HOUSE OF LIES Begins to Emerge From the "Wreckage"

Article first published as HOUSE OF LIES Begins to Emerge From the "Wreckage" on TheTVKing.

Showtime's House of Lies premiere had a lot to address. When season two closed last year, The Pod had split apart, with the characters all on the outs with one another. Now, as some time has passed, the episode must catch up with each of the four, and give them all arcs to start things out on.

I love that "Wreckage," the first episode back, doesn't restore the status quo. It would be inauthentic for The Pod to easily come back together, either at their old firm or at Marty's (Don Cheadle) new one, though other shows do it all the time. Instead, this week shows where each of the individuals have ended up, and how unhappy they are with the situation, missing their former colleagues. Which means they probably will reunite, just not in episode one.

At least Marty's home life is going well so he's not fighting a battle on both fronts. A sweet scene between Marty, his son, Roscoe (Donis Leonard Jr.), and his father, Jeremiah (Glynn Turman), seems light and fun, especially compared to the rest of the half hour. Surely Marty can find some comfort in that.

Marty may just be the most miserable of the quartet. It's hard to tell because he's so good at hiding his feelings. On a trip to China to woo the head of a mid-size company (Daniel Stern, Home Alone), something that would have been beneath Marty at his height, he seems quite unimpressed with his new team (Ryan Gaul, Rob Gleeson, and Genevieve Angelson). But he's also resigned to them. This Marty is not too proud to claw his way back up to the top, even as he's definitely nowhere near that point at the start. He's broken, but not defeated.

Marty later tries to change his circumstance by forming an alliance with Jeannie (Kristen Bell). This could be good for business, two competitors working the competing companies they represent together, pushing both for more. However, in this instance, it seems more that Marty just wants to be with Jeannie. Otherwise, why not go for the bigger fish himself? At least Jeannie seems amenable, which means Marty didn't completely burn the bridge with her.

The relationship between Marty and Jeannie is key to House of Lies. Sure, the chemistry of the foursome is important, but these two share something more than that. They are the emotion-laden island in the middle of all the craziness. They have feelings for one another that may or may not turn into something real (my guess is they will), and Marty cares about her as so much more than the job she does, which is less obvious in how he treats the guys. Plus, if Marty can win Jeannie back to The Pod, the other two will follow easily enough, whether he wants them to or not.

Jeannie isn't in a bad place, professionally, but she doesn't seem happy. Working at her old job, leading a pod consisting of Doug (Josh Lawson) and some newbies (Brad Schmidt and Lauren Lapkus), she comes across as numb and disinterested. All three of these people are pretty annoying, Doug constantly talking about their glory days, and that could be what is bringing Jeannie down. But Doug was always annoying before, so it's more likely what she doesn't have that's affecting her, rather than what she does have.

I said before that Marty has it worse than anyone else, but it's possible that Clyde (Ben Schwartz) might edge him out. Working for Monica (Dawn Olivieri) turns out to be the hilarious hell viewers might have expected, and her management style sabotages any alliances Clyde might form with his new co-workers (Eugene Cordero and Milana Vayntrub). I think Clyde realizes this is an untenable position that he can't stay in, and will likely be the first of the main players to try to make a switch.

Clyde has always seemed cooler than cool, like nothing can upset him. Even as we realize that's an act, one must respect the way he plays the game, something that should serve him well. Seeing the frustration and disbelief on his face in "Wreckage" proves there are situations that can tip Clyde's balance, and there's new material for the talented Schwartz to chew in this premiere, which is welcome.

Nearly all of these new characters mentioned above have familiar faces, but likely no name recognition. Some of them were in House of Lies Live, and it's good to see them again. Others have been working the comedy scene, occasionally popping up in sitcoms. It's excellent that House of Lies gives this class of people work because they are often under-utlized on TV, and I think "Wreckage" proves there is fresh talent out there.

I don't know that any of them will prove lasting on this series, though. Any one of them could, but by necessity, the three pods as they exist now cannot last. And serving another seven new characters just isn't tenable. So sadly their presence will be short-lived, but at least they are all, across the board, making the best use of the time they have.

