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Mayor retaining office

Bill Simmons: The mayor retaining office after the first film is called an extreme sequel contrivance; lawsuits and prosecution would be expected.

Chris Ryan: A counterfactual makes hero Brody mayor facing the same financial pressures. A dissent argues corrupt politicians often recover, especially when locals prioritize tourism income.

The film

Jaws 2 (1978)

Directed by Jeannot Szwarc · Thriller

117 minutes

Cast

Selected cast credits · Film reference

Roy Scheider [Martin] Brody
Lorraine Gary Ellen Brody
Murray Hamilton Mayor [Larry] Vaughan
Joseph Mascolo [Len] Peterson
Jeffrey Kramer [Jeff] Hendricks
Collin Wilcox-Horne Dr. Elkins
Ann Dusenberry Tina [Wilcox]
Mark Gruner Mike [Brody]
Barry Coe [Tom] Andrews
Susan French Old lady
Gary Springer Andy [Nicholas]
Donna Wilkes Jackie
Marc Gilpin Sean [Brody]
Ben Marley Patrick
Gigi Vorgan Brooke [Peters]
Jerry M. Baxter Helicopter pilot
Jean Coulter Ski boat driver
Daphne Dibble Swimmer #1
Christine Freeman Water skier [Terry]
April Gilpin Renee
William Griffith Lifeguard
Greg Harris Diver #2
Susan O. McMillan Girl sailor
David Owsley Boy sailor
Oneida Rollins Ambulance driver
Frank Sparks Diver #1
Thomas A. Stewart Assistant dive master [Sparky]
David Tintle Swimmer #2
Jim Wilson Swimmer with child
Kathy Wilson Mrs. Bryant
Herbert Muller Phil Fogarty
Jane Courtney Select woman
Al Wilde Select man #1
Cyprien (Phil) Dube Select man #2
Mary A. Gaffney Mrs. Silvera

Everything from the episode

In the order the hosts got to it. Open a row for the discussion.

4:49

Probably Unanswerable Questions

Brody’s career and recognition; mayoral financing; Miss Amity; shark-kill proof; returning to the water

Brody’s career and recognition; mayoral financing; Miss Amity; shark-kill proof; returning to the water

In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 00:04:49Read transcript
  • Why does water-phobic, traumatized Brody remain a beach cop rather than move or capitalize on his shark-killing fame? Corruption is floated jokingly, not asserted.
  • Did Len bankroll the mayor’s campaign? Who competed against Tina for Miss Amity, and how did that pageant operate?
  • Who came second to Brody for Man of the Year, and why did a national hero receive only a small plaque? — Bill Simmons
  • Brody’s extraordinary shark-kill story lacks photographs, prompting playful unreliable-narrator and fever-dream theories; the shark’s disappearance is a counterargument.
  • Why do shark movies work so reliably, and how quickly would Amity residents return to the water? Vulnerability in water and optimism about personal risk are offered.
5:49

Really Fun Deleted Scenes

Ellen and her boss subplot

Ellen and her boss subplot

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:05:49Read transcript
  • A reported deleted implication of Ellen’s involvement with her boss is welcomed as a cut; it was not watched for this discussion.
20:09

Sequel, Prequel, Limited Series, or All-Black Remake

USS Indianapolis prequel; shark anthology

USS Indianapolis prequel; shark anthology

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 00:20:09Read transcript
  • A Quint/USS Indianapolis prequel and an anthology of shark attacks are preferred franchise possibilities; Spielberg might have been more interested than in another Brody encounter. — Chris Ryan
  • The Indianapolis prequel is endorsed again; credit for the first film’s speech and proposed prequel screenplay remains disputed among Sackler, Milius and Gottlieb.
  • Hypothetical extravagant modern casting, jellyfish hazards inspired by an uncle’s service story, and an Oppenheimer-to-Indianapolis connection extend the prequel pitch.
23:46

Half-Assed Internet Research

Director replacement; budget and gross; practical production; reused barrel; shark effects

Director replacement; budget and gross; practical production; reused barrel; shark effects

