Kermode & Mayo’s Take

In our final character episode of this season, we put Carrie from Sex and the City on the couch. Nemone looks at why Sex and the City hasn’t aged well, and Ben talks about diversity in the privileged, white world of the show. We get into Carrie’s shopping habit, low self-esteem, and why everyone in the show is SO obsessed with relationships, even though the women really have no need for them. We also get a primer on the Bechdel test, and how you can tell if a show is sexist without knowing it. And if you want to check out more on the patriarchy and diversity, have a listen to our episodes on Sydney from The Bear. 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 Find how to view the shows we’ve talked about here. CREDITS We used clips from episodes of Sex and the City. It’s available to watch on NOWTV/SKY. Starring: Sarah Jessica Parker – Carrie Bradshaw Cynthia Nixon – Miranda Hobbs Kim Cattrall – Samatha Jones Kristin Davis – Charlotte York Created by: Darren Star Candace Bushnell Directed by: Susan Seidalman Nicole Holofcener Alison Maclean Michael Fields Darren Star Produced by: Darren Star Michael Patrick King John P. Melfi Jenny Bicks Sarah Jessica Parker Cindy Chupack 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

Dive into a playful debate as the hosts determine Meryl Streep's ultimate film masterpiece in a spirited World Cup-style showdown. New releases are also on the agenda, with chilling insights into British folk horror in Starve Acre and heartwarming animation in Robot Dreams. The transitional themes of summer to autumn spark nostalgic reflections, while Spider-Man's cinematic evolution and memorable film deaths add layers to the discussion, delivering humor and depth in equal measure.

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

Sanjeev Bhaskar, a talented actor and comedian, brings his humor and insights as a guest host. They dive into various fascinating films, including the neo-noir 'Only the River Flows', with its haunting themes and unique atmosphere. Sanjeev shares his thoughts on the immersive ballet documentary 'Swan Song', highlighting its cultural significance. The duo also tackles the much-debated 'Alien: Romulus', weighing its practical effects against plot shortcomings, sparking a lively discussion on its overall impact in the franchise.

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.