On Friedersdorf, the conversation kicks off with a discussion of The Slurve, Michael’s new subscription-only newsletter about baseball. Is the era of the free/open web over? Michael and Conor agree that it’s reassuring for journalists to control a portion of their income. Michael argues that baseball itself is in a golden age, and they share their favorite baseball memories. They next consider the lobster-catching lobster claw, and what it tells us about humanity. They close with a discussion of the harmful effects of the NYPD’s surveillance of Muslims.
On Critic Proof, Alyssa and Scott start by discussing the season premiere ofGame of Thrones. Is the show just too complicated for the average viewer to follow? Alyssa thinks the show has responded intelligently to criticism of its frequent female nudity. Is it possible to imagine a happy ending to George R. R. Martin’s bleak fantasy landscape? Next, Alyssa explains why Mad Men is trying her patience. Has the show been about feminism all along? And what should we hope to see in the new season? [Spoilers throughout.]