Slate's Spoiler Specials

This week’s Spoiler Specials takes on M3gan, with Slate’s movie critic Dana Stevens and features director Jeffrey Bloomer. Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. Read another Slate review here. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 20 January 2023

This week, Slate's Dana Stevens and Dan Kois spoil Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, the sequel to Rian Johnson’s Knives Out.  Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. Read Dana’s review here.    Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 6 January 2023

This week, Slate's Dana Stevens and Sam Adams spoil Avatar: The Way of Water, James Cameron’s long-awaited sequel to his 2009 film. Is it true that “the most dangerous thing on Pandora is that you’ll grow to love it too much?”  Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. Read Dana’s review here.  Read Sam’s advice on which version to catch here.   Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 23 December 2022

This week, Slate's Dana Stevens and Dan Kois spoil Tár, Todd Fields’ first film in 16 years. Cate Blanchett stars as a world-famous conductor whose life takes an unexpected turn as she prepares for a career-changing opportunity. Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. Read Dana’s review here.  Read Dan’s review here.   Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 9 December 2022

This week, Slate's Dana Stevens and Nadira Goffe spoil Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, the sequel to Marvel’s Black Panther.  Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 11 November 2022

This week, Slate's Sam Adams and Rebecca Onion spoil the season finale of HBO’s House of the Dragon, the prequel to Game of Thrones.  Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 28 October 2022

This week, Slate's Sam Adams and Jeffrey Bloomer spoil the 13th entry in the Halloween franchise, the alleged final showdown between Jamie Lee Curtis's Laurie Strode and Michael Myers. Note: as the title implies, the podcast contains spoilers galore.  Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 14 October 2022

This week’s Spoiler Specials takes on Don’t Worry Darling. Slate’s movie critic, Dana Stevens joins Slate’s associate editor Marissa Martinelli to spoil Olivia Wilde’s latest thriller.  Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 30 September 2022

This week’s Spoiler Specials takes on Orphan: First Kill. Slate senior editor Sam Adams joins features director Jeffrey Bloomer to spoil the prequel to the 2009 psychological thriller, Orphan.  Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 16 September 2022

This week’s Spoiler Specials takes on The Sandman. Senior editor, Sam Adams, and Slate’s book critic, Laura Miller spoil the comic book series by Neil Gaiman.  Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 2 September 2022

This week’s Spoiler Specials takes on Bodies Bodies Bodies. Slate’s movie critic Dana Stevens and Slate writer Nadira Goffe spoil A24’s latest murder mystery, directed by Halina Reijn. Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. Read another Slate review here. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 19 August 2022

This week’s Spoiler Specials takes on Bullet Train. Slate’s movie critic Dana Stevens and senior editor Sam Adams spoil the latest action comedy release from Atomic Blonde director and John Wick co-creator, David Leitch.  Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. Read Dana’s review here. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 5 August 2022

This week’s Spoiler Specials takes on Nope, the latest from horror auteur Jordan Peele. Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. Read Dana’s review here. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Kevin Bendis and Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 22 July 2022

This week’s Spoiler Specials takes on Thor: Love and Thunder. Slate’s movie critic Dana Stevens and senior editor Sam Adams spoil the newest release from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.  Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. Read Dana’s review here. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 8 July 2022

This week’s Spoiler Specials takes on Lightyear. Slate’s movie critic, Dana Stevens, and senior editor, Sam Adams spoil the new animated film from Disney.  Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. Read Dana’s review here and Sam’s review here. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Jasmine Ellis and Kevin Bendis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 24 June 2022

It’s June, and in honor of Pride, we’re bringing you a special episode from the Outward podcast! Hosts Christina Cauterucci, Jules Gill-Peterson, and Bryan Lowder dig into the big gay movie of summer 2022: Fire Island. Directed by Andrew Ahn and written by Joel Kim Booster, who also stars in the film, Fire Island explores the magic of queer spaces like the titular enclave—along with the class and race disparities that often beset them. The film, which also stars Bowen Yang, Margaret Cho, and Conrad Ricamora, is a gay resetting of Pride and Prejudice. Does it succeed? The hosts discuss this, and much more, in spoiler-filled detail. This podcast was produced by June Thomas. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to Outward wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 17 June 2022

