S6E2 "Home": ToB Breakdown

Daniel D'Souza May 2, 2016

Season 6 Episode 2 continues with the fast pace that episode one introduced and, in true Game of Thrones fashion, incites more questions than it answers, although it answers some pretty big ones. Julian and Dan sit down for a full breakdown of the events, their potential outcomes, and some wild speculation over where these story lines might take us next.

Bran dreams of his home, while Cersei is held prisoner in her own, the loyalist's hold their ground at Castle Black, Tyrion braves the dragonpit, Ramsay assumes power in the North, Sansa and Theon part ways, Balon Greyjoy is surprised by a rude homecoming, and the Lord Commander of the Night's Watch comes home at last.

S6E1 "The Red Woman": ToB Breakdown

Julian Meush April 25, 2016

It's Game of Thrones season once again, and this year's premiere episode happily lines up with the Tower of Babble's third birthday! Julian and Daniel sit down to quickly get up to date and lay out some expectations before jumping into one of Game of Thrones' best season openers yet.

This episode picks up almost immediately where last season ended and catches us up with Jon's remaining brothers at Castle Black, the aftermath of the battle for Winterfell and Sansa and Theon/Reek's escape, Jaime returning to King's Landing, as well as turmoil in both Dorne and Meereen, Daenerys' long walk to Vaes Dothrak, and a little Red Woman magic to give the episode its name.

Happy Anniversary ToB fans! Thanks for listening!

S5E10 "Mother's Mercy": ToB Breakdown

Julian Meush June 17, 2015

It has come to that time once again, another season finale for Game of Thrones. Season five has seen its ups and downs but the tenth episode really left us with a sour taste in our mouths. Julian and Daniel sit down to discuss all the major plot points this week as well as give our take on what we think might come in season six. The show left enough loose ends that the speculating and theorizing for the next ten months will be excruciating. Last but not least, we delve deep into the major event that concluded the season and talk about how it effected us as viewers (or in Daniel's case, a reader) and whether it was the right note to end a season on.

S5E9 "The Dance of Dragons": ToB Breakdown

Julian Meush June 10, 2015

Julian and Daniel sit down to discuss the penultimate episode of the season. Typically Game of Thrones saves some big moments for their ninth episodes but did they do enough to top last weeks snowy showdown beyond the wall?

S5E8 "Hardhome": ToB Breakdown

Julian Meush June 1, 2015

Tyrion and Jorrah make their case to Dany, Arya becomes someone else, Sansa learns a secret, the Boltons strategize, Cersei is asked to confess and Jon arrives to Hardhome just in time to face off against the army of the dead.

S5E7 "The Gift": ToB Breakdown

Julian Meush May 28, 2015

This week Jon leaves for Hardhome, Sam grieves a death of a friend, Stannis weighs a tough decision, Sansa asks for help, Bron and Jamie are caged, Jorrah and Tyrion reach their destination, Dani indures the fighting pits, Ollena and Littlefinger do some more scheming and Cersei gets some comunpance.

S5E6 "Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken": ToB Breakdown

Julian Meush May 19, 2015

Game of Thrones brought some controversy this week, and as is typically the case with any controversy, made for a great discussion. Julian and Daniel sit down to discuss all the outrage and vitriol as well as the rest of the events of the episode, which included; Arya delving deeper into the world of the Faceless Men, Tyrion and Jorrah running into a bit more trouble, Jamie and Bronn reaching Myrcella, Cersei's schemes in Kings Landing and Sansa's wedding in Winterfell.

S5E5 "Kill the Boy": ToB Breakdown

Julian Meush May 12, 2015

This week Julian and Daniel discuss how Daenerys' deals with the attack on Grey Worm and Ser Barristan, Jon's plans for the Wildlings, Stannis finally leaving Castle Black, Sana's old/new home and Jorrah and Tyrion's voyage into Old Valeria

S5E4 "Sons of the Harpy": ToB Breakdown

Julian Meush May 5, 2015

This week Daniel and Julian discuss Cersei's power grabbing, Tommon's innocence, Jon's temptations, Stannis' humanity, Bronn and Jamie's voyage to Dorne and unrest in Meereen. Some popular fan theories are also discussed (in a non-spoiler fashion of course) and much more in the weeks Game of Thrones: Tower of Babble Breakdown.

S5E3 "High Sparrow": ToB Breakdown

Daniel D'Souza April 27, 2015

The Bolton's arrive in their new home, Arya sweeps the floor, Cersei meets the High Sparrow, Jon faces his first challenge as Lord Commander, Arya sweeps the floor, Margaery enjoys her new power, Littlefinger forms a new allaince, Tyrion reaches Volantis... and Arya sweeps the floor.

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.