The episode treats The Usual Suspects as a once-major mid-90s crime movie whose legacy has dimmed because of Bryan Singer and Kevin Spacey, but argues the film itself remains brilliantly made, tightly written, and endlessly rewatchable thanks to its twist, performances, and marketing.
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01The lineup/interrogation opening is described as a masterclass in introduction, escalation, and character work. About 32 min
02The ending twist and reveal remain satisfying even after repeated viewings because the movie plants clues and then pays them off cleanly. About 8 min
03The ensemble performances, especially the colorful supporting turns, make scenes memorable and replayable. About 32 min
04The movie's marketing and mystery framing made it feel like a major event in 1995. About 8 min
WHAT DID NOT WORK
Their main criticisms
majorThe legacy is damaged by Bryan Singer and Kevin Spacey, making it harder to separate the art from the artists. Opening minutes
moderateRoger Ebert's review is cited as unusually harsh and dismissive of the film. About 40 min
minorSome scenes, like the beach/body-burial sequence and the Susie Amis French scene, are treated as awkward or weak. About 56 min
SCENES THEY KEPT COMING BACK TO
Standout moments
Favorite
Opening lineup and interrogation
The characters are introduced through a lineup and interrogation that immediately establish voice, energy, and hierarchy.
About 32 min Favorite
Police ambush/heist sequence
The cops' ambush on the cargo operation is praised as a thrilling, layered set piece.
About 32 min positive
Redfoot's first scene
Redfoot's meeting is admired for atmosphere and character texture.
About 32 min Favorite
Kobayashi's first scene
Kobayashi's expository monologue is praised as mesmerizing and essential.
About 32 min Favorite
Kaiser Soze backstory / massacre story
The story of Soze murdering his own family and crew is cited as a chilling highlight.
About 32 min Favorite
Boat shootout and aftermath
The boat sequence and the long reveal aftermath are treated as a core payoff of the film.
About 40 min Favorite
Final reveal and limp
The reveal is celebrated for its payoff, especially Spacey's transition from helpless verbal to the apparently limp Soze.
About 40 min
WHERE THEY DISAGREED
The biggest debates
They partly agreed Opening minutes
Can you separate the art from the artist?
Bill Simmons
You can still evaluate the movie on its own terms, but the off-screen baggage follows it.
Chris Ryan
It's complicated and case-by-case; talking reverently about the movie inevitably involves ignoring some alleged wrongdoing.
They agreed About 1:04
Who won the movie?
Bill Simmons
Christopher McQuarrie wins because the script and structure hold up best now.
Chris Ryan
Initially would have said Spacey, but now agrees McQuarrie is the best answer.
They partly agreed About 48 min
Who stole the movie?
Bill Simmons
Peter Green as Redfoot is the best 'that guy' style scene-stealer.
Chris Ryan
Benicio del Toro or Stephen Baldwin are the strongest scene-stealing contenders, with del Toro getting special praise.
They partly agreed About 1:04
Is Kaiser Soze's criminal plan too small-scale for his myth?
Bill Simmons
The crimes feel low-stakes for someone with Soze's legendary aura.
Chris Ryan
The myth and the elaborate revenge plan can coexist, so the scale is part of the character's sociopathy.
15 People discussedActors, directors, writers, and producers
criticalBryan SingerBill Simmons: Discussed as a major reason the movie's reputation has faded because of allegations and bad behavior. Opening minutes
