ENJOYing BRODY STEVENS

Article first published as ENJOYing BRODY STEVENS on TheTVKing.

Comedy Central recently launched its first 'drama' series, Brody Stevens: Enjoy It! In the first two half-hours, "Brody Stevens, Who Are You?" and "Breakdown!," presented together this week, we meet Steven Brody Stevens, a comedian who used to do warmup for Chelsea Lately and has appeared in The Hangover films. Suffering from mental problems, Brody backed away from the spotlight for awhile and stayed in an institution, but is now back on his meds and ready to make his comeback.

Brody Stevens: Enjoy It! seems to be an unscripted reality series following the show's lead, though surely there is some structure to the episodes. It's hard to tell how much is real, with Brody, Chelsea Handler, Zach Galifianakis, and others playing themselves, seemingly not doing anything so unrealistic that this appears faked or staged. This may just be mostly authentic.

This program is actually based off an HBO short-form project, which explains why it seems more high brow than CC's other fare. The interviews and conversations are mixed pleasingly with amusing animation to really get inside Brody's head in a creative way. The whole thing doesn't quite feel like anything else I've seen before, lending it a bit of originality that is much appreciated.

Brody himself is an oddball, but in a good way. He definitely has had some anger issues in the past, given the stories and explanations he spills early in the run, but he appears to be stable and considerate now. He is working through his stuff with the help of a therapist, and is on a mission to rebuild bridges, such as the one with Chelsea, whose show he quit.

Brody is also bluntly honest. As he embarks on a date with a woman in episode two, he over shares way too much about himself, scaring her away. However, it's this earnestness and the need to not hide anything that makes him endearing, too, knowing what you see is what you get. He doesn't always portray himself in a positive light, when lends him credibility. Any person willing to be this open and honest on a television show (and when discussing sex with their mother) is probably pretty up front about their feelings.

This series is quite compelling. Everyone likes a good comeback story, and Brody has one. He also seems like the type of person who deserves it. His career is clearly not huge, as most people will not have heard of him, but he's been involved in projects with high profiles, showing he has talent and famous friends who respect his skills. If Zach Galifianakis likes him, why not us at home, too?

As a rule, I generally avoid reality shows at all costs. But if Brody Stevens wants to pour his heart and soul out for us on screen, and he seems like someone who is a good person with his head on straight, who am I to criticize? Especially when he's such a fascinating individual. I think I'll keep watching.

Brody Stevens: Enjoy It! airs Sundays at midnight on Comedy Central.

Bored to Death but "Nothing I Can't Handle By Running Away"

     Season three of HBO's Bored to Death comes to a close with "Nothing I Can't Handle By Running Away." Jonathan (Jason Schwartzman) tries to make amends with his biological father, grifter Bergeron (Stacy Keach, Prison Break, Lights Out), only to get kidnapped by some thugs whom Bergeron owes money to. George (Ted Danson) springs into action to save Jonathan, and brings along Ray (Zach Galifianakis) and his league of Super Rays (including The Office's Zach Woods), who are all in costume. Even though the bad guys have guns, a happy ending is found by all, in a slapstick, roundabout way. 

     Bored to Death is one of the most original, consitently funny series on television. Part buddy comedy, part film noir, and lots of other, less identifiable parts, "Nothing I Can't Handle By Running Away" embraces all of those signature elements, crafting a heck of a finale that should satisfy any fan of the show. It's odd that Jonathan, George, and Ray have now defeated actual evil people a couple of times, and remain unscathed. Yet, somehow, they do it. And it is quality television to a point where one doesn't spend much time pondering how unrealistic it probably is.

     The showdown in the stadium is meant to bring pure joy for the viewers, and that it does. No matter that three groundskeepers happen to be in a sort of mob, and can't shoot Jonathan, who isn't a deft or fast runner. George's commentary from the press box only adds to the hilarity of the scene, giving it a surreal quality. Not to mention the unathletic quality of the various Super Rays.

