Killer Serials

Tony and Ryan -- but mainly Tony -- chat with Luke Barnett, creator, writer, and producer of the comedy film Faith Based, streaming on Hulu. Luke talks about making a movie that mocks Christian culture, but in a kind and loving way, and getting kicked in the nuts by George Cosantza. Follow Luke's hilarious tweets @LukeBarnett.

In this episode, Tony Jones and Ryan Parker discuss the finale of the HBOMax limited series, Beartown. They talk about who the series is about (Peter or Maya), narrative loose ends, toxic masculinity, the Scapegoat Theory, and more.

In this episode, Tony Jones and Ryan Parker discuss the fourth episode of the HBOMax limited series, Beartown. They talk about crossing the bridge into the upcoming final episode, the town turning on Peter, mob mentality, and bribery. They also recommend, for your viewing pleasure, the animated family comedy, The Mitchells vs. the Machines, and the French comedy series, Call My Agent, both now streaming on Netflix.

In this episode of the podcast, Tony Jones and Ryan Parker discuss the third episode of the HBOMax limited series, Beartown. They talk about the aftermath of the sexual assault, the proximity of the violator to the victim's family, how Tony has discussed these themes with his teenaged kids, and how well equipped (or not) the church is to engage in these conversations.

In the latest episode of the podcast, Tony Jones and Ryan Parker discuss the second episode of the HBOMax limited series, Beartown. They talk about the portrayal of sexual assault, the many problems with Kevin, and the impact of hockey success on the rest of the town.

In this episode, Tony Jones and Ryan Parker discuss the first episode of the HBOMax limited series, Beartown. They talk about delaying the inciting incident, small town similarities between Sweden and Minnesota, crazy hockey parents, and all the side eye.

In this episode, Tony Jones and Ryan Parker discuss the final episode of the Netflix docuseries, Murder Among the Mormons. They talk about "the big reveal," false narratives and proto-Trumpism and proto-Qanon implications, and the death penalty.

In this episode, Tony Jones and Ryan Parker discuss the second episode of the Netflix docuseries, Murder Among the Mormons. They talk about what the serialization of this story says about how we consume content; how they wish it would've been a feature-length dramedy (in the vein of War Dogs); the detectives' search for the bomber; Shannon Flynn's poker face; and Mark Hofmann's liver.

In this episode, Tony Jones and Ryan Parker turn their attention to the new Netflix limited docuseries, Murder Among the Mormons, directed by Jared Hess and Tyler Measom. They welcome Jana Riess, Killer Serial's resident Mormon, to discuss all things LDS and to give some context to what we've seen (and will be seeing) in this series.

In the latest episode, Tony Jones and Ryan Parker discuss the season one finale of WANDAVISION, now streaming on Disney+. They talk about why it felt a little like a let down even though there were more beautiful moments between Wanda and Vision, how COVID impacted the storytelling, and where we go from here.

In this episode, Tony Jones and Ryan Parker discuss episode 108 of WANDAVISION, now streaming on Disney+. They talk about Wanda's ghosts of tragedies past, American exports of sit-coms and bombs, and that line from Vision...you know the one.

In this episode, Tony Jones and Ryan Parker discuss episode 107 of WANDAVISION, now streaming on Disney+. Side note: Tony's finally watching Ted Lasso and, spoiler, loves it. But for the series at hand, they talk about the lack of a clear protagonist within Westview, the "surprise" Agatha reveal, the weaponization of fear and anger, how to disarm fear, and how all of this is intersecting with our pandemic moment. The article on the Agnes/Agatha character in comics history: https://www.polygon.com/2021/2/19/22291025/wandavision-agnes-agatha-harkness-mephisto-theory.  

In this episode, Tony Jones and Ryan Parker discuss episode 106 of WANDAVISION, now streaming on Disney+. They talk about what the TV aesthetics of this episode might say about Wanda's control; Vision's vision of reality; Agnes' imprisonment; and the ways in which Westview mirror what often happens at megachurches when things get out of their leaders' control.

In this week's episode, Tony Jones and Ryan Parker break down episode 5 of WANDAVISION, streaming on Disney+. They talk about Wanda's agency and grief and the effect that this has on the residents of Westview...and herself. They also talk about simulation theory and whether or not we're just all brains in a vat.

In this episode, Tony Jones and Ryan Parker discuss episode 4 of WandaVision, now streaming on Disney +. They welcome Tommy Hall on the show to talk about what might be going on in the world of Westview, the series as it relates to Wanda and Vision's past appearances in comics and film, and how we are surrounded by a host of individuals fighting to preserve their own created worlds in the face of chaos and uncertainty.

Tony Jones and Ryan Parker dive into the new world of WANDAVISION, now streaming on Disney+. They talk about the boldness of putting these characters into such diverse settings with each new episode and why it's the perfect series for our anxious and uncertain times.

In the latest episode, Tony Jones and Ryan Parker turn their attention to a recent Netflix film, Dick Johnson is Dead (2020). What better way to celebrate the holidays than to gather with family and friends and watch an acclaimed documentarian stage her father's death over and over again? Kirsten Johnson's documentary is a beautiful, heart-felt, and heart-breaking reflection on family, love, memory, death, and grief. Tony and Ryan dive into these topics and more.

It's all come down to this. In the latest episode of the podcast, Tony Jones and Ryan Parker discuss the series finale of Rectify, streaming on Netflix. They talk about where the series fits in the pantheon of great television, Daniel's revelation, Janet and Judy's visit, new details of the case, and the Talbot family's possible expansion to include Billy and Melvin.

In the latest episode of Killer Serials, Tony Jones and Ryan Parker discuss the penultimate episode of Rectify, streaming on Netflix. They talk about Daniel's therapy, Teddy's independence, Bobby Dean's apology, Sheriff Pickens' confession, and Tawney's revelation.

In the latest episode of Killer Serials, Tony Jones and Ryan Parker discuss season 4, episode 6 of Rectify, streaming on Netflix, and welcome Luke Kirby (who plays attorney Jon Stern) to talk about his role in the series and his larger career.