This week’s Spoiler Specials takes on Jurassic World: Dominion. Sam Adams, a senior editor at Slate, is joined by Slate’s features editor, Jeffrey Bloomer to spoil the latest evolutionary stage of the Jurassic World series. True to the spirit of bringing something back from the past, the stars of Jurassic Park—Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, and Sam Neill—join the dinos and their JW counterparts Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard. The cast is big, the predators are bigger, but the villains and plot lines raised more eyebrows than heart rates among our critics.  Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Jasmine Ellis and Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 10 June 2022

This week’s Spoiler Specials takes on Top Gun: Maverick. Film critic Dana Stevens is joined by Slate editor and writer Dan Kois to spoil the long awaited sequel, starring Tom Cruise and directed by Joseph Kosinski. Maverick is pressed into service, training a group of young pilots to carry out a dangerous strike in a rogue nation. But it soon becomes clear that only Maverick has the right stuff to lead the mission. Does Maverick fly high, or get grounded? Is Top Gun: Maverick better than the 1986 original?  Read Dana’s thoughts on the movie here. Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Jasmine Ellis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 27 May 2022

On this week’s episode of The Waves, historian and original Waves host, Marcia Chatelain is joined by sociologist Danielle Lindemann to talk all things reality TV. They discuss Danielle’s new book, True Story: What Reality TV Says About Us and why we don’t take reality television as seriously as we should. Later in the show they talk about why women are more successful at monetizing their reality TV brand and how the genre takes us on a tour of the class system. In Slate Plus: Is The Bachelorette feminist? Recommendations Marcia: The True Crime Obsessed podcast, Let the Women Do the Work Danielle: The Netflix series Selling SunsetPodcast production by Cheyna Roth with editorial oversight by Shannon Palus and Alicia Montgomery. Send your comments and recommendations on what to cover to [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 20 May 2022

This week’s Spoiler Specials takes on Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Film critic Dana Stevens is joined by Slate senior editor Sam Adams to spoil the Marvel film that stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Directed by Sam Raimi, the first action scene takes place at the wedding of Doctor Stephen Strange’s (Benedict Cumberbatch) ex (Rachel McAdams) being interrupted by a one-eyed octopus creature from space that’s chasing after America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez). It’s an explosive start to a film that has some of the best –and the worst– of what Marvel movies are famous for. Read Sam’s review of the movie.  Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Jasmine Ellis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 13 May 2022

Hey, Spoiler Specials listeners, Dana Stevens here. If you haven’t heard the Slate podcast Decoder Ring yet, I urge you to check it out. Hosted by our friend Willa Paskin, each episode cracks a different cultural mystery by examining its history and why it still matters today. In their new season they look at how men’s razors went from one...to two...to five blades! They explore how "method acting" became so misunderstood—there’s more to it than just Jared Leto behaving badly. And now, we present their latest which I loved. It follows the unlikely path of a 2004 indie flick from director Alexander Payne...off the screen and onto our restaurant menus. Decades later, the American wine industry is still under the influence of “The Sideways Effect." Make sure to subscribe to Decoder Ring wherever you listen, and I hope you enjoy this episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 6 May 2022

This week’s Spoiler Specials takes on The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. Film critic Dana Stevens is joined by Keith Phipps to spoil this action-packed comedy, starring Nicolas Cage as a struggling actor who is desperate to get back on the A list. Nicolas Cage plays Nick Cage, with Tiffany Haddish, Pedro Pascal, and Neil Patrick Harris co-starring. Dana and Keith tell listeners if this self-referential romp went deep enough. Read Dana’s review of the movie.  Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Jasmine Ellis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2022

On this week’s Spoiler Specials, Slate’s Marissa Martinelli and Rebecca Onion spoil season 2 of the Netflix hit Bridgerton. It’s wedding season again, and this time, it’s Lord Anthony Bridgerton’s (Jonathan Bailey) turn to marry. But for the Viscount, finding a wife is more about one’s duty to the family line than love. And Lord Bridgerton thinks he’s found the perfect match in Edwina Sharma (Charithra Chandran). But will her sister Kate (Simone Ashley) approve? With all the drama that unfolds, how will Lady Whistledown keep up with this season’s shenanigans? Read Rebecca’s review of the second season.  Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Jasmine Ellis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2022

