It's Tom-plicated: A Tom Holland Podcast

The Crowded Room (2023) - Episodes 6-10

In this episode of the It's Tom-plicated: A Tom Holland Podcast, hosts⁠⁠ ⁠Alex Marcus⁠⁠⁠ [https://letterboxd.com/MediaThinkings/] and⁠⁠ ⁠Manish Mathur⁠⁠⁠ [https://letterboxd.com/themanish89/] continue their coverage of Apple TV+’s limited series The Crowded Room, with a discussion of the final five episodes of the series. They dive into the overlapping storytelling and courtroom chaos of the controversial second half of the series, where the plot thickens with more legal procedural tension, fractured character arcs, and creative choices that leave viewers questioning authenticity. Alex and Manish unpack how the series struggles under its own ambitions to blend sensationalism with sincerity, and why certain characterizations—like Emmy Rossum's troubled mother or the prosecutor Carmen Ejogo—miss the mark in delivering nuanced portrayals of trauma and systemic bias. They describe the key moments where the show either hits a nerve or falls flat—especially Tom Holland's compelling performance as multiple alters and how the trauma barn sequences challenge the audience's suspension of disbelief. Also discussed, the narrative's shaky grasp on DID as a diagnosis; the courtroom strategies; the questionable handling of race and mental health; and the missed opportunities for authenticity that could elevate the story beyond a sensationalized case. Plus, they reflect on the show's broader implications, the creative liberties taken, and how The Crowded Room fits into the legacy of legal and psychological dramas like Philadelphia and Silence of the Lambs, as well as, of course, Taylor Swift’s discography.  In two weeks, Alex and Manish are traveling to the West End for an in depth discussion of Tom Holland’s 2024 return to live theater in Romeo and Juliet. Don't forget to subscribe to⁠⁠⁠ It's Tom-plicated: A Tom Holland Podcast⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/6GBNsVq87Ou8Af7Ff7NTIV?si=6851c3edafa545a4] on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts, so you don't miss future episodes of the show! Podcast artwork courtesy of ⁠⁠Rohitha Brahmandam⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/afishytalee?igsh=M3BqbW5vcjhjM3V3].

The Crowded Room (2023) - Episodes 1-5

In this episode of the It's Tom-plicated: A Tom Holland Podcast, hosts⁠⁠ ⁠Alex Marcus⁠⁠⁠ [https://letterboxd.com/MediaThinkings/] and⁠⁠ ⁠Manish Mathur⁠⁠⁠ [https://letterboxd.com/themanish89/] enter darker psychological-thriller territory with Apple TV+’s limited series The Crowded Room. Covering the first five episodes — “Exodus,” “Sanctuary,” “Murder,” “London,” and “Saviour” — the hosts unpack Holland’s performance as Danny Sullivan, a young man arrested after a shooting in 1979 New York, whose story unfolds through interviews with investigator Rya Goodwin, played by Amanda Seyfried. The conversation digs into the show’s mystery-box structure, its shifting timelines, and how effectively the first half builds suspense around Danny’s past, Ariana, Yitzhak, Candy, Marlin, and the “Ghost House.” The hosts also discuss whether the series works as a showcase for Holland outside of blockbuster filmmaking, how his vulnerability shapes Danny, and whether the show’s slow-burn approach is emotionally gripping or frustratingly drawn out. Along the way, they consider the series’ heavy subject matter, its depiction of trauma and memory, the supporting work from Amanda Seyfried, Emmy Rossum, Sasha Lane, and Lior Raz, and the complicated ethics of turning material inspired by The Minds of Billy Milligan into prestige television. The episode also looks at the broader critical divide around the series, which received notably mixed-to-negative reviews from critics despite a more favorable audience response. In two weeks, Alex and Manish will return with the second half of their coverage of Apple TV+’s The Crowded Room (Episode 6-10). Don't forget to subscribe to⁠⁠⁠ It's Tom-plicated: A Tom Holland Podcast⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/6GBNsVq87Ou8Af7Ff7NTIV?si=6851c3edafa545a4] on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts, so you don't miss future episodes of the show! Podcast artwork courtesy of ⁠⁠Rohitha Brahmandam⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/afishytalee?igsh=M3BqbW5vcjhjM3V3].

