Back On The Block

Special Guest Star Alyssa Maher joins us for a fun discussion of "The Great British Baking Show," "The Trial of the Chicago 7," and "The Vow."

It's Christmastime on the block! And we've been gifted a confusing auction, a trip to Santa Barbara, guest stars Chad Lowe and Donna Mills, a major breakup, and Special Guest Star Alyssa Maher!

We talk scary things like "The Haunting of Bly Manor" and "Hubie Halloween," stupid things like "Emily in Paris," timely things like "Saturday Night Live" and timeless things like "Peggy Sue Got Married," "Married to the Mob," "Something Wild," and "Xanadu." (It makes sense, we swear!)

Every storyline is full of pity, from Jane's search for her birth mother to Amanda's failing marriage, from Syd's love jones to Allison's lack of screen time. Plus: Peter learns a secret.  

From " The Boys" to "The Boys in the Band" to "Gilmore Girls," we take a wide detour through culture past and present on this Hollywood Boulevard. The lesson: Karen is even more coherent when she is exhausted.    

What lies next for Kyle and Sydney? Apparently, not much. Jane hunts for her mom, Kimberly files divorce papers, and Megan has quite a saunter.

Karen and I talk about such TV shows as "PEN15," "Class Action Park," "Ratched," "I May Destroy You," and Karen has a throwback recommendation for those who miss theatre.

She may be dying, but Kimberly is still calling the shots with Michael — and Megan too. Plus the hits keep on coming for Jane and for Matt!

Lots of men do dumb things in this episode. Meanwhile, Kimberly continues to reel from her diagnosis, Amanda eats macaroni and cheese with a spork, Jane feels all at sea, and Alison saves the day!

Special Guest Star Alyssa Maher and Doug talk all things Emmys — and Tonys, too! Then we catch up on the current "Housewives" shows.  

Revelations about Kimberly, Megan and Taylor abound, and Jane just might have hit the end of her obsessive road. But Doug and Karen really want to talk about their dinners.

Spoiler alert: Special Guest Star Alyssa Maher joins us for a heated conversation about "Joker" and "I'm Thinking of Ending Things," and we do not hold back on our thoughts about the latter. Be warned.

Special Guest Star Alyssa Maher joins us, and we can't stop talking! We explore the many ways Season 5 has departed from its earlier years, and ways in which that chasm could be different. And Alyssa goes all-in on La Rinna and the Real Housewives franchise!    

Karen discovered two new shows: "Hap and Leonard" and "Queen of the South." And she also has an Unpopular Opinion! Doug also read another book.

Jane continues her spiral downward, but Amanda catches a lifeline at work -- but doesn't throw one Peter's way after he has too many. Matt and Michael also show up briefly. And we figured out how to make Andrew Shue look good!

Reviews of "Ramy," "The Mandilorian," "Muppets Now," and the book "The Lady From the Black Lagoon."            

Jane's descent into instability continues, while Amanda and Peter sneak off for a belated honeymoon. We also get new blood in this episode with the addition of several long-term characters, and Karen has an Unpopular Opinion.

Karen has another new book! Plus, hostile work environments abound in "The Assistant" and "Below Deck Mediterranean," and talk about "Taste the Nation" and "Cursed."

If Billy isn't the embodiment of toxic masculinity, then we don't know what is. Meanwhile, Kimberly and Syd make some career moves, and Matt finds himself in both hot water and an even crappier storyline.

Is Richard finally dead? Will Kimberly finally regain her memory? Will Matt keep his addiction in check? Will Allison be able to keep her relationship with Jake a secret? Check out this podcast for these answers -- and more!