Killer Serials

In this episode of Killer Serials, Tony Jones and Ryan Parker discuss the new two-part HBO documentary series, Leaving Neverland, which chronicles Wade Robson and Jimmy Safechuck's accounts of their years-long experiences of sexual abuse by Michael Jackson. They talk about parental failure and if we can know whether or not we would have done better, celebrity as divinity, and the corruption of fame.

After a long hiatus, Tony Jones and Ryan Parker are back to discuss some killer serials, starting off this new season with Netflix's docuseries, Sunderland Til I Die. In this episode that talk about the culture, economics, and religion of sport, community, devotion, and manager as Messiah.

Tony Jones and Ryan Parker discuss the final three episodes of the Netflix western, Godless. They talk about whether or not this should have been a film, quick deaths, magnificent shootouts, and an unforgiveable massacre.

Tony Jones and Ryan Parker are back to discuss the third and fourth episodes of the Netflix limited series, Godless. They talk about weak characters, bloated plot lines, and whether or not Frank really wants to minister to the sick.

Tony Jones and Ryan Parker are back after a long break to discuss the first two episodes of the new Netflix series, Godless. They talk about the myth of the wild west, the theological/religious implications of the series' title, and the problems of having, in part, an all-female setting, but few, if any, women in the writers' room.

A conversation about the Sundance Channel series, Rectify, with Presbyterian minister and chaplain, Marjory Roth.

A conversation about the Sundance Channel series, RECTIFY, with Rev. Garrett Bugg, pastor of Wycliffe Presbyterian Church in Virginia Beach, VA.

A conversation about the Sundance Channel series, RECTIFY, with Rev. Mark Reisinger, the Pastor of Beaver Memorial United Methodist Church in Lewisburg, PA.

A discussion of the Sundance Channel series, RECTIFY, with Rev. Colie Bettivia, Associate Pastor of Grace Congregational United Church of Christ.

It's finally here folks! The first season finale of The Handmaid's Tale, now streaming on Hulu. Tony Jones and Ryan Parker unpack this brutal episode and discuss Elisabeth Moss and Ann Dowd's awards-worthy performances, the superpower of pregnancy, American refugees, and where they'd like to see the second season start off.

Tony Jones and Ryan Parker discuss the latest episode of The Handmaid's Tale, now streaming on HULU. They talk about Offred's gamble, Ofwarren's disappointment, and their expectations for the finale and the start of the second season.

Tony Jones and Ryan Parker are back to discuss the latest episode of The Handmaid's Tale, now streaming on Hulu. They talk about the nature of Captain Waterford's belief, the brothel as the truth that exposes the lie of Gilead, June's agency, and Nick's backstory. 

Check out Alan Levinovitz's review of The Benedict Option, which also sheds some light on the setting of this series: 

Tony Jones and Ryan Parker welcome special guest Hank Stuever, chief television critic for The Washington Post, to talk about the latest episode of The Handmaid's Tale, now streaming on HULU. They discuss the TV critics' viewing conundrums, the state of television, and the new, male perspective on The Handmaid's Tale, along with the series' need for a stronger theological and religious foundation.

Be sure to check out all of Hank's work here.

Tony Jones and Ryan Parker discuss the latest (and possibly definitive!) episode of THE HANDMAID'S TALE, now streaming on HULU. Be prepared for Tony's hot takes! They talk about Moss' award-worthy performance, utilitariansim vs. Puritansim, and comparisons between Gilead and present day United States. 

Tony Jones and Ryan Parker welcome Danielle Shroyer to this week's episode of Killer Serials. They discuss episode 5 of THE HANDMAID'S TALE, now streaming on HULU. They talk about watching the series from a woman's perspective, the possibility of a better world for all, and women's magazines.

Danielle is the author of Original Blessing: Putting Sin in Its Rightful Place (Fortress Press), Where Jesus Prayed: Illuminations on the Lord's Prayer in the Holy Land (Paraclete), and The Boundary-Breaking God: An Unfolding Story of Hope and Promise (Jossey-Bass) and speaks often on issues of theology, church leadership, and emerging communities of faith. Danielle lives with her husband and two children in Dallas, Texas.