     But there is much, much more to Bored to Death than humor. The friendship between Ray, George, and Jonathan is heartwarming and strong. George and Ray do not hesitate to rush to their friend's aide when he is in need, with little worry for their own safety. It's why their friendship stands the test of time, even when Ray can't make things work with Leah (Heather Burns). Instead, Ray is reduced to seeking dirty, dirty elder love, including with a new lady (Lynn Cohen, Sex and the City) in the finale.

     George, unlike Ray, is making strides with family, too. Learning from Jonathan and Ray how to be a father figure, he is able to reconnect with his daughter, Emily (Halley Feiffer, Mildred Pierce), and throw a wedding for her and her completely inappropriate fiance, Bernard (David Rasche, Rubicon, Ugly Betty). With all of this love to give, he may even manage to make things work with Josephine (Mary Steenburgen, Danson's real-life wife, and a delightful addition to the cast). Thus, George ends "Nothing I Can't Handle By Running Away" in the best place of the trio.

     Jonathan is left in a very weird spot at the end of season three. For one, he doesn't realize that Bergeron does, indeed, return to try to save him, rather than just running away. Which means, Jonathan misses a connection with his dad that will hopefully be revisited, should HBO wisely order a fourth season. Even bigger, Jonathan decides not to tell Rose (Isla Fisher, Wedding Crashers) that they are half brother and sister. It's disturbing, though not having been raised together, the incest is technical, rather than ingrained. Still, Jonathan can never really be happy with someone he knows he is related so closely to. And thus, it must end in a big, messy way, with her furious for having kept the secret, and likely not even wanting a sibling-esque relationship with him. The drama!

     Please, HBO, bring back this quirky, wonderful series for a fourth season!

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Bored to Death finds "Two Large Pearls and a Bar of Gold"

     HBO's Bored to Death's latest installment is called "Two Large Pearls and a Bar of Gold." Jonathan (Jason Schwartzman) is tasked with protecting some family jewels for his ex-girlfriend, Patty (Casey Wilson, Happy Endings, Saturday Night Live), on the eve of her wedding, and brings Ray (Zach Galifianakis) and George (Ted Danson) along to help. But things get complicated when Patty insists on carrying out a pact she made with Jonathan, which entitles her to one more roll in the hay with him. Then things get hairy as a masked bandit attacks and steals the jewels. Jonathan puts the clues together, and realizes that Patty's father, Henry (Rene Auberjonois, Boston Legal, Star Trek: Deep Space 9), is the thief, as he wants the insurance money.

     It's nice that George and Jonathan are good again. Their separation is as hard on the audience as it is on the characters. With George and Ray independently growing closer, Bored to Death creates a Three Amigos relationship that plays very strongly. In "Two Large Pearls and a Bar of Gold," this relationship is shown as much as ever, with the three spending a lot of time together on another crazy adventure. It's like their complete, non-judgmental acceptance of each others' eccentricities that gets the flow going. Their pleasure with each other is our pleasure with the series.

     Ray needs his friends right now. Leah (Heather Burns) catches him playing in the bathtub with Belinda (the great Olympia Dukakis, Steel Magnolias, Mr. Holland's Opus), and she kicks Ray out. Ray strays with Belinda after having a fight with Leah, and his heart truly belongs to his girlfriend. Ray blames it on a case of "elder love," which doesn't really explain anything. But he is sincere in wanting to make up with Leah, and for that reason, despite his nasty actions, it's hard not to root for Ray to win his lady love back. Plus, Ray and Leah fight and split up way too much, and it would be nice to see them more stable.

     George is heading for stability with Josephine (Danson's real life wife, Mary Steenburgen, Curb Your Enthusiasm). Though he has problems with impotence in "Two Large Pearls and a Bar of Gold," they are two kindred spirits who share a love for pot. While George claims to be unavailable for a female companion, Josephine is already latched on, and George doesn't seem to mind. What will be the true test of their relationship, and could potentially ends things, is if George puts Jonathan and Ray ahead of Josephine. Which he most likely will, given their platonic closeness.