In the discussion (8)
Approx. transcript time · 00:23:46Read transcript
  • John D. Hancock’s abandoned darker version, action difficulties and possible reduction of Ellen’s role are discussed as competing explanations for dismissal. A proposed Alves/Fields replacement reportedly met a DGA obstacle, treated skeptically.
  • Reported $20 million budget, $208 million gross and seventh-place 1978 finish. — Bill Simmons
  • Florida locations include Hog’s Breath Saloon and Navarre Beach. — Bill Simmons
  • The Sean performer reportedly recalled actual hammerheads approaching during filming; the Brody porch planter reused an original-film yellow barrel. — Bill Simmons
  • The fiberglass cable-junction set was slippery and nearly floated away. — Bill Simmons
  • Numerous sea-monster imitators and a Jaws 2 Topps trading-card set are discussed. — Bill Simmons
  • The original mechanical sharks had deteriorated; the new burned shark looks better but reportedly still malfunctioned.
  • The making-of producers’ account of Hancock’s departure is criticized as evasive. — Bill Simmons
27:02

What’s Aged the Best?

Williams score; teen beach culture; 908 code; beach montage; lighthouses; visible shark

Williams score; teen beach culture; 908 code; beach montage; lighthouses; visible shark

In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 00:27:02Read transcript
  • John Williams’s returning score and prolific contemporary work are praised. — Bill Simmons
  • Beach guitars and teenage socializing, including illicit stashed beers.
  • Brody’s 908 rescue code and the nostalgic beach montage before the tower scene.
  • Translating cruising-car culture into sailboats produces an appealing group hangout. — Bill Simmons
  • Tina’s shark scream, lighthouses and showing the shark often; the already-uniformed household help also prompts questions about the Brodys’ finances.
30:58

Most Rewatchable Scene

Eddie’s death; boat self-immolation; helicopter attack

Eddie’s death; boat self-immolation; helicopter attack

In the discussion (8)
Approx. transcript time · 00:30:58Read transcript
  • Happy sailing introductions and the prolonged water-skier attack; the latter reportedly gave the replacement director a self-contained sequence while the script was rewritten.
  • The driver’s accidental gasoline self-immolation is one explicit favorite, with disbelief about her plan.
  • Brody shoots at bluefish near a child, then argues over the shark photograph; the town council has legitimate grounds to question him. — Bill Simmons
  • Eddie’s death and the breaking boat edge are praised; the performer reportedly needed hurried swimming lessons.
  • The first large sailboat attack, Mike’s injury, helicopter destruction and Marge’s death are praised. — Bill Simmons
  • Marge’s rescue attempt is defended as altruistic against an argument that jumping toward the shark is foolish; responsibility shifts toward the Brody parents. — Sean Fennessey
  • The electric-cable climax is inventive despite doubtful science; the earlier dredging cable and shark-sound explanation provide setup. — Chris Ryan
  • Final preferences split among Eddie’s death, the self-immolation and the helicopter; the whole doomed sailing trip is a broad fallback. — Bill Simmons
34:21

The Great Shot Gordo Award for Most Cinematic Shot

Shark-tower stairs; Eddie pulled under; water-skiing wides; bullets by the water; gala crane shot

Shark-tower stairs; Eddie pulled under; water-skiing wides; bullets by the water; gala crane shot

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:34:21Read transcript
  • Brody coming down the shark-tower stairs.
  • Eddie pulled under; water-skiing wide shots; Brody picking up bullets beside his son; gala crane shot over the pool.
37:47

Picking Nits

Leaving Sean behind; gasoline self-immolation; Andy kissing Sean

Leaving Sean behind; gasoline self-immolation; Andy kissing Sean

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 00:37:47Read transcript
  • Sean should have accompanied unconscious Mike to the hospital instead of remaining with unrelated teenagers in danger; Ellen’s lack of supervision is criticized despite a defense of seventies parenting norms. — Bill Simmons
  • The boat driver should remain still or consider the nearby shore rather than pour gasoline over herself; Tina later survives by staying in the boat.
  • Andy repeatedly kissing unrelated Sean’s cheek during the rescue seems overly familiar.
40:25

The most 1978 thing

Underage bar drinking and smoking; wife compliments; Donna Wilkes’s haircut

Underage bar drinking and smoking; wife compliments; Donna Wilkes’s haircut

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:40:25Read transcript
  • Teenagers drinking and smoking in a bar; praising a friend’s wife as a hell of a woman; Donna Wilkes’s distinct late-seventies haircut. — Bill Simmons
46:14

