Seat Headrest, Julien Baker and many others. Explore, Enjoy, and Share Music!
Sonic Dog Mausoleum is this weeks mixed-tape style playlist including music from Gold Class, Guided by Voices, The National, Protomarty and many others. Explore, Enjoy, and Share Music!
"Bird Bite Hair" is this week's mixed-tape style Spotify playlist including music from Pavement, Echo and the Bunnymen, Downtown Boys, Sleater Kinney and many others. Explore, Enjoy, and Share Music!
Australia's 'Cable Ties' just released their self-titled debut album on Poison City Records and it is really good stuff. Explore, Enjoy, and Share Music!
Another Mixed-Tape style playlist, this one featuring GZA, Mr. Lif & Akrobatic, Super Unison, Arcade Fire, Sacred Paws and many others. Explore, Enjoy, and Share Music!
Orange, Black, or Bleak?
My recap of “Here’s Where We Get off” Orange Is the New Black Season 7 Episode 13 (from the perspective of a formerly incarcerated person). And now we come to the end of a 91 episode journey together.
My recap of “The Big House” Orange Is the New Black Season 7 Episode 12 (from the perspective of a formerly incarcerated person). Gloria faces a decision, Doggett takes a test, and Taystee asks for Storky’s. Enjoy!
My recap of Season 7 Episode 11 of Orange Is the New Black “God Bless America” (from the perspective of a formerly incarcerated person). ICE does disgusting things, Vause does something disturbing, and Fig does something heroic.
My recap of Season 7 Episode 10 of Orange Is the New Black “The Thirteenth” (from the perspective of a formerly incarcerated person). Red gets worse, Alex disappoints, and Aleida annoys.
My recap of Season 7 Episode 9 of Orange Is the New Black “The Hidey Hole” (from the perspective of a formerly incarcerated person). Nicky faces challenges, Piper says something that I agreed with, and we learn more about Lorna.
My recap of “Baker’s Dozen,” Orange Is the New Black Season 7 Episode 8 (from the perspective of a formerly incarcerated person). The Magic chicken reappears, Taystee hides a dose, and.Piper goes hunting.
My recap of “Me As Well,” Orange Is the New Black Season 7 Episode 7 (from the perspective of a formerly incarcerated person). Caputo deals with crisis, Taystee finds new hope, and Piper being Piper.
My recap of Orange Is the New Black “Trapped In The Elevator.” (from the perspective of a formerly incarcerated person) includes discussion of Maria’s confession, different uses for peas and pods, and Cindy’s release. Enjoy!
My recap of “Minority Deport.” episode 5 of season 7 of Orange Is the New Black. This week we will discuss Taystee’s new job, Cindy’s good news, and Red’s non-diagnosis diagnosis.
A recap of Season 7 Episode 4 “How To Do Life” from the perspective of a formerly incarcerated person including discussion of suicide in prison, the Epstein debacle, Restorative Justice, and a discussion of neatness among incarcerated people.
Legacy Playlists
New Ear Candy on this mixed-tape style Spotify playlist featuring New Order (with a brief appearance by Joy Division). This is a legacy playlist in tribute to one of my favorite bands. Explore, Enjoy, and Share Music!
I have been a Prince fan most of my life (since Junior High School).
Yesterday Spotify started streaming most of Prince's albums.
This is my "Sometimes It Snows In April" tribute playlist.
Once a month a do a special themed playlist, this month it is Gothic Rock from the 80's.
The playlist includes songs from Bauhaus, Sisters of Mercy, Clan of Xymox, Cocteau Twins, and many others.
Winter is coming, Explore, Enjoy, and Share Music!
So due to the massive interest in yesterday's playlist, I did a quick edit of "80's Club Friends Part One" the playlist that inspired me to release a sequel last night.
This one includes Big Audio Dynomite, Vicious Pink, Nitzer Ebb, Ministry, and many others!
Explore, Enjoy, and Share Music!
This is the anniversary of the first playlist I ever put up on this blog. I figured I would return to the theme of the first playlist (80's Dance Club).
In addition, Pete Burns (Dead or Alive) passed away this week, and I met him when I was a club DJ and promoter way back in the 80's (RIP).
Explore, Enjoy, and Share Music!
This is a special bonus #Spotify playlist from me to you.
It features ONLY songs from women singers released in 2016 (so far).
Explore, Enjoy, and Share new music!
Once a month I do a deep dive #Spotify playlist into a band that is important to me.
This week it is the band we used to call our hometown band when I was in High School and College, The Flaming Lips.
I am calling the playlist "I Remember A Broken Radio" Enjoy and #ShareNewMusic
Once a month I try to put together a playlist from a Classic band that had a big impact on my life and has the discography to provide enough songs for a good list.
This month's special playlist features the incredibly prolific Athens Georgia band R.E.M.
Enjoy!
A bonus playlist for Friday. A quick tribute to The Hold Steady (since we are coming up on the 10th anniversary of Boys and Girls In America).
Enjoy!
reflections from a black mirror
Is all life a simulation?
Is God a cruel algorithm? These are some of the questions asked and hopefully answered in this edition of Reflections From a Black Mirror “Hang the DJ.”
Reflections From A Black Mirror S4 E2 "ArkAngel" let me ask if our clamoring for safety is worth the cost. Enjoy!
