HBO PROJECT: The Leftovers (2014) | Show Me a Hero (2015)

After two percent of the world's population inexplicably vanishes, the residents of Mapleton, New York are left to grapple with the "whys" and "hows" and "but Gary Buseys" of it all. Adapted from the novel by Tom Perrotta, The Leftovers (2014) is a series about loss and grief and cults and Justin Theroux being the messiah, maybe. Although the premiere (and first season) is a bit of a downer, the series as a whole is an absolutely riveting puzzle box of a mystery. (18:32 - 1:45:37) ... In the late 80's, federal judge Leonard Sand ordered the city of Yonkers, New York to build two hundred units of public housing in an attempt to desegregate the city. The first part of Show Me a Hero (2015) starts with nasally future mayor Nick Wasicsko (Oscar Isaac) campaigning for office, and later installments delve into the heated racial politics of the era. Things are about to get very bonkers... in Yonkers. (1:45:38 - 3:20:18) ... Also, The Nevers, Constantine, The Last of Us, and Lovecraft Country. (0 - 18:31) Q: Have you written a "thank you" note to your mayor, yet? | Send feedback to hooplecast@gmail.com. Find our recording schedule, show notes, discussion threads, and more at hooplecast.com. | Recorded February 21, 2021. Released March 26, 2021. [Warning: Explicit Language.]