After a 3 month hiatus, The Piffcast is back!
During that time…
TJ got MARRIED, the Cubs won the pennant, The Walking Dead returned, and a whole lot more happened. We talk about TJ’s wedding reception playlist, why Cubs fans hate Joe Buck (and Mike doesn’t), what made TJ quit Walking Dead BEFORE the Season 7 premiere, where Luke Cage ranks among the Marvel Netflix shows, and the totally off-the-rails tangents you come to expect from us.
After a nice long break, the Piffcast is back! It’s been a month, so Mike and TJ had some catching up to do…
– Developing a Kris Bryant’s up-to-bat Alert App
– Comic-Con Trailer Roundup
– TJ’s movie homework (including some Mark Ruffalo recommendations)
– What we’re watching on TV (Stranger Things, The Night Of)
– The Pokemon around Mike’s house (don’t go looking)
– Coldplay at Soldier Field and K-Pop ‘farms’
– A special thank you to awesome people
…and much more!
Each week, we give every episode at least 24 hours to breathe and for you to get caught up. After that, you’re clicking at your own risk. Spoilers ahead.
This was a perfect season to start doing Character Power Rankings for Game of Thrones. The very first ranking started with Sansa Stark leading the pack. We had as many as 75 characters to rank at one point, and nearly everyone’s status was volatile throughout the season.
‘The Battle of the Bastards’ was followed up with a near perfect finale, giving Thrones fans even more payoff than killing off Ramsay Bolton. Cersei went “Nuclear Michael Corleone” on her opposers in King’s Landing. Varys proved again why he’s a master college football recruiter. Arya sent her regards to the Freys. R + L = J was confirmed. Petyr Baelish gave “The King of the North” serious side-eyes. And Daenerys made her move on toward Westeros.
Before we get to the final rankings of Season 6…
While you read the S6 Ep10 Power Rankings, listen in to The Piffcast’s review/recap of the entire season.
Daenerys got a hold of our #1 ranking in Week 4 (ranked 22nd before then), after burning down the house (full of Khals), and never let go of it. She proved that she didn’t need her dragons to defeat her captors and recruited the entire Dothraki army in the process.
Almost every episode since then, Dany gave us a Tiger Woods fist-pump moment. She was reunited with Drogon. She wiped out the Masters fleet with all three dragons. She got her ships from Yara and Theon Greyjoy. And now she’s aligned with the Sand Snakes, Olenna Tyrell and their respective armies. Her dragons are also a potent weapon against the White Walkers, if they should meet in the near future.
Bow to your, Khaleesi.
Jon knows as well as anyone that Sansa was why they defeated Ramsay and was more than willing to serve her as the Lady of Winterfell. However, it was the other lords of Northern houses who recognized that Jon was the man to unite them. The Free Folk warriors follow Jon because he saved them from Hardhome. Ser Davos is a believer in him, and in turn recruited Lyanna Mormont to rally the troops to follow Jon. Then we got the very emotional and powerful “King of The North” chant at Winterfell.
It’s also very likely that Daenerys will see Jon as the most worthy to wed her when she comes to Westeros, despite the likelihood that they are related (R + L = J).
Biggest power move of the finale, without a doubt, goes to Cersei Lannister. The entire open in King’s Landing wasn’t presented as a shock, but more a certainty that she would take her freedom and the crown back. Maester Pycelle being led to Qyburn’s lair, Lancel trapped with the Wildfire barrels, the High Sparrow staring blankly at Margaery as she knew she was beat…
It felt exactly like The Godfather, as Michael offed each of the conspiring mobsters against him. Consider Lancel as Mo Green in this scenario. Worth noting, though, is the irony of Cersei pushing Bran out a window to start the series and crippling him, but also pushing her last remaining son, Tommen, to jump out a window with her actions. And where does she get support from when EVERYONE outside of King’s Landing hates her? Euron?
