Remembering Lyricist Alan Bergman / The 'Outrageous' Jessica Mitford
Digest
This podcast episode covers two distinct topics. The first segment pays tribute to the renowned songwriting team of Alan and Marilyn Bergman, exploring their illustrious careers, numerous awards (including Oscars, Grammys, and Golden Globes), collaborations with iconic artists like Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streisand, and their unique songwriting process. Excerpts from a past interview offer insights into their creative partnership. The second half delves into a review of *Dexter: Resurrection*, the new Paramount+ and Showtime series. The review focuses on the show's plot, which involves Dexter in a coma experiencing drug-induced dreams and his infiltration of a serial killer dinner party. The improved quality compared to previous seasons and the strong cast are also highlighted.
Outlines
Remembering Alan and Marilyn Bergman
This chapter remembers the songwriting duo Alan and Marilyn Bergman, highlighting their careers, awards, collaborations with famous singers, and their songwriting process. It features excerpts from a past interview where they discuss their work and creative partnership.
Review of Dexter: Resurrection
This chapter reviews the new Paramount+ and Showtime series *Dexter: Resurrection*. The review focuses on the show's plot, which involves Dexter in a coma experiencing drug-induced dreams and his infiltration of a serial killer dinner party. The strong cast and improved quality compared to previous seasons are also highlighted.
Keywords
Alan and Marilyn Bergman
Celebrated songwriting duo known for their Oscar, Grammy, and Golden Globe-winning songs. Their work was performed by iconic artists like Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streisand. Known for their collaborative process and ability to create songs with deep emotional resonance.
Songwriting Process
The methods and techniques used to create songs, including collaboration, melody-first vs. lyric-first approaches, and adapting to the style of specific artists.
Frank Sinatra
Iconic American singer known for his smooth voice and sophisticated style. Collaborated extensively with the Bergmans.
Dexter: Resurrection
New Paramount+ and Showtime series, a sequel to the original *Dexter* series. Features Michael C. Hall's return as Dexter Morgan. Praised for its improved quality and strong cast.
Serial Killer
An individual who commits multiple murders, often with a specific pattern or signature. *Dexter: Resurrection* features this trope.
Antihero
A protagonist who lacks conventional heroic qualities, often morally ambiguous or flawed. Dexter Morgan is a prime example.
Q&A
What was the songwriting process like for Alan and Marilyn Bergman?
They often worked collaboratively, sometimes with the composer providing the melody first, which then inspired the lyrics. They adapted their style to suit the artist they were writing for, as seen in their work with Frank Sinatra.
What are the key elements that make *Dexter: Resurrection* a successful revival?
The return of Michael C. Hall, the strong supporting cast, and a compelling plot that revisits Dexter's past while introducing new challenges. The show also benefits from a more focused narrative compared to previous seasons.
Show Notes
The aristocratic, unconventional British Mitford sisters are the subject of the new BritBox TV series Outrageous. We listen to our 1989 interview with Jessica Mitford, who wrote The American Way of Death, an exposé of the funeral industry that became a best seller in 1963. Mitford also was a communist who refused to give information to the House Un-American Activities Committee.
Also, TV critic David Bianculli review Dexter: Resurrection.
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