Black Mirror S4 E1 USS Callister (Netflix) is about Star Trek, the uploading of consciousness, and the revenge of "The Greta Cookie." Enjoy!
White Christmas in July means I have finally gotten around to writing my recap of Black Mirror's 'White Christmas' episode. Enjoy!
San Junipero is the most popular episode of Black Mirror but will this recap be my most popular recap?
Reflections from a Black Mirror S3 E4 San Junipero
Enjoy!
A review of the Black Mirror Episode "Men Against Fire" (S3 E5, Netflix)
Black Mirror has a habit of predicting events, in this instance, the "roach raids in "Men Against Fire" seem very similar to the ICE deportations happening all over our country today.
We are being put in a very compromised ethical position by recent events, will we choose to implant a MASS device or become sanctuaries?
Black Mirror Season 3 Episode 1: Nosedive Recap
Sorry for the delay, I just needed a short Black Mirror recap break. So, let's delve into what social capital really stands for.
Enjoy!
Binge-watch the Netflix series Black Mirror with this comprehensive guide to all of my in-depth companion pieces including the incredible art of Brazil's Butcher Billy.
My Recap of Black Mirror's S1 E1 "The National Anthem" Episode which is available on Netflix but was first shown on British Television on December 4th, 2011.
The National Anthem reminds me of many things from Colin Kaepernick's flag protest to President-Elect Donald Trump's protest of the evidence of Russian hacking of Election 2016.
Enjoy!
This is my recap of Black Mirror S1 E3 The Entire History of You
It will include discussions of memory, surveillance, algorithms, and ethics. In other words, just another typical OPS post.
Enjoy!
All Time Albums
We lost another true music Giant today in Prince Nelson Rogers.
I have been a fan of his most of my life, to say I am sad would be an understatement. Here is my attempt to celebrate an artist who had a HUGE influence on my life.
RIP Prince Nelson Rogers, condolences to his family, friends, and the rest of his fans (like me).
After 20 (22) entries, I am bringing my All-Time Albums series to a halt.
Find out why, and check out the first 20 posts in this series all-over again.
On Wednesday's I post an All-Time Album. Today's album marks the 20th post in this series.
I wanted this one to matter, so I am choosing Unknown Pleasures by Joy Division both because of it's importance in my life and because it is a great album.
This week, the All-Time album is "Ocean Rain" by Echo and the Bunnymen. "Ocean Rain" is the 19th in my All-Time Album series (a new album is profiled every Wednesday).
I put this particular album off for a long time because it has been a very big part of my life for over three decades now. As always, I hope that I do it justice. Enjoy!
"Sister" by Sonic Youth represents the 18th in my All-Time Album series. This post tells the story of how I used to find music back in the day, how I first encountered the music of Sonic Youth and their album "Sister," and why this out of the many great albums in the Sonic Youth canon.
Every Wednesday is another album in the series (last week was Power, Corruption, and Lies by New Order
Every Wednesday is another All-Time Album.
This week the "lucky" album is New Order's Power Corruption and Lies. PC&L was the second album New Order put out after the death of Ian Curtis forced Joy Division to become New Order. This is still, all these many years later, my favorite New Order album.
Every Wednesday I post a new entry into my All-Time Album series.
This week's entry is The Low-End Theory by A Tribe Called Quest.
Every Wednesday, I post an All-Time Album.
This week, my choice is the blistering sonic adventure for your ears known as "Bleach" by Nirvana.
Every Wednesday I post an All-Time Album.
This week's All-Time Album is "The Clash" by The Clash
Enjoy!
Every Wednesday, I post another All-Time Album.
This week's All-Time Album is Radiohead's "The Bends"
Enjoy the story of how I first encountered Radiohead!
Most Popular
Orange Is the New Black Season 5 Episode 1 "Riot FOMO" allows me to talk about why violence happens, the structural basis of prison violence, and why Caputo isn't really a nice guy. Enjoy!
Iron Fist has gotten a lot of flack in the early going, but how much of that criticism was fair? And most important, how entertaining was it?
Enjoy!
The 18th entry in my Red Wheelbarrow series which is a deep dive into the Mr. Robot companion book.
This week, Elliot tries to swallow far too many "sanity pills" and finds himself awash in paranoia.
Enjoy!
This is my recap of Black Mirror S1 E3 The Entire History of You
It will include discussions of memory, surveillance, algorithms, and ethics. In other words, just another typical OPS post.
Enjoy!
Somehow, I got Mr. Robot writer, director, and creator Sam Esmail to answer some of my questions about a recent interview he gave Andy Greenwald and Chris Ryan (of The Ringer).
Enjoy!
This is my long-promised post answering the season-long and ongoing criticism of Mr. Robot by critic Matt Zoller Seitz (Vulture).
Enjoy!
As promised, this is my post about Sam Esmail, Mr. Robot, and David Lynch with the assistance of the late great David Foster Wallace (RIP).
I hope to write at least one more post about Mr. Robot Season 2 before I put the season to bed for good.
Enjoy!
Binge-watch HBO's Vinyl with this expert guide written from the perspective of the music. Vinyl certainly had its flaws, but also contained real genius.
My recap of Mr. Robot Season 4 Episodes 412 and 413 “The Finale” includes a discussion of monsters, masks, Fallout 3, and reintegration. I also take the chance to thank Sam Esmail for allowing us to be part of this great adventure.