Game of Thrones S1E8 "The Pointy End": ToB Breakdown Rewatch

Julian Meush July 23, 2018

With three new shows in three weeks I think we can officially call this a new a streak. Unfortunately, it won't last long as we're quickly coming up to the end of this season one rewatch. This week, Julian and Dan tackle the eighth episode of the season: "The Pointy End", which finds Ned in the Black Cells, life getting tough for the Stark girls, Rob raising an army, Danny having a crises of conscience, and Jon facing a new threat.

Game of Thrones S1E7 "You Win or You Die": ToB Breakdown Rewatch

Julian Meush July 16, 2018

Once is a fluke, twice is a coincidence; so we'll hold off until our S1E8 breakdown before calling this a new streak, but we're back for the second straight week to break down more Game of Thrones goodness for you! This week Julian and Daniel discuss Robert's last wishes, Ned's continued blunders, Jon's vows, Danny's brush with death, and much more!

Game of Thrones S1E6 "A Golden Crown": ToB Breakdown Rewatch

Julian Meush July 10, 2018

After a long, and unexpected, hiatus Julian and Daniel are back to break down the second half of Game of Thrones season one. Our most sincere apologies for dropping off the face of the known world. In this episode the guys discuss Ned's reinstatement as Hand, Robert's boar hunt, Tyrion's trial by "combat", and Drogo's gift for Viserys. Plus, Lookout for a special message to begin the show laying out the plan for the rest of the season. Cheers!

Game of Thrones S1E5 "The Wolf and the Lion": ToB Rewatch Breakdown

Julian Meush March 14, 2018

Tyrion finds himself on the Eastern Road, Ser Barristan stands vigil for the fallen knight Ser Hugh, after losing to Ser Loras a furious Gregor Clegane goes berserk, forcing the Hound to intervene, Bran attends his world history class, Arya stumbles across ancient Dragon skulls in the dungeon, Yoren warns Ned of Tyrion's abduction, Robert issues an assassination order, Ned abandons his role as Hand, Jaime confronts Ned and Jory outside Littlefinger's brothel, and the first observable blow is struck.

Game of Thrones S1E4 "Cripples, Bastards, and Broken Things": ToB Rewatch Breakdown

Julian Meush March 7, 2018

Tyrion visits Bran with a gift, Drogo's Khalasar arrives in Vaes Dothrak, Ned follows Jon Arryn's trail, the Hand's tourney begins, Jon protects a new recruit at the Wall, Ser Hugh rides against the Mountain, Viserys vents his frustration, Sansa hears the story of the Mountain and the Hound, and Catelyn confronts Tyrion at the Inn at the Crossroads.

Game of Thrones S1E3 "Lord Snow": ToB Breakdown Rewatch

Julian Meush February 28, 2018

Ned meets the Lords of the Small Council, Bran wakes up with no memory of his "accident", Catelyn and Rodrik try to sneak into the capital, Daenerys learns that she is with child, Jon embarrasses the other recruits, Arya refuses to forgive Sansa for the tragedy on the Kingsroad, Jorah rides for Qohor, Tyrion meets with the Commanders of the Night's Watch, and Arya meets her Dancing Master.

Game of Thrones S1E2 "The Kingsroad": ToB Breakdown rewatch

Julian Meush February 21, 2018

Julian and Dan are back to break down Episode 2: "The Kingsroad" in which: the Royal procession prepares to leave Winterfell, Dany tries to cope with the Dothraki lifestyle, Tyrion decides to visit the Wall, Jon Snow bids farewell to the Starks, Robert and Ned butt heads over the Targaryen threat, and Sansa finally meets her prince, only to see his true colours on the Kingsroad.

Game of Thrones S1E1 "Winter is Coming": ToB Breakdown Rewatch

Julian Meush February 14, 2018

Surprise! Happy Valentines Day, Game of Thrones friends. With the final season not set to premiere until 2019 the wait for season 8 feels unbearable. Fortunately, Julian and Daniel are here to ease the pain and deliver some Game of Thrones goodness during this "long night". Join the guys as they break down every single scene from Game of Thrones inaugural season, and bath in the nostalgia of what became the start of a phenomenon.

Game of Thrones Season 7 Bonus Episode: ToB Breakdown

Julian Meush September 5, 2017

The 7th and penultimate season is over and it's time to look back and reflect on the season that was. Julian and Daniel discuss the season as a whole and give their overall thoughts on the state of the series. After that it's time for predictions, speculation and prognostication as the guys turn their gaze to the future and look ahead at what might happen in the 8th and final season. But it doesn't end there! Fan questions are answered, prizes are awarded, donors are thanked and much more in what is the final ToB Breakdown of the year!

