Re-MARRIED

Article originally published as TV Review: 'Married' - Season Two Premiere on Blogcritics.

Some series like to start their seasons with a big opener. FX’s Married is not one those programs, nor does it need to be. The quiet, depressing, amusing, realistic look at marriage is all about the characters and the way their complex relationships are portrayed. They do not need big stories or ratings-grabbing stunts to make it good.

It’s funny that, considering what I just said, the first episode of season two is called “Thanksgiving.” Traditionally, sitcoms have used holidays, especially that one, to do splashier plots. Married constantly subverts what one expects from a family comedy, though, and this season premiere is no exception. It isn’t actually Thanksgiving in the episode, and while the set up is familiar, the way it plays out is edgy and unexpected.

I liked season one a lot, but it took some time to get settled into what it was. As Married begins its second run with “Thanksgiving,” though, it’s clear those rough edges have been smoothed out. The half hour both feels at once totally in sync with the previously installments, but also more polished and solid. Fans now understand Russ (Nat Faxon) and Lina (Judy Greer) a lot better, and this knowledge definitely colors how we see them interact. This union has its ups and downs, but there is real love there, and they do make a good team.

I have to take a moment to admire Greer and Faxon’s skills. When the casting was first announced, I was familiar with them both, but usually as second-rate players, so I assumed they would be here as well. This is not the case. Given good material that seems perfectly tailored to them, they have both emerged as worthy stars. I admire both the nuance and the realism in their performances, and their chemistry is fantastic. I think my favorite part of Married is just watching the two in a scene together, which never disappoints.

“Thanksgiving” finds them visiting Lina’s mother, Janice (Frances Conroy, American Horror Story), who is no longer mentally all there. Janice lives with Ed (M.C. Gainey, Lost), who is not Lina’s dad, but has been with Janice for well over a decade. Lina worries that Ed might not have Janice’s best interests at heart, especially when the topic turns to sex. Is she right? And whether she is or not, what is she in a position to do about it, and does she have a right to overrule Ed? Aging parents are a topic many a married couple has to deal with, and I like Married‘s grounded take.

While Lina and Russ are the central characters of married, AJ (Brett Gelman) and Jess (Jenny Slate) are also main characters. Often, while they’ve had tiny subplots, they’ve been regulated to supporting people, coming in far distant in importance from the leads. “Thanksgiving” fixes that, giving them their own, fully fleshed out, interesting B story. It does not relate to Russ and Lina at all, Jess actually has to learn something, and we get to see them both as separate individuals, a welcome development. Plus, there are hilarious little moments for Shep (Paul Reiser) thrown in, making me wish he appeared just a bit more.

Married isn’t the perfect show. Some will find it too serious to be considered a comedy, even though that’s what it bills itself as. However, this is not much different from what HBO and Showtime sell as sitcoms, and while Married is confined to the limitations of basic cable, it certainly has more leash than a show on the Big Four. It expertly finds that middle ground, still funny like the general public might expect, sometimes laugh-out-loud levels of such, but also displaying the depth and talent that the premiums do. I’m very satisfied with its return, a marked improvement over the already-good freshman season.

Married returns Thursday at 10:30 p.m. ET on FX.

Time to Get MARRIED

Article first published as 'Married' Season Finale Review on Blogcritics.

FX’s Married brings its freshman season to a close with “Family Day.” Everyone goes to visit AJ (Brett Gelman) in rehab for Family Day, where he is supposed to apologize for how he has wronged them. Instead, things devolve into a five-way bicker fest as the various adults who make up the cast begin taking out their frustrations with their own lives on those around them. Luckily, the venting actually helps them release their tension and get on track for a happy ending.

I have to be honest, I tolerated Married more than I enjoyed it for most of this season. FX is a terrific network, and Married is paired with the absolutely fantastic You’re the Worst, so I almost watched it out of reflex or default than any actual desire. Plus, I find it much more difficult to give up a half hour series than an hour-long one, as it just didn’t seem like a big commitment to stick with it through its ten episodes. But it’s depressing as hell and makes the viewer feel bad about themselves, so it’s much harder to get into than other fare. It can be barely be called a comedy.

