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Post by classicswim on May 7, 2023 4:00:05 GMT -8
*Week Nineteen*
Why can’t Starboy be Captain of Outer space?
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
[Impressions]
Synopsis: Brendon treats a cute choreographer to a meal at Jason’s parents’ country club. Paula wrestles with a typing test, while McGuirk combs through his high school yearbook trolling for dates.
I thought revisiting this episode would make me a tad uncomfortable on the Brendon/Cynthia side, but quite the contrary!
This to me is both the most entertaining, and educational episode all about lying and being deceitful. Something that goes for three of our crucial characters here.
McGuirk’s talk about women was timeless. Was especially funny when Brendon was smart enough to point out how predatory his advice actually was.
McGuirk calls up former high school classmates. Ranging from busy housewives, to other women he just outright lies to in hopes of a date.
Carl did a similar thing with his phonebook on an episode of Aqua Teen. Though, Carl only did it just to later masturbate in shame. Plus, Carl was calling them at Two in the morning, to add insult to injury.
I think for what it’s worth, Coach got the short end of the stick in terms of what he might’ve actually deserved. And to his credit again, he had the guts to admit to the lady upfront that he lied about every single thing without wanting to be hurtful.
Still wasted some woman’s time, and he went home without a date. But at least John was let off easy. He learned in that moment he was owed nothing.
And something that rings true once again just like the Nurse episode; McGuirk’s got his own set of boundaries. He never insults or attacks women no matter how often he’s humiliated.
Paula’s struggling with even more immense stress just by learning to type. I forgot that Jim guy who smooth talks her about the typing is one of the best minor characters there is.
Paula cheats on her exam, but whoopdy freaking doo. She’s a mother, and they’re giving her Code Red interrogation over a typing test.
From what I could gather with Brendon, the whole root of why Cynthia hates him now was that he lied to get into his friend’s country club.
Which by the way, it’s nothing short of awesome that Jason Penopolis would even have connections to that club.
Cynthia’s angry under the guise of a kid like Brendon lying all the time. She might’ve been way out of his league from the start, but she apparently forgets often that she’s a kid too. She was wrong as well for assuming it was alright to have the band over with them.
Brendon’s “lie” was just sharing (with permission!) a close friend’s code into a place that he got in trouble for. Otherwise, it’s clear as day what his intentions were. Even when it was a lousy date.
Maybe things wouldn’t have escalated if Jason breezed this by somebody first, as this was already a favor.
Brendon and Paula calling each other as they were both in trouble was probably the best thing to come from that ordeal. It showed again they’re not so different at all and that they have each other’s backs.
Good episode. Have nothing else to add other than Dwayne was real funny in this as well.
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Post by classicswim on May 14, 2023 4:47:31 GMT -8
For any lurkers, I’m bringing my “Home Movies” postings to a halt. No explanation needed.
I’ll continue writing for the show, but for now it’s best to push this backlog thread aside.
Check on the ones you care about, and have a pleasant Sunday.
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Post by fonebone on May 14, 2023 6:58:32 GMT -8
It's okay. You can still post these if you like. My reviews are still on hold for now but I don't think the site can afford to lose you.
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Post by classicswim on May 16, 2023 13:49:48 GMT -8
*Week Twenty Delay*
YOU SUCK AS A LITTLE BROTHER!
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
[Dad]
Synopsis: Brendon finally gets to meet his father, and his girlfriend’s obnoxious personality inspires Brendon to lampoon her in a film. McGuirk becomes a “buddy” to a “special” child.
At last, we’ve made it to our introduction of Andrew Small.
For how long they left us hanging with who this character was, Brendon wasn’t too pleased to meet him.
It was delightful during the car ride when McGuirk cut them off. Someone who indefinitely understands Brendon better.
Andrew’s soon-to-be wife Linda is just as bitchy as I remember. She exists solely to be an unpleasant, bratty wrench. This time around, I got a kick out of Brendon’s film mocking her, and how Andrew was clever enough to put those pieces together.
In the context of the zoo trips when the two actually could have fun, it’s too bad Andrew in the end is a dead-beat. But even when he’s got his job in his ear, and his ruling wife is as high maintenance as having another child; I do like how something with Andrew and Brendon still manages to click. Though briefly, it’s still nice.
