Will Forte plays the endearingly sad clown in Phil Lord & Chris Miller’s comedic observations on dystopian life, proving that the writing/directing duo are reliable for hilarious revitalizations of tired plot concepts.
In the third episode of its new season, Episodes sets the deck for many of the dilemmas that its following six instalments will probably concern. While a series of late in-episode turns promise to throw the show as a whole into conflict, the road to get to the ending of “Episode 403” involves the characters meandering their way through talky scenes in order to serve the final plot developments. While this episode alludes to future intrigue on the show, "403" has yet to return Showtime's comedy to the chaotic heights that provides Episodes’ funniest moments.
For the remainder of Episodes’ fourth season, any forward progress in the Helen Basch or Sean & Bev vs. The Network plotlines needs to be more than entertaining.
With the first episode of its fourth season, Episodes has hit the reset button and brought many of the elements that made the show work well in its first couple seasons.
Led by a fantastic Michael Keaton, Birdman is a deeply thoughtful and darkly hilarious meta dissection of egotism that satirizes the entertainment business with a compelling visual style that is all its own.
Though far from perfect, Alex Ross Perry’s new comedy, Listen Up Philip, has a distinct visual style and a biting commentary on the narcissistic mindset of creative people, making it a very enjoyable watch.