On this week’s Spoiler Specials, Slate’s movie critic Dana Stevens is joined by Slate’s Jeffrey Bloomer and Dan Kois to spoil Deep Water.  The film opens with marital unease between Vic Van Allen (Ben Affleck) and his wife Melinda (Ana de Armas). Melinda has constant flirtations that Vic moodily tolerates … until he doesn’t.  Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Cleo Levin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2022

On this week’s Spoiler Specials, Slate movie critic Dana Stevens and former Slate staff writer Karen Han spoil Turning Red, directed by Domee Shi. When 13-year-old Meilin (Rosalie Chiang) starts to experience puberty, she turns into a giant red panda. Little does she know that the matriarchal side of her family has a connection to this mythical creature. Her mother, Ming (Sandra Oh), also has a story about turning into a giant bear when she experiences intense emotions. Will this new revelation bring Meilin and Ming closer? And what will the teenager’s friends think when they find out about her new gift? Read Dana’s review of the movie.  Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Jasmine Ellis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 18 March 2022

On this week’s Spoiler Specials, Slate movie critic Dana Stevens and senior editor Sam Adams spoil The Batman.  After a high-ranking Gotham City politician is murdered in his apartment by a masked figure, Bruce Wayne (Robert Pattinson) investigates the crime alongside police detective James Gordon (Jeffrey Wright). It turns out that the murderer is the Riddler (Paul Dano), who is determined to expose the corruption in Gotham’s government by any means necessary. Will the Riddler succeed, or will his plan fall apart?  How does Robert Pattinson’s Bruce Wayne compare to the others? And was it necessary for this movie to be three hours long?  Read Dana’s review of the movie.  Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Jasmine Ellis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 4 March 2022

On this week’s Spoiler Specials, Slate movie critic Dana Stevens and staff writer Heather Schwedel spoil the new rom-com Marry Me.  Superstar Kat Valdez (Jennifer Lopez) decides to marry her fiancé Bastian (Maluma) in front of a live audience after their successful song “Marry Me” becomes a hit. Before they can say “I do,” things are turned upside down and Kat learns that Bastian isn’t as faithful as he seems. In a plot twist, Kat decides to marry concert attendee Charlie (Owen Wilson) after spotting him in the crowd. Is this marriage real, and could it possibly last?  You can read Dana’s review of the movie here.  Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Jasmine Ellis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 18 February 2022

On this week’s Spoiler Specials, Slate staffers Jeffrey Bloomer, Sam Adams, and Josh Levin spoil the latest Scream movie.  After high-schooler Tara Carpenter (Jenna Ortega) is attacked and hospitalized by Ghostface, her estranged sister Sam (Melissa Barrera) comes back to town with her boyfriend Ritchie (Jack Quaid). The reunion causes a surprising family secret to be revealed. More mayhem ensues as old characters return to the Scream fold. Who is the new Ghostface—and is this franchise dead? CORRECTION: After this episode was taped, Jeffrey Bloomer realized that he had misspoken about the familial connections of a key character in Scream 4: That person was Sidney’s cousin, not her niece. You can read Bloomer’s review of the movie here. Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Jasmine Ellis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 4 February 2022

On this week’s Spoiler Specials, Slate staffers Allegra Frank and Rebecca Onion spoil The Lost Daughter.  Leda Caruso (Olivia Colman) is a college professor on a sunny holiday in Greece. When she meets Nina (Dakota Johnson) and her young daughter on the beach, her observations prompt dark memories of her own early motherhood. Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. Produced by Asha Saluja and Jasmine Ellis. To listen to Spoiler Specials and other Slate podcasts with zero ads, read unlimited articles on Slate.com, and support Slate's journalism, sign up for Slate Plus now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 21 January 2022

On the Spoiler Special podcast, Slate critics discuss movies, the occasional TV show, and, once in a blue moon, another podcast, in full spoiler-filled detail. This week, Slate staffers Allegra Frank and Sam Adams spoil Spider-Man: No Way Home. Peter Parker (Tom Holland) is grappling with being identified as Spider-Man. This not only has consequences for him, but also his girlfriend, Michelle “MJ” Jones-Watson (Zendaya), and his best friend Edward “Ned” Leeds (Jacob Batalon) who are rejected from MIT. This inspires Peter to approach Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) for help. But what happens when it all goes sideways?  You can read Allegra Frank and Sam Adams’s guide to the movie here. Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Jasmine Ellis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 7 January 2022