While it didn’t feel like he did much more than drink wine, nail some great one-liners and lose “lets make a deal” with the Masters, Tyrion established himself as potentially the 2nd most powerful person in the Seven Kingdoms. Tyrion applied his expertise in Westeros politics to bringing some peace and stability to Meereen, with diplomacy and propaganda. For a short time, it worked!
Despite his failure to maintain safety for Meereen, Daenerys trusts Tyrion the most and being named Hand of the King (after losing the title in King’s Landing to his father) was a huge moment for him. Expect him to use his diplomacy and past relationship with Sansa to help connect the two Houses.
Season 6 was Sansa’s Revenge Tour and it was wonderful. We saw he suffer so much for so long and it was amazing to see her get win after win after win…
While she does seem to understand that Jon isn’t the most savvy are capable of ruling, she does appear to respect and care for him. Having Littlefinger in her ear won’t make matters better though.
Arya went FULL Eric Cartman and Oswald Cobblepot (The Penguin) on Walder Frey and it was WONDERFUL. Having the ability of the Faceless-Men to disguise physical appearance and unreal assassin training makes Arya probably the most dangerous individual in Westeros. She’s on a pretty dark path and Cersei is left to go on her list…
Maybe a team-up with her siblings in Winterfell or reunion with the Hound will cool her down a little.
In the Game of Varys vs. Littlefinger, it would appear Varys is winning. He made Daenerys’ forces even more fortified by adding the Martel and and Tyrell armies. His intentions have always been to do what’s best for the people of Westeros and being in the Mother of Dragons’ circle of trust is a good place to get that done.
Still curious how he’s able to teleport from Dorne to Dany’s side on a ship so quickly though (*cough* Thrones editors).
Jaime had one of the strongest arcs on the series, reclaiming both respect from others and himself. With his sister-lover on the Iron Throne, you can assume he takes the role as Hand of the Queen.
However he appears to be conflicted about it. Although he preached that Cersei would “burn down” everyone in her path, he had slain the Mad King for almost doing what she actually did. That will get awesomely awkward in S7.
Ser Davos is the moral compass for the series, isn’t he? As he has pointed out time and time again, Davos came from nothing and has become righthand man to two different “Kings of the North”.
We saw Davos at his most vulnerable, as he pled the case to Jon not to trust Melisandre any longer. He was right too. Melisandre influenced Stannis and his wife to burn their innocent daughter alive for nothing. Davos was also ready to execute her and Jon showed some restraint by just banishing her. It was a situation that could have easily gone the other way, like Stannis would’ve done. It’s obvious that Jon trusts Davos though, as he should.
Inactivity for the past several episodes is why the Night King falls, but Jon is right…He brings the Winter and it is going to be here. How soon will the battle of the living and the dead happen though?
We have Bran to thank for finding out the truth about Jon and why Hodor became Hodor, but he will need to do more than information gathering to stop the White Walker army. The sky is the limit for the new Three-Eyed Raven and he seems to have accepted that.
Reunited and it feels so good…
Combined, we can now rope all three dragons together in the rankings, although Drogon is clearly the more developed of the trio. I don’t think Westeros is ready for this Jelly.
Ol’ Littlefinger got Friend-Zoned pretty hard by Sansa in Winterfell. It was also funny seeing him act all Billy Zabka leaning against the back wall while the other Lords chanted “King of the North”. His declaration of allegiance for House Stark with the Vale is crucial and it was apparent in the Battle of the Bastards. But we’ve always known that he wants to watch the world burn and he wants Sansa at his side while he does so.
Yara is Daenerys’ new “Master of Ships” and has some serious support to take back the Iron Islands. Curious what her Uncle Euron will have to say and if he’ll team up with Cersei to maintain his rule.
“This is your God now.”
Zombie Mountain is in his element now. Applying pain as he sees fit and carrying out the bloody will of Queen Cersei. He also has a helmet-less Darth Vader thing going when he takes his off.
The sooner the rest of the North gets onboard with Tormund and his Free Folk, the better. Meanwhile…
Soon, Tormund. Soon.
