In this insightful discussion, Jackson Lamb, a complex character from 'Slow Horses' portrayed by Gary Oldman, takes center stage. They explore whether spies make the best therapists, diving into themes of identity and emotional resilience. The hosts share a crash course on transference and counter-transference, revealing why some individuals mask their true selves. Humor blends with serious insights as they analyze Lamb's cynical nature and relationships while highlighting the challenges faced by those in high-stakes espionage.

Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield, known for their roles in the Amazing Spider-Man series, join the discussion as they dive into the cinematic juggernauts of 1984. They explore fan favorites like The Terminator and Beverly Hills Cop, sparking a lively debate on which film reigns supreme. Mark reviews the re-release of Amazing Spider-Man 2 while sharing insights on its enduring appeal. They also discuss the moving Swedish film Paradise is Burning, highlighting themes of family resilience and joy amid challenges.

Raymond Holt, the first black, gay police captain, and acclaimed actor André Braugher discuss the complexities of identity in policing. They delve into the challenges of representation and acceptance faced by marginalized individuals in a conservative setting. The conversation highlights neurodiversity, vulnerability in relationships, and the power of humor. They also explore leadership through empathy and the unique dynamics within police teams, making a strong case for multi-dimensional characters in storytelling.

This week Mark is joined by another Take fave Ben Bailey Smith to talk all things cinema. Mark also gives his take on a swathe of new releases, including ‘Kneecap’, a comedy-drama based on true events that sees fate bring together a Belfast teacher and two self-confessed down-and-outs – the real musicians playing themselves – to form a hip-hop trio that rises to global fame; ‘Between the Temples’, which sees a cantor in a crisis of faith have his world turned upside town when his grade school music teacher reenters his life as his new adult bat mitzvah student; and ‘Blink Twice’, a psychological thriller and actress Zoe Kravitz’s directorial debut, which sees two cocktail waitresses invited on a dream vacation to a tech billionaire’s private island, only for strange events to leave them questioning their reality. A great week in new releases! What will be Mark’s pick of the week? Timecodes (relevant only for the Vanguard - who are also ad-free!): Kneecap Review – 05:20 Box Office Top Ten – 13:52 Close to You Review – 26:30 Between The Temples Review – 35:20 Blink Twice Review – 41:00 You can contact the show by emailing correspondence@kermodeandmayo.com or you can find us on social media, @KermodeandMayo EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/take Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! A Sony Music Entertainment production. Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us @sonypodcasts To advertise on this show contact: podcastadsales@sonymusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben and Nemone put Moira Rose on the couch and take a deep dive into her narcissistic tendencies, and what effect that has on the rest of the Schitts. Nemone explains how narcissism is not as easy to spot as its widespread use would have you believe. We also discuss the collection of wigs that Moira keeps in her closet and why they are transitional objects. And if you’re interested in hearing more on narcissism, then check out our episode on Game of Thrones’ Cersei Lannister. We want to hear about any theories we might have missed, what you’ve thought of the show so far and your character suggestions. Please drop the team an email (which may be part of the show): shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com NEXT CLIENTS ON THE COUCH. Find out how to view here Raymond Holt, Brooklyn 99 (selected episodes) Jackson Lamb, Slow Horses (Season 1) Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City (selected episodes) CREDITS We used clips from episodes of Schitt’s Creek. It’s available to watch on Netflix. Starring: Eugene Levy - Johnny Rose Catherine O'Hara - Moira Rose Daniel Levy - David Rose Annie Murphy - Alexis Rose Created by: Daniel Levy Eugene Levy Directed by: Jerry Ciccoritti Paul Fox Produced by: Eugene Levy Dan Levy Fred Levy Andrew Barnsley Ben Feigin Kevin White David West Read We would love to hear your theories: shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com A Sony Music Entertainment production. Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts. To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we have an extra special treat, as Take fave Sanjeev Bhaskar joins Mark in the host’s seat to deliver a funny and insightful episode. Mark reviews various new releases, including ‘Only the River Flows’, a Chinese neo-noir crime thriller, which sees an ambitious police detective attempt to solve a series of murders from a disused cinema; ‘Swan Song’, an immersive documentary following The National Ballet of Canada as it mounts a legacy-defining new production of Swan Lake; and ‘Alien: Romulus’, a new addition to the sci-fi horror franchise, which sees space colonisers come face-to-face with the most terrifying life-form in the universe while scavenging the deep ends of a derelict space station. Will Mark like it, love it, hate it? Listen to find out! Timecodes (relevant only for the Vanguard - who are also ad-free!): Only The River Flows Review – 06:46 Box Office Top Ten – 13:14 Swan Song Review – 35:53 Alien: Romulus – 45:33 You can contact the show by emailing correspondence@kermodeandmayo.com or you can find us on social media, @KermodeandMayo EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/take Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! A Sony Music Entertainment production. Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us @sonypodcasts To advertise on this show contact: podcastadsales@sonymusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If characters in ‘trapped’ dramas escape, is that the end of the show? Ben and Nemone explore The Handmaid’s Tale and Severance as examples. Plus, Ben reacts to a listener’s ‘constructive’ feedback and Nemone explores Polyvagal Theory to explain why we might react in the way we do from childhood trauma. We want to hear about any theories we might have missed, what you’ve thought of the show so far and your character suggestions. Please drop the team an email (which may be part of the show): shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com NEXT CLIENTS ON THE COUCH. Find out how to view here Raymond Holt, Brooklyn 99 (selected episodes) Jackson Lamb, Slow Horses (Season 1) Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City (selected episodes) Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts. To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

