THE MILLERS A Modern, But Not Happy, Family

Article first published as THE MILLERS Review on Seat42F.

Will Arnett (Arrested Development) didn’t have to worry about getting worry about getting work after the fiasco of Up All Night’s second season; he immediately bounced back with THE MILLERS on CBS. Buoyed by an extremely talented ensemble cast, the show is yet another family sitcom, but because of the players on it, has a chance to do well.

Arnett plays Nathan, a local news reporter who has been hiding his split with his wife from his mom, Carol (Margo Martindale, Justified, The Americans), and dad, Tom (Beau Bridges, The Goodwin Games, Franklin & Bash). Carol and Tom come to visit after Tom floods their basement, and upset with their daughter, Debbie (Jayma Mays, Glee), for painting a room in the house they to rent her, they head to Nathan’s place. Obviously, once in the house, it’s hard for Nathan to keep up his lie of a marriage, so he comes clean, prompting Tom to ask for a divorce from Carol.

The scene in which Tom and Carol fight, in front of Nathan, is probably the single funniest scene I’ve watched this fall yet. They tell of a bad situation, and keep upping the ante with each barb back and forth, with poor Nathan forced to hear about something he would rather stay ignorant concerning. These three beloved actors sell the moment with earnestness, and I had to stop and rewind to immediately see it again.

Just because Tom and Carol don’t get along doesn’t mean they don’t love each other. Tom needs a break from Carol’s overbearing nature, but they definitely have a lot of history. Somehow, they convey in this scene that there is still some of bond here, and while it isn’t confirmed in the “Pilot,” I suspect their break up will not be permanent.

If only the entire half hour were that good. Don’t get me wrong, there are some other wonderful bits. The highlights include Debbie and her husband, Adam (Nelson Franklin, Veep, New Girl), watching Tom try to figure out their television remotes, as well as Debbie and Nathan’s interactions early in the “Pilot.” The family dynamics are terrific, and the writers should stick to those.

The problem is any scene that is not a private family moment. Nathan’s reporting on a filled-in sinkhole and public embarrassment of a child is dumb. Carol’s introduction to Nathan’s friend, Ray (J.B. Smoove, Curb Your Enthusiasm), is one big, long, unfunny fart joke. And Carol’s embarrassment at Nathan’s party, as sweet and amusing as the creepy moment between mother and son touches on and could be if done alone, is ridiculous.

Martindale deserve better. She doesn’t act like she’s better than the material, fully in the moment, which is a testament to what a professional she is. However, I don’t want to see her the butt of fart jokes, excuse the pun. Her role as a strong, smothering mother and wife is much more suited to her because at least it allows her to retain her dignity and play some layers.

Keeping things in the family might be difficult because Debbie and Adam are only recurring players. I assume this is because Mays will still be on FOX’s Glee, though I do not have confirmation of that. Until THE MILLERS locks in those other family members, keeping the focus only on Nathan, Tom, and Carol is going to force them to bring in outside players, as that just isn’t working.

This is not a slam against Smoove. He is funny in his own right, though it doesn’t really come through in the “Pilot.” Perhaps he can be worked into the family dynamic in time. But the work and party scenes fall flat.

Yet, as I said, the family stuff is solid. The Millers feel fully formed, familiar enough for most viewers, but with their own quirkiness and foibles. I could absolutely sign up to watch them week after week, and I think the tensions and relationships between the various relations can avoid getting stale or seeming too much like a retread of other shows, despite the crowded family-comedy genre. If THE MILLERS chooses to make that the center of the show, ignoring the other stuff.

THE MILLERS premieres Thursday, October 3^rd at 8:30 p.m. ET on CBS.

CLEAR HISTORY Appeal Is Murky

Article first published as CLEAR HISTORY Review on Seat42F.

For those missing Curb Your Enthusiasm, HBO recently premiered CLEAR HISTORY. Written by, and starring, Larry David, the tone and humor is pretty much the same, with David inhabiting a similar character. This should tide fans over until David decides to make another season of his well-received comedy series.

