Dean is in the process of re-examining the cinematic legacy of Roman Polanski, separate from his personal legacy. The timing is fortuitous as Phil re-watched Polanski’s 1976 cult favorite The Tenant, which also inspired thoughts about The Shining. Phil also re-watched two masterpieces by John Cassavetes in the wake of the great Gena Rowlands’ death: A Woman Under the Influence and Love Streams. Finally, Dean and Phil celebrate Paris, Texas at 40, discussing the role of the American Southwest in indie cinema of the early to mid 80s, and the way Paris, Texas points the way towards Wim Wenders’ next masterpiece, Wings of Desire. Dean had to leave for London, so he drops out a few minutes early, but not before the return of “Lawsuit in the Week”, and how Netflix might be in financial hot water over its “Baby Reindeer”. At that point, Phil welcomes Marc Hershon back to the show to discuss last month’s Emmy Awards and the possible forms the venerable awards show might take in the future. Such acclaimed current TV as “Shogun”, “Slow Horses”, “The Bear”, “Hacks”, “Reservation Dogs”, “Only Murders in the Building”, and the aforementioned “Baby Reindeer” get deep dive discussions.

Your friends in podcasting had planned this week’s podcast to be part 1 of a special 2-part Top Ten show and then … real life cropped up! So, instead, in what proves to be a personal and heartfelt show, Dean and Phil discuss the “Roseanne” controversy, and Phil’s personal connection to one of the key players in the spotlight. In “Celebrity Deaths”, a profoundly influential voice in the New York indie rock scene of the late 90’s will be remembered (another death which which Phil has a personal connection). An amazing update on Phil’s beloved feline Fuzz Aldrin leads into a terrifying account on the plight and population of stray cats in Los Angeles. Two very different, and fascinating films get discussed: a documentary about a Supreme Court Justice, and a grindhouse-style prison drama starring Vince Vaughn. All that, plus some serious laughs on YOUR Chillpak Hollywood Hour.