Craig Elsten and Chris Reed are back with the penultimate podcast of 2025, as they take on the final three episodes of the first season of Pluribus, on AppleTV. This is one of the most thought-provoking series of the year, and Craig and Chris spend a large portion of the show analyzing the key themes we've learned about over the course of the season, especially as we learn more about The Others, how they operate and what they are ultimately on Earth to do. One of the best shows of the year! Email us at: crossingstreamstvpodcast@gmail.com with your thoughts!

TIME CODES

:30 Intro/housekeeping
3:15 Big thoughts on the hive mind
9:00 Vince Gilligan trusting and challenging his audience
15:45 Humanity put into servitude for a future invader
25:00 Carol as an avatar for white entitlement
32:30 Manousos is an avatar for…? The classic mythical hero?
39:30 Isolation took a real toll on Carol
44:45 thoughts on the ATOM BOMB
50:45 do they need an atom bomb or just some screaming?
54:45 Carol under the mist of Zosia post-kiss
1:01:45 Final thoughts on the season as a whole
1:05:30 What We’re Watching

Craig and Chris are joined from New York by Amelia Campbell, who plays Amanda on The Chair Company. Chris and Amelia are old friends from a Shakespeare production in San Diego, and the podcast gets into her casting process for The Chair Company, working with Tim Robinson and much more! 

this is a rarity: Craig Elsten and Chris Reed are out of alignment on this episode of Crossing Streams! One host really likes one of the two shows covered and kind of tolerated the other, while the other host REALLY didn't like one of the two shows, and truly enjoyed the other. Who's who, and which is which? Listen and find out, as we cover HBO's The Chair Company, and Netflix's tentpole teen drama Stranger Things 5 (Part One)!

:30 Intro
2:00 a quick note on the Oscars moving to YouTube
9:30 The Chair Company discussion
36:25 Stranger Things 5 discussion
1:06:30 What We’re Watching

Vince Gilligan's new show Pluribus is looking like it might just be a masterpiece. On this episode of Crossing Streams, Craig Elsten and Chris Reed take a look at the big themes and moments from episodes 4-6 of the first season. The show contains spoilers for all six episodes of the series to date. 

SHOW TIME CODES

:30 Intro
4:00 quick housekeeping
5:30 Episodes 4-6 had a theme: discovery for Carol
10:00 Rhea Seehorn is carrying the rock for Pluribus, but we will meet Manousos
14:30 Jeff Hiller appearance!
18:00 Carol’s diabolical plot to learn the truth in episode 4
23:00 Manousos can’t get here from there
27:45 The crazy visuals and methodical montages of episode 5
34:00 The Hamlin-Phone
36:00 transitioning to episode 6 and Empty Las Vegas
38:45 Pluribus as an allegory for AI re: Diabate in Vegas
44:15 you down with HDP?
48:15 The Others are colonizers and consent hypocrites
54:00 circling back to Koumba’s role and viewpoint
59:45 What We’re Watching

Craig Elsten and Chris Reed get together on the eve of Thanksgiving to go over Netflix's historical drama Death By Lightning. One of the hosts liked it a little bit more than the other, but there's a lot to unpack with an All-Star cast and a fascinating look at a less-known time in American history. 

SHOW TIME CODES

:30 Intro, giving thanks to our audience and co-host
5:00 Getting into Death By Lightning
8:30 over-arching thoughts on the limited series
14:00 appreciating the four-episode run time
16:30 who had the most dynamic performance in the series?
21:45 Matthew McFadyen’s performance as Giteau
25:00 the crazy lax security around Garfield
28:15 the best wig of 2025
31:30 did Death By Lightning take liberties with history?
35:00 a slow finish—reflecting on Garfield’s legacy
40:00 Giteau’s final moments
44:15 What We’re Watching

Craig Elsten and Chris Reed return for episode #260 of Crossing Streams, taking on perhaps the TV event of 2025 in Vince Gilligan's new series, Pluribus, for Apple TV. In the (short) non-spoiler zone the guys offer their general thoughts on the series and on Gilligan's talent. Then in the spoiler zone, a look at everything which has made the first three episodes of Pluribus so riveting, thought-provoking and funny. Both guys said after recording this was their favorite podcast of the year, so please enjoy!