     Wilson is hilarious in sitcoms, and Bored to Death is no different. She brings just the right level of crazy to be believable as an ex of Jonathan's, but not too over the top that he would resist her. Similarly, Auberjonis, a fantastic performer in his own right, is wholly sympathetic in a role that could easily be a villain. They continue the wonderful lineup of guest actors this season, which includes Sarah Silverman, Patton Oswalt, Dick Cavett, Bebe Neuwirth, and, of course, John Hodgman and Oliver Platt. It is interesting, but not surprising, that Bored to Death, with its unique brand of absurdity, can attract such talent. But each appearance is wholly appreciated on its own merits.

     It's deeply regrettable that I forgot to review Bored to Death until now this year, and I am deeply sorry. But there are still two episodes left, so make sure to catch them. Bored to Death airs Mondays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.

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

     Click here to read every review of Bored to Death I have written.

     Please click here to order Bored to Death previous seasons on Blu-ray or DVD.

Bored to Death ends second season

     Last night, HBO's Bored to Death finished its second season. It's a noir-comedy, and that if sounds odd, you should see it! I liked the second season way better than the first. The characters were better defined, as were their relationships to each other. The humor was tighter. Guest stars became recurring characters. Less case-of-the-week, and more play into an ongoing plot. Plus the cases-of-the-week they did have often came back up later, and they were just more fun.

     In the finale, Jonathan (Jason Schwartzman) contemplates whether he should let Nina (Zoe Kazan) move in after one night of great sex. By the end of the episode, Jonathan still hasn't made a decision. He's too involved with his friends' drama, and fighting with nemesis Louis (John Hodgman) to think all that much about it.

     In fact, all three principal characters are pretty self-involved. They care about each other, but that's about it. Only Ray (Zach Galifianakis) truly loves a woman, Leah (Heather Burns). But while Ray is still thinking about her, he beds several other women this season, whom he doesn't seem to care a lick about. Jonathan similarly doesn't seem to let his most recent breakup affect him that much. Even Jonathan's pining over his ex in season one seemed more for his benefit than to make her happy. Thankfully, the pining did not really continue into season two.

     Self-involvment can be funny (think Seinfeld or It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia), but somehow this show makes it seem fresh all over again. Not to mention, the characters stay very likable. They're not mean to others; they let Vikram (Ajay Naidu) hang out with them instead of treating him like a driver. They just don't take much interest in others.

     The heart of the series is not love. It's the hilarious hijinks in a three-way bromance. Whether it's rescuing a lovely Korean tranny from his father's spa, or buying rubber bullets when high to stage a rescue from real bad guys. Jonathan did eventually go to lengths to save Ray from his stalker, but he cut an earlier stakeout short because he had to get to a job interview.

     George (Ted Danson) is the most clueless, but he mostly just rolls with whatever happens. He will occasionally take a stand, such as quitting the magazine in the finale. But when he's with Ray and Jonathan, he just seems along for the ride. It probably helps that he's usually incredibly stoned. I think he's also trying to recapture his youth through them, and there is a genuine father-son-esque bond between Jonathan and George.

     I have referenced three main characters. While it is true that Leah was upgraded to series regular for season two, she still wasn't in every episode, and had not independent plot apart from the main three. Hence, despite her name in the credits, she still comes across as a supporting player. As she should stay, because any dissolution from the three guys would probably bring down the show. Other actors appearing are quite capable, but the three men have a chemistry that defines the series.

     I could spend paragraphs dissecting each of the three leads. There is ample neurosis and depth to them all. But it's not necessary. The show is enjoyable at a surface level, as well as with some after thought. It's three A-list actors, taking a break from careers to film eight half-hours a year. I am very glad that they do. I look forward to a third season.


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Article first published as TV Review: Bored to Death Ends a Second Season on Blogcritics.

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.