Inside Television with Alan Sepinwall

Firewall & Iceberg Podcast, episode 133: 'True Blood,' 'Comedy Bang! Bang!,' 'Bunk' & 'Saving Hope'

Dan and Alan also talk TCA Awards and continue their 'Buffy' rewatch with 'Witch'

By Alan Sepinwall Thursday, Jun 7, 2012 4:05 PM

The

We promised a two-podcast week for the Firewall & Iceberg Podcast, and we delivered, dammit. With "Mad Men" and "Game of Thrones" out of the way, we had plenty of time for reviewing, awards discussion, letter answering and our discussion of a "Buffy" episode that was a step down from the pilot.

The line-up:

"Saving Hope" (00:00:50 - 00:10:15)

"Comedy Bang Bang!" and "Bunk" (00:10:20 - 00:19:00)

"True Blood" (00:19:00 - 00:32:00)

TCA Award Nominations (00:32:00 - 00:42:25)

Alan's Kids' TV Roundup (00:42:35 - 00:49:25)

"Buffy the Vampire Slayer" Rewatch (00:49:30 - 01:03:45)

As always, you can subscribe to The Firewall & Iceberg Podcast over at the iTunes Store, where you can also rate us and comment on us. Or you can always follow our RSS Feed, download the MP3 file or stream it on Dan's blog.

And as always, feel free to e-mail us questions for the podcast.

Alan Sepinwall
Sr. Editor, What's Alan Watching

Alan Sepinwall has been reviewing television since the mid-'90s, first for Tony Soprano's hometown paper, The Star-Ledger, and now for HitFix. His new book, "The Revolution Was Televised," about the last 15 years of TV drama, is for sale at Amazon. He can be reached at sepinwall@hitfix.com

Related Searches: Firewall & Iceberg, Alan Sepinwall, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, True Blood

Daniel

Gotta disagree about the Comedy Bang! Bang! pilot. I watched the Poehler episode twice and both viewings induced gut-busting laughs throughout the entire show. I don't know if I can explain why, but it did.
June 7, 2012 at 4:51PM EST Reply to Comment
- Daniel Shouldn't have said "pilot," but ya, the Poehler episode had me in stitches.
  June 7, 2012 at 4:53PM EST
- lztouchthedream I'm just glad they were talking about it, seemed like it would be below their radar. I've been listening to the podcast pretty much since the beginning, and while I still prefer that to what I've seen on the show, I'm definitely impressed by how well they translated it for tv. I think Bunk is definitely the funnier of the two, but Comedy Bang! Bang! Has more potential to evolve to Mr. Show (which Hot Saucerman also had a hand in) levels of greatness.
  June 7, 2012 at 9:15PM EST
Hatfield

Ahh, Stalag 17. Somewhere in Greendale, Leonard is smiling.
June 7, 2012 at 6:35PM EST Reply to Comment
- anthonystrand Three William Holden-related thoughts:
  
  1) You gotta include Sunset Boulevard!
  
  2) Colonel Bogey March is, in fact, featured in Bridge on the River Kwai and not The Great Escape.
  
  3) Best William Holden line from Network: "Don't impugn my cocksmanship!"
  June 8, 2012 at 1:50PM EST
alf

I always liked Amy on Buffy and wondered about the actress who played her. Turns out she was born in 1970, like Charisma Carpenter. Anyway, she hasn't done that much.

You've made note of Angel's velvet jacket, but I wonder if you two notice the girls' clothing much. There are a whole lot of outfits on Buffy and Cordelia that would send most people to the principal's office. But Buffy seems to know she should probably wear pants at night, in case she needs to fight. Willow's already gotten a little less conservative/Sears-y from the pilot.
June 7, 2012 at 7:13PM EST Reply to Comment
Pizpot Gargravarr

Hey Alan, after your Kids' TV Roundup I'm wondering if you (or Dan) have seen either Avatar: The Last Airbender, or The Legend of Korra? I'm a big fan of the original series (not caught up on Korra yet) and I'm curious if you have an opinion on it.
June 7, 2012 at 9:01PM EST Reply to Comment
- odessasteps haven't listened yet, but glad to see the "kids TV segment." I've been hoping to see something on the various superhero cartoons on the air.
  