SUBJECT TIME CODE MENU

:30 Intro/housekeeping
NON-SPOILER ZONE
3:40 Opening thoughts on Pluribus from both hosts
10:15 Vince Gilligan is in his bag and a master of his craft
SPOILER ZONE
13:15 The first episode of Pluribus is an all-timer
15:15 The art of “show don’t tell”
19:00 Rhea Seehorn’s performance as Carol
24:00 Does Carol have a drinking problem? Is she a reliable narrator?
29:00 The surprising humor of Pluribus
37:00 Is The Joining a metaphor for Heaven?
41:30 Is The Joining a utopia or are The Others concealing a lot still?
45:00 the use of the countdown/count-up clock as a storytelling device
55:30 What We’re Watching

If you like this podcast, please give us a five-star review and/or kind written review on your podcast platform of choice, and thanks as always for your time and support! 

Craig Elsten and Chris Reed get back together to talk about the finish of The Lowdown, a show that was beloved by both. The guys get into the storylines from the final three episodes, before welcoming on actor Eric Edelstein, who played Blackie on the show. Longtime friends with Chris, Eric gets into the magic of Sterlin Harjo's set, working in Tulsa, the process of getting the gig and much, much more!

:30 Intro/housekeeping/spoiler warning
5:00 narrative momentum of the final three episodes
8:00 a show made with a lot of love
11:00 creating a well-rounded character in Lee Raybon
17:00 episode 8 brought Lee and Marty together
21:00 directorial flourishes and one-shots
27:00 the relationship between Lee and his daughter
36:30 Eric Edelstein interview

Craig Elsten is joined by one of the patrons from the Padres Hot Tub discord, Oliver the Baseball Nihilist, to discuss a series near and dear to both of their hearts, The Diplomat on Netflix. In the non-spoiler zone of the show, the hosts discuss why they like The Diplomat and what makes it such a compelling watch. In the spoiler zone, the guys go all the way in on the big moments of the third season, the wild plot twists in the finale, and what it means for a season four. 

SHOW NOTES/TIMES

:30 Intro, welcome Oliver, housekeeping
NON-SPOILER ZONE
3:30 why do we like The Diplomat generally?
8:00 Keri Russell keeps bringing you back
9:45 the show reflects a different era of politics
12:30 Would The Diplomat be better served by a weekly release instead of binge schedule?
16:15 a very strong bench of supporting characters
SPOILER ZONE
18:55 amazing political drama in season three, but the romance wasn’t as strong
22:30 episode six, our favorite of the season
25:30 did The Diplomat try to cram too much plot into season three?
30:00 the big season finale twist between Kate and Hal, was it earned?
35:00 Rufus Sewell had an amazing season
44:00 in praise of Rory Kinnear as Trowbridge
47:45 do we buy all of Kate’s decisions this season?
52:30 how can The Diplomat keep Kate in London for a fourth season?
56:30 What We’re Watching

If you enjoy the podcast, please leave us a five-star rating on your podcast platform of choice! Feel free to email us with your thoughts on The Diplomat at: crossingstreamstvpodcast@gmail.com

Craig Elsten and Chris Reed are back to share their thoughts on the final two episodes of Task, where Brad Ingelsby has grown as a showrunner, the themes of redemption that ran through the series, and whether or not there should be a second season. What did YOU think about Task? Email the show at: crossingstreamstvpodcast@gmail.com and we'll read your replies on a future show! 

SHOW NOTES/TIMES

:30 intro/housekeeping
2:45 overall thoughts on the full season of Task
11:00 themes of redemption
14:30 is Grasso going to jail or was he redeemed too?
19:00 Would Tom have really let Maeve keep the money?
22:00 Episode Six was a BANGER
29:30 should there be a second season of Task?
34:00 What We’re Watching

Craig Elsten and Chris Reed get together to discuss a show that each believes will be in their respective Top-10 lists by the end of the year, The Lowdown on FX (and Hulu/Disney+). The guys go through the incredible cast and performances, the overall vibe of the show and where they think the first season might wind up. Then, a look at how Platonic wrapped up its second season, what the creators have left for a third season, and if lower stakes might actually help the show's longevity. 

Don't forget, you can email the show at crossingstreamstvpodcast@gmail.com with your thoughts on this show, or any of the others we've covered! We'll read your emails on a future podcast. 