Somewhere along the way, it slowly grew on me, though. It’s not that my marriage is anywhere near as bad as the one at the center of the series; I’m not beaten down. But there’s both a slight satisfaction in seeing a couple worse off than you, and the optimism sparked in select moments that prove even a seemingly-terrible union can still work, that makes Married eventually attractive.

The more I watch Married, the more I’m convinced that Russ (Nat Faxon) and Lina (Judy Greer) are actually much better off than they appear to be. They are in a very rough patch in their lives, struggling financially and stressed out because of their three young children. Russ wants his old life back, and so does Lina, but she’s the more responsible of the pair, soldiering on under the current circumstances, whereas Russ look for tiny outs, and frequently takes them. Because of the misery of dealing with these factors, they work out their anger on one another far too often, and that’s what makes them look like they’re falling apart. But every once in awhile, we get a glimmer of what brought them together in the first place, and it sure feels like that they’ll get back to that happiness once these outside influences are dealt with and go away.

Because of this, I’ve become very fond of the characters. Faxon and Greer are great, as they have been in other projects, and they do an authentic job of developing two characters that are more realistic and complex than most on television. They make themselves sympathetic, even when you’re understanding why their spouse is ticked at them. They’re real people, in look and in action, and that sells the show.

The supporting cast of Married is much the same. Jess (Jenny Slate) and Shep (Paul Reiser) have complications in their own marriage for entirely different reasons, Jess almost trying to escape motherhood. “Family Day” is probably the most we’ve seen of them relating to one another, but while it’s not obvious, they are in a similar boat as Russ and Lina. AJ is mourning the loss of his wife, and he acts out because he wants back what his friends have. Even recurring Bernie (John Hodgman) shows off some good development in the season finale.

Funnily enough, the final scene of “Family Day” is the lightest of the season. After ten weeks of rough stuff, there’s a cookout and everyone is in good spirits. They talk about death, sure, but it’s in a joking manner. Married finally finds it’s heart, and because it waits so long to do so, it’s a well-earned pay-off.

When next season rolls around, I won’t be recording Married just for the heck of it. I will be eagerly anticipating the return of a series that I really like and is very well made. Assuming it’s renewed, of course, which sadly has not happened yet.

Being MARRIED Is Sort of Amusing

Article originally written for Seat42F.

MARIED is a new comedy airing on FX about a couple who have lost the spark in their union and are looking for ways to salvage their relationship. Every day is a struggle, with kids demanding attention and sex pretty much a thing of the past. It’s a bittersweet look at a particularly difficult stage of married life, with emphasis on the bad side, but with an underlying heart that will surely carry the characters through.

Who doesn’t like Nat Faxon (Ben and Kate) and Judy Greer (Arrest Development, Archer)? They are two gifted comedic actors who have been funny in everything they’ve been in, in my opinion. Going in, the fact that the two of them are the leads is a major plus for MARRIED.

The show itself is not quite as funny as I expected it to be, though, which is why I like the series paired with it, You’re the Worst, a little more. There are funny jokes in MARRIED, to be sure, but it’s a toned-down funny, sometimes at the expense of the pathetic players. There is a lot of misery for these characters, people whose life has not gone the way they’ve expected it to. Russ (Faxon) is feeling very unfulfilled because his wife won’t touch him any more, despite his attempts to get her to do so. Lina (Greer) wants to be a good spouse, but she’s too worn out from taking care of their three young girls (How to Live With Your Parents (For the Rest of Your Life)’s Rachel Eggleston, Cloud Atlas’ Raevan Lee Hanan, and newcomer Skylar Gray) and doesn’t have the energy to help Russ, too. This darkness is just not a laughing matter.

Yet, there’s also a sweetness to the program. The fact that Lina wants to help Russ proves that there is affection between them, even if she seems to have forgotten how to show it or just isn’t capable of doing so right now. Russ is earnest in his attempts to get Lina interested again, trying to make her happy, too, not just a horny guy obsessed with getting off. It’s hard to blame either one when they are both trying, or what amounts to trying in their current state, and once their kids get older, they should be able to reconnect if they can just hang on to each other for now.