Their relationship and bond from the start is one of those “if only” scenarios. Loving chemistry IS there. It just doesn’t last. And I’m sure this is something that resonates with those who do have estranged parents.
Funniest thing from that pairing in this episode would probably be Andrew’s phony freakout in public over Brendon’s minor toe injury.
I very much enjoy the scenes where Andrew and Paula are interacting as well. They’re both equally soft and gawky with each other, but you can easily tell just how their marriage fell apart in the first place. Hilarious dialogue.
McGuirk’s little plot starts off exceptionally dark for Home Movies, but it soon enough turns into something where Coach just wants to be a big brother at all costs. He’s just a big lovable guy.
And even though Eddie’s depiction wasn’t the most flattering, he’s only broadly put as a sick kid for the sake of this show.
Other comedies around this time would’ve rushed to make this all about being mentally handicapped, where as the main concern here was Eddie’s breathing.
They resolve this in a future episode where a gag publication says Eddie made a healthy recovery.
Not at all a bad episode to revist. Might not be the most fun compared to everything else we’ve seen from this season, but still an important mark on the series overall.
McGuirk screaming at that trouble maker Melissa never ceases to amaze me.
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Post by classicswim on May 21, 2023 4:15:09 GMT -8
*Week Twenty One*
“STUPID?!” You just used the word “STUPID” in a sentence directed at me!
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
[Therapy]
Synopsis: In an attempt to resolve the family discord, Brendon, his dad and his dad’s girlfriend see a therapist— who puts the blame on Brendon.
Would this be my numero uno favorite Home Movies episode? (That just so happens to feature Louis CK?)
If you think the answer is yes, you’re wrong. But you’re also very close. In fact, extremely warm!
This one’s had a lasting effect on me ever since I saw it premiere.
Brendon’s explosion is still very much impossible to forget. Something meant to be funny, and it’s raw frustration. One of the few scenes in the entire show I’d love to get down and gritty on how it might’ve been improvised.
The show by this point has already thrown around the idea that Brendon’s problems are constantly pouring into his work. And only in this episode do they start addressing it all out loud.
Unfortunately, the one who unravels this happens to be a therapist.
A doc who believes any sentence involving “should” is a negative one. A shrink who wants you to look at his book.
And for how often he’s apparently hurt by the negative comments, this therapist has no problem telling Brendon he’s the roadblock of his own family. Simply out of undeniable insecurities.
The Shrinking President-King movie is something that’s already analyzed within the episode, but the specific roles Jason and Melissa play are most fun. This episode, the two are more like puzzle pieces in Brendon’s mind than they are just being his friends and shooting a dumb movie.
Perfect, liberating usage of Coach McGuirk.
Instead of trying to find John’s angle for the episode, he just has gingivitis. And he rants for a bit with Brendon on the soccer field.
The rant’s amazing too, as even Coach in this episode is able to pick away at Brendon and his ego.
This all ends with a satisfying F.U. to both Linda and the quack.
Andrew being immaturely proud of his son in that moment; that felt pretty good for the audience.
The only thing that would’ve made the episode better would be if the marriage was off. But of course, that doesn’t happen. That would require Andrew to take a U-turn and be more involved in Brendon’s life.
It’s just tragic neither of them realize yet that this marriage will eventually be the nail in the coffin for their father/son relationship.
The closest Linda ever came to being likable was when she told Brendon they misunderstand each other. That charm’s lost once you realize she’s still threatened by the kid.
Andrew adds to the dysfunction as well which is hilarious. He just doesn’t care about what Linda’s got going on. Doesn’t wanna hear it. He’s definitely guilty of patronizing her, that part you can’t entirely blame him for.
All three are awful at language therapy.
Bonus/Commentary notes:
- Patrick Borelli (the therapist) was another one of Brendon Small’s Boston stand-up buddies.
- Surprising the production crew didn’t care for this episode, but I get it can be a downer. There’s still some good visual gags, such as in the restaurant.
- Can’t get enough of Jason’s English laugh.
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Post by classicswim on May 28, 2023 4:42:50 GMT -8
*Week Twenty Two*
In the den?