Breakout star of the season? Breakout star of he season. Her rally speech and shade throwing at Winterfell establishes Lady Mormont as a real player in the North.
Did Varys ever use his “little birds” like Children of the Corn? I thought it was perfect that Qyburn orchestrated Pycelle’s death, “to usher in the new”. He REALLY played his cards right sticking with Cersei.
Loved Olenna handing out shots to each of the Sand Snakes in Dorne. She has an army and revenge in her heart. Thankfully Varys is there to give her some direction to avenge her grandchildren.
FINALLY! Haven’t seen her or the Snakes since the premiere. Fun to see the women of the Seven Kingdoms unite with a common goal of finishing off Cersei.
The Mountain may be happy bringing the pain to King’s Landing but The Hound is still free to do whatever he wants. Ser Beric and the Brotherhood appear to have given one of the most dangerous men in Westeros some purpose too.
The last couple episodes really showcased Grey Worm’s value as a commander and tactician. Looking forward to see how he leads Dany’s army, with Daario being left in Meereen.
Theon’s sad puppy-face look is patent pending and seems to have a ways to go before he feels fully redeemed for his past transgressions. Supporting his sister and hopefully helping Sansa’s forces eventually should show his value in Season 7.
If Jaime were to ever get full of himself again, Bronn would be there to tear him back down. Nobody’s better at roasting the Kingslayer and getting away with it. Wonder what his role will be in the new Cersei regime, but she is going to need every sword she can get when Daenerys makes her move.
For fans of the book, Ser Beric’s presence and Arya’s murder party seem to cool down any expectations for Lady Stoneheart. Nobody has accepted their “reanimation” blessing quite like he has either.
Most effective of all the Red Priests, and probably most trusted too.
What is Missandei’s role now going to Westeros? Learning more about her background and seeing her handle own with a knife was big in S6. Being at Daenerys’ side on the ship toward Westeros gives her more value than most too.
Hey, so…Where’s Brienne? Last we saw, she was fleeing the Riverlands from the Lannister, Frey and Tully armies. Hopefully she’s on her way back to Winterfell but I think she may find Arya first. That would help a lot in the “oathkeeping” quest.
Bran’s best chance to getting within the Wall may be going straight to Castle Black, where Lord Commander Edd will be waiting.
Only Sand Snake to not get roasted by the Queen of Thorns. I’ve also maintained that she is the most dangerous of her sisters. Could we get a rematch between her and Bronn when #TeamDany makes their move on Westeros?
Ghost seems to have gotten a nice long break, but he’s finally home with Jon at Winterfell.
I just assume Jaqen is sitting back watching Arya, like all is going according to plan.
Yep, Jaqen is Mr. Burns.
So Euron’s chances of wooing Daenerys just went to shit, huh? The Sabretooth-Liev Schreiber lookalike may be looking to align with Cersei in order to keep the Iron Islands at this point. I get a feeling he has more than that up his sleeve…
Now Daario knows what it’s like to be Ser Jorah…
Anyone else a little disappointed they didn’t get to see more Benjen in action? We’ll have to wait for the wall to come down before that happens, but he’ll be a valuable weapon to have when it does.
Still think he’s heading to the Citadel…
…and will be teaming up with Samwell to get healed.
(PS. I wish someone would look at me the same way Sam looks at glorious libraries)
Hey Meera…How are you going to get Bran up the Wall? She’ll find a way. Definitely one of the bravest characters on the show to stick with Bran and protect him against Wights and White Walkers.
Inspired by Lyanna’s speech, Wyman really get the “I’m Spartacus” chant going and it was epic.
Good for Robett, recognizing his mistake and asking for forgiveness. Also amazingly powerful in the “King of the North” scene.
I felt so bad when the Maester Librarian sassed Gilly, but it was pretty funny. It will be interesting to see how the Grand Maester receives her. Samwell has come this far with Gilly. Can’t see him giving up on her now.
Pod’s learning some valuable combat lessons from Brienne. Hope to see him put those to use soon.
