Episode 68 - Berlanti's TV Conquest

Julian Meush March 26, 2016

This week in the Tower we cover all the big comic book show renewals. Specifically what we've been loving about the CW's DC slate. Greg Berlanti, the mastermind behind Arrow, The Flash, Legends of Tomorrow and even Supergirl on CBS had ALL of his shows renewed for new seasons. Something I dont think anyone really thought could happen. We also discuss the future of Star Trek on TV and look forward to Daredevil (which hadn't yet premiered at the time of the recording). On the film front we discuss the announcement of Indiana Jones 5 for 2019, with both Harrison Ford and Steven Spielberg returning. We then move onto breaking down the latest Captain America: Civil War trailer that featured our first look at the MCU Spider-Man. Of course there's always a little Star Wars news and this week we take a look at the "short list" of actors up for the role of a young Han Solo. DC had a few topics for us as well, with the big news being the casting of J.K. Simmons as the new Commissioner Gordon. We wrap up by discussing Sony's big VR announcement for the PS4 and what it might mean for the future of gaming. It's all that and so much more in this week's Tower of Babble Podcast!

Episode 67 - Deadpool, Firewatch and More!

Julian Meush March 7, 2016

This week in the Tower we review Deadpool! (Yea we know it's a bit late). It's no spoiler to say we all really enjoyed the movie because apparently everyone else did too. Deadpool smashed some major box-office records over its run, even with its R rating keeping (most) kids away. We of course give Ryan Reynolds some much deserved praise for finally nailing it in the superhero genre by playing the perfect Merc-with-a-Mouth. But its not just a Deaadpool love-in, we also discuss some Star Wars news (as we do every week, and presumably every week going forward into infinitum) and breakdown the last Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice trailer. On the TV side we check out a whole slew of trailers as we get excited for the return of some of our favorite shows. Including, but not limited to: Daredevil, House of Cards and Game of Thrones. Finally we review a couple new indie games; The Witness, a genius puzzle game from the mastermind behind Braid, Jonathan Blow, and the emotional first-person adventure game Firewatch. Both titles have more in common with each other than you might think and Julian and Dan take a very deep look into why they are so engrossing. All that and so much more in this week's ToB Podcast!

ToB Interlude - Oscars Preview

Julian Meush February 25, 2016

In anticipation of the 88th Academy Awards we were able to record a special ToB interlude discussing the various Best Picture nominations. This year includes everything from the intimate and psychological, to large scale conspiracies, to outrageous post-apocalyptic war zones, and, having run the gamut, we were able to examine them at length. With films like The Revenant and Mad Max: Fury Road taking cinematography to new heights, this year certainly provided a spectacle in theatres; while some less visually stunning like The Big Short and Spotlight invoked a poignant social outrage. Each of the Best Picture nominations was successful in creating an emotional connection, and maybe we're just growing up, but this sentimental quality is why we go to movies.

Episode 66 - The Great Battlefront DLC Debate

Julian Meush February 3, 2016

This week we get back to our regular format and discuss the latest in geek news. Starting off with all things DC, we break down everything that came out of the "Dawn of the Justice League" TV special that aired on The CW. From the Suicide Squad trailer to the Wonder Woman footage we examine every detail. After a little more movie news we transition into some TV talk giving our review of the Legends of Tomorrow pilot episode and ask if a Supergirl/CW crossover is getting any more likely. Finally, after catching up on the latest game news we have a great discussion the current use of DLC within the industry. All of which spawned from the news of what exactly the Star Wars: Battlefront season-pass would contain.

ToB Interlude - Star Wars: The Force Awakens Review Follow-up

Julian Meush January 23, 2016

When we recorded Episode 65 of the ToB Podcast we went on an hour long tangent that followed up on our Star Wars Episode VII Review from a few weeks back. It seems as though we can't go an episode without talking about Star Wars. It just so happens that this this time our conversation expanded on many of the thoughts we had during our original review. It's arguably a better a better discussion than out original review. Maybe.

