This American Life episodes:

Godless America

Simply tremendous. Amazing, startling. Recorded in 2005 (before the president's numbers began to tank and the religious right went seemingly into retreat), the first act of this episode asks the question: Why do people seem to believe that America is godless now... and didn't used to be? Examines the framers' intent along with historical precedent to find out whether or not this is a "Christian country" (and comes up with an interesting answer).

The second act is less frightening to me (some of the guys they speak with in act one, the evangelicals: they scare me) and far, far more moving. Julia Sweeney discusses what it was like to read the bible for the first time as a lapsed, but God-loving Catholic and what it did to her. She wants to believe so badly and simply cannot bring herself to, it is simply heartbreaking.

This is what all media should aspire to be. 10/10.

With Great Power

Never quite hit home with me. Act one, about a woman who may have the power to free a man, is the kind of act you get a lot: sad but true. It's not an inexorable engine of coincidence and heart-stopping dread like a novel about this kind of story would be and that makes it a delightful change of pace. Sadly, though, the story seems somewhat mis-tempered, and it never really got a hold of me. Maybe that's because after "Godless America," what could could, really?

Act two is good, act three, a story, is sub-par. It's conceit was too quickly used up, and though it had it's moments of surprise and humor, not enough for a recommend, like this episode as a whole.

5/10.

Americans in Paris

Ira hangs out with David Sedaris, who shows him around the Paris that no-one ever visits. And why would they: the French are mean, they mock him and the smallest human kindness becomes an occasion to be celebrated. Also: listening to Sedaris get geeked about seeing Judge Judy at a swap-meet is priceless.

Act two: Why do people move to Paris? An answer I hadn't expected to a question I hadn't thought to ask.

Act three: Race and racism in France. Very nice.

Overall: A good time. 7/10.

A Little Bit of Knowledge

...can be a very dangerous thing. Act one is good. Dan Savage and act two are great. Act three is painful and funny and well-done, though perhaps not as funny as it thinks it is. Act four is the same, but better.

Overall: another 7/10.

New Beginnings

A re-air of the very first This American Life, back when it was called "Your Radio Playhouse." It's rough, but it's nice to get some context. See how far the show has come. Hear Ira talk to and about his parents. Overall, though, nothing except act one is worth it for people who aren't devoted fans of the show itself. But that act one... man is it good.

Act one: 9/10, which you can also get in the episode Shoulda Been Dead.

Overall: 7/10, for the devoted.

20 Acts in 60 Minutes

A concept show: all the shorter stories that would work great but aren't long enough for regular air. Interesting if hit and miss. Some are, of course, better than others, but it's an interesting experience, but, again, mostly if you're invested in the way the show normally is to begin with.

Overall: 6/10, normally.

The Auto Show

A grab-bag of auto-related stories. A man spots and follows his stolen car. Superloud-stereo competitions (and, you know, what they say about America). A grandmother that's the leading salesman at a Chevy dealership in Chicago. Stirling Moss and the Mercedes 722. All solid, all entertain. And none of them made me cry, so an extra point for that.

Overall: 7/10.