“Do shut up, dear.” – 2nd best Olenna burn.
“You look like an angry little boy.” – Absolute best Olenna burn.
Cley’s father was skinned by the Boltons and that kept him from supporting the Starks in the Battle of the Bastards. He was also pretty hesitant jumping on board at Winterfell, but that “King of the North” chant was pretty infectious.
Does Robin even know his army left to fight for Sansa? Better question…Does he care?
Yohn Royce is going to get over his views on “Wildlings” if he wants to hang with Jon Snow.
Yara and Theon have some uncles to kill, and Aeron counts as one of them.
Kinvara’s introduction to Varys and Tyrion seemed much more important than her presence for the rest of the season. Her priestesses helped bring stability to Meereen and she’s very supportive of Daenerys. As the #1 Red Woman, she serves as some solid backup but will she get to showcase her talents in the near future?
It’s tragic how much out of favor Melisandre fell from Jon, going from bringing him back to life to being banished. It was still a culmination and karma for the havoc she caused with Stannis, so don’t feel too bad. You can expect she’ll continue to help Jon from a distance, because she believes in him. She may be heading back to Kinvara now.
If only she could see Samwell in his new amazing library…
You get a feeling he would align with Cersei, if given the opportunity. He’s a jerk like that.
Your weekly reminder that Talla was hushed when mentioning the guy she is set to marry…and that might matter.
#BroDickon is gonna #BroDickon.
Just when things were looking better for Edmure, he got put back in a cage…Did Arya let him out?
The weekly Masters poker game is going to feel a little more lonely for this guy.
CONGRATS, Unella! You are the new “Ms. Irrelevant”, after Maester Pycelle farted his last fart.
If you aren’t caught up on Game of Thrones, go do that and then listen to our show.
TJ and Michael go ALL OUT THRONES for the 20th Piffcast episode, recapping and reviewing the entire epic 6th season. We bounce region to region, House to House, giving our 2 cents on every storyline and where we think they are going. Listen in for our favorite (and least favorite) episodes from Season 6, favorite characters, and ALL THINGS THRONES.
Each week, we give every episode at least 24 hours to breathe and for you to get caught up. After that, you’re clicking at your own risk. Spoilers ahead.
The penultimate episode of each Game of Thrones season is always one worth circling on your calendar. Ned’s death, Blackwater, The Red Wedding and “Watchers on the Wall” laid down the track record of anxiety inducing, reactionary video filming, edge-of-your-seat watching television. “Battle of the Bastards” met the hype and was payoff for the longtime Game of Thrones fans who stayed loyal, after so many favorite characters were brutalized before their very eyes.
Two years ago, I went and saw “Watchers on The Wall” and “The Children” from Season 4 back-to-back in an IMAX movie theater. “Battle of The Bastards” should be getting similar treatment leading up to Season 7. How often did you catch yourself making involuntary noises from your couch? I cheered and screamed louder than I normally do watching my favorite football team play, it was that good.
Game of Thrones went Peter Jackson and maybe beyond with the quality of this battle.
…and we thank them for it.
“Dracarys” is the new Mortal Kombat-style “Fatality!”
I did not expect the resolution to the siege in Meereen to come so quickly, but I’m very glad it did. We’ve waited 6 years to see the damage that Dany’s dragons could inflict and there it was on full display. While she and her babies provided the death from above, her Khalasar took care of the ground game by cleaning the streets stained by the Sons of the Harpy.
I also did not expect her to be so civil with Tyrion after the Masters went back on his deal. A year ago, she likely would have given Tyrion the “Jorah Treatment” and shunned him. She’s obviously grown to the people around her and trusting Tyrion’s expertise helps way more than hurts. Oh, and she now has her ships…
Sansa’s “slow-walk and smile” while Ramsay’s dogs gave him a taste of his own medicine was even better than Beyonce’s “Lemonade” special.
After years of abuse and torture, Sansa is now the true Warden of the North. In a season full of big wins, Sansa’s was the biggest. And although Jon led the charge and fought like hell to reach Ramsay, it was Sansa’s raven to Littlefinger that made it all possible.