On the Spoiler Specials podcast, Slate critics discuss movies, the occasional TV show, and, once in a blue moon, another podcast, in full spoiler-filled detail. This week, Slate movie critic Dana Stevens is joined by Vox editor-at-large and co-creator of the podcast Arden, Emily VanDerWerff. Twenty years after the events of The Matrix Revolutions, Thomas Anderson, also known as Neo (Keanu Reeves) is once again confronted with a decision to forgo his ordinary life and open his mind to The Matrix.  Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. Slate is having a holiday sale! For a limited time, we’re offering our annual Slate Plus membership at $25 off for your first year. With Slate Plus, you can listen to Spoiler Specials and other Slate podcasts with zero ads, read unlimited articles on Slate.com, and support Slate's journalism. Sign up for Slate Plus now. And if you’re already a member, consider giving the gift of Plus to a fellow Slate fan and they’ll receive all the benefits of membership." Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Asha Saluja with help from June Thomas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 24 December 2021

On the Spoiler Specials podcast, Slate critics discuss movies, the occasional TV show, and, once in a blue moon, another podcast, in full spoiler-filled detail. This week, Slate movie critic Dana Stevens is joined by Slate features editor Jeffrey Bloomer to spoil the latest Jane Campion movie, Power of the Dog. When domineering rancher Phil (Benedict Cumberbatch) meets his brother’s new wife Rose (Kirsten Dunst) and her son Peter (Kodi Smit-McPhee), he takes an instant dislike to them. Phil tirelessly mocks his new family members until Peter makes an unexpected discovery.   Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. To listen to Spoiler Specials and other Slate podcasts with zero ads, read unlimited articles on Slate.com, and support Slate's journalism, sign up for Slate Plus now. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Cleo Levin. Hosts Dana Stevens is Slate’s movie critic. You can read her review here.  Jeffrey Bloomer is Slate’s features editor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 10 December 2021

On the Spoiler Specials podcast, Slate critics discuss movies, the occasional TV show, and, once in a blue moon, another podcast, in full spoiler-filled detail. This week, Slate movie critic Dana Stevens is joined by Slate staff writer Heather Schwedel and New Yorker staff writer Rachel Syme to spoil the latest movie from Ridley Scott, House of Gucci. When Patrizia Reggiani (Lady Gaga), a woman whose glamor belies her working-class lifestyle, meets Maurizio Gucci (Adam Driver) at a party, she senses an opportunity for something more. The film follows their romance as it grows, and then morphs into something more sinister. Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. To listen to Spoiler Specials and other Slate podcasts with zero ads, read unlimited articles on Slate.com, and support Slate’s journalism, sign up for Slate Plus now.  Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Cleo Levin. Hosts Dana Stevens is Slate’s movie critic. You can read her review here.  Heather Schwedel is a Slate staff writer. Rachel Syme is a New Yorker staff writer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 26 November 2021

On the Spoiler Specials podcast, Slate critics discuss movies, the occasional TV show, and, once in a blue moon, another podcast, in full spoiler-filled detail. This week, Slate movie critic Dana Stevens is joined by Slate senior editor Sam Adams and Slate editorial assistant Nadira Goffe to spoil the newest Marvel film, Eternals. The Eternals, a group of immortal beings with superpowers, reunite following an unexpected tragedy to fight the evil Deviants. Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. To listen to Spoiler Specials and other Slate podcasts with zero ads, read unlimited articles on Slate.com, and support Slate's journalism, sign up for Slate Plus now.  Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Cleo Levin. Hosts Dana Stevens is Slate’s movie critic. You can read her review here.  Sam Adams is a Slate senior editor.  Nadira Goffe is Slate’s editorial assistant.  Sam and Nadira both contributed to “The Casual Marvel Fan’s Guide to Eternals” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 12 November 2021

