The episode argues that Escape from New York is a foundational, highly rewatchable action movie with an exceptionally strong premise, iconic atmosphere, and Kurt Russell at the center of a genre-shaping performance. The hosts praise Carpenter’s world-building, synth score, and the movie’s willingness to drop the viewer into a strange dystopia without explanation, while also noting a few dated elements and a sequel that missed the mark.
Based only on this episode’s transcriptTimes approximateSpeakers were clearly identifiedExplore the connections
01The premise is instantly legible and thrilling: Manhattan as a maximum-security prison and Snake Plissken sent in to rescue the president. Opening minutes
02The movie drops the viewer into a fully formed world without overexplaining, which makes rewatching fun because of all the unanswered questions. About 8 min
03Carpenter’s synth score and opening credits create an immediate mood that still works decades later. Opening minutes
04Kurt Russell’s Snake Plissken performance is cool, funny, and distinct, making the character endlessly watchable. About 16 min
05The film delivers memorable set pieces and reveals, especially the gladiator fight and the sewer-crazies attack. About 40 min
WHAT DID NOT WORK
Their main criticisms
moderateThe sequel Escape from L.A. is viewed as a miss and proof that the original’s magic was hard to replicate. About 16 min
minorSome details have aged oddly, including the giant cell phone, the plane-to-building premise, and a few effects sounds. About 40 min
minorThe film’s logic is sometimes absurd, including the president’s transport setup and the escape pod mechanics. About 56 min
minorCertain visual details, like Snake’s tattoo, could have been better executed. About 48 min
SCENES THEY KEPT COMING BACK TO
Standout moments
Favorite
Opening setup of Manhattan prison
The opening credits and wall-around-Manhattan premise immediately establish the world and tone.
Opening minutes Favorite
Snake’s pitch from Hawk
Snake is recruited for the rescue mission and the movie’s tone and backstory are established.
About 32 min Favorite
Snake drives through Broadway
Snake steals a car and threads through a chaotic street battle on Broadway.
About 32 min Favorite
Duke’s first appearance
The film finally reveals the Duke in a giant chandelier-covered car.
About 32 min Favorite
Romero’s threat scene
Romero intimidates Lee Van Cleef’s character with the famous finger threat.
About 32 min Favorite
Gladiator match
Snake is forced into a brutal bat-and-nails fight in a theater arena.
About 32 min Favorite
Sewer-crazies attack
The feral people rising from the sewers create a sudden horror-action jolt.
About 40 min Favorite
Escape and final confrontation
The bridge escape and the Duke’s death close the mission with a strong payoff.
About 40 min
WHERE THEY DISAGREED
The biggest debates
No final agreement About 56 min
What is Kurt Russell’s apex mountain?
Bill Simmons
Thinks the case can be made for Escape from New York, but also mentions Backdraft, Tango and Cash, and Tombstone-era momentum.
Chris Ryan
Leans toward Big Trouble in Little China as his favorite Kurt Russell peak.
Shea Serrano
Says Escape from New York is the moment you realize Russell is the guy, even if his broader biggest-star moment may be around Tango and Cash/Backdraft.
They partly agreed About 1:04
Could the movie be remade as a TV series now?
Chris Ryan
Thinks a modern version could work, but only with a very different setup or location.
Shea Serrano
Says it is better as a 1981 movie and loses magic if over-produced.
Bill Simmons
Agrees a remake would be possible but notes the original’s timing matters.
They agreed About 56 min
Which actor should have played Snake Plissken?
Bill Simmons
Notes the studio wanted Bronson or Tommy Lee Jones, with Nolte and Bridges also considered.
Chris Ryan
Says Tommy Lee Jones is the only alternative in the mix, but not as cool as Russell.
Shea Serrano
Ends up agreeing Russell is the perfect choice.
19 People discussedActors, directors, writers, and producers
very favorableFrank DoubledayShea Serrano: Declared the best all-around character performance in the movie and a likely triple-crown winner. About 48 min
favorableAdrian BarbeauBill Simmons: Praised as a strong supporting presence and part of the film’s energy. About 48 min
favorableIsaac HayesBill Simmons: Seen as an effective and imposing Duke with strong screen presence. About 48 min