House of Lies has set up an interesting third year. Catch it Sundays at 10 p.m. ET on Showtime, and if you missed the first episode, it's currently streaming free on Showtime's website.

HOUSE OF LIES Invites Us Over for LIVE Event

Article first published as HOUSE OF LIES Invites Us Over for LIVE Event on TheTVKing.

On New Year's Eve, Showtime presented a special called House of Lies Live. Featuring the four main actors from the network's dramedy teamed up with some young improv comedians, the seven performers take the stage to act out scenes on the fly. Put together by Ben Schwartz and done in front of an audience as the Los Angeles Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre (where Schwartz is an alum and sometimes contributor), it is a funny and interesting presentation.

The bits on House of Lies Live are not connected to the show itself, other than sharing some of the cast. Don Cheadle, Kristen Bell, Schwartz, and Josh Lawson are on hand, but they never play Marty, Jeannie, Clyde, and Doug, their personas from the program. Which makes the title of the special a little confusing.

That being said, it's kind of cool to see these guys in another setting. They are all talented people, and as much as I enjoy House of Lies as a show, I also enjoy them individually playing other roles. From being cats to gay lovers to customer support representatives to overeager waiters, the half hour was full of many different parts, almost universally amusing.

The quartet from House of Lies has terrific chemistry, which is part of what makes their series so entertaining. It seems a little risky to toss three relative unknowns - Lauren Lapkus (Are You There, Chelsea?), Ryan Gaul (Identity Thief), and Eugene Cordero (The Kings of Summer) - in with them. But perhaps because the new trio is closer to those stage roots, they not only hold their own, but seem comfortable doing so.

In fact, it's easy to believe all seven working as a troupe. They play off of one another with ease, and even begin new bits without warning and, apparently, rehearsal or planning. Not one of the seven really stands out as being the lead, all joining together in an relatively even ensemble, helping their teammates more than trying to grab a spotlight for themselves. Though, I will say that Gaul's segment selling chairs had my rolling.

The premise itself seems a little weird. They ask for a lie told by someone in the audience, and take off from there. The early bits done pertain to that starting point, and then the proceedings get odder and odder, jumping from tangent to tangent, never bringing it back around. I believe that's the nature of improv comedy, but for those not knowing what to expect when tuning in, it may have seems a bit lacking in cohesiveness.

In the end, I'm left wanting more. It's unlikely this will be a regular thing, but I enjoyed it a lot. It not only got me excited for next week's House of Lies return, but made me want to see all of these people doing other things.

House of Lies Live is currently repeating on Showtime. Check your listings for air times.

House of Lies Implodes in Season Finale

Article first published as House of Lies Implodes in Season Finale on TheTVKing.

Showtime's House of Lies has spent two years crafting a set of characters, known as The Pod, who viewers love. Even while the rest of the world, bosses and clients, conspire against them, these four slingers of bull stick together and triumph over any foes. It's an inspiring group, full of teasing and affection. They may not be professional, but they get the job done.

That is, until the second season finale, "Til Death Do Us Part," when The Pod implodes in a spectacular and messy fashion.

"Til Death Do Us Part" is an interestingly structured episode, beginning with The Pod gathering for a wedding photo with one of their own, Doug (Josh Lawson), and his bride, Sarah (Jenny Slate, Saturday Night Live). From there, we get a non-linear look at each of the four main characters' day. Some, we only see briefly, while others get a longer segment. But it all culminates when the story returns to the photo shoot, where it all goes horribly wrong.

Marty (Don Cheadle) is an extremely self-destructive person. He is so focused on his own wants that he ignores everyone else's feelings, not realizing that he's making enemies that will come back to haunt him. He thinks he is bullet proof. And yet, the choices he makes, screwing over clients, ignoring those he should be caring about, and betraying his boss, are ones that hurt him, almost as if he doesn't want to bullet proof, and is turning the gun on himself until something can pierce the armor.

Is Marty really so unhappy that he wants to destroy his own life? If so, why not make positive changes, rather than purposely setting himself up for failure? Yes, the only way Marty could ever be happy at this point is to rebuild himself from the ground up. But his tear down is painful to watch, and the way he drives everyone away by the end of this season is rough.