SHOW TIMING NOTES

:30 Intro/housekeeping
3:00 Initial thoughts on The Lowdown
5:00 Ethan Hawke star turn as Lee Raybon
9:00 getting into the mysteries of the show
14:00 An all-star supporting cast
17:30 the many influences of The Lowdown
22:30 guessing where we are headed in the last episodes
26:15 Peter Dinklage shows up in ep5 to win an Emmy
32:45 Platonic season two finale review
35:45 How many times can Will and Sylvia fight and get back together as friends?
42:30 Who had the worse fictional novel, Platonic or Smoke?
44:00 Could Platonic last longer with smaller stakes?
48:30 Flowers for supporting cast performances
52:30 What We’re Watching

In a bonus edition on this week's Crossing Streams feed, Craig Elsten is joined by Danny Deskjob to review season two of Peacemaker, on HBO Max. The guys start with a 15-minute non-spoiler zone, to generally discuss the show. Then they get into all the spoilers from season two, including some controversial decisions made in the season finale, and the announcement from James Gunn on Friday that Peacemaker would likely not come back for a third season, but instead have its characters folded into other DCU properties. 

SHOW NOTES

:30 Intro/housekeeping
NON-SPOILER ZONE
4:15 thoughts on Peacemaker the series as a whole
9:00 Peacemaker succeeds as an R-rated comedy
11:00 the best intro on TV 13:00 going through the cast of Peacemaker
17:45 a multiverse story that actually works
SPOILER ZONE
19:30 Was this a seven-episode season and a one-episode DCU set-up for the future?
24:30 going through the major plot points of season two
27:30 the use of Earth-X as Peacemaker’s alternate universe
32:30 the best parts of the finale
36:30 critiques of the finale 
38:30 incepting Foxy Shazam into all of our lives
44:00 using the *series* finale of Peacemaker as a set-up for future DCU properties
53:00 What’s Danny Watching

Craig Elsten and Chris Reed are most of the way down the tracks on the riveting HBO Sunday night drama, Task. In this episode, the guys begin with non-spoiler thoughts on the show for anyone who may not have watched yet or gotten up-to-date. Then, they go through the key storylines through the first five episodes of the show, and offer thoughts on the final two episodes to come. 

SHOW RUNDOWN

:30 Intro
NON-SPOILER ZONE
3:00 Initial thoughts on Task as a whole so far
6:00 Showrunner Brad Ingelsby, comps to Mare of Easttown
10:00 An appreciation of the consequences of action in Task
2:00 Basic show set-up 16:00 Exploring the secondary characters
18:45 Chris’ thoughts on the portrayal of the biker gang Dark Hearts
22:00 Is Maeve the show’s emotional center?
SPOILER ZONE
26:30 Talking about episode five
27:45 Where the Heat-to-Task comparison fails
32:30 Discussion of the mole within the task force
37:00 the use of religion in Task
42:00 Is Task a little too writer-y, or just right for HBO Sunday night?
45:00 predictions for the final two episodes
51:00 Is the Sam storyline over with? 
52:45 What We’re Watching

Craig and Chris are again joined by Ken Gartin to go through the finale of Alien: Earth. Two of our three panelists were really let down by the finale, while one saw the promise for future seasons. What did you think? Email the show at crossingstreamstvpodcast@gmail.com! 

SHOW NOTES

:30 Intro
3:00 Initial thoughts on the season one finale
10:30 The deathpool that wasn’t
14:45 how does a season finale wind up so static?
20:00 Is Sydney overpowered?
26:00 What is the extent of the Eyeball’s abilities?
31:30 Has Alien: Earth made the Xenomorph too tame?
39:30 Has the finale changed your opinion of the season as a whole?
51:30 What We’re Watching

Ken Gartin returns to join Craig and Chris and review the middle portion (episodes 3-6) of FX's Alien:Earth. The guys thought it would be a shorter episode, but nope! Too much fun breaking down all the plot twists and possibilities for the endgame. 

SHOW NOTES/TIME CODES

:30 Intro, show set-up
1:45 initial thoughts from everyone on where Alien:Earth stands right now
5:30 getting into episode 3
10:00 Sydney’s brand-new power of Alien language
15:00 The Eye is the smartest character on the show?
18:00 Episode 4, the Nibs situation—and the question of humanity
24:00 Episode 5, Noah Hawley’s take on the OG Alien movie
36:00 Episode 6, key plot points, who will the Eye jump into next?
40:00 the endgame of season one kicks off in episode 6’s final act
44:30 what is Kirsh up to and why is he letting things happen?
47:30 Is this Alien:Earth, or Alien:Island? There are too few people
54:30 Craig’s guess on how the show will end
1:08:30 What’s Ken Watching?

Craig and Chris have two episodes to bring you on the Crossing Streams feed this week! First up, a look at two comedies in full swing, Platonic (season two now on AppleTV+) and The Paper (all episodes streaming on Peacock). Chris appears on episode 6 of Platonic season two and tells the story of his day on set, plus much more! 