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
[Class Trip]
Synopsis: Brendon takes advantage of Paula’s distraction on a class trip to film scenes for his new spy thriller, while McGuirk takes a job at a coffee shop under Brendon’s name.
Very good episode to begin taking a brief detour from the season’s underlying plots.
Also a good episode to have the characters exploring different locations.
Everything emits and leads to total chaos.
Brendon, Jason & Melissa want to get into film hijinks during their school trip, as expected.
Paula being the chaperone of this trip means she has to be overwhelmed by Mr. Lynch’s list and all the brats on board.
Fenton’s deliveries improve ever so greatly in this episode. He’s just a little prick the entire time. Fenton gets Addleburg to throw Lynch outta the hotel, which makes for a good laugh. Even Paula was amused by that one.
Speaking of, Addleburg receives plenty of goofy dialogue.
Coach McGuirk on the side is dealing with another one of those grand white lies that gets him in trouble. You can’t help but love him for pretending to be Brendon just so he can get a job at a coffee place. To pay off the money owed from smashing the school coffee machine over the principal’s car...
His interactions with Little Mama show Stephanie wasn’t the first woman to get all bubbly with Coach.
Anyway, that’s all I can provide on this one. If you haven’t, you gotta just watch it for yourself. This is the type of stuff that makes the later seasons so funny.
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Post by classicswim on Jun 4, 2023 8:05:53 GMT -8
*Week Twenty Three*
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
[History]
Synopsis: Brendon’s adventures with history succeed brilliantly in his new film, but they fail miserably in real life.
Ah yes, the Starboy episode. LEGENDARY.
In short, this is where the home movie part of the show reaches its fullest potential.
From here on out, they can go as insane with these movie skits as they want.
The main situation in the episode is Brendon failing Lynch’s class like you saw in season one. Only this was handled far more comedically. Lynch has a good time here.
This episode also just shows Brendon as his 100% true self. Just all around nutty.
They even throw you a bone and give you a couple good scenes with McGuirk as Brendon’s “tutor.”
The end goal here is that you’re captivated by Starboy & The Captain of Outer Space. Not to mention Small’s triumphant performance as George Washington.
The movie’s out of this world and zany, with a hint of the good ol’ rock opera in there. They even use the Metalocalypse theme riff years before that was a thing. I also just love when Brendon & Jason break into birthday music.
And you don’t have just Dwayne as a movie extra to look forward to either. This one’s got Walter, Perry, and even Junior Addleburg on set.
Episode basically ends with Paula calling her son an idiot.
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Post by classicswim on Jun 11, 2023 7:47:08 GMT -8
*Week Twenty Four*
DVD PLAYER
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
[Writer’s Block]
Synopsis: Frustrated and scriptless at a writer’s fair, Brendon and the gang decide to improvise a performance — and the result is a hit. Paula’s attempts to write a romance novel prove less fertile. Meanwhile, Coach McGuirk’s insomnia pays off when he participates in a sleep study for cash.
Last week, you saw Brendon and his classmates put together one hell of a vivid, yet historically inaccurate movie.
This week, both Brendon and his mother are doing what they can to level up their writing.
If you’re a Paula fan, this is the episode for you. It pushes this interesting switcheroo where Paula gets to show her own wine induced fantasy, while Brendon’s just creatively bankrupt.
Brendon says he wrote about 500 movies at the beginning of this episode. Could just be a childlike exaggeration, but that number also isn’t that hard to believe coming from him and how he works.
I think while those two stories are all well and good, it’s no mystery that Coach McGuirk wins this week in the humor department.
His insomniac rant is simply timeless, don’t think he gets as harsh with Melissa anymore after this.
He suffered from a week lost of sleep, and as he’s drifting in and out of consciousness, he suggests Brendon take the name ‘Vito Corleone’ and simply change it to Marty as a way of helping his writer’s block.
Nurse Kirkman returns! She referred John to that treatment place to become a lab rat.
That scene near the end with Coach in the living room: I recall years back, that scene was shown from an online leak of the remastering Adult Swim was doing at the time. A friend showed me what was going on back then and said an employee got fired. I’ll have to dig for that.
Neat episode. Can’t say it’s one of the weaker ones just going by McGuirk alone, but this still could’ve used some tuning up on Brendon’s side. I guess once you get to the fair is when that section starts to entertain.