He does still have his father, Jeremiah (Glynn Turman), and his son, Roscoe (Donis Leonard Jr.), by his side. But he can't be honest with them, so how can he ever really be connected to his family?

We have Jeannie (Kristen Bell), whom professes her love for Marty, and he blows her off. Why? Marty does love her. We see this. His reflection in the window scolds him for acting like a fool, and yet, Marty leaves her an insulting voice mail, rather than apologizing. At least Marty realizes that he needs her, but once again, he can't bring himself to admit it out loud, and is hurting both her and himself.

Then there's Clyde (Ben Schwartz), who looks up to Marty and fancies him a friend. Yet, Marty totally ignores him and screws up a project that Clyde worked very hard on. It's sickening that Clyde stabs Marty in the back, ratting him out to Julianne (Bess Armstrong), taking a client, and jumping ship to work for Marty's psychotic ex-wife, Monica (Dawn Olivieri). But Marty deserves this sort of treatment.

Doug is a special case because, while Marty does ignore him, Doug still holds Marty in high regard. Doug accepts Marty for who he is, like Jeannie, but actually goes even further. However, Doug has Sarah in his ear now, who is not a good influence on him, and so he, too, decides not to join Marty in his new venture.

It's hard to even understand how Tamara (Nia Long) fits in. I don't think she is playing Marty, per se, but she does use him for comfort when her own marriage goes on the rocks. Professionally, she respects him, but doesn't show him all her cards. They have a weird relationship. I can't quite figure out if she cares about him or not, or how much she might care. I also don't expect her to play a big role going forward, though would be pleasantly surprised if I'm wrong.

Things will have to improve for Marty next season; they can't possible get any worse, can they? He will surely make up Jeannie, whether he admits his feelings for her or not. Clyde will regret going with Monica, who is a nightmare, and come crawling back. And Doug will ditch Sarah, who is crazy and manipulative, which will free him up to return to Marty without the bad advice in his ear.

However, would a return mean that they are all as dysfunctional as Marty? Is it good that a bunch of misfits have each other, or do they just all enable one another's poor behavior?

"Til Death Do Us Part" has a few very sweet scenes. Doug tells Marty how he feels about him, despite Marty trying to dismiss him. Clyde admits that Doug is his best friend and finally says some nice things, which do feel genuine. Jeannie saves Marty's bacon. And the disaster at the end is hard to watch, but it's also a lot of splashy fun.

All in all, I am left pretty depressed by House Of Lies' finale. But it is great fun to watch, and it certainly leaves me excited for next year. Season two is an improvement over season one, more polished and tightly written, with stakes viewers can care about, and I can't wait to see what is in store for season three.

House of Lies will return to Showtime for a third run next winter.

House of Lies not getting in order

Grade: 86%

Showtime’s HOUSE OF LIES is back for a second outing this Sunday, January 8th at 10 p.m. In the premiere, “Stochasticity,” Jeannie (Kristen Bell) finally returns to work after her “vacation.” It’s perfect timing, as new boss Julianne (Bess Armstrong, My So-Called Life) is instituting some female-empowering new changes, which comes with a token promotion for Jeannie.

At the end of season one, the firm that The Pod worked for is full of corruption and sexual harassment, and it is all falling down around them. With “Stochasticity,” it’s a re-do, as Julianne treats them well, and trusting Marty (Don Cheadle) to help bring the company back up to the top. This is a little bit of a relief, after the near-apocalypse that could have disrupted the show forever.

How much has really changed, though? Maybe the boss is a little nicer to work for, but The Pod is still operating as a unit, and they are continuing to do their thing. Professionally, it’s all status quo.

Personally, is a different story. Marty and Jeannie are quite drunk when last they are together, and now they cannot remember if they hooked up or not. From the brief memories that do flutter back, it seems relatively certain that they did. If not, they at least come close enough that it’s practically the same thing, on an emotional level. Joint puking during naked pushups have to have some effect on their chemistry!

Would Marty and Jeannie make a good couple? I’m not so sure, long-term. They are both a bit of a mess, and could be a fine comfort to each other for now. They are probably both good in bed, which the other would appreciate. And no one can deny thatBellis smokin’ hot; I’ll leave it to the ladies out there to say the same for Cheadle. Visually, viewers should be happy with the arrangement.