Jon disregarded Sansa’s advice by chasing after Rickon. He went heart first into battle, clearly without the numbers, and almost fell into another Ramsay trap. Yet he still cut down everyone in his path, survived the most claustrophobic situations ever, and beat the living shit out of that bastard in his own home.
If Jon already had a reputation for being the best swordsman in the North, imagine what people think of him now. Where will he turn his attention to now? Uniting the North? The Freys in Riverrun? King’s Landing?…Most likely Winter.
Tyrion inherited a pretty awful situation when Daenerys left, and he pointed out to her what all he accomplished while she was gone…as the city was burning. The fact Daenerys still recognized it and took Tyrion’s advice before unleashing Hell on the Masters places him on a higher pedestal than either his siblings back at King’s Landing. Neither of them were second in command to a Dragon Queen.
Also appreciated the extra sass he threw Theon’s way. That stuff doesn’t get old.
Twice now Petyr Baelish has bailed Sansa out and helped defeat her abusers. His plan seems to be back on track. It’s kinda scary to imagine what the endgame is and that might be Sansa’s next issue. For the time being though, he has the Starks’ strongest weapon.
Jaime being cast out from King’s Landing might be the best thing for him. He has his army, and alliance with the Freys (whatever that’s worth) and Riverrun. Walder’s toast in the teaser “The Freys and Lannisters send their regards” may prove to be a kiss of death though…for both houses.
Davos held his own in the battle and survived. He even sent the cavalry after Jon as he charged the 6,000 man army by himself. After the win, Davos doesn’t appear to be in the celebrating mood. After finding Shireen’s toy that he made for her, he’s put together the pieces of what Melisandre did before reaching Castle Black. He’s been in the spot before, with Stannis. Will Jon and Sansa side with Davos or will history repeat itself.
There is a full understanding of how powerful the Night King is. Lack of action lets him slide a little after a big episode for the good guys. I doubt he’ll be on the down low for long…
Even just seeing Drogon in the distance before he crashed the Masters’ insult party made me cheer like the Bears won the Super Bowl. His bond with Daenerys showed just how deadly they both can be…
…and even deadlier with these two.
It was amazing how Tormund and his people looked ridiculously close to their end with the Bolton spears pointed at them, and then he’s beating Lord Umber’s ear off and stabbing him in the face an instant later.
While it’s good to be a Stark (for once), Bran knows firsthand that there’s a lot of work to do. The sooner he fully understands his powers, the better…for everyone.
The next biggest power move to Sansa and Jon taking Winterfell back was Yara and Theon somehow getting to Meereen before Euron…and with 100 ships?! Where did they get 100 ships?
Yara went from being an outcast to the Iron Islands to being teamed up with the most powerful person in the Seven Kingdoms. She also was not shy about hitting on the Mother of Dragons either, which was charming.
Sweet psych out, Grey Worm. Giving the Masters’ soldiers a choice to go home was a nice touch too.
I don’t know what Ser Beric has in store for The Hound, but it will likely involve lots and lots of violence. He also appears to be the only person the undead Beric fears too.
Cersei’s not going down without fight against The High Sparrow and her own son, the King. As far as we know, he’s her best shot and he’ll take anyone out who gets in her way.
Arya’s going to be in for a pleasant surprise when she returns to Westeros. She’ll be able to use her family’s name too, at least in the North. 2 questions though:
I’ve kept The High Sparrow pretty high for a while this season. With the Starks back in power, Jaime getting stronger/more defiant, Daenerys being on her way and Cersei putting the Targaryen Wildfire to use…his power looks less and less impressive.
Margaery is playing the long game with the High Sparrow and Tommen, and she’s still loyal to her brother. When shit hits the fan in the finale, will she get out of Cersei’s way or burn with the rest?
Benjen would proud of what Jon has accomplished, ya know…getting laid, coming back from the dead and ENDING the Boltons. But his attention and particular set of skills are being directed toward the impending White Walker invasion. Understandable.
