Weekly Roundup: Two Twisty Novels, “Hits, Flops, and Other Illusions,” and Parent Saving Time

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week.Catherine's library find is a pair of twisty, plot-filled novels. She recommends them both: A Very Inconvenient Scandal by Jacquelyn Mitchard and All the Other Mothers Hate Me by Sarah Harman.​Terri's random recommendation is another book: A memoir by TV and film producer Ed Zwick called Hits, Flops, and Other Illusions: My Fortysomething Years in Hollywood. Bonus content: You can hear our thoughts on Dancing with the Stars every Tuesday night on YouTube; here's our chat on this week's episode, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night. Mentioned: Mournful covers of "Hey Ya," "Take on Me," and "Love Shack.".​In the archives, we checked in on an episode from 2021, Parent Saving Time.Next week's lineup: Lost S4 E3, "The Economist," on Tuesday, November 11The Lowdown S1 E1, "Pilot" on Wednesday, November 12Weekly roundup on Thursday, November 13Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

Every Wednesday, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property, and currently, that's Only Murders in the Building. This was the season finale, so per usual, the murders were solved, and another body was discovered. While the show has drifted from its original focus, it's still an enjoyable watch, as long as you don't care about logic or a plot that hangs together.Next Wednesday, we'll kick off a new watch: The Lowdown on Hulu. It comes from Sterlin Harjo, who also created Reservation Dogs, another show we enjoyed very much. ​This episode was recorded in front of a live audience ... of dogs.

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. In this episode, we get four new characters (there have been some deaths; it was time to restock), along with flashbacks for all of them. Plus, the brief and somewhat triumphant return of Vincent the dog.​Next Tuesday, we'll continue with season 4, episode 3, "The Economist." Tomorrow, we'll continue with our discussion of a newer show, Only Murders in the Building.​This episode was recorded in front of a live audience ... of dogs.

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week.Catherine's library find is an important addition in the field of Teaching Children Through Scatological Humor: It's the third Butt or Face book, Butt or Face 3: Super Gross Butts.​Terri's random recommendation is on vacation this week as Catherine reports on her recent trip to Venice, Italy!Bonus content: You can hear our thoughts on Dancing with the Stars every Tuesday night on YouTube; here's our chat on this week's Halloween episode..​In the archives, we checked in on an episode from 2021, Feelings About Fundraisers.Next week's lineup: Lost S4 E2, "Confirmed Dead," on Tuesday, November 4Only Murders in the Building S5 E10, "The House Always..." on Wednesday, November 5Weekly roundup on Thursday, November 6Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

Every Wednesday, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property, and currently, that's Only Murders in the Building. Since we missed discussing the show last week, we doubled up this time and covered E8, "Cuckoo Chicks," and E9, "LESTR." These featured some fun scenes, but we're still scratching our heads over the mystery itself. Best to just enjoy the actors and let the plot wash over you. Mentioned: The official OMITB podcast, hosted by Michael Cyril Creighton.Next Wednesday, we'll discuss the season 5 finale of Only Murders in the Building. We'll be back tomorrow with our weekly roundup.

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. In this episode, we're flashing forward with Hurley, whose post-island life seems pretty similar to his pre-island life, in several meaningful ways. Meanwhile, on the island, the castaways are splitting into factions, making for some interesting combinations. Mentioned: Lance Reddick as newly introduced baddie (? unconfirmed, seems like a safe assumption) Matthew Abaddon.​Next Tuesday, we'll continue with season 4, episode 2, "Confirmed Dead." Tomorrow, we'll continue with our discussion of a newer show, Only Murders in the Building.

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week.Catherine's library find is what her library calls "Boomerang Books." These are titles that aren't cataloged and can't be checked out. You can just borrow them for as long as you need them, then bring them back for the next person to enjoy. Mentioned: Beach Read by Emily Henry, Little Free Libraries.​Terri's random recommendation is Dancing with the Stars-themed this week. She suggests checking out the DWTS episodes of celebrity contestant Danielle Fishel's podcast, Pod Meets World, as well as the official DWTS podcast, hosted by last season's winner, Joey Graziadei. And of course, you can hear our thoughts every Tuesday night on YouTube; here's our chat on this week's Wicked-themed episode.​In the archives, we checked in on an episode from 2017 that asked, Should Teens Trick-or-Treat?.Next week's lineup: Lost S4 E1, "The Beginning of the End," on Tuesday, October 28Only Murders in the Building S5 E8 and E9 on Wednesday, October 29Weekly roundup on Thursday, October 30Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.​This episode was recorded in front of a live audience ... of dogs.

Usually on Wednesdays, we discuss a newer entertainment property. But since yesterday's Lost episode was tantalizingly close to the end of season 3, we decided to bump Only Murders in the Building and devote today's chat to the two-hour season 3 finale, "Through the Looking Glass." People die, people almost die, people seem to be dead but aren't really dead. People seem to be in the past when they're in the future. People seem to be on Team Ben or Team Jack or Team Anyone But Those Two. We're still waiting to untangle this web of motivation and allegiances, so on to season 4!​Next Tuesday, we'll continue with season 4, episode 1, "The Beginning of the End." And next Wednesday, we'll return to Only Murders in the Building for season 5, episodes 8 and 9. We'll be back tomorrow with our weekly roundup.​This episode was recorded in front of a live audience ... of dogs.

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. In this episode, we actually get a series of pretty happy flashbacks to the "greatest hits" of Charlie's life. Of course, this is because he's resigned himself to his fate, which is to die to save Claire, Aaron, and the rest of his friends. Plus: Complicated plans are put in place for the big season finale.​Tomorrow, we'll finish season 3 with episode 22, "Through the Looking Glass." Next Tuesday, we'll kick off season 4 with "The Beginning of the End," and return to Only Murders in the Building the following day (Wednesday, 10/29).​This episode was recorded in front of a live audience ... of dogs.

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week.Catherine's library find is a fun, funny, and punny spooky season pick: Stompie the Zombie by Margery Cuyler, with adorable illustrations by Binny Talib.​Terri's random recommendation is a little album you may have heard about called The Life of a Showgirl. Once you realize it's all about snappy, poppy, danceable tunes, you'll fall in love.​In the archives, we checked in on an episode from 2020 on old moms learning new tricks.Next week's lineup: Lost S3 E21, "Greatest Hits," on Tuesday, October 21Lost S3 E22, "Through the Looking Glass," on Wednesday, October 22Weekly roundup on Thursday, October 23Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.