Imagine blending music, theater, and real-world commentary into one unforgettable night—David Byrne's latest tour is doing just that, challenging us to rethink how art connects to our lives. But here's where it gets controversial: Is optimism in turbulent times truly revolutionary, or just another feel-good distraction? And this is the part most people miss: How a simple message about kindness can unite generations in unexpected ways.
Welcome back, fellow entertainment enthusiasts! Our team has unearthed some stellar recommendations straight from our staff's personal experiences. First up, Drew Gillis dives into David Byrne's groundbreaking Who Is The Sky Tour, exploring how the iconic musician continues to push boundaries. Then, Danette Chavez reflects on the third season of Loot on Apple TV, celebrating Maya Rudolph's triumphant return to lighter, more comedic waters.
Drew Gillis: David Byrne’s Who Is The Sky Tour
David Byrne has long been a master at dissolving the boundaries between a traditional concert and a full-fledged theatrical spectacle. Classics like Stop Making Sense stand as benchmarks in this genre, and his collaboration with Spike Lee on American Utopia seamlessly merged live performance with cinematic elements, even without the rest of Talking Heads. The Who Is The Sky Tour aligns closely with that vision, particularly echoing American Utopia. Yet, whereas the 2018 tour (and its 2020 filmed version, now streaming on HBO Max) opted for minimalist music and sets, this new outing embraces vibrant colors, dynamic lighting, and electric energy. Byrne trades his iconic oversized gray suits for a striking blue boilersuit, performing amidst roaming musicians and towering LED displays that continuously draw the external world into the performance space.
Throughout the event, Byrne integrates videos and images that directly correlate—often with remarkable literalness—to the themes in his songs. For instance, the visual backdrop for “And She Was” shows ethereal figures hovering over a typical suburban neighborhood, while “My Apartment Is My Friend” offers an intimate glimpse into Byrne's NYC home during his COVID-19 lockdown period. Certain segments stand out for their impact; “Everybody Laughs” incorporates quirky footage from filmmaker John Wilson, striking that signature blend of eccentricity and allure. Meanwhile, “Life During Wartime” delivers a powerful punch, layering in clips from protests against ICE in Los Angeles right as the song reaches its emotional peak.
I was genuinely surprised by how deeply this touched me, evoking strong emotions repeatedly during Byrne's inaugural appearance at Radio City Music Hall. Even when the performance didn't explicitly tackle current events, its underlying positivity shone brightly. Recalling words from actor John Cameron Mitchell, Byrne remarked, “Love and kindness are kind of the most punk things you can do right now.” It's a sentiment I often find overly sentimental, but Byrne and his ensemble brought it to life through their sincere artistry and unapologetic delivery. Observing the audience—many decades older than me, accompanied by longtime friends or younger family members—added a special warmth. Everyone was present for enjoyment, and Byrne delivered precisely that, proving it's possible to revel in the moment without completely isolating oneself from global happenings.
Danette Chavez: Loot Season Three (Apple TV)
While Paul Thomas Anderson directs intense dramas like One Battle After Another, Maya Rudolph is navigating far more luxurious and comedic territory in the third installment of Loot on Apple TV. Created by Alan Yang and Matt Hubbard, this lighthearted series stars Rudolph as Molly Wells, a woman who, following her split from a billionaire tech entrepreneur portrayed by Adam Scott, rockets to become the world's third-richest individual. The first season depicted Molly, suddenly adrift, plunging into philanthropy, only to have her skills dulled by years of opulent living, positioning her as yet another ineffective TV executive. By the second season, as Molly's goals sharpened, the show itself gained clarity and momentum.
Season three, which launched on October 15 via Apple TV, continues along a path of noble aims interspersed with challenges. Molly's ambitious plan to distribute her vast fortune and motivate other affluent individuals to follow suit suffered a major setback in the season-two cliffhanger, so the new episodes open with her in “Bye-Bye Mode”—essentially retreating to a secluded island to nurse her sorrows. Fortunately, her wallowing soon shifts to fresh romance, playful antics, and hurdles, but the energy truly surges when the supporting cast reenters the scene, featuring talents like Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Joel Kim Booster, and Ron Funches.
Beyond sporadic jabs at the notion that billionaires ought not to exist, Yang and Hubbard adopt a more sympathetic “dine with the elite” perspective—the actual redistribution of wealth won't be dramatized in this bubbly office comedy. That said, they're unafraid to delve into the dark foundations of both national and corporate power structures; a standout episode in this season has Molly confronting a heir who's whitewashing their family's tainted legacy via philanthropy. Still, Loot doesn't aim to be a cutting-edge critique; it remains anchored in the charm of “flawed yet endearing individuals striving to improve,” focusing on humor and chemistry over sharp satire. Every cast combination shines with wit and rapport, and the impending addition of D’Arcy Carden only amplifies this.
But here's another layer of debate: Is Loot's gentle approach to wealth inequality refreshing satire or a cop-out that lets the rich off the hook? And what about Byrne's tour—does infusing politics into art elevate it, or does it risk alienating those just there for the music? Do you agree with Byrne's punk take on kindness, or is it too simplistic? Share your thoughts in the comments—we'd love to hear if these picks resonate with you or if they spark disagreement!
