Just KIDDING

Article first published as TV Review: KIDDING on Seat42F.

Jim Carrey returns to television in the new Showtime series, KIDDING, which has thus far aired two episodes. Carrey plays Jeff, who is a very successful children’s television host known as Mr. Pickles. Sort of a Mr. Rogers-type with the marketing reach of Disney, Mr. Pickles is not just a person, he’s a brand. But when one of his twin sons dies in a tragic car accident and his family falls apart, Jeff fights with his boss to take the show a little darker and deal with his loss on-air.

Carrey is a fantastic actor who hasn’t always done projects worthy of his talent. KIDDING is not a dumb comedy by any stretch; it’s a smart, complex look at grief and different ways of dealing with it. Jeff is a very odd person, his on-screen persona his true personality, not an act, and he has a unique viewpoint on the world. Carrey is a rare actor who can make that seem sincere while also allowing the pain to peek through. It’s a really excellent performance.

KIDDING would be fine as a one-man showcase, and indeed, Carrey has earned such a series. However, he is surrounded by a fantastic ensemble that really enriches the story being told. Frank Langella (The Americans) plays Sebastian, Jeff’s boss who is also his father, making that relationship a lot more layered than it would otherwise be. Puppeteer Deirdre (Catherine Keener, Being John Malkovich) that works on the show is also Jeff’s sister. His estranged wife, Jill (Judy Greer, Arrested Development), is a nurse at the Mr. Pickles Cancer Wing. This blurring of the personal and professional really informs on Jeff as a character, and they all carry their own weight rather effectively, more than just there to serve him, though they do that, too.

The series is both grounded and slightly fantastical, mostly in the way it applies to its lead character. Jeff doesn’t have a firm grasp on reality because he always sees and assumes the best. His show can exist in a place like that, and he’s been able to get away with it because of the lucky life he’s led. But when issues crash down on him, it’s very interesting to see how someone like Jeff weathers the storm.

I love that this is a very dark drama, but that it has room for small bits of comedy. And I do mean small. The opening sequence of episode two, which involves a car theft, is the funniest thing in the initial pair of installments, and no main characters are really part of it. It’s telling that the story has to step away from its leads to find something so hilarious, because their lives are not equipped to handle it currently.

And yet, there’s something about this show that I’m just not sure about yet. Partly it’s because Jeff’s viewpoint, which the audience is mainly guided by, is definitely not the true telling. Partly because we’re still missing key pieces of the emotional story. Partly because Jeff might very well be a powder keg that is going to explode before long. And partly because there are small hanging threads from episode to episode that beg to be resolved. KIDDING seems like something you’d have to make it through a whole season of before you could properly judge it.

I like this show a lot, mainly because of the actors and the basic premise. In the details, sometimes it can be a little slow, sometimes a little obtuse, but overall, it’s interesting and feels unique. I am very curious to see where it goes and if Carrey can keep his performance reigned in, as the subtlety is very much working for him.

KIDDING airs Sundays at 10PM on Showtime.

The Office forms a "Search Committee"

     NBC's The Office ended its season last night with a special one-hour episode entitled "Search Committee." In it, Jim (John Krasinski), Toby (Paul Lieberstein), and Gabe (Zach Woods) interview a wide variety of candidates vying for the manager position at Dundler Mifflin Sabre. Jo (Kathy Bates, whose NBC series Harry's Law was just renewed) returns to check on the process, but gives little input on who should be chosen. Jo does send Gabe back to Florida, though, when it's clear that he has gotten too personally involved in office drama, and replaces him on the panel with Kelly (Mindy Kaling). Angela (Angela Kinsey) gets engaged to her senator boyfriend, and the staff wonders if they should tell her that he's gay. Phyllis (Phyllis Smith) wonders if she might be Erin's (Ellie Kemper) mother. Ellie makes a play to win back Andy (Ed Helms). And Pam (Jenna Fischer) tries to keep acting manager Creed (Creed Bratton) from losing all their clients.

     The Office brings in some heavy star power to apply for the top job, though few are serious contenders. Jim Carrey (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) is the briefest cameo, complete with funny accent, concerned with getting back to his family in the Finger Lakes. Real life Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett is similarly quick, but surprisingly funny as he tries to negotiate a salary. Ricky Gervais (The Invention of Lying) reprises his British The Office character of David Brent for the second time this season. Will Arnett (Arrested Development) leaves surprisingly little impression, while Ray Romano (Everybody Loves Raymond, Men of a Certain Age) kills as a bumbling nervous applicant.