Uncharted (2022) with Dave Giannini

In this episode of the It's Tom-plicated: A Tom Holland Podcast, hosts⁠⁠ ⁠Alex Marcus⁠⁠⁠ [https://letterboxd.com/MediaThinkings/] and⁠⁠ ⁠Manish Mathur⁠⁠⁠ [https://letterboxd.com/themanish89/] explore the video game adaptation Uncharted from director Ruben Fleischer. The film stars Tom Holland, Mark Wahlberg, Sophia Ali, Tati Gabrielle, and Antonio Banderas. Joining the podcast is Dave Giannini from Pop Culture Case Study and InSession Film! In the episode, they talk about how the movie fares as an adaptation of the popular game. They talk about casting decisions, including Tom himself as the game’s lead Nathan Drake. Further discussion includes which sequences work and which don’t, and how the movie plays to audiences who don’t game. Uncharted was also a surprise hit in post-pandemic 2022, but instead led to a surprising hiatus for its star.  In two weeks, Alex and Manish cover Tom’s foray into prestige TV with Apple TV+’s The Crowded Room. In part one, they discuss the first five episodes of the dramatic miniseries co-starring Amanda Seyfried. Don't forget to subscribe to⁠⁠⁠ It's Tom-plicated: A Tom Holland Podcast⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/6GBNsVq87Ou8Af7Ff7NTIV?si=6851c3edafa545a4] on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts, so you don't miss future episodes of the show! Podcast artwork courtesy of ⁠⁠Rohitha Brahmandam⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/afishytalee?igsh=M3BqbW5vcjhjM3V3].

Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) with Dave Gonzales

In this episode of It's Tom-plicated: A Tom Holland Podcast, hosts ⁠Alex Marcus⁠⁠⁠ [https://letterboxd.com/MediaThinkings/] and ⁠Manish Mathur⁠⁠⁠ [https://letterboxd.com/themanish89/] tackle one of the biggest movies of Tom’s career: Spider-Man: No Way Home! The 2021 movie stars Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, Benedict Cumberbatch, Marisa Tomei, Jon Favreau, Jamie Foxx, Alfred Molina, Thomas Haden Church, and Rhys Ifans, with Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield!  The podcast is thrilled to welcome author and podcaster Dave Gonzales. Best known for podcasts such as Fighting in the War Room, The Storm, Trial by Content, and Da7e and Neil’s Pop Culture Adventure, Gonzales is also the coauthor of MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios.  In the episode, there’s a range of feelings about this colossal movie. Dave shares his behind the scenes expertise, Alex his passion for the character and Manish on how the movie entertains a casual viewer of superhero movies. Topics include how having the previous Spider-Men affects our current hero, the cast chemistry, and what the most powerful moments in the movie are.  In two weeks, Alex and Manish cover a surprise box office hit, the video game adaptation Uncharted with special guest Dave Giannini of the Pop Culture Case Studies podcast!   Don't forget to subscribe to⁠⁠⁠ It's Tom-plicated: A Tom Holland Podcast⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/6GBNsVq87Ou8Af7Ff7NTIV?si=6851c3edafa545a4] on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts, so you don't miss future episodes of the show! Podcast artwork courtesy of ⁠⁠Rohitha Brahmandam⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/afishytalee?igsh=M3BqbW5vcjhjM3V3].

Chaos Walking (2021)

In this episode of the 'It's Tom-plicated: A Tom Holland Podcast,' hosts⁠⁠ ⁠Alex Marcus⁠⁠⁠ [https://letterboxd.com/MediaThinkings/] and⁠⁠ ⁠Manish Mathur⁠⁠⁠ [https://letterboxd.com/themanish89/] crash land into Doug Liman’s YA action movie Chaos Walking starring Tom Holland, Daisy Ridley, Mads Mikkelson, Cynthia Erivo, David Oyelowo, Damien Bichir, and Nick Jonas! The 2021 film is based on the Patrick Ness novel The Knife of Letting Go, part of the Chaos Walking trilogy.  In the episode, they talk about the premise of the movie and its potential. They also explore the charms of the lead paid Ridley and Holland as well as the overqualified supporting cast. But the movie stumbles in the execution of the premise, playing into some icky and uncomfortable arenas.  In two weeks, Alex and Manish cover Tom’s interactions with other webbed heroes in the iconic Spider-Man: No Way Home with a special guest! Don't forget to subscribe to⁠⁠⁠ It's Tom-plicated: A Tom Holland Podcast⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/6GBNsVq87Ou8Af7Ff7NTIV?si=6851c3edafa545a4] on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts, so you don't miss future episodes of the show! Podcast artwork courtesy of ⁠⁠Rohitha Brahmandam⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/afishytalee?igsh=M3BqbW5vcjhjM3V3].