  I have enjoyed the Avatar spin-off so far, although I wonder about some of the character designs.
  June 8, 2012 at 7:45AM EST
S. Tarzan

I think Dan is overstating how straight-foward the Comedy Bang Bang podcast is, given how many episodes that they've done where it's all characters, or all comedians doing bits, or whatever. Occasionally, when Jon Hamm or Nick Offerman shows up the interview is pretty straightforward; but when the "regular guest" is Harris Wittels or Tim Heidecker or whatever, then there's nothing like a standard interview at any point.

Also, as a CBB fan I feel like the biggest problem with the show is that they're trying to do the same characters as on the podcast, but they can't devote more than a couple of minutes and hence can't do more than just get out the basic central joke of the character. What makes a CBB character work is rarely the basic concept, but more the accumulation of bizarre detail over an hour long podcast (and sometimes over repeat performances). Paul F. Tompkins' Cake Boss is hilarious because he's had enough time to develop multiple cake-related magic powers, so now an episode can revolve around Andy Richter using Cake Boss to contact Chewbacca in fictional wookee heaven to ask about orgies with Rowan & Martin.

I feel as if the show is going to have to find another way to integrate the characters, or find different characters that work better for the short amount of time given to them on the show.
June 8, 2012 at 12:10AM EST Reply to Comment
- dan S. Tarzan - Gotta confess: I listen to the podcast when I like the main guest, so it's entirely possible my experience with the podcast isn't entirely typical...
  
  -Daniel
  June 8, 2012 at 12:21AM EST
- PanicBomb I was going to make a similar comment, in that I've listened to the show for years and would be hard pressed to think of a straight forward interview. I guess if you're cherry picking episodes based on high profile guests, you would have a different perception of the show than the more regular listener.
  
  My concern is that presenting the show in a visual format will ruin the "theater of the mind" aspect the material depends on. I can't imagine Seth Morris in a wacky outfit will come close to matching the sad, schlubby image of Bob Ducca I have in my head. I'm assuming Huell Howser won't be morphing into a giant hell demon at the end of every interview. Can guests with real world counterparts like John C. Reilly, Ice T, or Paul Giamatti appear?
  
  I'm excited for the show, and optimistic my concerns are unfounded, but I still can't help having reservations.
  June 8, 2012 at 8:48AM EST
- dan PanicBomb - We may also have a different definition of "straight-forward," since my cherry picking is based on guests I LIKE, not their profile. Yes, there's always humor, but there's also often -- again, going with my partial experience -- a kernel of legit discussion that flows into the absurdity. On the TV show, there's no kernel of anything, only absurdity. Which isn't a criticism, but I could go through and point out a least a dozen main interviews from the podcast that fit my moderate definition of "straight forward" (including the two S Tarzan listed).
  
  -Daniel
  June 8, 2012 at 11:26AM EST
- PanicBomb Upon rereading my comment, I notice that first paragraph sounds far douchier than it did in my head. In particular, "cherry picking episodes based on high profile guests" sounds presumptuous and totally condescending.
  
  I apologize, Dan, for any unintended rudeness.
  June 8, 2012 at 12:06PM EST
- dan PanicBomb - No worries! On the podcast (mine) I should have made clear that my experience with the podcast (Comedy Bang Bang) was only partial...
  