     Neither Carrey or Gervais, who have movie careers, Arnett, who is already starring in a new series next season, Romano, who has a show on TNT, nor Buffett, a real CEO, will be the boss. All have prior, more important commitments. They are a welcome diversion in a fantastic and memorable episode, but that is all they are. While speculation will continue to reign over who will ultimately get the job, it is not worth talking about any of those applicants in any serious manner.

     Perhaps the only two possible contenders from the guest star list are James Spader (Boston Legal) and Catherine Tate (Doctor Who). Tate's character is completely unpredictable, changing her opinions constantly, but she is a friend of Jo's, and that gives her a leg up. Spader delights as a creepy salesman who insists there are no products to sell, just sex. His time on screen is short, though longer than the other guest stars, and it reminds viewers just how good he is, and how he should be back on series television as soon as humanly possible. Either Spader or Tate could fit well with the current ensemble.

     There are also applicants from within the office vying for the position in front of the "search committee." Jim's favorite, and the frontrunner going in, is Darryl (Craig Robinson). Sadly, Darryl botches his interview, doesn't have a resume, ends up making a terrible resume, disappoints Jo, and resorts to cheap tricks with his daughter to try to win the position. Even Jim begins to look exasperated with him by the end. This likely spells the end of his efforts. Kelly fares worse, being laughed out of her interview almost as soon as it starts.

     Andy could possibly be the new front runner. He is underwhelming, but as he says, he will not make waves or changes. Dunder Mifflin Sabre has been through a lot lately, and Andy's leadership style may be just what they need. Though not an early favorite, as Gabe goes on the attack during the initial interview out of jealousy over Erin, he distinguishes himself as he decides to really go for it. He is educated and qualified, and isn't contributing much to the company as a salesman. It could be a perfect storm, or lack of other options.

     Dwight (Rainn Wilson) redoubles his efforts, determined to prove that he can do better than he did in his recent, brief stint as manager. He uses disguises and bribes to try to work his way into the top spot. Jim is dubious, and refuses to actually consider him, even after Jo asks him to. Considering Jim seems to be the decision maker, does Dwight still have a chance?

     Or could Jim reluctantly step in? Despite Spader and Tate's memorable performances, The Office has such a large cast already, it would be good to keep it in house. Dwight is risky, at best, and Andy doesn't blow anyone away. While Jim is previously reluctant to stay manager after his run as co-manager with Michael (Steve Carell), perhaps he will try again, given the lack of options, and the way a poor choice would reflect badly on him and his career.

     Pam is stuck handling Creed for much of the episode, who is every bit as bad a manager as one would expect. Pam often has to put out metaphorical fires around the office, and has the respect and affection of nearly everyone. Throughout "Search Committee," it is Pam who keeps the place running smoothly. For this reason, it is possible that Pam could be a dark horse choice for manager.

     Any way they go, it is crummy that the season ends without a choice being made. The office has been in a state of flux for awhile now, ever since Michael announced his intention to leave, and the instability leaves the viewer feeling uneasy at the end of the episode. Perhaps the choice will be stronger, given that the writers are taking time off to consider the options one last time. But it certainly does no favors to fans in the short term.

     Should the staff tell Angela that her Senator boyfriend is gay? They opt not to, out of kindness, but their patience is stretched as Angela continues to brag about her fiance and their upcoming nuptials. While the decision is made not to do so, it seems only a matter of time before the truth comes out, likely in a retort from a co-worker after Angela makes a particularly snide comment. Angela is a bit delusional, but it is doubtful she will go through with a sham marriage once that lie is exposed. And then perhaps she will revisit Dwight again.

     It is with great disappointment that Phyllis discovers she is not Erin's biological mother. In a previous episode, the clues are set up perfectly for the mystery of Erin's mother and Phyllis's daughter to be solved. The two women exhibit the same mannerisms, and the timing works out. It is not very realistic that they should be related and coincidentally end up in the same workplace. For that reason, it is good the writers did not go through with making Erin Phyllis's daughter. But considering how happy they are when they think it's a possibility, it's very sad that it doesn't work out. How long before Phyllis breaks the news to Erin, or will they continue to act like it might be true? Or perhaps they will decide tests don't matter, and they can maintain the relationship they've started, both filling a gap in the other's life.

