Contemplating Cartoons - The Animated Dramedy

Julian Meush September 28, 2017

Why does BoJack Horseman make me sad? Why do I contemplate my own existence after watching Rick and Morty? More importantly, why is that so important? Both shows are blazing new ground for animated programming and I examine what sets them apart from their peers.

What Happened to Toys "R" Us?

Julian Meush September 20, 2017

With the announcement that Toys "R" Us would be filing for bankruptcy I look back at what made the big-box toy store so special, where they might have gone wrong and what the toy market looks like now that they're gone.

G.R.R.M. Themed Boxes from ReedPop.com

Daniel D'Souza August 17, 2017

You've heard us talking about these boxes on our podcast, they're a Game of Thrones fan's dream come true. A beautifully illustrated, gilded edition of A Game of Thrones, a gigantic silk map of King's Landing, a copy of the Game of Thrones card game, its insane! Not to mention the detailed lithographic map of Westeros signed by George R.R. Martin! Thanks to ReedPop.com we can now bring these boxes to you at a discounted price!

2017 So Far: Movies

Julian Meush July 3, 2017

With 2017 already half over it's time to look back on some of the movies that have graced the silver screen since January 1. Let's be honest, the first half of the year hasn't been great for film but the stuff that was good, was really good. I highlight the best of the best (and one of the worst) in my top 3 standout films of 2017 so far.

2017 So Far: TV

Julian Meush June 22, 2017

We’re almost exactly halfway through the year, and we’ve been treated to a treasure trove of amazing TV so far. So in an effort to organize my thoughts about what I’ve watched so far, and as a means of getting a head start on our year-end Best-Of’s, here are my top 3 standout shows (and one dud) from the first half of 2017.

The New Trend in Trailers

Julian Meush June 9, 2017

We often discuss trailers and their accompanying trends here at Tower of Babble. Whether it's the "sombre piano", the "transformers noise" or the recent "remixed classic rock song", it's always fun to take a look at the monkey-see monkey-do nature of Hollywood. So in that same vein, here's an article from SlashFilm that I didn't know I wanted but I'm glad exists.

Mar 20, 2026

Bonus Episode - 2026 Oscars Recap

Matt and Julian are back to unpack the results from last Sunday's Academy Awards ceremony. While the show itself had few surprises (there was a tie though so that's something!), between Conan's bits, the winners, and the losers, there is plenty to discuss. Congrats to 'One Battle After Another', PTA and all the winners ('Sinners' probably deserved a better fate, but respect to MBJ for his ascension)! Plus, I still can't believe the bit about making Leo into a meme actually made another meme. Join us for the full deep dive!

Mar 14, 2026

Bonus Episode - 2026 Oscars Preview Show

Julian is back from vacation just in time or the 98th Academy Awards! Airing tomorrow (Match 15th), hosted once again by Conan O’Brien, it’s the most prestigious night in Hollywood (after the Tobies of course). This is Matt’s first time on the preview show, so the format is tweaked a bit from our traditional reviews of Oscar noms, though there is still some of that. A broader approach is taken, with a larger focus on the ceremony itself, a peak at the front runners in each category, as well as the betting odds. It’s not all new-school though, find Julian’s traditional “will win”/’want to win” ballots below (Matt will put his together privately) for those curious. Lastly, look for a follow-up show discussing the ceremonies, unpacking the winners, and scoring the ballots next week. Until then, grab your tux, hit the red carpet, rub elbows with the celebs, and enjoy the 2026 Oscars!

Feb 12, 2026

SSSW - Kathleen Kennedy Steps Down

There have been rumours circulating for years about the eventual retirement of Kathleen Kennedy from her role as President of Lucasfilm. Never mind the seemingly constant swirling demands for her head from segments of the fan base. And while those rumours and demands may have felt at times unwarranted, they were nevertheless always going to be right... eventually. Kathleen Kennedy, after 14 years as head of the studio announced that she would be stepping down and returning to a more traditional producer role, and her successors would be Dave Filoni on the creative side, and Lynwen Brennan on the business side. Julian and Rachel unpack the announcement, the press coverage, and even Kennedy's exit interview with Deadline, reading between the lines and trying to get a read on her legacy. As well as examining what life might be like under Filoni as Star Wars enters a new era under his watch. Plus, a check-in on 'The Mandalorian and Grogu' following the underwhelming Super Bowl spot.

Jan 26, 2026

Episode 204 - Oscar Noms + 2026 Predictions

As noted by the recent Tobies, awards season continues in full flight, so it's no surprise to have The Oscars drop their nominations just in time for Matt and Julian to break them down. 'Sinners' taking home 16 noms sets an Oscars record and (more importantly) validates Julian's recent Tobie pick. Plus, the guys return to a more traditional news format with headlines about James Bond, Game of Thrones, He-Man and more! Finally, the guys look into their crystal balls, gazing into the future, to make entertainment-based predictions for the year 2026. How will the WB/Netflix deal play out? Will Star Wars have a hit with 'The Mandalorian and Grogu'? Will Nolan's 'The Odyssey' be as big as 'Oppenheimer'? Only the ToB hosts can tell you! (No future lotto tickets or sports almanacs unfortunately)

Contemplating Cartoons - The Animated Dramedy

What Happened to Toys "R" Us?

G.R.R.M. Themed Boxes from ReedPop.com

2017 So Far: Movies

2017 So Far: TV

The New Trend in Trailers

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