On the Spoiler Specials podcast, Slate critics discuss movies, the occasional TV show, and, once in a blue moon, another podcast, in full spoiler-filled detail. This week, Slate movie critic Dana Stevens is joined by Slate senior editor Sam Adams to spoil the new adaptation of the 1965 sci-fi novel Dune. In the year 10,191, Paul Atreides, along with his family and people, must travel to a dangerous planet at the behest of the emperor of the universe. Once there, violence explodes and Paul must test his training and power to survive. Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. To listen to Spoiler Specials and other Slate podcasts with zero ads, read unlimited articles on Slate.com, and support Slate's journalism, sign up for Slate Plus now. For a limited time only, you can get $25 off your first year. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Cleo Levin. Hosts Dana Stevens is Slate’s movie critic. You can read her review here.  Sam Adams is a Slate senior editor. You can read his breakdown of the ways to see the movie here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 29 October 2021

On the Spoiler Special podcast, Slate critics discuss movies, the occasional TV show, and, once in a blue moon, another podcast, in full spoiler-filled detail. This week, Slate senior editor Sam Adams is joined by Laura Miller, a books and culture columnist for Slate, to spoil the new Mike Flanagan miniseries Midnight Mass. Riley Flynn returns to his home on an offshore fishing village to find that the local priest has been replaced by a newcomer. The arrival of the magnetic Father Paul Hill brings religious fervor to the town, along with mystery and monstrosity.  Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. To listen to Spoiler Specials and other Slate podcasts with zero ads, read unlimited articles on Slate.com, and support Slate's journalism, sign up for Slate Plus now. For a limited time only, you can get $25 off your first year. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Cleo Levin and Asha Saluja  Hosts Sam Adams is a Slate senior editor. You can read his review here.  Laura Miller is a books and culture columnist for Slate.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 15 October 2021

On the Spoiler Special podcast, Slate critics discuss movies, the occasional TV show, and, once in a blue moon, another podcast, in full spoiler-filled detail. This week, Slate’s movie critic Dana Stevens is joined by Rolling Stone’s chief TV critic and host of the popular podcast Too Long, Didn’t Watch, Alan Sepinwall to spoil the new Sopranos prequel film, The Many Saints of Newark.  The film follows a young Anthony Soprano, growing up in a very tumultuous era in Newark, N.J. Caught up in the changing times is the uncle he idolizes, Dickie Moltisanti, whose influence over his nephew will help shape the impressionable teenager into the all-powerful mob boss: Tony Soprano. Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Morgan Flannery.  Hosts Dana Stevens is Slate’s movie critic. You can read her review here.  Alan Sepinwall is Rolling Stone’s chief TV critic and host of the popular podcast Too Long, Didn’t Watch. You can read his review here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 1 October 2021

On the Spoiler Special podcast, Slate critics discuss movies, the occasional TV show, and, once in a blue moon, another podcast, in full spoiler-filled detail. This week, Slate’s senior editor Allegra Frank is joined by fellow Slate senior editor, Sam Adams, to spoil Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.  Shang-Chi is living a quiet, normal life in San Francisco working as a valet parking attendant with his best friend Katy when suddenly he’s confronted by his dark past. He soon realizes that it’s up to him and his friends to save the world from ancient soul-eating demons.  Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Morgan Flannery.  Hosts Allegra Frank is Slate’s senior editor. You can read her review here.  Sam Adams is Slate’s senior editor and editor of Slate’s culture blog Brow Beat. You can read his review here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 17 September 2021

On the Spoiler Special podcast, Slate critics discuss movies, the occasional TV show, and, once in a blue moon, another podcast, in full spoiler-filled detail.  This week, Slate’s movie critic Dana Stevens is joined by Slate contributor Isaac Butler and The New Yorker staff writer Rachel Syme to spoil Mike White’s The White Lotus. What happens when a group of extremely privileged and wealthy people arrive at The White Lotus Resort in Hawaii for a week of relaxation in the sun? The answer is nothing good.   Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Morgan Flannery.  Hosts Dana Stevens is a movie critic at Slate. You can hear her talk more about The White Lotus here.  Isaac Butler is the co-host of Slate’s Working podcast. You can listen to his interview with the show’s composer here. Rachel Syme is a staff writer at The New Yorker. You can read her piece about the show here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 4 September 2021

