24 May 2013

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Critic Proof

Alyssa Rosenberg (Think Progress, The Atlantic, The XX Factor) and Maureen Ryan (Huffington Post)

On Critic Proof, Alyssa and Maureen discuss the shocking season finale of Sons of Anarchy. Alyssa praises the show's female characters, but Maureen raises some concerns. Maureen suggests that TV shows need to maintain a certain level of credibility, citing Homeland as another example of a show that tries her patience. Alyssa bemoans how exhausting and unnecessarily complex TV dramas are becoming, which leads to a discussion of how procedurals could be reinvigorated. Finally, they explore how the British model of shorter seasons allows for more flexible storytelling.

Recorded: Dec 4   Posted: Dec 5, 2012
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Critic Proof | Dec 5, 2012 | Alyssa Rosenberg & Maureen Ryan

“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