The basic premise is of a man named Nathan (David) who gets into a silly argument with his boss, Will (Jon Hamm, Mad Men), leading to Nathan losing his job just before a massive launch of a new car that would have made him a billion dollars. Ten years later, Nathan is living as a drastically different looking guy named Rolly in Martha’s Vineyard, seemingly having escaped his past. That is, until Will shows up on the island, and Rolly begins plotting his revenge.

CLEAR HISTORY is inferior to Curb Your Enthusiasm, so don’t go in expecting an hour-and-a-half episode of the show. David still goes after silly, everyday gripes, but instead of harping on them for thirty minutes, with earlier events coming back full circle, most are dealt with in thirty seconds and then dropped. This is a shame, as there is certainly ripe material here that could fill many installments of Curb, wasted as throwaway gags.

What I don’t buy is that Rolly is considered the nicest guy around. At first, he seems to have turned over a new leaf, not harping on the little things that Nathan used to. But throughout the movie, Rolly makes more enemies than friends, and loses a few chums along the way. Has he turned just because of Will’s presence? It seems doubtful, especially as no character makes that observation.

The ending is contrived, and while a few threads seem to tie together, they don’t play into the final scenes, ruining the setup. Also, the story just can’t decide what it wants to be. For large stretches of the running time, it is a cohesive tale, but then it sometimes falls apart into a series of bits, and the ending is far from satisfying or complete. That is probably the biggest weakness of the project.

Which is not to say CLEAR HISTORY isn’t enjoyable. There are some brilliant turns by wonderful comedic performers, and those alone are worth tuning in for.

The most stand out performance is that of Liev Schreiber (Ray Donovan) as Tibor, the Czechoslovakian man who sells Rolly an ignition switch, and then gets in a car wreck with him. Tibor’s look and accent are humorous, but it’s more the absolute confusion that he has towards Rolly, not understanding what’s going on when Rolly is involved, and not getting why Rolly isn’t afraid of him, that plays so darn well. Sadly, it is an uncredited role, as Schreiber stars in a series for a rival pay channel.

Among the rest of the cast are familiar faces like Michael Keaton (Batman, Toy Story), J.B. Smoove (Curb Your Enthusiasm), Amy Ryan (The Office), Bill Hader (Saturday Night Live), Danny McBride (Eastbound & Down), Eva Mendes (Hitch), Amy Landecker (Dan in Real Life), Patty Ross (The Heat), Paul Scheer (The League), Chicago (the 25 or 6 to 4 band), and many more. Each, without fail, not only fits well into this contrived world, but does an outstanding job of selling the scenes they are involved in. They are not the weakness of the piece, and each is not only funny, but also seems to be really glad to have this job, a definite plus.

A particular element I really enjoy is that of Will’s wife, Rhonda (Kate Hudson, Glee, Almost Famous). At first, she seems a pushover whom Rolly can worm his way in with. But the direction the script goes with her as things play out not only fits with her character nicely, even after a few turns, but also rises above the predictable and expected.

Overall, while not as impressed with CLEAR HISTORY as I have been with other David works, it is a nice little snack as we await his next great project.

Jeff Ross will burn you

Jeff Ross is s roaster extraordinaire for Comedy Central during the annual event where comedians go after an "honored" celebrity. With frequent appearances, usually providing some of the funnier material in the specials, it seems natural for Ross to move on to his own show, roasting anyone that he wants to, whether they like it or not. Thus is born the new series that premieres last night, The Burn with Jeff Ross.

The title tells you everything that you need to know about the series, really. Ross stands up on a stage and lays into famous people. Some deserve it, some don't. Jokes are broken up into segments, but there isn't any real sense of distinction between what belongs in each solo-performed category; instead, it just provides a way to break up the show a bit.

Ross has an edgy style that may go too far. In fact, in the first episode he starts a bit called "Too Soon?" This week's topic is Sally Ride, and he rips on the recently deceased female astronaut. Ride is a pioneer and a hero to Americans. While some may be shocked that Ross says anything negative about such a woman, at least he does seem to take it easier on her than his still-living subjects.