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Post by classicswim on Jun 18, 2023 5:08:06 GMT -8
*Week Twenty Five*
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
[Pizza Club]
Synopsis: Brendon and his dad form their own pizza club, inspiring a rejected McGuirk to start a rival pizza club with Walter and Perry.
We have now made it to the penultimate episode of season two, and my NUMBER ONE FAVORITE episode of the entire series.
Coach McGuirk does a lot in this series to win you over, but there’s no other episode that highlights his jealousy and pettiness to this extreme.
That’s the art of Pizza Club.
Brendon and his father have this dumb scheduled two member club meeting, which is actually just father + son bonding by sharing pizza together. McGuirk hates this, and there’s two sides to it.
Coach being challenged as a father figure was one thing that was brewing for awhile. He’s spent all this time shootin’ the breeze with Brendon, someone else swoops in, and he doesn’t like it.
It doesn’t even matter that Andrew is Brendon’s actual dad. When ever John doesn’t like someone, he makes it known. No one is exempt from this.
Another thing is, again, the sheer pettiness on principle.
With McGuirk, all you have to do is label “club” onto something, attend at your leisure, and that alone will set him off.
No matter how lame something actually is, Coach refuses to be left out. And he goes to great lengths with this festering jealousy.
First, he bumps into the two at the pizza parlor. Which you just know he followed them there.
He bribes Brendon with Lynch’s stolen bike, then orders him off the bike once the dad’s brought up in conversation.
He forms his own Pizza Club next to Brendon’s with Walter and Perry, and even those two leave the pathetic SOB on the spot.
Eventually there’s a huge tantrum on the soccer field, which in the end grants McGuirk access to the Pizza Club at last.
John was let into a make believe childhood club out of pity, and he takes this as a badge of honor. He cries tears of joy, maybe just plain tears. The big baby even wrote his own speech as a means to this wonderful occasion.
Andrew was nice in this. There’s no real mention of Linda, Andrew’s spending quality time with his kid, and Mr. Small has even grown invested with what his son has going on. Louis also does a JFK impression which I forgot about.
The weakest link by far would be ending off the Cynthia arc. The good thing is the overall episode is just too damn great for Cynthia to weigh it down. She’s never seen again, and her part of the episode was only done so there would be no loose ends.
They went along with this show not quite knowing when they’d get renewed before eventually ending at season four, but you can say Dwayne’s prep for Battle of The Bands could be a little foreshadowing.
The movie with Maloo Loo was endearing at the beginning, and so was Paula desperately wanting to be involved with the filming.
This episode and the last were both more pleasant ways of looking at unemployed Paula without it 100% hinging on her being flustered, or having a drinking problem. And it reminds you that she too has an arc left unfinished.
All ‘n all, the best of the best.
Pizza Club meeting adjourned.
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Post by classicswim on Jun 25, 2023 7:20:07 GMT -8
*Week Twenty Six*
I call it “The Crab!” _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
[The Wedding]
Synopsis: Chaos erupts at Brendon’s dad’s wedding.
We’ve reached the end of the second season. Sad already, but I couldn’t think of a stronger way to close this specific chapter.
The groove of The Wedding from start-to-finish is simply admirable. Even if the S1 finale had more of an impact on me in comparison by just a couple scenes, this was the better episode.
Everything comes together, but they succeed by going out of their way to make it unconventional, taking it in directions you wouldn’t expect.
Brendon’s rash deformity was symbolic of nothing other than the stress and oddness of the season finally getting to him.
You could say Brendon ruined the wedding, but that wouldn’t be true. I mean, they had to do all this while a casket was around. This marriage was a spotted disaster a mile away. The couple laughed frantically about getting divorce papers before anything even started.
You only see one other show with Andrew after this and that’s it. There was nothing in this episode that implied he would dip away from his son yet again, but I guess that’s the realistic outcome. It obviously had more to do with Louis CK’s own availability.
Plenty of humorous material to go around, but Lindenson stole this show, and it wasn’t even close. Nearly every single thing he says is funny, and having him pair with Brendon for a bit of the episode was perfect.