I can’t help but think, Marty and Jeannie as a couple could destroy The Pod. All four members must always be at the top of their game (yes, even Doug (Josh Lawson)). Anything can happen at any time, such as in “Stochasticity,” when they meet with a client who they don’t have any information on at all, including what his company does. It’s a high energy, very skilled game that they play in the conference room. They are all brilliant at it, especially together, but if Jeannie or Marty were to become distracted at an inconvenient time, it could spell disaster for the company, and this group.

Not that I’m rooting for Marty to become a bed hopper again. He’s been enough of that, and I am so, so glad he draws the line at sharing loose women with Clyde (Ben Schwartz), even in a dark time. It’s a very funny scene, to be sure, but not one that needs to go any further than it does.

Marty also has his son, Roscoe (Donis Leonard Jr.), to think about. After Roscoe moves in with Monica (Dawn Olivieri), one might hope that Marty will re-examine his lifestyle. Yet, there aren’t many signs of that in this first episode back, other than when Marty tries to get with Monica, which can be seen a couple of different ways.

A reunion of Roscoe’s parents would only be destructive, despite what Marty may think in the moment. Does Marty make a move on Monica because he’s lonely, or because he thinks that it’s best for Roscoe, or because he just wants to be near his son again, who lives in Monica’s house? None of these are good reasons, and since love is out of the question, sleeping with Monica at this point would be a huge mistake.

HOUSE OF LIES is a comedy, but it is also a drama. Season one disguised that more fully, with the cut scenes where Marty speaks to the camera making everything a little sillier than it needs to be. As season two picks up, some of those trappings have been stripped away. Potentially, this could make for a more serious and more interesting sophomore year. If nothing else, the premiere is off to a good start.

Want to read some of my fiction? It's on my website, JeromeWetzel.com! Also, for the latest updates and article links, as well as commentary on episodes I don't fully review, please follow me on Twitter!

Article first posted on Seat42F

'The Mayan Apocalypse' almost devastates House of Lies

Showtime brings the first season of House of Lies to an end with a near-apocalyptic series of events in "The Mayan Apocalypse." Using a framework story set at the party celebrating the acquisition of the firm by MetroCapital, the episode flashes back to show how The Pod copes with events moving towards that moment. Greg Norbert (Greg Germann) leaks to the team that a massive, class action sexual harassment suit could bring down Marco (Griffin Dunne), the sneaky mastermind of the deal. They search in vain for a woman willing to step forward. That is, until Jeannie (Kristen Bell) herself fesses up, rallying others around her, and the merger is killed.

Jeannie has been an interesting character to watch this season. Played expertly by Bell, she begins as a tough, secretive person, and ends as one who will expose parts of herself for the right reasons. She is never going to be the typical girl, perhaps, feeling more comfortable in the boys' club. But by getting in touch with a shameful moment, one that bonds her to her "sisters," she saves the day. Then she breaks off her engagement because, well, accepting the truth about this makes her accept the truth about not being ready for marriage, too.

To celebrate, she goes shot for shot with Marty (Don Cheadle). Why does she do this? Could it be that she just needs to get drunk after a long, difficult evening? Could it be to wash away the embarrassment, even if only for one night? Or is it to prove to Marty, The Pod, and herself that she is still as strong as ever? That admitting a sexual affair does not weaken her or her ability to do her job? Whatever the reason, it's a moving scene that certainly conveys a message, even if it is one left open to interpretation. Awards bait for Bell, perhaps?

It's gratifying to see the merger killed. If this hadn't happened, there is no telling where season two might go. Much is still up in the air, but at least Marty's entire world isn't destroyed in a single episode.

That doesn't mean that he escapes "The Mayan Apocalypse" unscathed. In fact, Marty faces a very difficult decision in this episode. He must choose whether to spend his time looking for ways to stop the merger or help his son, Roscoe (Donis Leonard Jr.) with a school project. He picks work over family, naively believing that family will wait, as they always do. However, this time it's one push too many. Not only does an upset Roscoe choose to live with his mother, but Marty's father, Jeremiah (Glynn Turman), is so ashamed of Marty's actions, that he leaves, too, at least, for awhile. As Marty's work life rights itself, his personal world falls apart.