Besides these monologues, Ross also brings on a few pals. In the first episode, Amy Schumer, J.B. Smoove, and Ralphie May are the victims, er, guests. Ross actually leaves them alone, for the most part, just allowing them to partake in his rant-fest, if it's even severe enough to call it that. This is a bit of a shame, because here are some targets that would fight back, which could be amusing. Instead, they all just feel like they're having fun, bonding over telling mean jokes, but not getting too carried away. Sarah Silverman appears briefly in a smaller segment, to much the same effect.

This exposes the "secret" behind The Burn: Jeff Ross is not mean. Sure, he may touch on topics that are a bit taboo, and say some things that will offend some. But his smile betrays his genuinely nice qualities, and the guests are his friends, proving he isn't a total jerk. This is why he gets away with picking on people who aren't defending themselves. Even when attacking meter maids on the street, half of them smile at Ross's gags at their expense. A segment in the first episode where Ross roasts his elderly uncle is also aces at demonstrating the real Ross.

So will a nice roast format work? Is it really a burn if the person delivering it is nonthreatening and likable? Eh, that's debatable. The bottom line that people will really care about is, is The Burn with Jeff Ross funny? And like most weekly comedy shows, the answer is: sometimes. It's hard to pump out so much new material on a regular basis, and while Ross tries, he only succeeds part of the time. Which makes me doubt the longevity of such a program.

Enjoy The Burn with Jeff Ross while it lasts, Tuesdays at 10:30 p.m. ET on Comedy Central.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Check out my new website, JeromeWetzel.com! Originally posted on TheTVKing

Louie goes dark, stays funny

FX's Louie is a strange show. It is consistently funny, but not consistent in just about anything else. There's isn't much continuity, each episode has different themes and goes down its own path. It would be nearly impossible to describe what the show is about in a single sentence or even a paragraph. But that doesn't take anything away from the wonderful, unique show.

This week's episode is called "Barney/Never," and is actually two distinct stories. The first is done artistically, ditching the traditional theme song and replacing it with a solemn, black and white opening. Louie (Louis C.K.) stands by a graveside. An unknown man approaches and they stare at each other.

Then colors are added, and the two sit across from each other in a diner. The man's name is Robbie (Robin Williams), and they talk of the deceased guy, Barney, that was just put in the ground. Neither liked Barney, who was a jerk, but they couldn't stand the thought of no one being at his burial, so they showed up. Talking, they remember a strip club that Barney frequented, and they go to the place. Upon learning of Barney's passing, the patrons of the strip club mourn Barney, whom they loved.

This is a very short piece, but like many great short films, tells a complete story, and leaves a lot to ponder. Everyone has different sides of themselves, and as much as Barney was an ass towards many, there were still people that cared. People are afraid of not being remembered or mourned. One can find comfort and solace with a stranger. There is good in people.

Bringing in the legendary Robin Williams really gives "Barney/Never" weight. This is a man who has won an Oscar and many other awards, and whom everyone knows. But Louie holds his own, and there is definitely a kindred spirit feeling in the room. While C.K. doesn't have the movie career Williams has had, that doesn't matter. These men are peers, and with some incredibly skillful, detailed performances, they deliver one of the best Louie stories to date.

The second half of the episode deals with a kid name Never whom is thrust upon Louie, much to his daughter's chagrin, while Never's mother has a consultation for getting her vagina removed. Never's mother doesn't allow him to eat anything with carbon, and yet she doesn't tell him no. This paradox confuses Louie, who ends up allowing Never to eat a bowl of raw hamburger meat. Never, for his part, causes a multi-car crash, throws Louie's rug out the window, and has diarrhea in the bathtub.

This plot is very strange, and yet somehow, still humorous. It takes the relaxed and neurotic parenting styles of the modern era, and raises them to the extreme, showcasing what kind of child this situations turns out. And yet, Louie has nothing but sympathy for Never, even letting the kid know he can always talk to Louie. This, despite the havoc and mess Never causes while Louie is trying to do a dreaded phone interview.