Tony Jones and Ryan Parker discuss the latest episode of the critically-acclaimed new series, THE HANDMAID'S TALE, now streaming on HULU. They talk about stretching the notion that when one person is oppressed all are oppressed, divinely-sanctioned rape, and a McCarthy-ian sense of hope.

Tony Jones and Ryan Parker trun their attention to a new Killer Serial, THE HANDMAID'S TALE, now streaming on HULU. They talk about the dual nature of prophetic television, the marriage of religion and politics, and diverse dystopias.

Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes and check us out over at PopTheology (www.poptheology.com).

Tony Jones and Ryan Parker welcome Keith Anderson,Pastor at Upper Dublin Lutheran Church, and one half of the fantastic podcast and discussion series, THE OA FOR LENT (along with Martin Malzahn). They talk about the spiritual and theological themes in the series and the practicalities of using cultural artifacts like TV series in the worshipping life of the church.

Note: Apologies for the minor audio glitches!

It's all come down to this. Tony Jones and Ryan Parker discuss the second season finale of THE PATH, now streaming on HULU. Who are you, Team Cal or Team Eddie? What's the best way to "run" a religion? They talk about these topics and more on the latest episode of Killer Serials.

Tony Jones and Ryan Parker discuss the latest episode of THE PATH now streaming on HULU. They talk about Richard, his devotion to the Movement, his search for a new home, and being backed into a corner.

Tony Jones and Ryan Parker discuss the latest episode of THE PATH, now streaming on HULU. They talk about Richard's gamble, Felicia's wisdom, and human frailty.

Tony Jones and Ryan Parker discuss the latest episode of THE PATH, now streaming on HULU. They talk about the importance ritual and group confession and accountability, Tess' explosive entrance, and the impossibility of reconciliation and atonement while maintaining outsiders.

Tony Jones and Ryan Parker break down The Path, episode 209, "Oz." Is Sarah with Cal, or is she with Eddie? Is Hawk gonna float again? And what's with Eddie's lightning scar?

Tony Jones and Ryan Parker discusses the latest episode of The Path, now streaming on HULU. They talk about Cal's desparate attempts to fundraise (or friend-raise!), Eddie's drug-fueled spiritual journey, and the secret Cal's mom wants to share from her deathbed.

Tony Jones and Ryan Parker discuss the latest episode of THE PATH, now streaming on Hulu. They talk about fundamentalism, Hawk's ascension, and the powerful threat of doubt to a cult.

Tony Jones and Ryan Parker are stuck in L.A. traffic talking about THE PATH, season 2, episode 6, streaming on HULU. They discuss Cal's Macchiavelian moves with the Lane family, Hawk's fundamentalism, and Eddie's attempts to stay out of the movement.

Tony Jones and Ryan Parker discuss episode five of season two of THE PATH, streaming on HULU. They talk about Sarah's devotion, dead cows, and Mary's baby daddy.

Tony Jones and Ryan Parker discuss the latest episode of THE PATH, which starts streaming on Hulu today. They talk about the collateral damage of missions, the tension between having agency and being mind-controlled in a religious community, and the power of the will to shape destiny.

Tony Jones and Ryan Parker discuss episodes 2 & 3 of season 2 of THE PATH, now streaming on Hulu, and talk about the generational split in the movement, perceived and real supernatural occurences, and the agency of The Light.

Ryan Parker and Tony Jones dive back into The Path, Hulu's hottest show, created by Jessica Goldberg. In the first episode of season two, Eddie gets some special time with his kids, Sarah has a breakdown, and Cal proves that, indeed, nothing stays buried.

Tony Jones and Ryan Parker wrap up 2016 with a discussion of one of the year's best series, TRANSPARENT. They talk about the brilliance of Judith Light, lament the absence of Rabbi Racquel, and speculate where the series might go in its upcoming fourth season.

Tony Jones and Ryan Parker discuss the first five episodes of the third season of TRANSPARENT, streaming on Amazon, and the themes of religiosity, sexuality, classism, and narcissism.

Tony Jones and Ryan Parker discuss the new Netflix documentary, Amanda Knox, and what it says about unjust legal systems, amoral media outlets, and the public's obsession with crime stories.

Tony Jones and Ryan Parker wrap up their discussion of Marvel's Luke Cage, streaming on Netflix. They lament a fading narrative, celebrate strong performances, and discuss the theological importance of setting a story such as this in a particular, real world time and place.