You have to love Daario leading the khalasar into Meereen, chopping off Harpy heads right and left. His efforts have mostly eliminated all the doubt I had of his allegiance. Judging by the teaser for the finale, Daenerys is going to let us know her thoughts on the matter too.
Theon’s been a solid “campaign manager” for Yara, helping her team-up with Daenerys. He may have an even more important role though. When Daenerys makes her move on Westeros, Theon could help the cause because of her relationship with Sansa. Tyrion’s kindness to Sansa in the past would go a long way, but Theon endured Ramsay too.
Good for Brienne that the Blackfish situation didn’t make or break the Battle of the Bastards. The Starks need allies now though, so she might want to hurry back to Winterfell before things escalate again.
Wait, Tormund’s going to be waiting there…She can take her time.
Loved how Missandei stood silent while the Masters discussed their “terms” and they planned to sell her again. She sat there knowing exactly how it was all going to go down and got to deliver the news to them that one (really two) of them were going to die. Then walking past the surviving Master, like he was nothing, was more than perfect.
Hell is coming to breakfast in King’s Landing, and Cersei is cooking up a storm of Wildfire…I hope.
I would like to see where Varys intended to go to find help for Dany’s cause. I’m hoping it’s Winterfell, which would make for a funny reunion with Littlefinger.
I am really hoping Beric gives the Hound some work before the season is up. There are two people who get brought back to life (as far as we know) on this show. Beric is the one who seems to get that more than Jon.
Of those capable of bringing people back to life, Thoros has the most practice…and he’s the least vague about his purpose too.
I know a lot of people are upset that Ghost didn’t get to participate in the battle, but shouldn’t we just be glad he’s okay? It’s been a rough go for Direwolves this season and I do not think he would’ve faired well in real medieval battle.
The “Lyanna’s Not Impressed” Meme definitely outdoes Obara Sand’s.
Qyburn is just so excited to bring chaos to King’s Landing. Let’s just hope he’s there when Maester Pycelle goes down with it.
Bronn’s on a pretty nice track right now, aligned with Jaime. I don’t think everyone’s particularly safe hanging with the Freys, but I trust him and Jaime to get out of most situations.
Tommen is king but he seems to have sealed his fate by turning on his mother. “The 7” can’t save you from a mother scorn.
What’s the average tenure for the Hand of the King on this show? Not particularly long, I don’t think…
Edd has gotta be so glad that Jon won at Winterfell. Otherwise he would have a much tougher time defending the Wall and dealing with Ramsay.
He didn’t seem to be present at Winterfell, alongside Littlefinger and Sansa, but his army did save the Starks from their doom.
Also wasn’t seen on screen, but he is the Lord Commander of the Vale horsemen who came charging in like the Riders of Rohan.
The more I think about how Arya left the temple of the Many-Faced God, I become more convinced that everything went according to plan for the STILL mysterious Jaqen. The Faceless Men want to influence Westeros and Arya appears to be their weapon for it.
Seriously. You have the Iron Island fleet at your disposal and still couldn’t beat out your niece and nephew to Daenerys? Hard to believe that Euron will go down easily. Could be Big Bad in the next season.
Everything’s coming up Walder Frey these days, right? I have a feeling someone else will be sending “their regards” when all is said and done in the Season 6 finale.
Edmure’s fortunes changed immensely after being let back into Riverrun. He is the Lord there, but how loyal are his men after he gave their castle up so easily?
I will continue to beat on this drum until something else happens:
A Jorah – Samwell/Gilly team-up is coming. Hopefully sooner than later so Jorah can get cured.
The High Priestess, who helped bring order back to Meereen, was MIA while it was being attacked. She believes in Daenerys and has seen visions of her rise to power. How much does Daenerys believe in her?
Melisandre is about to face serious Davos shit-storm. We’ll find out how Jon handles the situation. He doesn’t appear as sold on “The Lord of Light” and destiny as Stannis was…even if it brought him back to life.