Don't blame the child, blame the parent. That is sentiment Louie is telling. The kid, at this point, can't help what his mother does. But with supportive adults like Louie around, Never could still come out of this OK. It's great when Louie tells Never bluntly that his mother is wrong. This is something most people will never tell parents, but sometimes, it needs to be said. Louie is the type of guy to do it.

There is a lot going on in this story, and yet, it all feels real, never rushed. Louis captures subtleties and authentic premises that other shows routinely miss. It's relatable even without being something most of us will ever confront. Louie C.K. is a genius, and this series proves that over and over again, especially this week.

Plus, there are tiny bits by J.B. Smoove and Artie Lange stuck in "Barney/Never" just for the hell of it. Louie is so popular among his peers, that respected comedians will accept almost nothing roles just to appear on the show. That, in of itself, is telling.

Watch Louie Thursdays at 10:30 p.m. ET on FX.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Check out my new website, JeromeWetzel.com! Article first published on TheTVKing

We Bought a Zoo on Blu-ray

From FOX Studios comes Cameron Crowe's (Jerry Maguire, Almost Famous) latest film, We Bought a Zoo. Based on a true story, the movie finds widower Benjamin Mee (Matt Damon, The Bourne Identity, 30 Rock) needing to make a change. While house hunting, he finds his dream dwelling comes with a closed-down, but still populated, zoo attached, and decides that this might be just the adventure he needs. Together with his two children and the zoo's colorful staff, Benjamin sets out to make the zoo, and his life, mean something again.

We Bought a Zoo is not Crowe's best work, but then, who expects it to be, considering some of the masterpieces the director has made? However, We Bought a Zoo is still damn good. It proves that Crowe still knows how to coax incredible, authentic performances out of his actors. He can still tug a heart string. He develops wonderful visuals, but never forgets that the story is about the characters.

Damon is brilliant in the lead role. He captures the struggle of a father, raising two kids on his own, one of whom he has trouble connecting with because they are too much alike. He also breathes Mee's mission to life with such zeal, that one is left hanging on his every move, rooting for him to succeed, hoping he can find hope and joy in his life again.

We Bought a Zoo is buoyed by an excellent ensemble cast, and that's not just referencing the beautiful animals. Maggie Elizabeth Jones (Footloose) is adorable as Mee's daughter. Thomas Haden Church (Sideways, Wings) brings a realism to Benjamin's brother, who wants to be supportive, but thinks his sibling is off of his rocker. And then there's J.B. Smoove (Curb Your Enthusiasm), Carla Gallo (Bones, Californication), John Michael Higgins (Bad Teacher, Happily Divorced), Angus Macfadyen (Chuck, Braveheart), Elle Fanning (Super 8), Patrick Fugit (Almost Famous), and Colin Ford (Push, Supernatural), all of whom bring something special to the table. The chemistry between them, and the unique make up of each player, really makes this movie sing in an exciting, interesting way.

Oddly, it's Scarlett Johansson (Lost in Translation, The Avengers) that is wasted here. Stuck in a boring, predictable, romantic interest role, she gets lost among the others. This isn't because the actress is inferior in any way, but rather, more than anyone else, her presence seems to be there only to serve Benjamin's character. She doesn't have enough personality of her own to really stand out. In fact, Benjamin's relationship with a tiger actually serves the same purpose she does, with slightly more impact, so her part is extraneous. It's a shame, and the movie's only real weak point.

There are plenty of bonus features on the three disc Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy set. There's an audio commentary with Crowe, editor Mark Livolsi, and, weirdly, considering his small role in We Bought a Zoo, the hilarious J.B. Smoove. There are a ton of deleted and extended scenes. A half hour is devoted to the making of the picture, and there is a featurette about the real Benjamin Mee. There's also a gag reel, and more! One can literally spend more time watching the extras than the movie, and that's a nice claim to make. It helps, too, that what is present enriches the movie experience, and is really everything one might want in this release.

In short, We Bought a Zoo is a fantastic film that any movie lover should own. It's an inspiring story, a memorable tale, and just plain fun. Pick up a copy, on sale now.

