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Wicked & Gladiator 2: Magic, Legacy, and Winter Blockbusters! Ep. 249

Release Date: 12/13/2024

Dead City Season 2 Finale: Loyalty, Loss, and Letting Go, Ep. 274

Screens in Focus Podcast

The Dead City Season 2 finale hits hard—with betrayals, brutal choices, and heartbreaking goodbyes. Sam joins me as we break down Maggie’s emotional face-off with the Dama, Hershel’s shocking decision, and Negan’s return to brutal form in that jaw-dropping “Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe” moment. We also talk about Ginny’s devastating fate, the tangled loyalties between characters, and what it all means moving forward for Maggie, Negan, and Perlie. Plus, we share a thoughtful listener voicemail that really moved us. Plus, we have TV and movie recommendations! Gilded Age, We Were...

TWD: Dead City S2 E7: Glass Bridge, Ghosts & Guilt, Ep. 273

Screens in Focus Podcast

In this episode of the Screens in Focus podcast, hosts Diana and Sam dive deep into Dead City Season 2, Episode 7—the penultimate chapter. They kick things off with a thought-provoking question: What’s scarier—heights, deep space, or the deep sea? The conversation unpacks Maggie’s terrifying moment on the glass bridge, shocking reveals with Hershel and the Dama, and Negan’s emotional descent into guilt, grief, and hallucination. They explore themes of control, manipulation, and survival, comparing Maggie and Negan’s parallel journeys and what these trials say about who they are...

God Only Knows: Brian Wilson, The Beach Boys & Movie Music Magic

Screens in Focus Podcast

In this episode of Screens in Focus, Diana and Renee celebrate Brian Wilson and the timeless music of the Beach Boys, with a special focus on the emotional brilliance of “God Only Knows.” Following Wilson’s recent passing, they explore the band’s unforgettable impact on film, TV, and pop culture, from the perfect song ending in Love Actually to 50 First Dates and the powerful biopic Love & Mercy. They share personal stories, favorite tracks, and reflect on how the Beach Boys’ music has shaped generations. Plus, they recommend nostalgic summer movies like The Sandlot, The...

TWD: Dead City S2 E6 – Bruises, Bear & Broken Bonds, Ep. 271

Screens in Focus Podcast

In this episode of the Screens in Focus podcast, Diana and Sam break down Season 2, Episode 6 of Dead City. They explore listener feedback, theories, and shifting character dynamics—focusing especially on Maggie’s evolution as she battles a bear, clashes with Hershel, and reconsiders her connection to Negan. They reflect on Negan’s emotional vulnerability, his surprising leadership turn, and what it could mean for the group’s future. The conversation weaves through key scenes, standout moments, and speculation about what’s next. Plus, the hosts wrap up with TV and movie recs,...

TWD: Dead City S2E5: Power Plays and Poetic Justice, Ep 270

Screens in Focus Podcast

In this episode of Screens In Focus, hosts Diana and Sam dive into Dead City Season 2, Episode 5. This week’s episode is audio only, as Sam is recovering from knee surgery and couldn’t do video. They discuss pivotal deaths, shifting alliances, and power plays. From Negan’s manipulation to Ginny’s emotional turnaround, and Perlie’s tension between obedience and justice, there’s a lot to unpack. They spotlight a loyal listener’s theory about why Maggie may have left Hilltop, sparking a thoughtful conversation around her complex feelings tied to Negan’s past actions and her...

The Handmaid’s Tale S6: Final Choices, Fierce Bonds & A Full Circle Ending

Screens in Focus Podcast

In this episode of Screens in Focus, Diana is joined by special guest Jenn Trepeck, host of Salad with a Side of Fries, who has also podcasted Seasons 4 and 5 of The Handmaid’s Tale, to break down the powerful season six finale Together, they explore pivotal character arcs—from Lawrence’s layered decisions, to Nick and June’s emotional ties, and Luke and June’s diverging paths. They examine Serena’s transformation and faith, Moira and Janine’s quiet strength, and Aunt Lydia’s reckoning. Themes of resistance, loyalty, healing, and sisterhood shine through, especially as the...