Game of Thrones S7E7 "The Dragon and the Wolf": ToB Breakdown

Julian Meush August 29, 2017

That's it. Another season of Game of Thrones has come and gone. With this year's finale now behind us, the question becomes did they stick the landing on what has been a somewhat rocky season? Julian and Daniel sit down to provide an answer to that complicated question and in the process dissect every detail of this week's extended 80 minute episode. An episode that saw Danny and Cersei finally meet, Tyrion make a plea, Sam and Bran come to a profound realization, Sansa and Arya put aside their differences, Jaime's and Cersei part ways and, Jon and Danny consummate a budding romance. Oh and The Wall fell.

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Bonus Episode - ToB Film Club - Almost Famous (2000)

November 5, 2026

I learned after seeing this movie that Cameron Crow, the writer/director, describes this movie as semi-biographical, and to be honest it sort of reframes the whole picture. Because, one might ask themselves, not knowing any better, why this movie stars a 15-year old rock reporter, as opposed to, you know, an adult? But given that Mr. Crowe was writing this about himself, well... I guess congrats? You've lived a pretty cool life. That all being said, I did enjoy 'Almost Famous' quite a bit. It has a lot to say; commentary on cultural/artistic criticism, uniqueness of sub-cultures, the power of music, what defines a genuine connection, etc. Largely it feels like a hang-out movie, meaning none of those concepts are explored in great depth, but it shows you enough of everything to feel like a complete idea. Aiding in this are the the well drawn characters (again, probably because they're based on real people) portrayed by a big-name cast all performing at or near the top of their game. I mean, it's hard to be upset with a movie with Philip Seymour Hoffman playing a jaded music journalist with a penchant for 'The Who' (Winnipeg represent!). It drags a bit near the end, but the pseudo-epilogue, which puts a finer point on the story, is worth the wait.

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October 8, 2026

Bonus Episode - ToB Film Club - Office Space (1999)

October 8, 2026

Every so often a piece of media comes around that speaks to the truth of our modern society in such an astute way that it just simply cannot be denied. Mike Judge's 'Office Space' might be THE exemplar of this. Despite being almost 30 years old, it still captures the reality of office work in such painful clarity that it still resonates as powerfully today, if not even more powerfully (god knows, Corporations have only seemingly gotten worse since Y2k). Amazingly, despite the low-hanging, cringe humour, fruit that was perfectly captured by 'The Office' just 6 years later (2005), this movie plays it much more like a straight comedy, and yet it's manages to capture the soul-deadening nature of office work the endures for many to this day. While not perfect, there are moments so enduring that this movie will continue to resonate as long as people continue to work in an office. No notes. Eat the rich - Burn it all down!

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August 21, 2026

ToB Interlude - The Odyssey

August 21, 2026

Despite being over 3000 years old, Homer's 'The Odyssey' has remained an enduring work of fiction. It's hard to conceive how many times this story has been told and retold. For this reason it's all the more compelling to have one of our generations greatest visual storytellers reinterpret this foundational work for modern audiences. In fact, you could argue this may be the richest interpretations, while understanding the limitations of the filmic medium, given the wonders of modern technology (imagine what the ancient Greeks would think of this!). That's without even mentioning that this film was shot entirely on 70 mm IMAX film (a first of it's kind), and while it may very well be a dying medium, it remains one of the grandest forms of visual storytelling available still today. A beautiful marriage of subject and medium. That is all to say that Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' is a remarkable film. The job of pulling an ancient text into the modern world in way that still captures the imagination is no easy task, but I can safely say accomplished with style by Nolan. While certainly not perfect, the film's ability to leverage the story of Odysseus to deliver a message profoundly relevant to our current time speaks both to the timeless nature of the story but also to Nolan's craftsmanship to shape his telling in such a way as to be pointed in the parable. Which may end up being the film's enduring legacy.

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July 30, 2026

Bonus Episode - ToB Film Club - The Warriors (1979)

July 30, 2026

Another cult classic, 'The Warriors' brings a distinctly unique sense of style and grittiness that feels right at home on the grimy streets of 1970's New York City. The gang-centered heightened reality of the film feels almost Shakespearian in nature, as if you're watching an mythological journey fraught with peril of all kinds - violence, temptation, and the law. This movie was selected as a double-feature of sorts with Nolan's recently released 'The Odyssey' and the comparisons between these stories feels apt. At the end of the day it's just people trying to get home and doing their best to overcome the challenges the world throws at them. The stakes are clear, and while the nature of good guys vs bad guys is more than a bit muddied here (Ajax... dude, wtf?) the thrilling chases, bombastic action sequences and the long awaited final confrontation are all working at a high level (despite some pretty flat performances and lackluster dialogue). While there are certain elements of the movie that DO NOT age well (looking at you gender politics), the core of the film remains strong and executed well. Plus, as an added bonus, the soundtrack for this movie absolutely slaps! This is a fun ride and it's easy to see why it's endured over these many years.

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