The Last Samurai
The Last Samurai is about so much more than education
Helen DeWitt's modern classic is as much about things that can't be taught as it is about Ancient Greek.
Lily Osler
Writer, Trekkie, incompetent knitter. Managing Editor at Episodes.
Rundown
Episodes Monday Rundown May 18–24 2026
This week: the Colbert finale, Olivia Rodrigo, and a triptych of heterosexuality.
Submit your questions for a special Woodworking mailbag!
Hello beloved subscribers! Emily's first novel, Woodworking, is out in paperback on Tuesday, May 26. It's an exciting occasion, and, to celebrate, we've got a special Episodes mailbag lined up for that day. All questions about Woodworking — the creative process, the book tour, whether
pluribus
Pluribus is a masterclass in how to write loneliness
There's no moment of human connection that will save Carol Sturka from herself.
Rundown
Episodes Monday Rundown May 11–17 2026
This week: Obsession, Hokum, and The Sheep Detectives!
Mailbag
May mailbag!
This month: Star Wars Day, media for springtime, and why everyone's doing dream ballets these days.
Rundown
Episodes Monday Rundown May 4–10 2026
This week: The Devil Wears Prada 2, For All Mankind, and a haunting religious vision.
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Pluribus: Episode 9, "La Chica o El Mundo"
Save the world, or get the girl? Maybe it's not that simple.
Rundown
Episodes Monday Rundown April 27–May 3 2026
This week: Charlie Kaufman, Martin Scorsese, Spike Jonze, and a gorgeously melancholic kids' show.
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Check out what premium Episodes subscribers were reading in April!
Hello, beloved free subscribers! Today, we close the book on April, and with it a very busy month of publishing for Episodes. We published 17 pieces this month, with new writing from us every single Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday on Deadwood, Project Hail Mary, Something Very Bad Is Going
The Drama
The Drama can't decide what it's about
A movie this well-crafted ought to have more going for it than shock value.
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Pluribus: Episode 8, "Charm Offensive"
Everything costs something.