PopaHALLics #155 "Breaking Good"
Can one unhappy woman save the world from "hive mind"? Why does Kate think motherhood is an important theme in the new "Frankenstein"? And Alicia Silverstone may be "Clueless" about her feelings in a new holiday movie.

Streaming:

• "Pluribus," Apple TV. In the new sci-fi drama from the creator of "Breaking Bad," can the most miserable person on Earth (Rhea Seehorn) save the world from happiness from an extraterrestrial virus? And does Steve agree with the series' 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating?
• "Frankenstein," Netflix. Last episode, we heard Steve's thoughts on Guillermo Del Toro's visually gorgeous version of Mary Shelley's 1818 novel, starring Oscar Isaacs and Jacob Elordi. This week, Kate's review.
• "Down Cemetery Road," Apple TV. A concerned neighbor (Ruth Wilson) and a private investigator (Emma Thompson) search for a missing girl and uncover a conspiracy in this 8-part British TV series. Based on a novel by "Slow Horses" creator Mick Herron.
• "A Merry Little Ex-Mas," Netflix. In this romantic comedy coproduced by Melissa Joan Hart, divorcing couple Kate (Alicia Silverstone) and Everett (Oliver Hudson) want one last Christmas together as a family. New flames (Jameela Jamil and Pierson Fode) and old feelings complicate their plans.
• "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," Hulu. Being friends with any of the mom influencers in this reality TV series would be an emotional roller-coaster ride. And not in a good way.

Music:

Folksinger Todd Snider, 59, died on Nov. 14 after being hospitalized with walking pneumonia. Snider was a wry, compassionate voice of modern Americana and alt-country songwriting. Steve is a huge fan, loving Snider's funny songs like "I Can't Complain" and even funnier long, meandering stories. Snider's memoir "I Never Met a Story I Didn't Like: Mostly True Tales" features some of his best ones. Our PopaHALLics #155 Playlist (Todd) showcases some of our favorite tunes by this barefoot troubadour. Enjoy!

Click through the links to watch, read, or hear what we're talking about. The fair use doctrine of U.S. copyright law allows the limited use of copyrighted material without permission for such purposes as commentary and education.

PopaHALLics #154 "It's Alive!"

In this mini-episode, Steve's solo with his review of Guillermo del Toro's "Frankenstein" and the book "Tonight in Jungleland: The Making of Born to Run," by Peter Ames Carlin. Kate provided rapid-fire reviews of new albums by female artists.

Streaming:

• "Frankenstein," Netflix. Del Toro's version of Mary Shelley's 1818 novel is visually gorgeous, solidly acted, and really comes to life when the Creature (Jacob Elordi) tells his tale. Oscar Isaacs is the arrogant Victor Frankenstein, out to create life even if he hasn't thought through what happens next. Also starring Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz, and Charles Dance.

Books:

• "Tonight in Jungleland: The Making of Born to Run," by Peter Ames Carlin. Carlin's book takes a fascinating deep dive into the making of an iconic rock album. In danger of being dropped by his record label and fearing this would be his last chance at recording, Bruce Springsteen set out to make a rock album for the ages. He succeeded.

Music:

PopaHALLics #154 Playlist (Olivia) has tunes from Olivia Dean, Florence and the Machine, and Rosalia.

Click through the links to see, read, or hear what Steve is talking about.The fair use doctrine of U.S. copyright law allows the limited use of copyrighted material without permission for such purposes as commentary and education.

PopaHALLics #153 "Popping Up Secrets"
Dad and daughter dish on Lily Allen's "divorce album," the new seasons of "Slow Horses" and "The Diplomat," a late-to-the-party discovery of TV's "Interview with a Vampire," a funny, wise novel called "I See That You've Called in Dead"—and more!

Streaming:

• "Sisu: Road to Revenge," Hulu, Prime. In this John Wick-ish Finnish action thriller, Nazi soldiers steal gold from an old prospector. One problem: He's a former "one-man death squad" legendary for his ruthlessness.
• "Slow Horses," Apple TV. In Season 5, coordinated terrorist attacks in London begin a destabilization campaign. The first sign something's amiss: Obnoxious Roddy Ho (Christopher Chung) has a girlfriend.
• "The Diplomat," Netflix. In Season 3, the Brits are upset with an American betrayal, and Kate (Keri Russell) and Hal (Rufus Sewell) struggle with their roles and relationship. Bradley Whitford joins the cast as First Husband to President Grace Penn (Allison Janey).
• "Interview with a Vampire," AMC. Season 2 finds Louis (Jacob Anderson) traveling to Paris with teen fledgling Claudia (Delainey Hayles) in a search for Old World vampires. He meets Armand (Assad Zaman), a relationship that will have devastating consequences.

Books:

• "I See That You've Called in Dead," by John Kenney. When a drunken obit writer accidentally publishes his own fake obit, he ends up getting a second chance at life in this funny, moving novel.
• "The God of the Woods," by Liz Moore. In this acclaimed mystery, the disappearance of a 13-year-old girl from a summer camp triggers an investigation into her vanishing and her family's dark secrets.
• "Exit Lane: An 831 Stories Romance," by Erica Veurink. This "sweet romance" follows Teddy and Marin's eight-year rocky relationship from Iowa City to NYC and back.

Music:
Lily Allen returns with her first album in seven years, "West End Girl," about the breakup of her marriage. PopaHallics Playlist #153 (Lily) also contains tunes by Tame Impala and Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. The great record store we mention is JL Records in West Lafayette, IN.

Click through the links above to watch, read, and listen to what Steve and Kate discuss.