The Big Kahuna Burger Award for Best Use of Food and Drink

Party punch; bar pizza

Party punch; bar pizza

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:46:14Read transcript
  • Party punch and unappetizing bar pizza; best use is distinguished from food one wants to eat.
47:24

The Slow Ride / Kid Cudi – Pursuit of Happiness Award for Best Needle Drop

John Williams’s score; no licensed song identified

John Williams’s score; no licensed song identified

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:47:24Read transcript
  • John Williams’s score; no specific licensed song identified.
47:46

Sean Fennessey Award for Stealth Homage That Gives Every Movie Nerd a Criterion Orgasm

Mutiny on the Bounty / Captain Bligh

Mutiny on the Bounty / Captain Bligh

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:47:46Read transcript
  • Douglas’s Captain Bligh/Mutiny on the Bounty speech. — Bill Simmons
47:57

Chest Rockwell / Brock Landers Award for Best Character Name

Len Peterson; Dr. Elkins; Marge

Len Peterson; Dr. Elkins; Marge

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:47:57Read transcript
  • Initially declined, then Len Peterson, Dr. Elkins and Marge are offered.
48:19

The Sean Penn “I Brought My Own Pack” Award for Excellence in On-Screen Smoking

Roy Scheider’s breakfast cigarettes

Roy Scheider’s breakfast cigarettes

Flex pick · Chris Ryan

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:48:19Read transcript
  • Scheider’s three cigarettes with coffee before breakfast are elite on-screen smoking. — Chris Ryan
48:35

The Den of Thieves Benihana Award for Scene-Stealing Location

Hog’s Breath Saloon

Hog’s Breath Saloon

Flex pick · Chris Ryan

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:48:35Read transcript
  • Hog’s Breath Saloon in Florida convincingly resembles a Massachusetts bar. — Chris Ryan
49:00

The Butch’s Girlfriend Award for the Weakest Link in the Film

Slow first hour; unbelieving town council

Slow first hour; unbelieving town council

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:49:00Read transcript
  • Slow first hour; town council refusing to credit the man who already defeated a shark. — Bill Simmons
49:48

What’s Aged the Worst?

Larry Vaughn Jr.’s survival and attitude; Mike’s performance and decisions; too many teenagers

Larry Vaughn Jr.’s survival and attitude; Mike’s performance and decisions; too many teenagers

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 00:49:48Read transcript
  • Larry Vaughn Jr. should have died rather than Marge; Murray Hamilton’s compressed schedule for his wife’s health reportedly explains the mayor’s abrupt exit, though a dissent says his son could still die.
  • Larry Jr.’s taunting Mike about work is objectionable given his father’s earlier conduct.
  • Mark Gruner’s flat performance as Mike and Mike’s irresponsible treatment of his younger brother. — Bill Simmons
  • Bob’s gruesome death was reportedly removed to avoid an R; too many interchangeable teenagers make the cast difficult to track. — Chris Ryan
52:29

Van Lathan Award for Did This Movie Need More Black People?

At least one Black character or other minority

At least one Black character or other minority

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:52:29Read transcript
  • Even one Black character or other minority, such as a deputy, would improve the entirely white community. — Bill Simmons
54:28

The Ruffalo / Hanna / Rubinek / Partridge Overacting Award

Donna Wilkes; Ann Dusenberry

Donna Wilkes; Ann Dusenberry

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:54:28Read transcript
  • Donna Wilkes’s sustained terrified screaming is compelling but annoying; Larry’s physical handling of her is criticized. — Bill Simmons
  • Ann Dusenberry as Tina is a separate choice for emphatic expressions and delivery. — Chris Ryan
55:52

The Rick Dalton Award for the Greatest Fucking Acting I’ve Ever Seen

Murray Hamilton

Murray Hamilton

Flex pick · Sean Fennessey

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:55:52Read transcript
57:16

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award

Mayor retaining office; Jackie’s influence on the trip; Jaws 2 ending New Hollywood

Mayor retaining office; Jackie’s influence on the trip; Jaws 2 ending New Hollywood