  -Daniel
  June 8, 2012 at 12:11PM EST
rexmism

I never would've thought I'd get to hear your opinion on Phineas and Ferb. I was so glad I'm not the only adult who thinks it's a terrific show. We sometimes watch it without our son, too.
June 8, 2012 at 8:05AM EST Reply to Comment
- LJA I'm really going to have to pay more attention to Phineas and Ferb. My niece and nephew love it, but I usually only sit down to watch Yo Gabba Gabba which I think is terrific. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, by contrast, is just awful.
  June 8, 2012 at 1:37PM EST
- rexmism Yeah, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse has a very catchy theme song, but it's pretty horrible beyond that.
  June 8, 2012 at 2:13PM EST
- KarenX I'd just like to point out that the episode of Phineas & Ferb that has an "The Aristocats" joke in it also had a Kodos and Kang allusion.
  
  I'm a fan of SpongeBob, too. And Max and Ruby is awful in four different ways.
  June 8, 2012 at 6:21PM EST
Wallwriting

Alan, if you haven't seen it yet, you should watch the Mighty B with your kids. It stars Amy Phoeler and is fantastic. It's about an overly enthusiastic young girl who is a bit too sincere and ambitious for the people around here. I don't think they intended this way, but the character comes off as a young Leslie Knoppe.
June 8, 2012 at 11:00AM EST Reply to Comment
anthonystrand

SPOILERS for Buffy, I guess.

Xander's crush on Buffy pays off wonderfully in the season finale.
June 8, 2012 at 1:54PM EST Reply to Comment
rowan729

Oh, Alan, here is a quote from a review for True Blood in one of my local papers. I will not name the reviewer but it won't be hard to figure out who it is-I've always considered the man to be a hack critic, personally. But what he says in this review is just flat out blasphemy I think:

"If you want to find a cable drama running neck and neck in terms of quality with the lofty likes of "Mad Men," "Breaking Bad" and "Justified," check out Sunday's fifth season premiere of HBO's "True Blood"."

Equating TB to not just Mad Men but Breaking Bad AND Justified, and calling it just as good? Gimme some of what this guy is smoking, please, and keep up the actual valuable reviews that you and Dan both do.

Thanks for not sucking as critics, guys, I truly appreciate it!

June 8, 2012 at 6:54PM EST Reply to Comment
Bix

For a relatively important character played by an actress who wasn't in demand or a star, I always thought it was weird that Amy appeared so sporadically (8 episodes throughout the series) on Buffy. I know he was technically an extra or glorified extra at first, but Jonathan was in 10 episodes before the one that made him a fleshed out character.

The show was never really good about having recurring non-Scooby Gang students but it always felt like a "Why not?" type of thing to me.
June 11, 2012 at 1:46PM EST Reply to Comment
Spencer

Buffy always has some some super-strength, so I don't really get those complaints.
June 11, 2012 at 6:42PM EST Reply to Comment

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Inside Television with Alan Sepinwall

Firewall & Iceberg Podcast, episode 133: 'True Blood,' 'Comedy Bang! Bang!,' 'Bunk' & 'Saving Hope'

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Firewall & Iceberg Podcast, episode 133: 'True Blood,' 'Comedy Bang! Bang!,' 'Bunk' & 'Saving Hope'

Comments

Option 1

Option 2

Option 3

Daniel Gotta disagree about the Comedy Bang! Bang! pilot. I watched the Poehler episode twice and both viewings induced gut-busting laughs throughout the entire show. I don't know if I can explain why, but it did.

Daniel Shouldn't have said "pilot," but ya, the Poehler episode had me in stitches.

Hatfield Ahh, Stalag 17. Somewhere in Greendale, Leonard is smiling.

anthonystrand Three William Holden-related thoughts:1) You gotta include Sunset Boulevard!2) Colonel Bogey March is, in fact, featured in Bridge on the River Kwai and not The Great Escape.3) Best William Holden line from Network: "Don't impugn my cocksmanship!"