On the Spoiler Special podcast, Slate critics discuss movies, the occasional TV show, and, once in a blue moon, another podcast, in full spoiler-filled detail.  This week, Slate staff writer Karen Han is joined by Slate’s senior editor Sam Adams to spoil James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad, a soft reboot of the original 2016 Suicide Squad.  What happens when the US government brings together a few of the world’s most dangerous supervillains to save the day? You get chaos, blood, gore and The Suicide Squad.   Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Morgan Flannery.  Hosts Karen Han is a staff writer at Slate. You can read her review here. Sam Adams is a senior editor at Slate and editor of Slate’s culture blog, Brow Beat.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 20 August 2021

On the Spoiler Special podcast, Slate critics discuss movies, the occasional TV show, and, once in a blue moon, another podcast, in full spoiler-filled detail. This week, Slate’s senior editor Allegra Frank is joined by Slate’s web editor Nitish Pahwa to spoil Old, the new thriller directed by M. Night Shyamalan.  When a family takes a relaxing tropical vacation, they make a terrifying discovery. As the children play in the sand on a nearby secluded beach, their parents notice that in the span of just a few hours, their children have suddenly aged. It’s not long before the parents realize that they themselves are aging too! It’s a race against time as they attempt to escape the beach before it’s too late. But can they find a way out?    Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Morgan Flannery.  Hosts Allegra Frank is a senior editor at Slate.  Nitish Pahwa is a web editor at Slate and you can read his review here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 6 August 2021

On the Spoiler Special podcast, Slate critics discuss movies, the occasional TV show, and, once in a blue moon, another podcast, in full spoiler-filled detail. This week, Slate’s senior editor Allegra Frank is joined by Slate staff writer, Karen Han, to spoil Space Jam: A New Legacy, the long-awaited sequel to the original 1997 Space Jam starring Michael Jordan.  This time, LeBron James finds himself trapped in digital space by a rogue AI villain. In order to get back home and save everyone, LeBron must team up with the Looney Tunes gang to win the ultimate high-stakes basketball game and save the day.    Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Morgan Flannery.  Hosts Allegra Frank is a senior editor at Slate.  Karen Han is staff writer at Slate and you can read her review here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 23 July 2021

On the Spoiler Special podcast, Slate critics discuss movies, the occasional TV show, and, once in a blue moon, another podcast, in full spoiler-filled detail. This week, Slate’s movie critic Dana Stevens is joined by Slate staff writer, Karen Han, to spoil Black Widow, the new Marvel origin story for one of it’s Avengers, Black Widow.   Who was Black Widow before she became the beloved and troubled hero we’ve all come to know over the years?  Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Morgan Flannery.  Hosts Dana Stevens is Slate’s movie critic and you can read her review here. Karen Han is staff writer at Slate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 9 July 2021

On the Spoiler Special podcast, Slate critics discuss movies, the occasional TV show, and, once in a blue moon, another podcast, in full spoiler-filled detail. This week, Slate staff writer Karen Han is joined by Slate’s movie critic Dana Stevens to spoil Luca, the new animated film from Pixar.  Set in a beautiful seaside town on the Italian Riviera, a young boy named Luca is experiencing an unforgettable summer filled with gelato, pasta and endless scooter rides. Luca shares these adventures with his newfound best friend, but all the fun is threatened by a deeply-held secret: he is a sea monster from another world just below the water's surface. Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Morgan Flannery.  Hosts Karen Han is staff writer at Slate. Dana Stevens is a movie critic at Slate and you can read her review here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 25 June 2021

On the Spoiler Special podcast, Slate critics discuss movies, the occasional TV show, and, once in a blue moon, another podcast, in full spoiler-filled detail. This week, Slate’s movie critic Dana Stevens is joined by associate editor at Slate Marissa Martinelli and Slate’s new editorial intern Sofia Andrade to spoil In the Heights, the new film adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s play of the same name.  Set in Washington Heights, New York, a kaleidoscope of dreams rallies a vibrant and tight-knit community. At the intersection of it all is a magnetic bodega owner (Anthony Ramos) who dreams and sings about a better life. Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Morgan Flannery.  Hosts: Dana Stevens is Slate’s movie critic and you can read her review of the film here. Marissa Martinelli is Slate’s associate editor  Sofia Andrade is Slate’s editorial intern  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 11 June 2021