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

Not exactly 'Smitten' with Bent

This week, NBC's Bent finally premiered with two episodes, "Pilot" and "Smitten." In "Pilot," Alex Meyers (Amanda Peet, Studio 60 On the Sunset Strip, 2012) reluctantly hires Pete Riggins (David Walton, Perfect Couples, 100 Questions) and his crew to renovate her kitchen. They flirt, but he's a player, and she's got a boyfriend, Ben (Matt Letscher, Eli Stone, Brothers & Sisters), whom she forgets to mention, and isn't sleeping with. In "Smitten," Alex and Pete's dance continues, and Ben still isn't getting lucky. Though Pete is, just not with Alex.

For the curious who missed these episodes, the "Pilot" of Bent is free on Amazon right now, and "Smitten" is available for a small fee. Watch it, then come back and read this article.

Looking at the stars listed in the paragraph above, a pattern begins to emerge. Bent is full of terrific actors who have been in excellent television shows that were canceled before their time. Bent is not one of those excellent shows, and its imminent cancellation, which seems a very likely possibility, especially given the show's April premiere date, will not be mourned the way others have been.

The actors are great, and many of the names should be familiar. Besides the three listed above, Jeffrey Tambor (Arrested Development) plays Peter's washed-up-actor dad, JB Smoove (Curb Your Enthusiasm, a former writer for Saturday Night Live) is Pete's gossipy friend, Clem, Jesse Plemons (Friday Night Lights) is Pete's taken-advantage-of-apprentice, and Joey King (Ramona & Beezus) is Alex's daughter. Additionally, Pasha D. Lychnikoff (Deadwood) and Margo Harshman (Even Stevens) round out the cast.

But the problem with Bent is that there isn't much material for the performers to work with. The whole concept is that Pete is redoing Alex's kitchen? How long can that be stretched out? What happens when the work is done? Does he redo her whole house? Unless Pete and Alex are a couple by that time, there isn't much of a reason to merge their social circles. And if they are a couple, where does the tension go, as their interplay is the only real plot arc developed thus far?

Also, Harshman's character is called Screwsie. Whether that's because she likes to have lots of sex, or because she unscrews the top off many a bottle of cheap wine, the cutesy nickname is way too on the nose. Seriously, a grown woman goes by the name Screwsie? Does she want to be labeled an easy, alcoholic, slut?

Along the same lines, in the "Pilot" Tambor's character says that he's "Bent, not broken." If you need to explain the title of your series, the show needs a new title.

There are some hints of goodness. The bond that Pete forms with Alex's daughter, Frankie, is sweet. That is clearly his 'in' with her mother. If one can win over the kid, one can get the mother, and Pete has done that already. But since it's happened right off the bat, there isn't a lot of room to develop this further, and this relationship is not enough to carry the series on its own.

This cast would be great in a better written show. The chemistry is wonderful, when they get to use it. Perhaps that's what should be done. Keep them all together, but write totally new characters. Or figure out a different direction for Bent, quickly. Otherwise, it's destined to be yet another failed project for this very talented group of people who just can't find the right show.

Bent airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET on NBC. In Columbus, NBC is analog channel 4, satellite 382, and high def cable 1004.

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"Larry vs. Michael J. Fox" on Curb Your Enthusiasm

     Last night, HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm ended season eight with "Larry vs. Michael J. Fox." Larry (Larry David) finally runs into his upstairs neighbor, Michael J. Fox (himself, The Good Wife, Rescue Me), and begins to suspect Michael is faking some Parkinson's symptoms in order to get back at Larry for a possible tiff. Unfortunately for Larry, no one believes him. Nor does his girlfriend, Jennifer (Ana Gasteyer, Saturday Night Live, The Good Wife), believe that her seven year old son is gay, and so is offended when Larry buys him a sewing machine for his birthday. In the end, Larry must flee town to escape his detractors.

     Larry's problems in Curb Your Enthusiasm always stem from misunderstandings. Or Larry taking a stand when he thinks something isn't right. Either way, Larry causes many of his own problems, and certainly does little or nothing to help himself. "Larry vs. Michael J. Fox" is no different.

