July 23, 2018

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As summer rolls on, here is a lengthier list of individual episodes in lieu of a longform review. It's not that I've run out of shows to dive into, and I hope to be back to splaying more thoughts out in greater depths in the coming weeks. Until then, we'll always have

THE LIST
1. Embedded - "The Red Line"
With our increase in access to news from a variety of outlets, it can be hard to appreciate the nuance reporters put into relaying the inner workings of a conflict as it unfolds. Combining some vulnerable moments from Kelly McEvers and a former Obama staffer, "The Red Line" dives into some behind-the-scenes events that drove the US's response to Syria. Examining the world as it is rather than as we might will it to be stands in stark contrast to everything that unfolded last week with our current leader's grasp on international affairs. 
 
2. Criminal - "The Chase"
In one of Criminal's lighter offerings, "The Chase" tackles one man's journey to streak across the field of countless major sporting events. This public act is something that most of us have heard about (if not experienced during a game), but I for one have never heard such a thorough biographical treatment of someone rather infamous for partaking in the juvenile act of public exhibitionism.

3. Rough Translation - "War Poems"
Change can be difficult for any of us, and even more so when the strictures of an organized military come into play. "War Poems" examines a peace strategy deployed in Afghanistan and the various roadblocks that arise when intransigent attitudes face a novel approach to conflict resolution. 

4. Radiolab - "The Very Big Sick"
In this, the thrilling conclusion to the Radiolab miniseries Fronads, Molly Webster explores gender fluidity through a biological lens. I really appreciated the stylistic choice of playing fast and loose with the banter while also getting into some really fascinating scientific detail. 

5. Flash Forward - "The Very Big Sick"
In one of the seemingly-much-closer future worlds that have featured on Flash Forward, Rose Eveleth gives us a rundown of pandemics. Hypochondriacs might want to pass on this one, but anyone interested in mock-trial/bureaucratic role playing should move this episode to the top of the queue. 
Secular mass media rarely covers religion in any kind of meaningful way. This new series on church planting from Startup is a welcome entry into that arena, putting evangelical Christianity under the microscope of profitability and sustainability as one man seeks to cultivate and grow his flock from the ground up. 

HONORABLE MENTION
99% Invisible - "Interrobang"
The Anthropocene Reviewed - "Canada Geese and Diet Dr. Pepper"
Everything Is Alive - "Louis, Can of Cola"
Ear Hustle - "So Long"

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