24 May 2013

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Critic Proof

Alyssa Rosenberg (Think Progress, The Atlantic, The XX Factor) and Todd VanDerWerff (The AV Club, Los Angeles Times)

On the debut episode of Critic Proof, Alyssa and Todd recount their experience at the Television Critics Association Press Tour in Los Angeles. They preview the upcoming TV season, listing the best and worst new shows. Why is it so hard to make a good sitcom? Or a good network drama, for that matter? The two compare the business models of Hulu and Netflix as they compete to bring movies and TV to the Internet. Finally, they discuss why Breaking Bad fans are so critical of Skyler White, while her meth-dealing husband gets a pass (includes spoilers).

Recorded: Aug 17   Posted: Aug 19, 2012
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Critic Proof | Aug 19, 2012 | Alyssa Rosenberg & Todd VanDerWerff

“Mowing the lawn” in Iran

Matt Duss and Patrick Christy discuss the efficacy of an attack on Iran's nuclear program.   Play entire video

Silence, not prayer

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case challenging Christian prayers before town council meetings. Sarah Posner talks to Eric Segall, who argues that a moment of silence is the appropriate solution.   Play entire video

It’s hard out here for a pundit

Bill Scher and Matt Lewis share the personal toll of scandal mania. Plus: Why immigration reform is (probably) going to pass.   Play entire video

Canada’s Kennedy

Jonathan Kay and John Moore discuss Justin Trudeau, the handsome liberal political scion who may be the next prime minister. Plus: Is Toronto's mayor a crackhead?   Play entire video

Zora Neale Hurston on affirmative action

John McWhorter cites the words of the author of Their Eyes Were Watching God, but Glenn Loury disputes the quote's significance. Plus: Race and employment tests.   Play entire video

The ugly truth about fairness

Laurie Santos and Alex Shaw discuss. Plus: The real origins of fairness.   Play entire video

The IRS scandal and the perils of bureaucracy

Kevin Glass and CJ Ciaramella argue that big government is at the root of Obama's latest troubles. Plus: How simultaneous scandals could help Obama.   Play entire video

Nawaz Sharif 3.0

Neil Bhatiya and Colin Cookman discuss the return to power of Pakistan's former prime minister. Plus: The future of US-Pakistan relations.   Play entire video

Is eating organic food conservative?

Bill Scher and Matt Lewis consider. Plus: The politics of scandal.   Play entire video

Growing up fundamentalist

Sarah Posner and Sigal Samuel reflect on the complex choices facing Orthodox Jewish women in secular society. Plus: Fighting for the right to pray.   Play entire video