The premise of the first episode is that Lina gives Russ permission to find someone else to help meet his physical needs. This makes sense, logically, but of course emotions are involved, and those are anything but logical. Without going into detail, the story unfolds in a way other than I expected. As regrettable as it is to see Russ even considering going down this road, Greer and Faxon are so good in their parts, effectively communicating the mixed feelings and nuance, that it actually works rather well.

When things get too much for Russ, he heads to the bar to meet his friends Jess (Jenny Slate, Parks and Recreation), who is with a considerably older gentleman, and AJ (Brett Gelman, Go On), who is newly single again. They provide an outlet and advice, allowing him to verbalize much of what he’s thinking. While it may not be completely realistic for Russ to have the time and money to hang out with them so often, it allows the story to keep moving effectively.

Sadly, Lina doesn’t have a similar outlet, stuck at home with the kids while Russ is out getting plot. I hope this is a fluke of the pilot and future installments allow more balance in the couple. The only time I really didn’t like Russ are the scenes in which it’s obvious that he is running around town and Lina is buried in housework and childcare. They should switch off, allowing Lina to have her own stories while Russ takes his time with the girls. This would not only provide gender equality, but also make sure Greer gets her due, as she would be wasted otherwise.

Otherwise, though, MARRIED makes a decent show, not FX’s best, but still worth watching. MARRIED premieres Thursday, July 17^th at 10 p.m. ET.

PARKS AND RECREATION Skips Over to "London"

Article first published as PARKS AND RECREATION Skips Over to "London" on TheTVKing.

For the season six premiere of NBC's Parks and Recreation, our favorite city employees hopped across the pond to "London" so that Leslie (Amy Poehler) could receive a civic award. It was a fun and funny trip, with some big opportunities, nice emotional moments, and a couple of major turning points. What a fantastic start to the year!

"London" begins with the quickie proposal and wedding of Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman) to Diane Tammy Lewis (Lucy Lawless). Just kidding about that middle name, by the way, but when Diane calls herself that I literally yelled at the screen; awesome bit. Anyway, no sooner does Ron pop the question than they rush upstairs, coincidentally running into April (Aubrey Plaza) and Leslie on the way, whom they invite to be best man and maid of honor, respectively. A few minutes later, before the opening credits even begin, the ceremony is done and they retire to their individual homes to celebrate the reception separately, or so Ron orders.

This is a perfect wedding for Ron's character. He has such an easy relationship with Diane, who loves Ron for who he is and has similar sensibilities. She rolls with the punches when his friends get involved, though he keeps the whole thing in check and on course. It's a little hokey that the exact two people who should be invited to attend get to, but that's easy to overlook in such a perfect sequence.

Then, it's off to London, England. Leslie has been down on herself. She tries to win the voters over one by one to avoid being recalled from office, but despite working her rear end off, nothing seems to be helping, and leaving the country is used against her. Frustrated, and feeling out of her league next to her fellow winners (including a mostly-accent-less Heidi Klum), Leslie unloads, complaining about the residents of her fair town that do not appreciate her. The moment is, of course, webcast, and bumbling Jerry (Jim O'Heir) has even arranged a viewing party, so the blunder does not escape notice.

It's hard to blame Leslie for her outburst. Even though Ron advises her to be the adult and treat her represented public like her children, any one would get upset at what Leslie is going through. All she does is try to help the people she's been elected by, and no one notices, always dumping on her. It's not fair.

This makes me think Leslie will lose the recall election. Despite how far she has come and the fact that this will rob her of a major triumph, it seems to be in the cards that she has far more obstacles to overcome before she gets her happy ending. I have to believe it will all pay off in the end, but we're not at the end, with Parks and Recreation showing no sign of losing steam. So for now, more bad news.

Of course, with Chris (Rob Lowe) slated to be leaving the series in a few months, along with Anne (Rashida Jones), that does possibly leave a vacant city manager job open, and since it's not an elected position, Leslie could slide in and begin working without worry about what people think. I'm just saying...

Speaking of Anne, though, it's great that she and Chris, also beaten down by the lack of caring from the locals when announcing Anne's pregnancy, go to Leslie, knowing she will react with the enthusiasm they seek. This shows that Leslie is the source of support people need, if only they know to go to her.