     Larry is trying to do right by Jennifer by buying her son a sewing machine. The kid raves about Project Runway and fashion, and thus, it seems fitting. Yet Jennifer and Susie (Susie Essman) rip into him, since it's an effeminate gift. Since the kid loves it, and it aligns with his interests, what's the harm, really? Perhaps Larry doesn't know him well enough to take such a bold step, but it makes the kid happy, and isn't that what's important? It's not really Larry's fault that the kid sews Susie a swastika after seeing Larry doddle it. He can't control what the kid likes.

     Everyone loves Michael J. Fox in the world of Curb Your Enthusiasm, just as in real life. Larry is on Fox's turf. Does he really think he will be able to turn Fox's friends and neighbors against him, just because he has a beef with Fox, that may or may not be real? Larry speaks with Fox man to man, but it still doesn't clear up his suspicions, especially when more possible offenses keep happening. At this point, Larry should just drop it. But that's not in his nature, soinstead, he goes to the building's board, which, of course, sides with Fox. Then Larry inadvertently insults Michael at his charity event, leading Mayor Michael Bloomberg (himself) to call on Larry to leave town, to rousing cheers.

     It's worth noting, Larry is in New York City, his home town, the latter half of this season, because of lies and trouble back in Los Angeles, his current home. Yet, it takes very little time for Larry to upset the people in NYC, and soon they send him packing again, this time to Paris.

     If "Larry vs. Michael J. Fox" does turn out to be the series finale, as no additional season has yet been ordered, it leaves some loose ends, especially concerning Larry's relationship with ex-wife Cheryl (Cheryl Hines). But the episode does contain the perfect ending scene, with Larry and Leon (JB Smoove) walking the (obviously fake) streets of Paris, as Larry rants about the same offense he so recently rants about in LA. No matter where Larry goes, he never changes. And that's the beauty of Curb Your Enthusiasm.

     Curb Your Enthusiasm also stars Jeff Garlin, and may or may not return to HBO for a ninth season.

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

     To catch up on Curb Your Enthusiasm with DVDs and streaming episodes, please click here.

Article first published as TV Review: Curb Your Enthusiasm - "Larry vs. Michael J. Fox" on Blogcritics.

Curb Your Enthusiasm battles over "The Bi-Sexual"

     Last night's episode of HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm finds Larry (Larry David) meeting a very nice girl named Jane (Amy Landecker, Dan in Real Life). The two are mutually attracted to each other, but as Larry soon finds out, Jane has a similar connection with Rosie O'Donnell (playing herself). Rosie and Larry are soon competing over the bi-sexual woman. Also, Larry blows off an acquaintance for lunch, resulting in the man ending up hospitalized after choking with no one around to help him.

     Larry and Rosie have amazing chemistry. Curb Your Enthusiasm works because Larry brings in people who are his equals, comedically, and usually puts them in the right in any argument. The beauty of "The Bi-Sexual" is that neither Larry nor Rosie should win. They begin to treat the beautiful Jane as a prize, possibly caring more about winning against each other, as they begin to see it as a competition of man vs. lesbian for all women, than actually being with her. Which is too bad, because she's a great match for Larry, and they really do seem to click. Though, given Larry's hangups, it would never last long-term.

     A running gag throughout "The Bi-Sexual" is comparing baseball to dating. Larry wins Jane over from Rosie completely when he "juices," meaning, takes Viagra. Jane feels like Larry is cheating when she learns this, as an avid baseball fan, and still very sensitive about the whole steroid scandal. Plus, Rosie takes Jane to a ball game on their date, Jane goes with Larry to a baseball museum, and Larry and Rosie compete in a softball league. As such, the connections are strong in the comparison.

     It is interesting, however, that while Larry is only in town for a few months, and it is an unplanned trip, that Larry is on a softball team. There are jerseys and everything, so it's not just a casual game among friends in the park. How does Larry integrate himself so quickly into the social calendar of the city? Is this how the rich and famous live? At home wherever they go because of their connections? Must be nice.

