NPR"s Pop Culture Happy Hour: Discovering Joy in Shows and Games

This week, the Paralympics commenced, and the show 'The West Wing' celebrated its legacy. A new series titled 'Disaster Autopsy' explores the intricate details behind various disasters, such as building collapses and train crashes, by analyzing the events leading up to them. The presentation is described as corny yet fascinating, appealing to those who enjoy mysteries and puzzles. The show highlights specific details, like how certain conditions contributed to disasters, making it engaging for viewers. In the realm of gaming, the card game 'Cockroach Poker' is introduced, featuring whimsically illustrated creatures. Players must bluff about the cards they pass to one another, creating a fun and slightly mischievous atmosphere. The game’s simplicity and the social dynamics it creates make it a hit among players, as they strategize to avoid being caught in lies. Additionally, the 2023 Peacock original series 'Mrs. Davis' has gained attention for its unique premise. Betty Gilpin stars as Simone, a nun who is expelled from her convent by a powerful AI. Her quest to recover the Holy Grail, the only object capable of stopping the AI, sets the stage for an intriguing narrative that blends technology with traditional themes. Lastly, the new season of 'Only Murders in the Building' features a star-studded cast, including Kumail Nanjiani, and is noted for its entertaining quality, particularly due to the presence of Richard Kind. The week also saw a light-hearted moment with Shohei Ohtani's dog, Decoy, delivering the first pitch at a Dodgers game, adding to the week’s joyful highlights.