Tony Jones and Ryan Parker discuss episodes 9 & 10 of Marvel's LUKE CAGE, streaming on Netflix and the ways in which the narrative has begun to echo the biblical stories of Cain and Abel and Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael.

Kutter Callaway, Assistant Professor of Theology and Culture at Fuller Seminary, joins Tony Jones and Ryan Parker for a discussion about his new book, WATCHING TV RELIGIOUSLY: TELEVISION AND THEOLOGY IN DIALOGUE. The new book is a perfect resource for educators, influencers, and fans looking to engage the medium on a deeper level.

Tony Jones and Ryan Parker discuss episodes 7 & 8 of Marvel's LUKE CAGE, streaming on Netflix, and welcome Kutter Callaway of Fuller Seminary to talk about racial diversity, the use of scripture, and the way the series beckons us to talk theology and religion.

Tony Jones and Ryan Parker discuss episodes 5 and 6 of Marvel's Luke Cage, streaming on Netflix. In this episode, they talk about the role of the church, viewing the world as a battle field vs. seeing it as a pasture, and whether or not we can rightly refer to "back in the day."

Tony Jones and Ryan Parker welcome guest Jay Bakker to discuss episodes 3 & 4 of Marvel's Luke Cage. Jay and Ryan attempt to school Tony on the Marvel cinematic universe and talk about what Luke's backstory has to say about political, cultural, and religious issues today.

Tony Jones and Ryan Parker discuss the new Netflix hit, Luke Cage, and talk about how it's folding in current events and concerns, celebrating black history and culture, and drawing on religious imagery and narratives. They're also well aware that as a couple of white guys, they're probably only scratching the surface of the series' themes and references.

As PhDs are want to do, Tony Jones and Ryan Parker belatedly discuss this year's Emmys, what they say about pop culture, what we think about the winners, and what our next Killer Serial will be.

Tony Jones and Ryan Parker welcome John Bucher to the podcast to talk all things STRANGER THINGS. They look back on the entire first season, talk about where the second season might go, themes of sacrifice (self and otherwise), and whether or not Eleven is a Messiah figure and the boys are her disciples.

Tony Jones and Ryan Parker discuss the hit Netflix documentary series, LAST CHANCE U, and look at the power of football in America and higher education, different ways of teaching and learning, and the cast of characters that enrich the series.

Tony Jones and Ryan Parker discuss the final two episodes of The Preacher on AMC. They talk about conversations with God, cowboys in hell, and the role of materialist theology. Enjoy!

This week, Tony Jones and Ryan Parker discuss the latest episode of PREACHER on AMC TV, Odin's spiritual & theological crises, the last stand at the Alamo, and Jesse's willingness to sacrifice his power for Eugene.

Tony Jones and Ryan Parker discuss this week's episode of PREACHER on AMC, the role of Cassidy as moral conscience, the brilliance of Ruth Negga (be sure to check out the trailer for LOVING--https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33g-ZHBQdNU), and what the hell Quincannon's up to.

After a brief hiatus due to travels, tragedies, and holidays, Tony Jones and Ryan Parker are back to discuss the last three episodes of PREACHER. In this episode, they discuss the nature of Genesis and its effect on Jesse, the loss of humility as a preacher's downfall, and Eugene's insight into guilt, forgiveness, and penance.

Craig Detweiler (professor of communications at Pepperdine University) joins Ryan Parker to talk about the latest episode of Preacher on AMC. They talk about divine complexities, reading John Muir in a slaughterhouse, and how the series captures the best of Bonnie and Clyde and No Country for Old Men.

Tony Jones and Ryan Parker continue their discussion of Preacher on AMC, which is shaping up to be every bit the character-driven drama as it is supernatural, thriller, Western. They get nit-picky about the presentation of religion, but love the struggle at the heart of Jesse's character. And how about that chainsaw scene?!

Tony Jones and Ryan Parker kick off their discussion of a new Killer Serial, AMC's Preacher, an adaptation of the cult classic comic series by Garth Ennis. In this episode, they talk about different narrative trajectories, the establishment of the three main characters, violence, and the prophetic nature of the comic books regarding the status of religion in America.