Back on the Block

We discuss the news about Anthony Rapp’s solo show returning to New York, and review the shows “Chester Bailey,” “A Man of No Importance,” “Straight Line Crazy,” and “Topdog/Underdog,” as well as the films “The Banshees of Inisherin” and “Barbarian.”

Join us for one last lap around the block, friends, as we reminisce about the highs of our time at “Melrose Place.”

We have reached the end of the block!!! Karen and I recap the final episode of “Melrose Place” after seven seasons and six years. We have things to say: What stories worked best? Who did the writers do the dirtiest? Was Amanda really a murderer? Plug in to hear us out.

What has Doug’s heartbeat racing? Find out, plus hear his theatre reviews of “1776,” “Death of a Salesman,” and “I’m Revolting.” And we pay tribute to the late, great Angela Lansbury.

In the second-to-last episode, Eve has lots of flashbacks, Megan marries Ryan, Amanda gets a new career path, and Jane has a secret. Also: Is Amanda really a psycho? And just how does organ donorship work?

They fast! And they see theatre! And watch movies! We review “Leopoldstadt,” “The Sandman,” “Blonde,” pay tribute to Loretta Lynn and Louise Fletcher, and discuss an important episode of NPR's “Throughline” podcast.

This is the episode that finally just goes for it. Has Amanda hit bottom? Maybe. But Eve might have it even worse – and that’s for the best! Plus, Ryan makes a decision about Megan and Lexi finds herself in a very compromised position. We also have an important Yom Kippur chat at the top that should not be missed.

Everyone starts to reveal their true colors as we hurtle towards the series finale. Amanda continues to pimp Eve out, Ryan must deal with Terry face to face, Lexi continues her sabotage, Kyle makes a move, and Jane gets a new job doing…we’re not sure what.

We review “See How They Run,” the off-Broadway show “Jasper,” “The Devil in Ohio,” and continue the conversation on “House of the Dragon.” And you’ll find out just who is emailing Doug.

Sarah’s arrival should send everyone’s lives into chaos, but it’s Amanda’s latest choice that really has a ripple effect. Tune in to hear our thoughts on all of this – and on possibly the craziest background scene we’ve ever watched.

We discuss this week’s Emmy Awards, the state of television content, with an emphasis on “Black Bird,” “The Patient,” and “Slow Horses,” and review “Elvis” and “Lightyear.” We also apologize to any geriatric musicians we might have offended here. Go check out Concrete Animals!

Ryan continues to be a d-bag, which makes Lexi look less horrible. Amanda continues to act poorly, which will only point Kyle in Jane’s direction. But we are here for Dr. Visconti getting a love life! Only five episodes left!

We discuss “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” “Men,” “Virgin River,” and “House of the Dragon,” and try to get to the secret of smart storytelling.

We can’t shake the stink of Lexi off this episode. She’s everywhere! Plus, Eve and Peter spend their new fortune, Amanda becomes ruthless again, Jane’s new man moves marathon-fast, and the building gets a new owner.

We talk about polarization and general snobbery in regard to “Yellowstone” and “The Terminal List” and review “The Black Phone” and “The Kite Runner.” Plus: how did Doug spend his birthday?

It’s all work and no play for Amanda, Peter experiences some extreme highs and lows, and Ryan takes a major turn.

We discuss “The Butcher Boy” at Irish Repertory Theatre, The Black Keys in concert, the new “Persuasion” adaptation and “The Bob’s Burgers Movie.” Plus, RIP to the HBOMax catalog.

The wheels seem to be set in motion for the series finale as Amanda has to make some adult choices, an enemy of Peter’s resurfaces, Jane moves back into the beach house, and Lexi dresses like she’s in “The Matrix.”

We revisit “Stranger Things” now that Karen has seen the whole thing, and also talk about how Hollywood revisits its creative output from the past.

We found out if Amanda and her baby survived her big fall, Michael tries to bail himself out of hot water, Lexi has a new scheme, and Eve is now officially the worst character ever. Plus Hilary Banks!