In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 00:57:16Read transcript
  • The mayor retaining office after the first film is called an extreme sequel contrivance; lawsuits and prosecution would be expected. — Bill Simmons
  • A counterfactual makes hero Brody mayor facing the same financial pressures. A dissent argues corrupt politicians often recover, especially when locals prioritize tourism income. — Chris Ryan
  • Even if reelected, the mayor’s repeated denial despite disappearances and a burned body strains credibility. — Sean Fennessey
  • Jackie’s arrival fuels the boys’ risky sailing trip; a teen-only story might better explore rivalries and attraction. Boat-sex logistics remain doubtful.
  • Jaws 2’s financial success despite ordinary quality, rather than Jaws or Star Wars themselves, is blamed for ending New Hollywood and entrenching sequel economics.
1:04:55

Casting What-Ifs

Scheider’s Deer Hunter departure; Ricky Schroder replaced as Sean; Dreyfuss return discussion

Scheider’s Deer Hunter departure; Ricky Schroder replaced as Sean; Dreyfuss return discussion

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:04:55Read transcript
  • Scheider’s departure from The Deer Hunter reportedly forced him into Jaws 2 under his Universal obligation; his fit for De Niro’s role is debated. Salary, points and a reportedly staged breakdown are discussed.
  • Ricky Schroder was replaced as Sean after the director change. — Bill Simmons
  • Dreyfuss’s proposed return becomes a joke about the novel’s affair; the affair is identified as novel material, not this film’s plot. — Bill Simmons
1:08:22

The Joey Pants “That Guy” Award

Joseph Mascolo; Jeffrey Kramer

Joseph Mascolo; Jeffrey Kramer

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:08:22Read transcript
1:08:56

The Dion Waiters Award for Best Heat Check Performance

Keith Gordon

Keith Gordon

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:08:56Read transcript
1:09:33

I Used to Fuck Guys Like You in Prison Award for Craziest Quote

“Tits like a sparrow.”

“Tits like a sparrow.”

Flex pick · Craig Horlbeck

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:09:33Read transcript
  • “Tits like a sparrow” is unexpectedly crude in this otherwise PG movie. — Craig Horlbeck
1:12:39

Apex Mountain

Child cast except Keith Gordon; water-skiing murders; water skiing (disputed)

Child cast except Keith Gordon; water-skiing murders; water skiing (disputed)

In the discussion (10)
Approx. transcript time · 01:12:39Read transcript
1:15:10

Cruise or Hanks?

Cruise

Cruise

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:15:10Read transcript
  • Young Cruise as Mike is proposed, then challenged because the category should recast Brody; Hanks is the conventional Brody choice.
  • Cruise becomes favored for Brody’s energy, running and unintentionally funny drunkenness, despite an objection to his drunk acting.
1:16:40

Scorsese or Spielberg?

Spielberg

Spielberg

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:16:40Read transcript
1:16:58

What role would Philip Seymour Hoffman play?

Teenager; Deputy Hendricks; Freddy

Teenager; Deputy Hendricks; Freddy

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:16:58Read transcript
  • An early-career Hoffman as a teenager; deputy Hendricks; Freddy. — Bill Simmons
1:22:02

Is This Movie Better With…?

Samuel L. Jackson on civic politics; Doris Burke on the climax

Samuel L. Jackson on civic politics; Doris Burke on the climax

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:22:02Read transcript
  • Samuel L. Jackson reacting to the mayor’s reelection.
  • Doris Burke narrating Brody’s final shark taunts.
1:23:18

Just One Oscar

John Williams

John Williams

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:23:18Read transcript
  • John Williams.
1:28:59

What Piece of Memorabilia Would You Want From This Movie?

Gasoline can; Man of the Year trophy; barrel planter

Gasoline can; Man of the Year trophy; barrel planter

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:28:59Read transcript
  • Gasoline can; Brody’s Man of the Year trophy; yellow barrel planter. — Bill Simmons
1:29:28

The Coach Finstock Award for Best Life Lesson

Trust the returning hero’s warning

Trust the returning hero’s warning

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:29:28Read transcript
  • Trust the hero who correctly warned of the previous shark.
1:30:02

Best Double Feature

Jaws; Jaws: The Revenge
In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:30:02Read transcript
1:32:08

Who Won the Movie?