Hope Meera learns a thing or two from Benjen. He should know her father very well, who fought alongside Ned.
After hearing Pod refer to his training from Brienne, and some sneaky pointers from Bronn, you wonder if he’ll be applying that training before the season is over.
Olenna knows that both Margaery and Cersei each have something planned when the trial happens. If she hasn’t left King’s Landing, it would be beneficial for her to play mediator to help them both. I don’t think she really cares what happens to Cersei though.
Samwell sword action needs to happen this week.
I hope Gilly kept this dress.
The Sand Snakes helped start the season…
…will they help close it?
Will I ever get to update this photo?
I’m never updating this one.
Yara said she had some uncles to kill and Daenerys will happily oblige. That doesn’t bode well for Aeron.
If the Frey party gets crashed, Lothar is surely going to die.
Walder will die first though, and Jaime may be the one to end him…just because.
So Robett…the Starks you turned your back on just won the Bastard Bowl. They are also the Wardens of your territory now.
This must be awkward.
We all know who wears the pants in the Tarly household…
…but I’m pretty sure Randyll sent a search party for Samwell.
Your weekly reminder that Talla was hushed when mentioning the guy she is set to marry…and that might matter.
#BroDickon is gonna #BroDickon.
This might be my third time predicting that Lancel is about to die. Third time’s a charm, right?
In a perfect world, both Margaery and Cersei get to beat the Septa down in the worst way possible.
“Tell your people what happened here.”
The fact Yezzan didn’t sellout one of his fellow Masters like they did to him is probably why he isn’t dead.
#ThoughtsAndPrayers for Lancel.
We didn’t see Harald die in battle, right? If he didn’t die, he shouldn’t be doing to well in Stark captivity.
Still supremely useless.
Hopefully he farts for the last time in the season finale.
Following the big news and exciting events from E3 2016 in Los Angeles, Cody Gough joined the show to discuss all the gaming highlights and lowlights. He tells you why Nintendo and Zelda blew everyone away, how he got into gaming, the consoles he grew up with and much more. You can hear Cody on WGN Radio and his podcast, ‘Game/Life Balance U.S.‘ (14:16 mark, if you want to jump ahead)
TJ and Michael also get into Fitbits, Wisconsin hangouts, illegal fireworks, Seinfeld tidbits, chord cutting, possible Emmy nominees and news on our “special” episode next week!
Standup Comedian, writer, and Second City actor Martin Morrow (Why? with Hannibal Buress, Last Comic Standing) joins the show. Martin talks about his journey in the Chicago comedy scene, how he applies his improv training to standup, writing sketches and jokes for sensitive audiences, and the effect social media has had on the industry. He also names his Second City “Mount Rushmore” and gives some advice for future professional comedians. (12:10 mark, if you want to jump ahead)
Meanwhile, Michael and TJ go through their goals for Summer. Plus what’s on TJ’s Spotify playlist, things Mike rationally and irrationally dislikes, and much more. It’s a good bit of fun.
Don’t forget to use Promo Code “Piffcast” for great deals when getting a ride with our new friends at Lyft!
Despite missing out when the initial dinner tickets went on sale nearly 2 months ago, a good friend invited me to checkout the Saved By The Bell pop-up cafe in Wicker Park. With a 7:30 PM reservation, we arrived early enough to grab a beer at Piece, just a few doors down, while a line of walk-ups stretched down North Avenue toward the Milwaukee intersection. It feels cruel yet cool when you can pass the whole line to make your reservation.
Entering the SFCO doors (formerly Geek Bar), you’re greeted by a giant Bayside logo, Zack Morris’ row of lockers, and a long walled-off hall to the check-in point.
It eerily gives you similar excitement and anxious intrigue as Wonka’s boat ride. Okay, that might be extreme but that’s what I felt walking 20 feet and unsure of what I’ll see around the corner…
…then the relief that followed.