Pizpot Gargravarr Hey Alan, after your Kids' TV Roundup I'm wondering if you (or Dan) have seen either Avatar: The Last Airbender, or The Legend of Korra? I'm a big fan of the original series (not caught up on Korra yet) and I'm curious if you have an opinion on it.

odessasteps haven't listened yet, but glad to see the "kids TV segment." I've been hoping to see something on the various superhero cartoons on the air.I have enjoyed the Avatar spin-off so far, although I wonder about some of the character designs.

dan S. Tarzan - Gotta confess: I listen to the podcast when I like the main guest, so it's entirely possible my experience with the podcast isn't entirely typical...-Daniel

PanicBomb Upon rereading my comment, I notice that first paragraph sounds far douchier than it did in my head. In particular, "cherry picking episodes based on high profile guests" sounds presumptuous and totally condescending. I apologize, Dan, for any unintended rudeness.

dan PanicBomb - No worries! On the podcast (mine) I should have made clear that my experience with the podcast (Comedy Bang Bang) was only partial...-Daniel

rexmism I never would've thought I'd get to hear your opinion on Phineas and Ferb. I was so glad I'm not the only adult who thinks it's a terrific show. We sometimes watch it without our son, too.

LJA I'm really going to have to pay more attention to Phineas and Ferb. My niece and nephew love it, but I usually only sit down to watch Yo Gabba Gabba which I think is terrific. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, by contrast, is just awful.

rexmism Yeah, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse has a very catchy theme song, but it's pretty horrible beyond that.

KarenX I'd just like to point out that the episode of Phineas & Ferb that has an "The Aristocats" joke in it also had a Kodos and Kang allusion.I'm a fan of SpongeBob, too. And Max and Ruby is awful in four different ways.

anthonystrand SPOILERS for Buffy, I guess.Xander's crush on Buffy pays off wonderfully in the season finale.

Spencer Buffy always has some some super-strength, so I don't really get those complaints.

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Daniel

Gotta disagree about the Comedy Bang! Bang! pilot. I watched the Poehler episode twice and both viewings induced gut-busting laughs throughout the entire show. I don't know if I can explain why, but it did.

Hatfield

Ahh, Stalag 17. Somewhere in Greendale, Leonard is smiling.

anthonystrand Three William Holden-related thoughts:

1) You gotta include Sunset Boulevard!

2) Colonel Bogey March is, in fact, featured in Bridge on the River Kwai and not The Great Escape.

3) Best William Holden line from Network: "Don't impugn my cocksmanship!"

Pizpot Gargravarr

Hey Alan, after your Kids' TV Roundup I'm wondering if you (or Dan) have seen either Avatar: The Last Airbender, or The Legend of Korra? I'm a big fan of the original series (not caught up on Korra yet) and I'm curious if you have an opinion on it.

odessasteps haven't listened yet, but glad to see the "kids TV segment." I've been hoping to see something on the various superhero cartoons on the air.

I have enjoyed the Avatar spin-off so far, although I wonder about some of the character designs.

dan S. Tarzan - Gotta confess: I listen to the podcast when I like the main guest, so it's entirely possible my experience with the podcast isn't entirely typical...

-Daniel

PanicBomb Upon rereading my comment, I notice that first paragraph sounds far douchier than it did in my head. In particular, "cherry picking episodes based on high profile guests" sounds presumptuous and totally condescending.

I apologize, Dan, for any unintended rudeness.

dan PanicBomb - No worries! On the podcast (mine) I should have made clear that my experience with the podcast (Comedy Bang Bang) was only partial...

-Daniel

rexmism

I never would've thought I'd get to hear your opinion on Phineas and Ferb. I was so glad I'm not the only adult who thinks it's a terrific show. We sometimes watch it without our son, too.

KarenX I'd just like to point out that the episode of Phineas & Ferb that has an "The Aristocats" joke in it also had a Kodos and Kang allusion.

I'm a fan of SpongeBob, too. And Max and Ruby is awful in four different ways.

anthonystrand

SPOILERS for Buffy, I guess.

Xander's crush on Buffy pays off wonderfully in the season finale.

Spencer

Buffy always has some some super-strength, so I don't really get those complaints.

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