     Not really sure what that second plot about the man choking adds to "The Bi-Sexual." While it is not unusual for Curb Your Enthusiasm to juggle a couple of plots in a single episode, the B story felt forced in, and never ends up having hardly any connection to the A story, unlike in most of the series. As such, while it is a somewhat funny situation, the show would have been better off to leave it out until it could mesh more fluidly into another episode.

     On a final note, Larry's pairing with Leon (J.B. Smoove, 'Til Death) is a match made in heaven. Smoove has been on Curb Your Enthusiasm for several seasons now, but as Leon travels to the city to reconnect with Larry this week, their chemistry becomes obvious all over again. They have a scene where they discuss bi-sexuality, and as they compete and insult each other, both enjoying the exchange immensely, it's hard not to be caught up in the fun. While from two seemingly drastically different worlds, Leon and Larry have a deep friendship that transcends the short time they've known each other. Soul mates, indeed.

     Curb Your Enthusiasm airs Sundays at 10 p.m. ET on HBO.

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

     To catch up on Curb Your Enthusiasm with DVDs and streaming episodes, please click here.

Article first published as TV Review: Curb Your Enthusiasm - "The Bi-Sexual" on Blogcritics.

Curb Your Enthusiasm goes through "The Divorce"

     Season eight of HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm begins with "The Divorce." As the title implies, Larry (Larry David) and Cheryl (Cheryl Hines) make the decision to end their marriage. The half hour begins right where season seven ends, and their bickering causes them, many months later, to dissolve the union. Larry has a great attorney (Paul F. Tompkins), but when he learns the man is only leading people to believe he's Jewish, Larry fires him. Which leads to Larry hiring a Jewish, but much worse, lawyer, who gives Cheryl the house. After an inadvertent comment by Larry, Funkhouser (Bob Einstein) also decides to get divorced. Larry also cancels a girl scout cookie order after misunderstanding with the girlscout's father (Gary Cole, The Good Wife, Entourage).


      Divorce hangs heavy in "The Divorce," but rather than be a bad thing, it is celebrated. Larry and Cheryl manage to remain friends, and are happy they will no longer be together. Funkhouser embraces the freedom from his boring union. Even Jeff (Jeff Garlin) wishes to end his marriage, but his wife, Susie (Susie Essman) would make the process far too painful for him to seriously consider it. Why does Curb Your Enthusiasm embrace such a bleak outlook? Perhaps it is the central character's attitude that influences the most. While Larry loves Cheryl, he tends to roll with the punches, and stay relatively happy. He gets frustrated, but his belief that he almost always right usually keeps him from being too upset. With Larry getting divorced, rather than have the character sink into sad depression, he weathers it as he does everything else.

     The humor comes from the problems that Larry gets himself into. These problems fall into one of two categories: misunderstandings, and the things he brings on himself with his inability to let anything go. "The Divorce" has examples of each. Firmly in the misunderstanding category is the disagreement Larry has with the girl scout's father. While at Larry's house to sell him cookies, the girl (Kaitlyn Dever, Justified) begins her first period. Larry assists her to the best of his ability, while also keeping a door between them. Her father doesn't understand what happens, and so he denies Larry box seats to a sporting event.

     From there, things go into the Larry's fault side. Larry decides that if he's not on good terms with the girl's father, and not getting the favor he desires, he won't do any favors back. He cancels his cookie order, which the girl scouts are flummoxed by. It goes from bad to worse when not just three girl scouts, but a whole troop of them show up at his door. Larry trying to close the door on a bunch of angry young girls is hilarious!

     Larry's divorce problems are also his own fault, since he fires a perfectly competent lawyer to prove a point. This backfires, and Larry ends up with no home, as does Leon (J.B. Smoove), who still lives with Larry. It would not be a good episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm unless the ending was not in Larry's favor, and having twenty-four hours to vacate his home certainly isn't. It will be very interesting to see what happens next.

     Curb Your Enthusiasm airs Sunday nights at 10 p.m. ET on HBO.

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

     To catch up on Curb Your Enthusiasm with DVDs and streaming episodes, please click here.