Blaine Duncan, TV Analyst

Taking It Down

Tv EN ↓ 288 episodes

Edifying TV disussion from the working class South. Every episode of Taking It Down starts spoiler free and goes into specifics for analysis later: a look at both text and subtext. Join hosts Blaine, Adam, and Donovan each Tuesday morning. A part of The Alabama Take podcast family. Since 2019. The only working class TV podcast.

Author

Blaine Duncan, TV Analyst

Category

Tv

Podcast website

www.thealabamatake.com

Latest episode

Jul 7, 2026

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Episodes

'Good American Family' Defies Stereotypes; 'The White Lotus' Asks Its Deepest Questions Yet 08.04.2025

This week, Taking It Down begins with a welcome and how to help if you enjoy the episode (0:01). Also in the introduction is an overview of what the episode covers (1:38). From there, Blaine begins the non-spoiler section to drop in for a brief thought on the new Apple TV+ show 'The Studio' (2:21). The podcast moves into a non-spoiler presentation of the Hulu sensation 'Good American Family,' a se...

The Darker Approach of 'The White Lotus'; Plus, What News on 'The Pitt' Says for TV 01.04.2025

This week on Taking It Down, host Blaine begins with a welcome and how listeners can help the podcast (0:01). Once co-host Adam joins, the podcast begins its non-spoiler section as the two hosts question where Donovan is (1:28) before quickly getting into news about 'The Pitt' on Max and what that news tells us about TV (1:59). Also in non-spoilers is their conversation about the new Apple TV+ ser...

That First Episode of 'Adolescence' 27.03.2025

It's an extra episode this week, as we discuss the Netflix' series, 'Adolescence,' a show that's been being lauded by many. After a short welcome and a method for our audience to help the podcast if they would like (0:01), we briefly discuss some TV of late (2:15). Then we break down some of the buzz surrounding 'Adolescence' in the non-spoiler section (3:03). After the break, we discuss what make...

Resentments, Decisions, Guns: 'The White Lotus' and Ending of 'Severance' 25.03.2025

This week, we dive deep into emotional waters of our podcast as we first dedicate the episode to the memory of Lauren Beck, a vibrant young writer whose spirit and words brightened our community (0:01). To begin, we touch base on 'Dope Thief' from Apple TV+ and its third episode, but it's covered in the non-spoiler section for those who are still deciding about the series (3:14). Also in non-spoil...

Cost of Class: 'Dope Thief,' 'The White Lotus' and 'Severance' 18.03.2025

This week, Blaine gives a welcome to listeners and lays out the format for anyone new -- as well as small request (0:01). After a quick hello to Adam and Donovan, Blaine explains to them in the non-spoiler section on why 'Dope Thief' on Apple TV+ could be the next must watch piece of TV (1:11). After that, it's a few cursory thoughts on where 'The White Lotus' is at this point with no spoilers (8:...

How 'The White Lotus' Improved, The Internet Is Wrong About 'Severance,' and New Shows 11.03.2025

Taking It Down begins with host Blaine welcoming new listeners as well as a piece of homework for all interested (0:01) To kick off the non-spoiler section this week, Blaine gives Adam a list of many new shows that neither have seen to determine what would make for a good episode of the podcast (1:59). 'Celtic City' on HBO shows what good sports documentaries should do (3:05). 'Deli Boys' on Hulu...

'Zero Day' Fails, 'The White Lotus' Needs a New Template, and 'Severance' Soars 04.03.2025

This week, we begin with a welcome and small request (0:09). Then it's into the TV discussions. 'Zero Day' on Netflix may look like a thrilling ride with Robert De Niro in the lead with an all-star ensemble, but in the non-spoiler section, we begin with it and why it fails (1:11). Also in the non-spoiler section is the HBO show 'The White Lotus' and how the third season needs to change (8:53). As...

Why Watch 'The Pitt,' The Resort of Well Being in 'The White Lotus,' and Conversations in 'Severance' 25.02.2025

Blaine begins the week with a welcome and quick summary of the episode this week (0:01). After getting Adam into the co-host's chair, Blaine begins the non-spoiler section and tries to convince him that 'The Pitt' is one of the best and most different medical dramas on TV, but is Adam sold on it (1:44)? The two also talk about the return of 'The White Lotus' on HBO for its third season (13:49). Fo...