Lindenson does the good thing and gives Paula her job back. You’d think she’d be happier and more content with another job, but this made her day enough to kiss the goofy man. A happy ending after what she went through.
I get it was already a running gag with Lindenson mistaking Brendon for a girl, but I always liked the idea from this episode that only we the audience can hear Brendon’s adult voice.
Now where this story really has legs.... Stephanie’s legs. Herself and McGuirk...
A lot of people like this as the ultimate push up or shut up scenario for John. Definitely something I haven’t forgotten.
The thing is, part of me wishes Coach would’ve actually made a move. Steph was too good for him, but this proves McGuirk is capable of having some relationship. He only opts out because he’s his own worst enemy.
What I love most about it would actually be their first interaction. It’s great because McGuirk’s not lying or bragging about himself like he would typically. He was actually very modest for most part, that along with Brendon’s invitation helped him out.
Very good finale that keeps you on your toes.
Crazy that I’m already halfway thru the year round goal I started with Toonzone!
It’s been one hell of a unresolved mess, but I’m glad I stuck to it.
S3 next Sunday!
Extra notes:
- Walter & Perry reach legendary status after this appearance.
- Landstander has its own interactive game! On season two, disc one of the DVD set. Very good artwork present!
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Post by classicswim on Jul 2, 2023 6:11:45 GMT -8
*Week Twenty Seven* You can tell the fairies I said “go to hell.” WHERE THEY BELONG! _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ [ Shore Leave] Synopsis: Erik is worried that Melissa doesn’t have enough friends who are girls, so he enrolls her in The Fairy Princesses. Meanwhile, Brendon gets invited to spend the weekend with Fenton, whom he didn’t even know he was friends with.Whooo! The third season! This premiere is a highly notable fan favorite for most. And yeah, the entire story with Fenton & Brendon alone would rank it fairly high. Not only that, the ending to this episode forever stands to be the most over-the-top thing they’ve ever done. Me personally? I think it’s the first that’s both admirably rambunctious, yet oddly uncanny at the same time. There was always something about Erik’s dialogue in this episode that felt unnatural. Seemed like they had Katz play off a situational, self-concerned parent role instead of the liberating oddball you’d typically know Mr. Robbins to be. Erik never had any issues with Melissa being herself up until this point. Even his one-on-one scene with Paula was more off putting than funny. Which is a shame because I usually love when Katz is around. The entire plot with Melissa is a tricky one. Some things like the climax and McGuirk’s ridiculing at the mall worked out masterfully. The scenes between Melissa and the Fairy Princess leader however could’ve used a little rework. The later seasons of Home Movies had Benjamin voice a variety of one-off characters, and not every single one could stick the landing. This, I feel would be an example of a not so great performance. Not that I’m even 100% dismissive of this segment either. The jokes are there, I just wasn’t impressed with that particular delivery. Brendon’s little cartoon in this episode for the Fairy Princesses was a clear prototype for Facebones. I love how that bit went all in on the VHS aesthetic, even with the show looking as it is. What you have to keep in mind throughout this entire thing is that Melissa & Brendon’s discomfort are meant to both align in harmony. For the better half of the episode, there isn’t really much to dissect other than Fenton slowly, but surely becoming Brendon’s worst nightmare. I think with Fenton, it’s the ultimate example of building on one recurring character for the better. He didn’t have this much of a creepy obsession with Bren-Bren up until this episode, but it works. If Fenton just stayed as the mean bratty kid no one liked (remember his family portrait in “The Party” was just him with a black eye), it wouldn’t be as fun. This episode was successful in showing you just how demented he could truly be. The shocker with Fenton’s mom was precisely that. Pure shock. 2002 me wishes I could watch that again for the first time. The Wedding from before had nudity, but it didn’t have Fenton ferociously attacking Brendon immediately after witnessing said nudity. If a tad flawed, “Shore Leave” was a prime, experimental episode. More examples of the characters being forced out of their comfort zones will soon follow! Extra notes:- Jason’s a master of the walkie talkie. - You ABSOLUTELY should check out domain name www.fentonsnakedmom.com
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Post by classicswim on Jul 9, 2023 4:30:45 GMT -8
*Week Twenty Eight*
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
[Breaking Up Is Hard to Do]
Synopsis: Paula burns down her kitchen, and McGuirk volunteers to get paid to fix it. Paula’s parents are getting a divorce. Jason fakes a divorce in order to fit in.
