S5E2 "The House of Black and White": ToB Breakdown

Julian Meush April 20, 2015

In this weeks episode we discuss the arrival of Aria to Bravos, Cerci trying to consolidate power, Jamie's plans for Dorne, Dorne's plans for the Lannisters, Jon's new job and Danny's continued challenges.

S5E1 "The Wars to Come": ToB Breakdown

Julian Meush April 14, 2015

Following what seems to be a Game of Thrones trend, the season opener serves as a sort of refresher; catching us up on all the major plot lines (minus Arya). The Lannister twins mourn their father, Tyrion arrives in Pentos, Daenerys faces the trials of leadership, Varys outlines his plans for Tyrion, and Jon tries to reason with two would-be kings.

S4E10 "The Children": ToB Breakdown

Julian Meush June 17, 2014

Season 4 ended off with a bang. Following last weeks battle at The Wall we catch up with almost all the key players before they all take a ten month break. Jon meets Mance, Stannis makes an appearance, Bran reaches his goal, Danni makes a tough choice, Brienne meets The Hound, Cersei makes a stand, Jamie helps his brother and Tyrion confronts his father.

S4E9 "The Watchers on the Wall": ToB Breakdown

Julian Meush June 10, 2014

Traditionally the ninth episode of every Game of Thrones season delivers something epic. Season 4 does not disappoint with "Watchers on the Wall". Even with all the other amazing moments we've already seen this season. We see giants riding mammoths as the wildling army finally reaches The Wall. This episode never leaves The Wall as Jon learns some lessons in leadership, Sam becomes more of a man and Ygritt sharpens her arrows.

S4E8 "The Mountain and the Viper": ToB Breakdown

Julian Meush June 3, 2014

In an episode featuring the amazing showdown between Oberyn and the Mountain its disappointing that the rest of the episode didn't live up to those heights. Full points go to the big fight with Tyrion's life in the balance, meanwhile Littlefinger continues to scheme, Sansa grows up, Arya reaches the Eyrie and Daenerys looses an adviser.

S4E7 "Mockingbird": ToB Breakdown

Julian Meush May 20, 2014

Tyrion finds a champion, Aria gets more revenge, Jon suggests a radical plan and Littlefinger uses the Moon Door.

S4E6 "The Laws of Gods and Men": ToB Breakdown

Julian Meush May 13, 2014

As is usually the case with Game of Thrones, they followed last weeks plotting episode with one that marks another change to the status quo . Tyrion's trial is really the show stopper this week but we also get some great scenes with Danny, Stannis and finally catch up with Yarra and her attempt to save Theon/Reek.

S4E5 "The First of His Name": ToB Breakdown

Julian Meush May 5, 2014

This weeks episode didnt have a lot of plot development but we did get some great character work. Tommen gets crowned, Cersei pines for her daughter, Aria water dances, Sansa meets her aunt and Jon takes on the mutineers.

S4E4 "Oathkeeper": ToB Breakdown

Julian Meush April 29, 2014

Jaime pays his brother a visit, Margaery learns the truth of Joffrey's murder, Brienne is given a new mission, Jon recruits a ranging party and Craster's final son is born.

S4E3 "Breaker of Chains": ToB Breakdown

Julian Meush April 22, 2014

One week after the royal murder we aren't much closer to finding the truth. Margery laments her luck with husbands, Tywin gets his hooks in Tommen, Oberyn is brought into the fold, the Hound is still a bad guy and the Nights Watch get a new mission. Everything is discussed in this weeks Tower of Babble Game of Thrones breakdown.

July 30, 2026

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

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.

July 23, 2026

Episode 207 - Avengers: Doomsday Trailer + News Roundup

We're into the full swing of blockbuster season. With 'Obsession' breaking box office records, 'The Odyssey' now filling IMAX theatres, and 'Spider-Man' right around the corner, movies feel very "back" right now. Plus, with Comic-Con next week Marvel released their first full-length 'Avengers: Doomsday' trailer. Julian and Matt try to decide if the hype is there, which feels crazy when considering it's an Avengers movie after all, but that might speak more to the situation Marvel currently finds themselves in. Meanwhile, DC doesn't want to be left behind, releasing a new trailer for 'Clayface' , which is shaping up to be a sneaky hit in the body-horror space (despite still not Batman). This all leads to Matt's idea that comic book movies should be treated like jury duty. Plus, a news rundown covering the passing of Sam Neil, Netflix updates (they're bad), some box office updates, and more!

June 25, 2026

Episode 206 - Shrek 5 or Austin Powers 4?

Time marches on and we all feel old. This week, 'Toy Story 5' hit theaters, and while reviews have been positive, it's crazy to think we're onto the fifth installment in that franchise. In a similar vein, we recently learned that Mike Myers is interested in returning to 'Austin Powers', on the heels of his appearance in the trailer for another fiver, 'Shrek 5' (which already has people in it's own tizzy). Matt and Julian debate the merits of either prospect, and then turn the page to stare into the abyss that is AI invading Hollywood. Plus a grab-bag of entertainment stories covering odd popcorn bowls, a Knicks documentary, a scrapped Palpatine show and much more! Finally, to wrap things up, a brief discussion on 'House of the Dragon' season 3 premiere, 'Obsession', 'The Furious', and 'Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring' (both in and out of concert).

May 27, 2026

SSSW - The Mandalorian and Grogu

It's hard to believe it's been so long since the last Star Wars movie hit theatres. After years of announcements, failed projects, and even a change in leadership at Lucasfilm, the first movie in nearly a decade is a follow-up to the first ever live action Star Wars show. Maybe that's fitting for a new era, under new management. The film itself is a fast paced, action-packed, adventure that hails back to the old serials that George Lucas loved. While it is certainly a fun time at the movies, with exciting set-pieces, characters inclusions from across the lore, all of which set on planets with diverse biomes (i.e. some of the things Star Wars does best). Unfortunately, the movie lacks compelling stakes, character depth (where's Din's arc?), much of any plot to speak of, or even a sense of real "importance" - and while that may be a bit intangible, it prompts the question: why was THIS movie the first to bring Star Wars back to feature films in almost a decade? Julian and Rachel try to answer that question and dive deep into all the nerdy details.