TBTL: Too Beautiful To Live – Episode #4370: You Got Campbelled!

Release Date: December 31, 2024
Hosts: Luke Burbank and Andrew Walsh

Introduction and Tribute to Andre Braugher [01:12 - 03:46]

The episode kicks off with Luke Burbank warmly welcoming listeners to the Tuesday edition of TBTL, coinciding with New Year’s Eve. Andrew Walsh immediately dives into a heartfelt tribute to the late Andre Braugher, renowned for his roles in “Homicide: Life on the Street” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.”

Andrew Walsh [01:35]: "I would put that drop we heard right there a moment ago, near the top of my list of favorites, the Brooklyn Nine."

Andrew Walsh [02:06]: "It's a very feel goody show, sometimes to a fault, but mostly to a degree that I really enjoy. And something about Andre Braugher especially is just so lovely and it breaks my heart when I turn it on now and he's making me laugh so ridiculously hard."

Luke echoes Andrew’s sentiments, emphasizing Braugher’s versatility and significant impact on television.

Luke Burbank [03:11]: "What a cool legacy though. I mean, what a sad thing that he's gone too young. But what a nice legacy."

The hosts reflect on Braugher’s contributions, highlighting his range from intense dramas to lighthearted comedies, and ponder whether future audiences will remember their tribute.

Andrew Walsh [03:18]: "I need to go back and watch that. You watched some of that, right?"

Discussion on "Homicide: Life on the Street" and TV’s Golden Age [03:46 - 05:44]

Delving deeper, Luke and Andrew discuss “Homicide: Life on the Street,” lauding its realistic portrayal of police work and its role in ushering in the golden age of television.

Luke Burbank [04:12]: "It cheesed it up a lot less than a lot of the other things that were out there portraying like police and policing."

Luke Burbank [04:58]: "Yafit Koto, one of the great hairdos, I believe, in network television and great name."

Andrew adds insights about Richard Belzer’s transition from stand-up comedy to his role in the series, appreciating his deadpan delivery.

Andrew Walsh [05:30]: "Belzer was the comedian long before he was on Homicide Life on the Street."

Richard Belzer’s Comedy and Legacy [05:44 - 09:08]

The conversation shifts to Richard Belzer's stand-up career, highlighting his appearances on "The Howard Stern Show" and his unique comedic style.

Andrew Walsh [07:01]: "He's like Jason from Friday the 13th. Wow. Strong Dan Campbell energy."

Luke admires Belzer’s comedic approach, contrasting it with mainstream humor of the early '90s.

Luke Burbank [07:37]: "But the thing about Belzer was because he was also a frequent guest on the Howard Stern show for years...he was very droll and very like."

They reminisce about classic comedy clips, blending nostalgia with critical analysis of Belzer’s performances.

Listener’s Vocabulary Challenge [16:05 - 20:25]

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to a listener named Kristen from Thunder Bay, Ontario, who sent in a list of unusual words used over the past year. Luke and Andrew tackle words like “celerity” and “Rashomon,” showcasing their playful struggle with advanced vocabulary.

Andrew Walsh [18:50]: "Celerity. Celerity. And now that I'm looking at the definition, I feel like I'm vaguely remembering talking about this."

Luke Burbank [20:01]: "She accepted the invitation with alacrity."

Their banter highlights the duo’s chemistry and ability to engage with challenging content humorously.

Gus Van Sant’s Death Trilogy and the Movie "Jerry" [09:08 - 26:11]

The hosts transition to a detailed discussion about Gus Van Sant’s Death Trilogy, focusing on the film “Jerry.” They explore the movie’s premise, budget, and critical reception, appreciating its intense storytelling and minimalist approach.

Andrew Walsh [25:10]: "What's the buzz? I'm going to pivot towards Pivin."

Luke Burbank [25:33]: "It's interesting for the movie, Jerry. The budget was three and a half million dollars...it did $254,000 at the box office."

Luke praises “Jerry” for its artistic merit despite its limited financial success, while Andrew underscores the film’s emotional depth and realistic portrayal of its characters’ descent into madness.

Andrew Walsh [26:11]: "It was called the Death trilogy. So this is. Okay, so Happy New Year, everybody. The Death trilogy had."

Film Directors and Realism in Portrayals [26:11 - 35:04]

Luke and Andrew delve into discussions about various directors like Todd Haynes and Neil LaBute, debating their filmmaking styles and the challenges of maintaining realism in cinematic portrayals. They critique unrealistic elements in movies, particularly focusing on inaccuracies in portraying radio hosts in “Grosse Pointe Blank.”

Andrew Walsh [33:38]: "Gus Van Sant had. It was called the Death trilogy. So this is."

Andrew Walsh [35:04]: "It is. It is. I just feel like it's an incredible film."

Their critique extends to other films and directors, showcasing their deep appreciation for authentic storytelling and their frustration with common cinematic clichés.

Jeremy Piven’s Controversial Shift [40:44 - 43:56]

A candid segment addresses Jeremy Piven’s decline in public favor, discussing allegations against him and the hosts' personal disappointment.

Luke Burbank [41:41]: "There are Pivens inside all of us."

Andrew Walsh [43:51]: "I feel like you and I both know storytelling as well."

They reflect on how public perception can drastically change an actor’s career, expressing skepticism about the authenticity of Piven’s public persona.

Donor Acknowledgments [45:04 - 48:46]

In line with their commitment to thanking their supporters, Luke and Andrew take time to recognize key donors from various locations. Each acknowledgment is paired with humorous anecdotes, strengthening the connection with their audience.

Luke Burbank [45:48]: "Thank you, Jessica. Do you remember when Jessica used her own private little boat to go help soldiers evacuate?"

Andrew Walsh [47:57]: "Matthew Scott of Honolulu, Hawaii. Matthew Scott, thank you for the donation."

Their heartfelt gratitude underscores the importance of listener support in keeping the show vibrant and ongoing.

Closing Remarks and New Year’s Eve Preparations [48:46 - 49:10]

As the episode winds down, the hosts exchange light-hearted comments about their New Year’s Eve festivities, promising to continue their engaging content into the new year.

Luke Burbank [48:54]: "I'm gonna make sure that I do. I do. One pint of water for every pint of Guinness that I'm drinking tonight."

Andrew Walsh [49:10]: "Good luck to all. Happy New Year. Power out."

Their jovial goodbye leaves listeners with a sense of camaraderie and anticipation for future episodes.

Notable Quotes:

• Andrew Walsh [02:06]: "It's a very feel goody show, sometimes to a fault, but mostly to a degree that I really enjoy."

• Luke Burbank [04:12]: "It cheesed it up a lot less than a lot of the other things that were out there portraying like police and policing."

• Andrew Walsh [18:50]: "Celerity. Celerity. And now that I'm looking at the definition, I feel like I'm vaguely remembering talking about this."

• Luke Burbank [20:01]: "She accepted the invitation with alacrity."

• Andrew Walsh [25:10]: "What's the buzz? I'm going to pivot towards Pivin."

• Luke Burbank [41:41]: "There are Pivens inside all of us."

Conclusion:

Episode #4370 of TBTL: Too Beautiful To Live provides a rich tapestry of nostalgia, critical discussions on television and film, engaging vocabulary challenges, and heartfelt tributes. Luke Burbank and Andrew Walsh blend humor with insightful commentary, creating an episode that is both entertaining and intellectually stimulating. Whether reminiscing about beloved actors or dissecting complex cinematic narratives, the hosts maintain their signature camaraderie, ensuring that listeners are both entertained and informed. As they bid farewell on New Year’s Eve, the promise of continued engaging content leaves the audience eagerly awaiting future episodes.