TWD: Dead City S2 E4 – Revelations, Redemption & Rebuilding. Ep. 268

Screens in Focus Podcast

In this episode of Screens in Focus, Diana and Sam break down all the twists, emotional gut punches, and "wait, what?!" moments from Dead City Season 2, Episode 4. From Maggie’s emotional unraveling to Negan’s complicated choices, and the growing question of whether anyone is really in control—this episode delivers. They also get into Hershel’s big WTF moment, Bruegel’s sketchy schemes, and yes… a full-on KitKat breakdown. They wrap things up with what they’re watching now—including Vanity Fair, Nine Perfect Strangers, Sirens, Mission Impossible: Final Reckoning, and...

Deep Dive into The Last of Us Season 2 Finale: Highlights & Reactions, Ep 267

Screens in Focus Podcast

In this special episode of Screens in Focus, Diana and Sam unpack the emotional rollercoaster of The Last of Us Season 2 finale—and the season as a whole. Diana’s firmly on the Joel & Ellie train 🚂 (justice for Joel!) and shares how Episode 2 and the flashbacks in Episode 6 had her bawling. Sam brings powerful insight into the show’s layered themes—grief, survival, vengeance, found family—and the complicated morality that threads through each group’s choices. They also touch on how Joel’s hospital decision still sparks debate, and Diana speculates on Abby’s story in...

TWD: Dead City S2E3: Crossroads, Control & Central Park Tension, Ep 266

Screens in Focus Podcast

In this episode of Screens in Focus, Diana is joined by Sam to break down Dead City Season 2, Episode 3 — and it’s a big one! From Hershel’s vulnerable headspace to Maggie’s emotional crossroads, Negan’s shifting morality, and the strange new Central Park community, they dive into it all. (Heads up: There’s a brief audio glitch in the first few seconds — just a little tech hiccup! It clears up quickly, so stay with us!) The episode kicks off with listener feedback and a fun conversation on how music affects emotional moments in TV and film (Casper fans, we see you 👀). Diana...

TWD: Dead City S2 E2 – Beauty, Brutality & Betrayal

Screens in Focus Podcast

In this episode of Screens and Focus, Diana and Sam return to dive into The Walking Dead: Dead City Season 2, Episode 2. They unpack the layered themes of beauty and brutality, symbolized by the tragic death of artist Victor and what it reveals about the world and its characters. The conversation also explores betrayal, parental dynamics, and the strategic choices of Maggie and Negan. The episode closes with reflections on the emotional weight of music in a violent world, reactions to The Last of Us, and a few standout TV and movie picks—including The Stolen Girl, The Studio, Captain...

More Episodes

In this episode of Screens in Focus, hosts Diana and Sam dive into the highly anticipated movies Wicked and Gladiator 2. They share their personal experiences and detailed reviews, highlighting standout performances, emotional moments, and expectations for future installments. Join us for a fun, engaging conversation as they discuss their love for the performances and respect for the actors. Additionally, they explore upcoming blockbusters they’re excited about, including Nosferatu, Captain America: Brave New World, and 28 Years Later. Listeners are encouraged to join the conversation by sharing their most anticipated movies via the podcast’s social media and call-in options. The episode wraps up with recommendations for other TV series and films the hosts are currently enjoying.

00:00 Welcome to Screens in Focus

00:37 Anticipated Blockbusters of the Year

01:33 Diving into Wicked

02:29 Wicked: Initial Reactions

06:02 Wicked: Highlights and Performances

16:27 Transition to Gladiator 2

17:01 Gladiator 2: First Impressions

18:58 Rewatching and Loving the Movie

19:53 Visuals and Special Effects

21:33 Denzel Washington's Performance

22:37 Paul Mescal and Joseph Quinn

26:37 Anticipating Upcoming Blockbusters