     Equally disappointing is that Andy turns Erin down for a date. The two are so obviously perfect for each other. Andy's hurt feelings are understandable, and considering how much he put himself out there for her, and she continuously rejected him, and he does need some time to make her sweat. She deserves as much. Knowing Andy is as nice a guy as he is, he won't make her wait long. He basically says he still likes her in his camera interview. One more romantic gesture from her, and he will probably give in. As he should. Petty feelings cannot take the place of true love. Make no mistake about it, Andy and Erin have true love, and deserve to be happy together. They are the second Jim and Pam of The Office.

     Is Gabe gone for good? Added as a main member of the cast relatively recently in the show's run, he has fit well into the group. Although his immediate plots, a relationship with Erin, and severe jealousy after losing her, have run their course, that is not to say other stories could not be given to Gabe. He has acted completely unreasonably lately, but so have plenty of other characters over the years, and that has never resulted in them being kicked out. It's hard to see how Gabe may continue, and feelings are torn whether he should. It is not in doubt, though, that Woods has so far been completely satisfying on The Office, and should he be gone, it is not due to any fault of the actor's.


     The Office has been picked up for another season, and will continue with someone as the new boss next fall on NBC.

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Article first published as TV Review: The Office - "Search Committee" on Blogcritics.

The Office says "Goodbye, Michael"

     Last night, Michael Scott (Steve Carell) did his final episode of NBC's The Office, appropriately titled "Goodbye, Michael." Michael tells everyone his last day is a day after his real one, to avoid drama and tears. He subtely make sure he spends a moment with each member of the staff so they have a goodbye they can remember, and gives many gifts. Jim (John Krasinski) is the only one who picks up on the deception, as Michael keeps asking for Pam (Jenna Fischer), who is out of the office during his last afternoon, but Jim plays along with a scene that has both men in tears. At the end of the day, Michael slips out, and the staff doesn't realize until the next day, as they wait at a goodbye party they have planned, that Michael is not coming back. Pam does find Michael, though, and get her own goodbye at the airport.

     The Office will not be the same without Steve Carell, and no one will ever replace him. Sure, the company will get a new manager, and someone else will sit behind Michael's desk, but the series will change in ways both big and small without its main man. Current replacement, Deangelo Vickers (Will Ferrell) has a mere one episode left, and Dwight (Rainn Wilson) is still lobbying for the position. Plus, The Office is bringing in a ton of guest stars to interview for the job in their season finale in three weeks, including Jim Carrey, Ray Romono, James Spader, Will Arnett, and series creator Ricky Gervais, but none are likely to stick.

     The thing about Michael is, despite his many mistakes and uncooth approach, he got the job done. Apparently he is a heck of a salesman, though that competence rarely translated on screen. His employees would grow frustrated with him for insulting and politically incorrect things he said. But in the end, they all realize that he realy cares about them. The job has never just been about paper to Michael. It's always been about the people. Jim sums it up best when he tells Michael that he is the best boss Jim has ever had, a pay off, considering how often Jim disagreed with the way Michael runs things.

     Perhaps most likely to take over the manager position, if the job stays in house, as it should, with the large and talented cast is Dwight. Dwight has had a chip on his shoulder ever since finding out Michael did not recommend him as a replacement. In Michael's opinion, he never felt like he had the authority to choose his successor. As he tells Dwight in his final episode, he doesn't own the company. Yet, Michael does leave Dwight with a glowing, to put it mildly, letter of recommendation, and the two make up over paintball. It is a necessayr resolution, considering they were once so close, and it would be painful to part ways on such bitter terms.
     Personally, I believe that Darryl (Craig Robinson) should be the new boss. Despite not being one of the original cast, Darrell has risen through the ranks from the warehouse, and now has an office up on the business floor. While Dwight is combatative, Darrell is universally liked, and seems to have good business sense. The owener of the company has already placed a great deal of faith and trust in him. It seems logical to expect that if anyone currently working at the paper company were to be promoted, it would be Darrell.

     This could be a longer article, but like Michael believes, goodbyes work better when they are short and don't dwell too much on the loss. No matter how things shake down, The Office will continue. The Office airs Thursday nights at 9 p.m. ET on NBC.

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