Roy Scheider; Universal; Jeannot Szwarc

Roy Scheider; Universal; Jeannot Szwarc

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:32:08Read transcript
  • Two explicit Roy Scheider choices; Universal is a separate choice.
  • Jeannot Szwarc is defended for rescuing the production, while others dismiss his subsequent career impact.
Podcast choices
Speaker not identified
Roy Scheider
Speaker not identified
Roy Scheider
Speaker not identified
Universal
Speaker not identified
Jeannot Szwarc
1:32:45

Producer review

A good standalone shark slasher constrained by the original’s reputation

A good standalone shark slasher constrained by the original’s reputation

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:32:45Read transcript
  • A good shark slasher in isolation; the original’s exceptional reputation may have constrained what otherwise could have become a long slasher franchise. — Craig Horlbeck

More from the conversation

The sequel’s famous water tagline is praised as genius.
Approx. transcript time · 00:00:39Read transcript
A slow first hour gives way to excellent shark kills; the movie combines teen slasher, traumatized hero, beach hangout and shark story, anticipating the coming slasher boom.
Approx. transcript time · 00:01:24Read transcript
Brody’s investigation and the mayor’s denial add detective and political-breakdown strands; the setting blends Long Island, Martha’s Vineyard and Florida.
Approx. transcript time · 00:03:36Read transcript
Brody’s drinking, smoking and appearance lead to jokes about his company; Scheider’s reportedly unhappy production attitude nevertheless suits a compelling performance.
Approx. transcript time · 00:07:11Read transcript
The recurring Scheider films lead to a playful summer-of-Scheider label and possible future Sorcerer or All That Jazz coverage; a Sorcerer Blu-ray interview is discussed.
Approx. transcript time · 00:08:22Read transcript
Jaws 2 is placed in the late-seventies sequel boom: commercial recycling often lost directors or stars, although Empire and Godfather II prove sequels need not be inferior. Producers reportedly joined because Universal would proceed anyway.
Approx. transcript time · 00:09:15Read transcript
A childhood theater memory emphasizes fear, the helicopter and Marge’s disappearance; HBO ubiquity and the sailing sequence make it easy to rewatch despite reviews.
Approx. transcript time · 00:13:49Read transcript
Eddie and Tina’s sexual banter prompts jokes about cramped boat logistics and bruises.
Approx. transcript time · 00:15:41Read transcript
The 1983 sequel lineup is criticized, with a dissent defending Psycho II; Porky’s II basketball staging and Teen Wolf Too are discussed.
Approx. transcript time · 00:16:22Read transcript
Jaws: The Revenge is defended as a household favorite and its plot recounted, amid objections to its quality and Jaws 3’s 3D effects; Lorraine Gary’s franchise presence and Universal connection arise.
Approx. transcript time · 00:18:06Read transcript
Other sea-creature films and Dangerous Animals demonstrate the enduring format; Jaws 2 and Halloween II trade the originals’ cinematic suspense for more kills.
Approx. transcript time · 00:21:12Read transcript
Jeannot Szwarc’s difficult name prompts pronunciation jokes and a surname-spelling exchange; Scheider reportedly disliked him.
Approx. transcript time · 00:26:04Read transcript
Listener feedback about cocaine discussion in After Hours leads to jokes about a future Casablanca recording.
Approx. transcript time · 00:43:11Read transcript
Wilkes’s later Angel role and surprise success are discussed.
Approx. transcript time · 00:55:04Read transcript
Limited late-seventies entertainment explains enthusiasm for sequels; the 1981 baseball strike illustrates the perceived void.
Approx. transcript time · 01:02:46Read transcript
An Inside the NBA-style movie breakdown is imagined, including era comparisons and a diagram of the gasoline accident.
Approx. transcript time · 01:23:54Read transcript
American Psycho and Inception reality-versus-fantasy digression; possible future coverage is discussed.
Approx. transcript time · 01:28:23Read transcript
A youthful helmetless-motorcycle crash is contrasted with increasing fear in adulthood.
Approx. transcript time · 01:31:11Read transcript
After Hours is praised for tight, funny, modestly scaled filmmaking and a culture unusually welcoming to strangers.
Approx. transcript time · 01:33:30Read transcript
A recent door-kicking prank unsettled a participant; the group returns to praise for After Hours.
Approx. transcript time · 01:35:28Read transcript
Late-night New York train mishaps and Linda Fiorentino’s intimidating allure extend the After Hours discussion.
Approx. transcript time · 01:36:41Read transcript