Religion and Work: 'American Primeval' and 'Severance' 18.02.2025

This week's episode of Taking It Down opens with a welcome specific to new listeners (0:01) before a quick summary for the week (0:45). Donovan and Blaine then talk about what sticks with them throughout the fifty years of 'Saturday Night Live' (2:17) before shifting into the different Wild West of the Utah War in Netflix's series 'American Primeval' (6:59). The guys break down the show and its co...

Real or Simulated: 'Severance' and Its Fourth Episode 11.02.2025

This week, it's a quick look at 'American Primeval' on Netflix and a close look into the fourth episode of Apple TV's 'Severance.' To begin, Blaine gives some non-spoiler thoughts on the first three episodes of the Netflix Western 'American Primeval' and how it overcome an early issue (0:28). Then with Adam and Donovan, the three discuss what's on TV soon with 'The White Lotus' from HBO (6:01). St...

'Severance' Survives Mystery and Idea Explanations of 'The Brutalist' 04.02.2025

The episode begins with brief, non-spoiler thoughts on 'Silo' and its most recent season (0:52). Then the three hosts discuss the acclaimed TV series 'Severance' from Apple TV+ and if it can hold all of the mysteries it is creating (5:14). Also in the non-spoiler section, Adam and Blaine praise the very thing that could make 'The Brutalist' a turn-off to a few (10:23). After the break, the hosts g...

Your Own Innie: 'Severance' Is Back and the Impact of David Lynch 21.01.2025

This week, the Taking It Down cast reflect on the profound work of director and musician David Lynch (1:51). Then it's the much-anticipated second season of 'Severance' on Apple TV+ as it has finally arrived, and they start broad, with no spoilers, on its complexities and themes (10:30). Blaine, Donovan, and Adam then get into the spoilers of the first episode of the second season where they explo...

Bob Dylan, Vampires, and Popes: 'A Complete Unknown,' 'Nosferatu,' and 'Conclave' 14.01.2025

The TV and streaming podcast for The Alabama Take returns from its winter break, which means it's time for movies. It's a set of three films, and every episode begins with some broad and non-spoiler thoughts to begin, and in this case, it's the Bob Dylan movie 'A Complete Unknown' (0:59). The crew then answers if 'Nosferatu' is worth the theater experience (7:34). Then they end the non-spoiler sec...

From Shogun to Shadows: Our Top Picks of 2024 Revealed 24.12.2024

Join the host Blaine Duncan as he introduces the premise of show "Taking I Down" as the one podcast to hear get your knowledgek of hosts join for their favorite moments from 2024, which from television, movies, books, and music that brought them joy. The conversation kicks off with a spirited discussion of the standout series "Shogun" and the impressive finale of "What We Do In The Shadows." They...

Final Farewell: Grief and Growth on 'Somebody Somewhere'; If 'Silo' Now Sucks; Prepping for Another End 17.12.2024

This week on Taking It Down, the hosts get into the emotional finale of HBO's 'Somebody Somewhere,' in broad ways in the non-spoiler section to begin the episode (1:08). Additionally, they discuss the second season of Apple TV+'s 'Silo,' as they now have mixed feelings on the show (5:48). For the weekly spoiler section, they recount 'Somebody Somewhere' and its run on HBO with talk about its poign...

'Say Nothing' Challenges Good and Evil 10.12.2024

This week, the hosts get to the back half of FX/Hulu's series 'Say Nothing.' For non-spoilers, they discuss the change in the show in tone and focus (0:55). For spoilers, talk about the specifics of the impact of the narrative's pacing, starting with episode six (5:10). The conversation also touches on the real-life implications of violence and the lingering effects of trauma on individuals and co...

Is 'Shrinking'Good? Thanksgiving with 'Somebody, Somewhere.' More on 'Say Nothing' 03.12.2024

This week's episode begins, as usual, with the non-spoiler section. First up, Adam returns and is eager to talk about 'Say Nothing' (0:07). They also talk about 'Shrinking' in the non-spoiler section (7:25). And then give a recommendation or not on the movie on Apple TV+ 'Blitz' (10:41). As the episode moves into spoilers, the crew discuss the vital Thanksgiving episode of 'Somebody, Somewhere' an...

