Mailbag
July mailbag!
This month: outdoor summer events, writing process deets, and the Great Phones-at-Concerts Discourse!
Emily St. James
Emily St. James is a writer and critic whose work has appeared in Vox, The A.V. Club, and the New York Times. She is the co-creator of the podcast Arden and a writer on the TV series Yellowjackets.
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Breaking Bad's clockwork universe seems almost comforting in 2026 (preview)
In Vince Gilligan's world, a rise must always precede a fall. Is that true anymore in our world?
26 Episodes
Breaking Bad's clockwork universe seems almost comforting in 2026
In Vince Gilligan's world, a rise must always precede a fall. Is that true anymore in our world?
Infinite Jest
Coming July 28: Our first Episodes Book Club!
Read along with us, won't you?
Rundown
Episodes Monday Rundown July 6–12 2026
This week: Excalibur, Supergirl, and a David Lynch double feature.
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Submit your July mailbag questions!
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books
The new Great American Novels: 9 books from the Trump era that earn the title
Some great reads that will help you understand America at 250.
Rundown
Episodes Monday Rundown June 29–July 5 2026
This week: Interview with the Vampire, The Quarry Girls, and fireworks.
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How the Toy Story toys are a little like vampires (preview)
A special look at this week's premium Friday newsletter!
Toy Story 5
How the Toy Story toys are a little like vampires
Both the venerable Pixar franchise and Interview with the Vampire use immortality to explore personhood.
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Is Friday Night Lights TV’s greatest show about everyday sacrifice? (preview)
A special look at this week's installment of Emily's ongoing look at the best TV of the 21st century.
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Is Friday Night Lights TV’s greatest show about everyday sacrifice?
It's a show about marriage, yes. But also a show about giving things up in hope of a better future.