Robert Duvall Passed Away at 95, and it Seems too Soon
This week on the podcast, Brian and Darryl honor the legendary Robert Duvall, break down the latest Warner Bros. Discovery and Skydance merger talks, and review the penultimate episode of HBO’s A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. Corporate power plays and Westerosi lances collide.
Episode Index
Intro: 0:07
Robert Duvall: 3:51
Warner Bros/Skydance: 9:07
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: 23:43
Robert Duvall January 5, 1931 – February 15, 2026
Robert Duvall was one of the defining American actors of the modern era. A founding member of the American Film Theatre movement and a classmate of Dustin Hoffman and Gene Hackman at the Neighborhood Playhouse, Duvall built a career on discipline, restraint, and volcanic presence.
Career Highlights:
Tom Hagen in The Godfather (1972) and The Godfather Part II (1974) – The calm consigliere in a world of chaos. Controlled, intellectual menace.
Lt. Colonel Bill Kilgore in Apocalypse Now (1979) – “I love the smell of napalm in the morning.” One of cinema’s most iconic performances.
Oscar Winner for Tender Mercies (1983) – Best Actor for his deeply human portrayal of a broken country singer.
The Great Santini (1979) – A towering, volatile performance that earned him an Academy Award nomination.
Lonesome Dove (1989) – Cemented his legacy in the Western genre.
Later career standouts: The Apostle (which he also wrote and directed), Open Range, The Judge.
Duvall’s strength was subtle authority. He never chased flash. He built characters from the inside out. In an industry obsessed with volume, he mastered quiet.
Hollywood didn’t just lose a legend. It lost a craftsman.
Warner Bros./Skydance Will They/Won’t They
Warner Bros. Discovery has reportedly reopened acquisition discussions with Skydance and Paramount, injecting fresh volatility into an already chaotic media landscape. Paramount previously floated a $30 per share offer, potentially rising to $31. Meanwhile, shareholder votes and competing interests continue to complicate the picture.
This is consolidation round… what, 47?
The real question is what this means for IP control, franchise strategy, and the long-term survival of mid-budget filmmaking. Every merger promises “synergy.” Historically, synergy often translates to layoffs, canceled projects, and fewer creative risks.
We break down what this could mean for DC Studios, HBO prestige content, and the streaming wars at large.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (HBO Max)
Season 1, Episode 5 (Penultimate Episode)
Episode Title: “In the Name of the Mother”
Directed by: Owen Harris
Written by: Hiram Martinez & Ti Mikkel and Ira Parker
Summary:
The trial of seven begins. In the first charge, Aerion knocks Dunk off his horse. In a series of flashbacks to Dunk’s childhood, he and his friend Rafe scavenge from a battlefield. They return to Flea Bottom in King’s Landing and pickpocket from Alester, a City Watchman. Dunk and Rafe attempt to buy passage to the Free Cities in Essos, but cannot afford it. Alester corners them and takes their money. Rafe steals Alester’s dagger, but he notices and slits her throat. Arlan emerges from a tavern and kills Alester, saving Dunk, who then follows Arlan on his travels. In the present, Dunk duels Aerion on foot until both men collapse from injury. After Dunk falls unconscious, Aerion declares him dead. Egg begs Dunk to get up, and the crowd chants for Dunk as he stands. Dunk and Aerion resume their duel until Dunk gets the upper hand. Aerion yields and withdraws his accusation. In the aftermath, Beesbury and Hardyng are confirmed as killed. Dunk pledges fealty to Baelor. Raymun and Pate help Baelor remove his helmet, which Maekar struck with his mace during the trial, revealing a fatal wound. Baelor collapses from his injury and dies in Dunk’s arms.
The jousting sequences are shot with brutal realism. Armor feels heavy. Impacts feel dangerous. The episode underscores a central thesis of Martin’s work: nobility is aspirational, not guaranteed.
Key Cast:
Peter Claffey as Ser Duncan the Tall
Dexter Sol Ansell as Prince Aegon “Egg” Targaryen
Finn Bennett as Aerion Targaryen
Bertie Carvel as Baelor Targaryen
Sam Spruell as Maekar Targaryen
Production Notes:
The series distinguishes itself from House of the Dragon by focusing on intimate political storytelling rather than large-scale spectacle. The penultimate episode prioritizes character psychology, legacy, and the myth of knighthood over spectacle-driven chaos.
Rating: Out of 5 Brotherly Blows to the Back of the Head
Brian: 4.99/5
Darryl: **/5
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Our theme music is ‘Skate Beat’ provided by Michael Henry, with additional music provided by Michael Henry. Find more at MeetMichaelHenry.com.
The Infamous Podcast is hosted by Brian Tudor and Darryl Jasper, is recorded in Cincinnati, Ohio. The show is produced and edited by Brian Tudor.
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