How long will it take Roscoe and Jeremiah to forgive Marty and return? They are certain to do so. Jeremiah just needs some time to cool down, understandably. Roscoe's mother, Monica (Dawn Olivieri), has shown no characteristics of being a decent mom. Even if Marty doesn't always give Roscoe the priority he deserves, Marty is a much better parent than Monica because he accepts Roscoe and loves him unconditionally, and is usually dedicated to doing right by him. Balance will be restored. It will just take some time.

House of Lies has more special effects than most of its peers, frequently doing a freeze frame that Marty will walk and talk through. "The Mayan Apocalypse" takes this technique to the next level. Not only does Marty go into the clouds to turn around a plane, he also stages an elaborate massacre, shooting down many of the party attendees. These fantasy sequences enhance the show, and seeing them ratcheted up into something so elaborate makes for a satisfying finale.

House of Lies airs on Showtime. If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

House of Lies - "Pilot"

     In Showtime's House of Lies "Pilot," Marty Kaan (Don Cheadle, Hotel Rwanda, Picket Fences) leads his team of consultants to New York City to retain a big client. However, upon arriving he realizes that the bank they work for has asked another consulting firm to pitch as well, and this one happens to be number one, while Marty's is number two. And Marty's ex-wife, Monica (Dawn Olivieri, The Vampire Diaries, Heroes), whom he recently had angry sex with, works for the competition. Marty almost screws things up when he takes a stripper (Megalyn Echikunwoke, Supernatural) to a business dinner with the client, Greg (Greg Germann, Ally McBeal), the stripper has sex with Greg's wife (Anna Camp, True Blood, The Good Wife) in the bathroom, and Marty gives Greg a black eye. But then he comes up with an ingenious pitch, and things work out... for now.

     It's hard to know what to make of House of Lies. Apparently viewers are expected to root for a consulting firm which, by their own admission, cares only about getting as much money as they can from the client. These trends are reinforced by Marty's confessions to the camera, which while done with really cool camera shots, do not make Marty likable. Then again, neither does anything Marty says or does. He's a pathetic, despicable individual who is not at all worthy of any affection. Yet, for some reason, there's an attraction towards him.

     The one thing Marty appears to care about is his son, Roscoe (Donis Leonard Jr.), who likes to cross dress, and who tries out for the part of Sandy in his school's production of Grease. But even that is cast in doubt when Marty stops fighting for Roscoe due to the fact that Roscoe's rival's mother (Daphne Duplaix, Passions, One Life to Live) is hot. In fact, Marty and said mother slip out of the production to have sex in a vehicle. So there's that.

     Of course, there is someone that cares for Marty. Marty's dad, Jeremiah (Glynn Turman, The Wire) criticizes Marty's parenting, but does stick around and help out with Roscoe. If Jeremiah, who seems like a pretty decent individual, can like Marty, then perhaps we can do. But what has damaged Marty so badly, and what exactly is he seeking to fill his void?

     Marty is the latest in a long line of flawed Showtime characters who audiences flock to when they should be fleeing. The difference here is, unlike the stars of Nurse Jackie and Weeds, Marty is a boy. And like other similar Showtime shows, it does seem fresh, and different from its peers. So while it's hard to see exactly where House of Lies may be going, there is something about it that makes one want to watch.

    The biggest shame in the "Pilot" is there is scant little to do for Marty's team, who are excellent actors, all around. There's Jeannie (Kristen Bell, Veronica Mars, Forgetting Sarah Marshall), whom Marty is convinced will eventually sleep with him, and whose secret he is always digging for. Doug (Josh Lawson, Chandon Pictures) is good with numbers, but not with manners. Clyde (Ben Schwartz, Parks and Recreation, The Other Guys) is just plain fun. Each of these three are interesting, and should have a larger role. Perhaps they will, now that Marty and the main story has been introduced. It's hard to imagine Bell, in particular, would have taken the role if it is destined to remain the bit part it is in the "Pilot."

     Watch House of Lies Sundays at 10 p.m. ET on Showtime.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!