TIME CUES

:30 Intro
3:00 housekeeping/show set-up
5:30 Platonic—premise of the show
6:30 Opening thoughts on Platonic
13:30 season two storylines
19:00 Chris’ story of his day on Platonic (S2E6)
21:30 Did it make sense for Will to back out of his marriage to Jenna?
26:15 the very-funny Jeopardy arc, and great guest casting
31:30 The Paper, why dropped as a binge model?
34:00 Playing off & recycling the model of The Office
39:00 Do we like The Paper so far?
42:30 Thoughts on Domhnall Gleeson and Sabrina Impacciatore
48:00 is the mockumentary format overplayed?
52:45 What We’re Watching

Ken Gartin makes his triumphant return to the Crossing Streams feed to lead our discussion of the brand-new FX series, "Alien: Earth". Chris Reed had NEVER watched any Alien content, so he's in for a spooky surprise! Later in the show, Craig and Chris go through the explosive finale of Smoke (on AppleTV+) and talk about how the show has gone under the radar of a lot of fans and reviewers. 

SHOW NOTES

• :30 Intro, welcome Ken Gartin
• 2:00 Chris is an Alien newbie, Ken’s seen it all
• 6:15 Broad thoughts on Alien Earth so far
• 12:30 Alien Earth plot overview as set-up
• 19:30 Noah Hawley puts his stamp on iconic IP, does it work? 
• 25:00 Performance of Sydney Chandler as Wendy
• 29:30 Quibbles: plot armor and a Xenomorph problem
• 37:00 Morrow is a badass, and the rest of main characters
• 41:30 Where do we see Alien Earth going the rest of the season
• 47:45 Smoke Finale opening thoughts: this show should be better-rated than it is
• 52:15 Jurnee Smollett’s performance as Detective Calderone
• 55:30 Calderone breaking bad
• 1:00:00 This was a REALLY satisfying season finale
• 1:09:45 What We’re Watching

Craig Elsten and Chris Reed review and compare a couple of summer mystery series: "Untamed" from Netflix, and "Smoke" on AppleTV+. The guys do non-spoiler reviews and recommendations before doing brief spoiler sections for both shows. They wrap up with "What We're Watching" with some more recommendations and a setup for episode #250

TIME CODES

:30  Intro
5:30 Untamed non-spoiler review
26:00 Untamed mini-spoiler section
40:00 Smoke non-spoiler review
49:00  Smoke mini-spoiler section (only spoiling through three episodes)
57:30 What We’re Watching, next episode preview

SHOW NOTES

:30--intro
2:00--housekeeping/listener e-mail
5:00--the decades-long history of The Eternaut in Argentina
10:00--The Eternaut NON-SPOILER review begins
18:00--the excellent Ricardo Darín in the lead role
26:45--SPOILER review

SHOW NOTES/TIME CODES

• :30--Intro
• 3:00--listener e-mails (crossingstreamstvpodcast@gmail.com)
• 9:20--Murderbot Season Finale talk (spoilers)
• 14:30--Poker Face Season 2 final overview
• 17:00--favorite episodes and guest stars
• 23:30--do we like putting Charlie back on the road?
• 27:30--welcome Raphie Cantor
• 29:00--getting involved with Poker Face, working with Rian Johnson
• 43:00--how does the writers room match senses of humor and style?
• 50:00--creating the Alex/Iguana arc
• 58:30--getting promoted to staff writer, creating the concepts for episode 10
• 1:04:15--Guest star interactions on set
• 1:08:00--What We're Watching

Craig Elsten and Chris Reed are back with one of the longer episodes in show history, because they've got a LOT to say about Squid Game Season 3! 

SHOW NOTES

Welcome/housekeeping/email/5-star reviews

SQUID GAME 3

• Why is Squid Game the most popular IP in Netflix history? (8:30)
• From original to franchise to game/video game, Squid Game loses its meaning as a thing of horror
• What did we like about Squid Game 2/3?
• Was the final season (split in two) too long of a slog? (29:00)
• Specific show critiques of Season 3 (42:00)
• Setting up a US spin-off of Squid Game, do we need this? (56:30)

DUSTER CANCELED AFTER ONE SEASON (1:07:30)

• Finale thoughts
• Canceled by HBO Max…(it might have been for the best)

WHAT WE'RE WATCHING

• A recommendation of Netflix's Argentinian sci-fi show The Eternaut (1:19:00)