Despite always having some really good scenes within, I wasn’t sure where I would land rewatching this episode.
McGuirk attempting and failing the repair job was undoubtedly the best thing. He’s been in funnier situations than what’s shown here, but really it’s just nice to see Coach being a dad.
Throughout his time at the Small residence, you can see just how well McGuirk fits in with the family. One of my favorite little scenes being when Grandpa Sam mistakes John for Brendon.
If there was anything 302 truly did, it reaffirmed my near twenty year old, unoriginal fan theory about what happens after the final episode.
The whole bit where Jason’s pretending to be in a broken home. Another all-timer. The “Scabface” poster in the background was the icing on the cake.
Grandpa Sam was about as likable as I remember. Although much less involved than I remember him being as well.
It’s honestly a shame they could never work out Grandmother Doris in this series, especially since Paula’s such a good character.
I guess it helps no one misses Doris that much, but you still wish there could’ve been improvements with that in particular. It’s all good for Jen Kirkman regardless.
You’ll like this episode or find it okay for one reason or another. At worst, it’s average overall, which is kind of the boat I’m on here.
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Post by classicswim on Jul 16, 2023 8:27:23 GMT -8
*Week Twenty Nine*
Lynch’s mustache looks stupid!
What a dumb idiot to have a mustache like that!
WHY DON’T YOU GO WAX YOUR ASS?!
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
[Bad Influences]
Synopsis: Brendon and Jason are putting on weight at an alarming rate. So in order to break the “fat enabling” cycle they decide never to see each other again. Coach McGuirk tries out his own theory called the “fat father syndrome.”
Something to be mentioned, in the automatic. McGuirk’s poem.
The “NEW YORK TIMES” rant.
That entire scene alone is in the top three greatest of Home Movies. It’s the one scene I’ve gone back to hundreds of times. Watching this in full again really took things back for me.
John’s eager to throw a double date only as a way of getting back with the nurse in his own eyes. He chases Lynch down at his car. They negotiate and both lump in a different girl to come along. Neither of which really care to remember that woman’s name.
You might recall my Week Ten Delay with Nurse Kirkman’s debut back in March, where I mentioned this being the better episode. That still very much rings true. And with Coach’s story, there’s two sides to that coin.
This one had McGuirk exploding in the most astonishing fashion ever. It’s arguably more embarrassing than him being too drunk on a date.
It’s Coach being too drunk on a date... and feeling under-classed.
There were no shots or below the belt punches at John whatsoever. He blurted out unintelligible remarks and kept inserting his infatuation with the FFS because he thought repeating it enough times would sway the nurse off her feet.
Lynch and the girls start gawking about current events, and that made McGuirk sooooooo angry.
Couldn’t think of a better way to make a complete ass of yourself. There was only one private confrontation in the restroom, and Coach just sat at the table festering for the rest of the night until he blind-sighted everyone by jumping on stage.
Also, season one was operating under the assumption that Lynch is above McGuirk and holds more integrity. Which you see here... not by a wide margin.
It didn’t take much to set off Ronald and make him equally childish so that both were left with each other.
It’s fun having them both be screwups, and even more rewarding once you see them enjoying each other’s company amidst the wreckage.
Brendon & Jason getting fat was among one of the weirdest Home Movies aired on Adult Swim. You know, like when McGuirk grows boobs.
Brendon & Jason’s side of the episode is memorable just for how weird it was, but I guess it’s another funny way of showing how the kids handle their little childhood addictions. The enabling nature that can come with gaining weight was something Brendon & Loren both related to heavily in their commentary. Also, just lots of fat talk.
Without Jason’s rage, Melissa’s sadness over not being able to film with her friends would be sure to bring some puppy dog eyes.
You get a mix of one of their most morbid stories, along with one of the funniest things they’ve ever produced on the side. One you cannot miss.
Side notes:
- This was the one where you see Brendon dressed as James Dean/Fry from Futurama at the beginning of the episode.
- McGuirk sitting sternly at the bar with his jacket brings me some AS Dot Com flashbacks.