M Night Shyamalan, the legendary filmmaker known for his unique thrillers, joins the conversation to delve into the inspiration behind his new film, 'Trap,' and its complex father-daughter dynamics set against a musical backdrop. He shares insights into his influences, including 'The Exorcist,' and discusses the challenges of portraying emotional depth in suspenseful narratives. There's also lively discussion around film reviews, including the re-release of 'Caligula,' and an entertaining look at cinematic competitions.

Ben and Nemone discuss The Wire’s ‘Bubbles’ aka Reginald Collins. An informant and heroin user, a man with a fragile support network who finds himself stranded while trying to forge closer bonds with those around him. Nemone tells Ben how unconditional love is the hardest thing to give an addict, and the key to helping them start their journey to sobriety. Plus we hear wisdom from Gabor Maté. Our episode on the Queen’s Gambit has great insights into addiction if you’re looking for even more on this subject.     We talked about AA, Al Anon and Samaritans in the show. Here are links:  AA: https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/  Al Anon: https://al-anonuk.org.uk/  Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org/  We want to hear about any theories we might have missed, what you’ve thought of the show so far and your character suggestions. Please drop the team an email (which may be part of the show): shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com  NEXT CLIENTS ON THE COUCH. Find out how to view here   Moira Rose, Schitt's Creek (Season 1)  Raymond Holt, Brooklyn 99 (selected episodes)   Jackson Lamb, Slow Horses (Season 1)  Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City (selected episodes)    CREDITS  We used clips from Seasons 1 of The Wire. It’s available to watch on NOWTV.  Starring:  Dominic West - Jimmy McNulty  Idris Elba - Stringer Bell  Lawrence Gilliard Jr. - D’Angelo Barskdale  Wood Harris - Avon Barksdale  Deirdre Lovejoy - Rhonda Pearlman  Wendell Pierce - Detective Bunk  Lance Reddick - Cpt. Cedric Daniels  Andre Royo – Reginald Collins, aka Bubbles  Sonja Sohn - Kima Greggs  Created by:  David Simon  Directed by:  Clark Johnson  Peter Medak  Clement Virgo  Ed Bianchi  Gloria Muzo  Produced by:  Karen L. Thorson  Ed Burns  Joe Chappelle  George Pelecanos  Eric Overmyer  David Simon  Robert F. Colesberry  Nina Kostroff Noble  We would love to hear your theories: shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com  A Sony Music Entertainment production.  Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts.  To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s a bumper week for reviews, with Mark giving his thoughts on a raft of releases, including ‘Kensuke’s Kingdom’, Frank Cottrell-Boyce's adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s beloved novel about a young boy swept overboard and stranded on a desert island with a mysterious stranger; ‘My Neighbour Totoro’, the classic Japanese animation about two sisters who move to the country to be near their ailing mother only to find themselves in an adventure with the wondrous forest spirits who live nearby; and Sam Raimi’s much-loved Spider-Man trilogy, which is back in cinemas this summer.   Simon reveals the results of the World Cup of Tom Hanks, along with the 1984 draw. Will Mark be able to predict the winners?   Plus, a special gift for all you Take devotees; Mark sits down to rewatch one of his absolute favourites, ‘Sex and the City 2’. You’re welcome! Mwahahaha!  Timecodes (relevant only for the Vanguard - who are also ad-free!):  Kensuke's Kingdom Review – 7:10  World Cup of Tom Hanks Draw – 18:02  My Neighbour Totoro Review – 27:03  Spider-Man Trilogy Review – 35:58   Sex and the City 2 Review – 47:21  World Cup of 1984 Draw – 59:36    You can contact the show by emailing correspondence@kermodeandmayo.com or you can find us on social media, @KermodeandMayo   EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/take Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!  A Sony Music Entertainment production.     Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us @sonypodcasts    To advertise on this show contact: podcastadsales@sonymusic.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices