Cordkillers (All Audio) The FULL Taxi Experience: First (101 - "Like Father, Like Daughter")
Nov 20, 2025
Tom and Brian kick off a fresh series with an exploration of a classic pilot. They dive into standout performances, from Judd Hirsch to the unforgettable roles of Tony Danza and Andy Kaufman. The hosts dissect the unique filming style, including the use of lighting that left actors gleaming. Observations on 1970s cultural quirks highlight the show’s authenticity, while the balance of humor and deeper themes sets a solid tone. Their verdict? The pilot delivers, paving the way for a promising journey through the series.
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Episode notes
Four-Episode Sampling Strategy
- Cordkillers frames The Full Experience as watching only four episodes to approximate an entire series run.
- This approach prioritizes representative highlights: pilot, highest and lowest IMDb, and the finale.
Pilot As Star Launchpad
- Tom and Brian emphasize Taxi as a star vehicle for Judd Hirsch with many future stars in early roles.
- Recognizing familiar names later shifts how we view the pilot's casting and performances.
Film Look Versus Video Sitcoms
- Brian highlights production choices: Taxi was shot on film, enabling shallow depth of field and camera movement.
- Filming on 35mm created a different visual texture than contemporary videotaped sitcoms.