And it's not like Leslie has given up completely on being her cheerful, helpful self. She still does things for those she cares about. She arranges the perfect (solo) honeymoon for Ron, finding the one place in Europe Ron will enjoy. That is a beautiful gift and a testament to not only their friendship, but the amazing person Leslie is.

One person does notice Leslie's efforts and that's April, the girl who wrote the latter to win Leslie the award. April is really growing up, and her show of faith in Leslie, as well as taking the time to cheer her up proves this. Perhaps with Anne leaving, April can reluctantly step into the position of Leslie's best friend?

Another sign of April's maturity is how she encourages Andy (Chris Pratt) to take a several-months-long job in London with an important man (Peter Serafinowicz, NTSF:SD:SUV). Besides providing a convenient reason for Andy to be gone while Pratt makes a film, it also shows a step forward in their relationship, considering grown up priorities and her putting his needs first. This is huge, and I think they'll weather things OK because they go into it with just the right attitude. Good for them!

The other subplot unfolding in "London" is that Tom (Aziz Ansari) finally figures out who the competition that is running him into the ground is: the father of Jean-Ralphio (Ben Schwartz) and Mona-Lisa, who just so happens to be Anne's doctor. This man (played by Arrested Development's Henry Winkler) wants revenge for how Tom allegedly treats his children, but even exonerating himself from his friends' lies does Tom no good because their dad has now built a successful business he's not willing to give up.

I love the kooky family these three funny actors have built to plague Tom's life. I'm sad for Tom, of course, as he has as many troubles as Leslie in fighting for his goals, more than he deserves, but unlike her, there's real humor in the episodes that bring down Tom. For now, anyway. The longer this goes on, the sadder it gets. Though I'm still not rooting for Jean-Ralphio and family to stay away.

"London" serves just about every one of the central characters well, providing some really good humor and excellent character development. Parks and Recreation is maturing just as nicely as April is, and I'm enjoying watching these people become who they are meant to be, surely dreamers who will eventually see their wishes realized.

Parks and Recreation airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.

"Are You Better Off?" With Parks and Recreation

Article first published as "Are You Better Off?" With Parks and Recreation on TheTVKing.

In the fifth season finale of NBC's Parks and Recreation, "Are You Better Off?," Leslie (Amy Poehler) asks the people of Pawnee if they feel they are better off than they were a year ago, when she was elected. At first, she doesn't like the answers of many of her fellow citizens. One person, though, has a definite answer, when they find out they're going to be a parent.

I like the mystery story where Andy (Chris Pratt) attempts to figure out who left the positive pregnancy test at Ron's (Nick Offerman) cabin. He assumes it is one of his co-workers, and with Ann's (Rashida Jones) help, attempts to determine who. It's nice to see Andy and Ann as friends, so different from their early dynamic, and the two don't normally get a lot of screen time together. Plus, this plot opens up a lot of fun possibilities to ponder.

They are several viable options for who might be knocked up, each with varied implications. But "Are You Better Off?" pulls a total shocker when it is revealed that Diane (Lucy Lawless), who is not even on the suspect list, is the one with the bun in the oven, and presumably it is Ron's.

While many of the characters on the show would relish a baby, Ron's main goal is to keep his life the same. I do think, based on how he is with Diane's kids, he'll be a good dad. However, it's not an adventure he seeks out, and it's one sure to change him. I guess we'll have to wait until next year to get his reaction, but if nothing else, it should provide plenty of laughs.

I do feel bad that Ann and Chris (Rob Lowe) have not succeeded in having a baby, though they may not be ready for that yet. They have not proven to be the most compatible couple, and even though they are good people individually, that doesn't necessarily mean they should be bringing a child into this world. I'd rather see them figure themselves out before being tasked with caring for an infant.

At least it's not Mona-Lisa (Jenny Slate) that's pregnant, though. Tom (Aziz Ansari) has a lot on his plate, with his business really taking off, and then being threatened when he refuses to sell. The fact that he's dating Mona-Lisa, who is crazy and a terrible influence, is bad enough. If he were to be tied to her with a child, there would be no escape for him. Tom is getting his stuff together. He deserves to ditch this psycho and find a woman that respects him and treats him right.