The IRA,Vampires, and Hope in 'Say Nothing,' 'What We Do In The Shadows,' and 'Somebody, Somewhere' 26.11.2024

This week's episode begins with some basics on Thanksgiving (0:03) before Blaine and Donovan welcome new listeners who may be from the Bluesky app (2:44). After that, they begin the non-spoiler section for judgements on the TV shows 'Say Nothing' on FX/Hulu which presents a grounded story on the Troubles in Ireland (3:23). Then they explain why 'What We Do In The Shadows' on FX/Hulu still works af...

What Is Dad TV and Is That What 'Silo' Is? How Good Was 'The Penguin' In The End? 19.11.2024

Easily the best episode to date! This week on Taking It Down, Blaine, Adam, and Donovan start with the debacle of 'Paul vs. Tyson' on Netflix, which somehow results in what social media is of late (0:04). For the non-spoiler section that begins each episode, they shift into the premiere of the second season of the Apple TV+ serires 'Silo' and determine if it fits the mold of "Dad TV" (4:39). What...

True Heartland and Big Emotions: 'Somebody, Somewhere' and 'My Old Ass'; Plus, 'Janet Planet' on Max 12.11.2024

The weekly TV podcast begins with Adam, Donovan, and Blaine revealing the listener survey results, which had surprises on what people like and how they watch TV (1:30). In the non-spoiler section of the podcast, they all determine that shows like 'Somebody, Somewhere' are great and have a pertinence in today's landscape (4:39). Blaine recounts generalized ideas about 'Janet Planet,' now streaming...

From Marvel to Mental Health: 'Agatha All Along' Finale and 'Shrinking' with T.D. Wood 05.11.2024

This week, Blaine begins with an introduction for anyone listening on Election Day in the United States (0:01) before moving into non-spoiler thoughts on the Disney+ series 'Agatha All Along' (1:17). Its season finale coincided with Halloween, but did it have anything else going for besides fan service? Then host of 'Takin' On Sports,' TD Wood, joins the show where they discuss the evolving dynami...

Unpacking a South: 'TrueSouth' in Jasper and 'Road Diary' with Springsteen's Working Journey 29.10.2024

This week, Blaine announces a survey with a chance to win for listeners (1:35). From there, it's a lot of TV to choose from. What do you pick (1:46)? Then he recounts the journey of a particular Southern landscape of Jasper via 'TrueSouth' and its most recent episode on the SEC Network and Hulu without spoiling the latest from the show (3:32). Also in the non-spoiler section, he offers recommendat...

Beavers, Penguins, Challenges, and Disclaimers! 22.10.2024

On the weekly episode of the TV podcast, there are so many choices (0:38)! To begin the non-spoiler section, Adam returns as he and hosts Blaine and Donovan try to unpack the quirky world of movie 'Hundreds of Beavers,' which truly exemplifies unconventional storytelling (0:59). The trio also explores the audience for 'Disclaimer,' a new series on Apple TV+, without any spoilers (7:57). The three...

Shenanigans of 'Bad Monkey' Are Top Notch! Pitting 'Penguin' Against 'Agatha,' and What Threads Says 15.10.2024

This week on the TV and streaming podcast, Blaine offers a quick introduction (0:01) and finds out that Threads offers plenty of ideas on what not to do (2:19)! Then Blaine and Donovan dive into the intriguing worlds of 'Bad Monkey' as the beginning of the nonspoiler section of the podcast (3:20). Blaine pits 'The Penguin' against 'Agatha All Along' and finds a clear winner in 'The Penguin' withou...

The Haunting Light of 'I Saw the TV Glow' and the Second Episode of 'The Penguin' 08.10.2024

This week's episode begins with how to help out the podcast if you wanted (0:58) before moving into some brief thoughts on the new trailer for season two of 'The Last of Us' from HBO (2:51). In the nonspoiler section, Blaine and Donovan discuss the visually captivating film 'I Saw the TV Glow' and the latest episode of 'The Penguin' (4:35). As they shift to a deeper analysis and spoilers, listener...

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