On the Spoiler Special podcast, Slate critics discuss movies, the occasional TV show, and, once in a blue moon, another podcast, in full spoiler-filled detail. This week, Slate’s movie critic Dana Stevens is joined by Slate staff writer, Dana Stevens, to spoil Cruella, the new Disney live-action origin story for one of it’s most infamous villains, Cruella de Vil.   Who was Cruella before she became the Cruella we all know and hate? This teen-friendly backstory holds the answers.  Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Morgan Flannery.  Hosts Dana Stevens is Slate’s movie critic.  Karen Han is staff writer at Slate and you can read her review here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 28 May 2021

On the Spoiler Special podcast, Slate critics discuss movies, the occasional TV show, and, once in a blue moon, another podcast, in full spoiler-filled detail. This week, Slate’s Brow Beat nights and weekends editor Matthew Dessem is joined by Slate books and culture columnist Laura Miller to spoil Woman in the Window, the new Netflix thriller based on the book by A. J. Finn.   Agoraphobic Dr. Anna Fox (Amy Adams) witnesses something she shouldn't while keeping tabs on the Russell family, the seemingly picture perfect clan that lives across the way. What could possibly go wrong?  Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Morgan Flannery.  Hosts Laura Miller is a books and culture columnist for Slate Matthew Dessem is Slate’s Brow Beat’s nights and weekends editor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2021

On the Spoiler Special podcast, Slate critics discuss movies, the occasional TV show, and, once in a blue moon, another podcast, in full spoiler-filled detail. This week, Slate staff writer Karen Han is joined by Slate Brow Beat's nights and weekends editor, Matthew Dessem, to spoil Mortal Kombat, the new action/fantasy movie based on the 1990’s video game. Hunted by the fearsome warrior Sub-Zero, MMA fighter Cole Young finds sanctuary at the temple of Lord Raiden. Training with experienced fighters Liu Kang, Kung Lao and the rogue mercenary Kano, Cole prepares to stand with Earth's greatest champions to take on the enemies from Outworld in a high-stakes battle for the universe. You can read Karen’s review here. You can read Matt’s review here. Podcast production by Morgan Flannery.  Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. Email us at [email protected]. Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work. Hosts Karen Han is a Slate staff writer.  Matthew Dessem is Slate Brow Beat's nights and weekends editor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2021

On the Spoiler Special podcast, Slate critics discuss movies, the occasional TV show, and, once in a blue moon, another podcast, in full spoiler-filled detail. This week, Slate’s senior editor Allegra Frank is joined by Brow Beat nights and weekends editor at Slate, Matthew Dessem, to spoil Godzilla vs. Kong, the new action-packed sci-fi movie from director Adam Wingard.   Kong and his protectors go on a perilous journey to find his true home but soon find themselves in the path of an enraged Godzilla as he cuts a swath of destruction across the globe. But the initial confrontation between the two titans is only the beginning of the deeper mystery that lies within the center of the earth. Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Morgan Flannery.  Hosts Allegra Frank is a Senior Editor at Slate. Matthew Dessem is Slate’s Brow Beat’s nights and weekends editor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 16 April 2021

On the Spoiler Special podcast, Slate critics discuss movies, the occasional TV show, and, once in a blue moon, another podcast, in full spoiler-filled detail. This week Slate’s movie critic Dana Stevens is joined by New Yorker staff writer Rachel Syme to spoil Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar, the new adventure-filled comedy by real life best friends and the writers who brought us Bridesmaids, Kristin Wiig and Annie Mumolo.  When lifelong best friends and roommates Barb (Annie Mumolo) and Star (Kristin Wiig) leave their Midwestern hometown for the first time ever, they embark on a vacation to Vista Del Mar, Florida. What starts out as a bit of harmless fun in the sun, quickly becomes the most unexpected, bizarre and even dangerous adventure of a lifetime for the pair. Will they ever be the same? Note: As the title indicates, this podcast contains spoilers galore. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Morgan Flannery.  Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work. Hosts Dana Stevens is a movie critic at Slate. Rachel Syme is a staff writer at The New Yorker and you can read her review here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 2 April 2021