I also am glad that April (Aubrey Plaza) is in the clear. She has been accepted to vet school, and seems to be moving up in the world. Like Tom, she is at a critical point in her career, one in which things are going well for her, and she's really coming into her own. When the time is right, I'm sure she and Andy will make interesting excellent parents. But they need time to pursue their own dreams first.

Leslie's story in "Are You Better Off?" is the most introspective. She knows she has fought hard for those she represents, and she is able to brag about positive change that she has helped bring about. Yet, people never agree on everything, and some of the crazies that come out of the woodwork, including many returning Parks and Recreation guest stars, test her mettle and determination.

Leslie takes exactly the right tact in telling them that if they don't approve of her job, recall her. It does make her a bit of a target, and puts her job at risk. However, she works to serve the people of the town, and she wants to make sure she is helping them. Yes, her actions have been in their best interests, but if they don't see that, or don't approve of her, there's not much she can do. Pawnee is filled with adults capable of making their own decisions. Leslie believes in herself, and will work hard to make sure her fellow citizens believe in her, too.

"Are You Better Off?" is sort of an understated finale, much calmer than the election of last season. But it's a nice ending, with good character moments. There are some cliffhanger elements, so this won't make a satisfying season finale, but it does set up some nice arcs for a sixth year without being all about making fans wait.

Parks and Recreation has not yet been renewed, but will most likely return next season to NBC.

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.

Bored to Death will leave you far from it

     HBO's Bored to Death began it's sophomore season two weeks ago.  Starring Jason Schwartzman as Jonathan Ames, a struggling writer, who moonlights as an (unlicensed) private detective, it's a truly unique show.  Ames is joined by his two best friends, George (Ted Danson), who is also his boss, and Ray (Zach Galifianakis), a cartoonist.  All are into pot, and each has their own brand of alcohol.  The show comes across as part noir, part screwball.  This season, Ray's girlfriend, Leah (Heather Burns) was added as a main character.

     Last week tied up some loose threads left after from last year's season finale.  Jonathan is hired by George's nemesis, Richard Antrem (Oliver Platt, The Big C) to find out if his wife, Priscilla (Laila Robins), is cheating on him.  While hiding in a closet, Jonathan is disturbed to see George come back and have sex with Priscilla, something that has been going on for awhile.  What's even more disturbing is that George forgets to keep track of the nights that Jonathan will be waiting in the closet, and it happens a second time.  Jonathan tries to cover up the tryst from Richard, but eventually Richard returns home to find both Jonathan and George in his closet.  In a true testament to just how weird the series is, and how accepting the characters are of each others' various flaws and vices, Richard, George, and Jonathan all go out for a drink afterwards.  It's also worth noting that Richard is George's foil, and the two are far more alike than different.

     The show is mostly about Jonathan.  George and Ray have subplots, such as Leah dumping Ray in the season premiere, and his struggle to win her back, but they are always minor to whatever is happeneing with Jonathan.  In fact, the main character often has two plots going on in each episode.  This week, his new girlfriend, Stella (Jenny Slate, Saturday Night Live) wants him to have a sleepover with her and her ex (Josh Gad, Back to You).

     A side note, the naked man in Leah's bed last week was played by series creator Jonathan Ames.  It is interesting to note that in a deleted part of the scene, Ray actually grabs Ames's penis as he runs past.  Ames says on his blog that it will be on the DVD.  Why would the creator put himself through something like that?  It's a brief glimpse into the mind making the show that fits totally with what we've seen.

     It's a weird show, a perfect vehicle for Schwartzman.  Ames feels like most of the other parts that the actor has ridden to fame, and so fits perfectly.  Somehow, even in weekly doses, it's still a thrill to watch Schwartzman work.  Danson, who has had one of the most successful, consistently wonderful careers of any television actor, shines once more.  I wonder if there isn't more than a little bit of the real Danson in George, who has had bright periods in his life, intermixed with faliure, but weathers it all with good humor and genuine niceness, though he's far from a pushover.  Galifianakis, who soared to notority after The Hangover also plays a part we've seen from him before.  The repeat performance of any of the leading men never comes off as stale, but more finely honed and aged.

     I recommend you tune into Bored to Death, which will have a new episode tonight 10pm on HBO.

For frequent mini-reviews and occasional tv news, follow Jerome on Twitter.