Episode 65 - Post-Holiday Chat

Julian Meush January 19, 2016

Happy New Year from the ToB Crew. This week we get together for a (virtual) fireside chat to discuss the movies and shows we've been watching over the holidays. Tangents are encouraged which lead to some fairly obscure/awesome film related conversations. Dan and Jeremy were also lucky enough to have seen, Leo DiCaprio's latest, Revenant and break down the ambitious film. Later in the episode we get into a greater discussion on some of the films that have had some Oscar buzz, including: Joy, Spotlight, Room and more. It's not all movies and TV though (it mostly is), we also recap some of the news we missed over the holidays that came out of the world of video games.

ToB Interlude - Star Wars: Battlefront Review

Julian Meush January 15, 2016

One of the most anticipated games of 2015, Star Wars Battlefront, is finally here and the ToB crew got together to break it down. Combining the immersive gameplay of the Battlefield series with the Star Wars universe DICE's new shooter doesn't disappoint.

ToB Interlude - Jessica Jones & More

Julian Meush January 12, 2016

This week we talk Marvel's Jessica Jones. The latest entry in Marvel's Netflix Defenders series has been out for some time and we've finally got around to discussing it. We all basically enjoyed it but not without a few gripes. We also discuss the state of modern television, asking which is the better option when it comes to week to week viewing or the Netflix binge model. To finish off we touch on the latest from the superhero shows on the CW and praise them for taking images from the comic page and putting them straight onto the small screen.

ToB Interlude - Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens

Julian Meush December 26, 2015

It was one of, if not the most anticipated film of 2015. Star Wars has been seemingly everywhere for months now and the day we've all been waiting for has finally arrived. All of us here at the ToB Podcast have now seen the movie and we're here to discuss it. As always with our reviews we don't shy away from SPOILERS, so be wary. Of course it seems unlikely that anyone listening to this hasnt seen it already, with the film smashing all kinds of box office records, but the warning must be given regardless. Needless to say we all very much enjoyed the film and any grievances we had with it were very minor. However, the big take away from all of this is that it is just great being able to talk Star Wars again. To theorize, speculate and dissect the new Star Wars lore is as much, if not more, fun than reviewing the film itself. This film has kicked off a new era in Star Wars films, with seemingly no end in sight, and that seems just fine to us.

ToB Interlude - Best of 2015 Christmas Special

Julian Meush December 25, 2015

Last year we here at the Tower of Babble Podcast thought it would be a good idea to release our end of year/new years episode on Christmas day. This year we've decided to do the same and turn it into something of a tradition. So here it is! Our annual Top 3 Games, Television shows and Movies of the last year. There's some predictable choices (cough* Star Wars) but there's also a lot of surprises as well. As always it's tons of fun looking back at the year that was instead of always looking forward. So from Julian, Daniel, Jeremy and everyone else involved in the ToB Podcast, we wish you all a merry Christmas and happy holidays! We will see you all in the New Year.

Support the Show

Become a Patron!

Donate

REcent Episodes

Featured

Jun 5, 2025

SSSW - Tales of the Underworld

Jun 5, 2025

Lucasfilm Animation has been hard at work on their next major project, 'Maul: Shadow Lord', but they've found the time to deliver another installment in their "Tales of" anthology series. The first ones covering the Jedi and the Empire, they now turn their focus towards the Underworld. However, be warned, this is a bit of a misnomer. Don't expect any crime syndicates or really any large scale criminality here. These 2 mini-arcs instead focus on Asajj Ventress (I know, not the first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions the Underworld) as she assists a young Jedi on the run from the Empire, and the origin story of Cad Bane. Which admittedly is closer in line with the criminal underworld concept, but is really more interested in telling a western style revenge story instead. All in all, despite the always great visuals and sound/music design, and few interesting ideas, there's not enough meat on the bone here to satisfy most viewers. But most disappointing is its failure to capitalize on the potential of the Underworld concept.

