Way more depressing than usual episodes but Lewis and Tandy were great and seeing why Gail is such a drunk was so sad. It's hard to remember in a comedy show it was the end of the world basically and they all lost their loved ones and grieve in their own way. Great stuff
share The thing that struck me the most was, for all its sad stuff, how much of a treat it was for viewers who (like myself) have been watching and enjoying since the very beginning. Phil/Tandy's suicide attempt was way back in the first episode, but this was probably the first time he's talked about it with anybody, and it didn't feel forced or shoehorned in; plus, what little we saw of Todd and Melissa last night, I found it all the more fitting how their lone scene involved their connection with The Shawshank Redemption, which they first bonded over in 1x6, "Some Friggin' Fat Dude," and Melissa brought up again when she proposed to Todd in 2x9, "Secret Santa" (I could argue that his rejection of her proposal is what first really started her on her current downward spiral).
"I know I'm not normal -- but I'm trying to change!" ~ Muriel's Wedding
I love how much this show respects its viewers. Not many do, when it comes down to it.
shareConsidering that Will and at least one of the other writers have said they mainly set out to tell the story they want to tell and have the characters do things they themselves would do in such situations (especially what would be funny to them), they do seem to have become more mindful about pushing the story and characters forward while still acknowledging those characters' shared history (as well as their individual pasts that they may or may not have shared with the others).
Also, I had wondered how the show would reunite Tandy with the ball-buddies without having Sudeikis around to play Mike; I guess that worked out pretty well: not only having Tandy not open that bedroom door (just so he can still hang on a little bit of hope that his brother might actually be alive), but also having him leave behind the balls (other than Gary, his "wingman") so Mike still wouldn't be totally alone in that house.
"I know I'm not normal -- but I'm trying to change!" ~ Muriel's Wedding
Y'know, it makes me sad to think Mike will probably never have a funeral (after all, Phil 2 and Gordon and even Jon Hamm's dude got one) but the sports balls remaining in the house, that actually makes quite a good memorial.
Me-ball-rial. Boom etc.
Phil/Tandy's suicide attempt was way back in the first episode, but this was probably the first time he's talked about it with anybody, and it didn't feel forcedIt didn't not only NOT feel forced but it felt right. I think Lewis finally gets Tandy now. And it was the perfect thing to say. And they way he says "It was Carol" and the emphasis he put on her name. Like he was saying it was Jesus, or some other savior figure. That whole speech about a miracle too. Man, hit you right in the heart. And then Phil not being able to turn the door knob...
That whole speech about a miracle too. Man, hit you right in the heart.
Carol and Gail's mother/daughter fights (I'm going to my room!) and the many ways Gail ISN'T like Carol's mother.
But the funniest thing by far was Todd's Morgan Freeman impression. Holy shyt was that something else.
I have more. Tandy thinking he looks like the exceptionally attractive Mark. Then wearing a bag over his head while driving so Lewis doesn't feel tempted.
But the winner for Tandy/Lewis interaction was when Lewis was looking at the pictures crying and "Mark" comes up behind him. They got me! I can't imagine how Lewis felt. I spit my non-carbonated diet seltzer across the room at that one.
Runner up is when Tandy tazed Lewis.... again.
Tandy thinking he looks like the exceptionally attractive Mark. Then wearing a bag over his head while driving so Lewis doesn't feel tempted.
But the winner for Tandy/Lewis interaction was when Lewis was looking at the pictures crying and "Mark" comes up behind him. They got me! I can't imagine how Lewis felt.
Runner up is when Tandy tazed Lewis.... again.
When I first saw the promo, I knew Tandy would somehow knock Lewis out so he could take him to Seattle, but I assumed he would get him drunk like he did to Carol in s.2 before taking her to Malibu; but I guess the "tazy" is going to be Lewis' thing.
Excellent episode!
shareI remember when this show was funny. Not sure I'll keep watching even if it makes it another season.
shareSame. I thought it was the worst episode of the series so far. Not sure how much longer I'm going to put up with it. Tandy and Carol have gone from quirky and amusing to just painfully obnoxious.
shareNow that's a Shawshank Redemption!
Tandy has to be pretty happy with who he ended up with at this point.
Loved it.
Tandy and Lewis stole the episode even though the scene between Carole and Gayle was touching.
I liked how Tandy forcefully help Lewis get a closure on the "what if" question.
Tandy is the kinda of irritating friend that everyone should wish they could have.
I agree, it was the best episode in ages.
So why can't they get it right more often?
I was addicted to the first season, but it's mostly gone in Big Brother direction ever since. Each week we now seem to see Carole being anal retentive and Melissa being apathetic, not much more