It’s not big by any means, but it’s very comfortable inside. That is probably thanks to the reservation system To the left, around the corner of the host’s station, there is a bar surrounded by stools and a few hightop tables. You’ll notice at times that there are some empty barstools and it was explained to us that the staff will try to be as accommodating as possible for single walkups or parties of 2 to fill them up.
When seated at our booth, we were given separate drink and a dinner menus to skim over.
Our server, Amy, gave us great recommendations off both menus. Starting with the “Mark Paul 75”…
A French 75 with G.H. Mumm Champagne, Plymouth Gin, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Lemon Twist and Luxardo Cherry.
I’m not sure if the kids at Bayside ever drank out of a martini glass this fancy on the show, but I highly doubt that Kelly would mind it.
Included with your $45 reservation ticket, you got an appetizer, entree and desert with your meal. The drinks and sides aren’t included, but that’s really okay. Going in a party of 2 or more allows you to pick and try multiple dishes from Chef Brian Fisher, formerly of Michelin-starred restaurant, Schwa.
When asked about my thoughts on the experience, I have to lead off by gushing over how good the food was. Crediting Chef Brian’s menu and Amy’s recommendations, I’ll just share my selections.
“AC Sliders” – Goose Island braised pulled pork and Lillie’s Q gold barbecue sauce with a touch of Jameson.
“Snow White and the Seven Dorks” – Lebanese seven spiced chicken wings with herbed yogurt.
It’s hard not to get the sliders based on the name alone, but they truly are an excellent choice. The pork is tender, the sauce is delicious and the pickle compliments it all perfectly.
The wings were a nice surprise. We anticipated them to be a little spicy but it’s sweeter than you’d expect. The “Mac and Screech” would have been another choice that made me wish we had one more person to sample with.
“Tori’s Fried Chicken” – Goose Island 312 and coconut milk waffle with Korean Fried Chicken and spiced maple syrup.
Have you ever placed an order and felt like “I JUST WON AT ORDERING DINNER” after eating it? That’s exactly how I felt here. The sweet syrup combined with the spicy sauce, plus fried chicken and waffles in between, is a mouth experience that deserves an “achievement unlocked” immediately after.
We were warned before checking out the menu that the kitchen was out of biscuits. I don’t know if it from was reading the description for “Mr. Dewey’s Honey Buttermilk Biscuits and Gravy” or being told we couldn’t have them, but that’s something I’d really like to go back for.
Snack Attack – Twinkie Ice Cream topped with Strawberry Feulletine, fresh strawberries, vanilla wafers and whipped cream.
Great palate cleanser. I can’t say that I knew what Twinkie ice cream was beforehand, but I do occasionally crave it since trying it. Where you at, Ben & Jerry’s?!
Since I know you’re wondering, this is the only reference you need from the cafe’s bathroom…
The food, the service and the atmosphere were all excellent. I would love to go back again sometime this summer to find out what #BaysideAfterDark is all about. Here is a whole schedule of events from now until the end of June, starting at 11 PM. “Late Nights” appear to be available for walkups only too. For times, press and contact info, checkout the Saved By The Max website.
TIMEOUT!
Listen as we take you on a “wild ride” of Game of Thrones reactions, Lord of the Rings comparisons, Ghostbusters needing better NBA Finals promotion, TJ’s men’s fashion rants, wedding registries, the Saved By the Bell pop-up diner in Chicago, other TV or movie restaurants we would like to try, and then some…
We also take a moment to discuss Muhammad Ali and the tributes to his life, career and impact over the weekend following his passing. Simply The Greatest.
For your Memorial Day Listening, Michael and TJ give their guests a breather and cover a vast array of topics all on their own. They discuss their favorites of the NEXT James Bond candidates, some of our favorite video games, the Riot Fest Chicago lineup, Game of Thrones (per usual), and all the tangents that come with.
Listeners ALSO get in on the fun by asking ANYTHING and the guys do their best to answer them. Questions include: The #1 Sport for America, Favorite Simpsons Characters, Sports to add to the Olympics, and our favorite things to do in Chicago.
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