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Post by classicswim on Jul 23, 2023 4:04:24 GMT -8
*Week Thirty*
OH NO!
EVERYONE’S-A MAKIN FUN-A ME-AHH!
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
[Improving Your Life Through Improv]
Synopsis: Mr. Lynch sends all the kids plus Coach McGuirk to sensitivity training on a Saturday, where they learn the value of really bad improv games. Paula secretly enters one of Brendon’s home movies in a video contest.
Highest note of the episode by far has always been Brendon making fun of Junior Addleburg. I consider this to be one of Brendon’s finer moments on the show.
It’s still hilarious seeing McGuirk laugh at the impressions like the big dumb kid that he is.
Underrated bits within the episode...
1.) Brendon additionally mocking Mr. Lynch.
2.) McGuirk’s impression of Dustin Hoffman.
3.) McGuirk’s impression of his father watching “It’s a Wonderful Life” and asking for beer.
There was something from the commentary of the previous episode which I failed to mention. Brendon & Loren commented on how the direction of the movie sketches really started to improve around this time. How they were able to get a better feel of each one without dragging it all the way to the beginning of the episode.
^ This episode’s a fine example of such. I enjoyed the creativeness behind Brendon having to go over all the rework that needs to be done for his movies in his room.
I’ve also neglected to speak much on the musical side of this show, though really I think that immense type of work speaks for itself. I will say “No Skin Off My Ass” was a pretty good send off for a one-time character I didn’t particularly care for.
In retrospect, episode felt kinda light. It’s good just how the Addleburgs get the last laugh, and that big tag-and-freeze section was highly satisfying as well. I guess the outcome at the junction itself felt more contained than usual. Even with the mildly obscene song.
But yeah. Good episode with a nice, enclosed setting.
On a side note, this has to be my favorite of Walter & Perry. Right next to the storm.
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Post by classicswim on Jul 30, 2023 11:16:52 GMT -8
*Week Thirty One*
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[Four’s Company]
Synopsis: Melissa has a new boyfriend, and Brendon and Jason are jealous when her love life starts to interfere with their busy production schedule. Brendon and Melissa are also suffering from creative differences on their approach to a school project about the life and times of Susan B. Anthony.
What’s the “B” in Susan B. Anthony stand for? Bitchin’.
The horror film at the beginning always stood out, and the entire scene at the super market to me is still the sole winner of the episode.
The rest? Eh. I could sorta do without.
I mean main story wise, it gives Melissa a little relationship to cause friction, and it gives us the silly Octavio character to go on for awhile. That’s about it. To me, there’s just not much interest or laughter to be had, and it doesn’t really speak to Melissa as a character.
McGuirk’s dinner plans carried the episode.
I would say the super market scene was phenomenal only for Benjamin & Katz pairing yet again thru McGuirk & Erik, but that would be a huge disservice toward the rest of it all.
The super market scene was like a hilarious character study of what happens when all our guys run into each other in the middle of shopping.
It evolves into nobody wanting to do anything with McGuirk, when the reality is Paula also doesn’t wanna waste too much time with the likes of Erik or Lynch either. Those two were already enough on her skin, and by the time she sees John roll up... “oh god.”
Really was great. That stupid joke about exchanging information when bumping grocery carts. You see Erik’s dry sense of humor rub off on Melissa. Paula tried putting on a happy face when hearing that nonsense, and Brendon could hardly maintain the same courtesy.
Seeing McGuirk chase Erik around the store was already hysterical enough. Then you top it off with how desperate Coach is for the remainder of the episode JUST to have dinner with Paula and the guys.
His planning’s a hundred times more funny than whatever he had previously ironed out for the nurse, because this time it’s not even anything sexual. It’s pure desperation to be part of the group.
Erik’s the only one who purely entertains and encourages John when the time is right. That’s what makes Melissa’s dad such a sap.
Erik’s vulnerable enough to where McGuirk can call him from outside his house wearing binoculars. And instead of it being uncomfortable or real confrontational, Erik starts laughing at Coach’s ridicule of Lynch during the group call. A minute after being stalked and hounded over a simple dinner reservation.
There’s really not much to offer on what the kids have going on, but this still ends up being a real humorous episode to explore dynamics.
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