Slate Daily Feed Culture Gabfest - Can Spinal Tap Still Go to 11 Edition
Sep 17, 2025
Join Dan Kois, a former Slate writer and author known for his recent New Yorker profile on chef Samin Nosrat, as he dives into the world of rock mockumentaries. They explore 'Spinal Tap II,' reflecting on themes of aging and nostalgia, while also critiquing the class dynamics in the series 'The Girlfriend.' The conversation then shifts to revering Hollywood legend Robert Redford, discussing his dual role as a star and director, and his lasting impact on cinema. Kois's insights blend humor with poignant reflections on culture and creativity.
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Episode notes
POV Games Mask Repetitive Beats
- The Girlfriend uses shifting POVs to make both women unreliable narrators in a class-tinted psychological game.
- The format aims for Rashomon-like ambiguity but ultimately repeats the same perspectival beats.
Critic Who Quit After Two Episodes
- Dan Kois bailed after two episodes, preferring plot synopses to watching the remaining twists.
- He felt the show wanted to be trashy yet persistently aimed for false sophistication.
Six Hours Of Same Argument
- The Girlfriend overstays its premise by repeating POV differences and padding a short concept into six hours.
- Viewers may only persist to see how implausible twists resolve, not because of storytelling strength.