Jun 5, 2025

May 22, 2025

SSSW/ToB Film Club - Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

May 22, 2025

It's hard to believe that 'Rogue One' premiered nearly a decade ago. At the time, it was fairly well received, considered to be a decent first step into the standalone Star Wars movies, if not a bit messy. As the years passed, we learned more about the production. Gareth Edwards, who retained sole directing credit, was assisted by Tony Gilroy to "fix" the project. Tony went so far as to call it a "corpse" when he came aboard for rewrites and reshoots. It was Tony's inclusion that brought us some of the movies most memorable moments, and ultimately led him to leading the charge on 'Andor', a prequel project that flew under the radar as hits like 'The Mandalorian' hogged the spotlight. With 'Andor' now complete, considered by many to be a masterpiece in storytelling, not just in Star Wars but on television in general, now is the most appropriate time to reexamine the movie that spawned the Cassian-centered prequel series with fresh eyes. 'Andor', which leads directly into the events of 'Rogue One' recontextualizes much of the film, creating a unique viewing experience that pays off a multitude of threads that are brilliantly laid over the two seasons of 'Andor'. It takes the movie, which was already pretty good, and makes it great. Now existing as part of a whole that weaves a cohesive narrative from the nascent moments of the Rebellion all the way through to the destruction of the Death Star in 1977 (the seed that begat ALL Star Wars, and what we appropriately align our Star Wars BBY calendars to). It all feels wholistic and considered when viewed from the broader perspective - an accomplishment that should set a shining example of what Star Wars can and should aspire to.

May 22, 2025

May 15, 2025

SSSW - Andor S2 Finale

May 15, 2025

After only 4 weeks - the blink of an eye - it's all over. The best Star Wars story since the Original Trilogy has graced our screens and left us in awe. These final three episodes weren't able to reach the emotional highs of last week's arc, but that wasn't the goal. Instead, it provides time to look back at what brought us here, and sets the stage for the climax of the story to take place not in this moment, but within the now recontextualized film that birthed all of this in the first place, 'Rogue One'. And while the show may carry Cassian's name on the title screen, it's been the cast of characters we've met along the way that truly elevated this experience. Not to pick favourites, but in particular, Luthen and Kleya, who get an episode all to themselves this week are the standouts. And what an episode it was, as their story which shepherded much of the series came to an end, as we all expected it would have to. Embracing those feelings of closure, in the final moments of the series, as Cassian flies off into 'Rogue One', we are treated to our last glimpses of our heroes and villains. From Dedra to Vel and even Perrin, we are left to consider their fates as the story marches with inevitability into what begat all of this way back in 1977. Will we ever see Kleya, Vel, Wilmon, or Bix again? One can only hope - and rebellions? Well, they're built on hope.

May 15, 2025

May 9, 2025

SSSW - Andor S2 E7 - 9

May 9, 2025

When dealing in the world of prequels, it’s impossible to escape the inevitable - Anakin will fall, Han will win the Falcon, Cassian will die on Scarif. Somehow, in the midst of some of the most thrilling episodes of television ever put to screen, Tony Gilroy and his team found a way to address that impending doom and weaponize it against the audience to induce some of the most gut wrenching and heart breaking moments we’ve yet to see on ‘Andor’ - “There’s some place he needs to be”. At a larger scale, the show continues to outdo itself on a weekly basis, proving that the Star Wars galaxy provides a colour pallet of some of the richest hues from which to paint bold and personal stories. Proving you can go beyond the larger than life stories of heroics and grandeur to human stories of loss and pain and everything in between. That’s without mentioning the deft touch in pulling in themes that resonates with the contemporary while remaining timeless - a feeling that is a staple of Star Wars. Every detail is considered, every character is deep and interesting. There isn’t much more that can be said about such a powerful piece of art, except that not even the audience can escape the inevitable - only one week remains of this masterpiece.

May 9, 2025