I think the series is pleasant enough but Martin Short steals every scene he is in. He seems to relish his character. The writing could have been stronger and Steve Martin seems to be in search of his character. His strength is as a reactor which isn’t as sharp as usual. I think the stakes needed to be raised within the story.
This show is so good. I love everything about it and the chemistry between Martin, Short, and Selena Gomez is excellent. I just finished episode 7 which was released today and it was such a beautiful and heartbreaking episode. Nathan Lane gets to really shine in this episode along with deaf actor James Caverly, who plays his son Theo. This whole episode felt like a beautifully choreographed Ballet.
Also it’s fascinating how this show which parodies True Crime Podcasts is happening in real time as internet sleuths and TikTokers are obsessing over Gabby Petito’s murder and the manhunt for her fiancé. But the show takes Missing White Girl Syndrome and turns it on its head with an Asian male victim.
Tuesday’s episode took the show, which I have been enjoying, to another level.
Having an entire episode, seen from the perspective of a deaf character (played by Caverly, who was terrific), wasn’t just an interesting departure but was the most compelling episode in the series that advanced the story quite a bit. It didn’t even try to be funny, though it has some humorous moments, and Lane is quite good. (It also includes Lane singing - but us not hearing - along with “Soliloquy” from Carousel in a heartbreaking scene.
No, I wasn’t expecting anything on this show to be heartbreaking, but the show - while not consistently brilliant - has higher ambitions than I expected. The main stars are co-creator Steve Martin, Martin Short (who I usually tire of but is good here) and Selena Gomez.
It’s like an adult version of my favorite young adult novel ever, “The Westing Game.” Mysteries within mysteries and crimes within crimes, dry droll humor interspersed with broad comedy and true suspense, intergenerational bonding, a wacky cast of characters with hidden depths… even the central plot point of a young disabled man with binoculars being perpetually overlooked is very reminiscent of Ellen Raskin’s book.
Jackie Hoffman flipping Steve Marin off is the best part of the whole series so far. I love it. I think its clever, witty, so enjoyable and love the chemistry between Selena Gomez and Martin Short.
"Ok ok ok ok ok ok ok. Have you guys heard about fidget spinners!?" ~Patti LuPone
IMHO, episode 7 was brilliant from concept to execution! I believe the Emmys will take note and honor the show as well as James Caverly and Nathan Lane.
Jason Veasey (Thought #5 in A Strange Loop) has multi-episode arcs as the boyfriend of one of the Arconia residents in Season 2 and upcoming in Season 3.
Ironically enough, he plays a Broadway dancer currently in “The Lion King”
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So many fun theater people in Season Three (new episodes started today). I was most excited to see Linda Emond (all dolled up as a producer). Wesley Taylor plays her son.
Meryl sings a lovely song (written by Sara Bareilles, Benj Pasek, and perhaps others) at the end of this week's episode (#3). Ashley Park joins here briefly in harmony. Gets you thinking again about seeing Meryl in a musical on stage.
That Sara B song was just wonderful and Meryl did a fantastic job with it! I assume they'll release all the songs eventually, but hope we don't have to wait until the end of the season!
I'm not sure when I've seen a TV cast have more fun. Enjoying the hell out of it.
And I'm amazed at just how amazing Meryl is. Still. (Not because of her age, but because my jaw still drops watching her )
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
dramamama611 said: "I'm not sure when I've seen a TV cast have more fun. Enjoying the hell out of it.
And I'm amazed at just how amazing Meryl is. Still. (Not because of her age, but because my jaw still drops watching her )"
Agree 100%. I watched her audition scene from the first episode multiple times and the nuances of her acting were just incredible. I also love the way the show had fun with stereotypes about her in that episode (accents, always getting every role, et al).
And Linda Emond was a hoot with her "showstopper" speech about Debbie from Duluth.
jkcohen626 said: "That Sara B song was just wonderful and Meryl did a fantastic job with it! I assume they'll release all the songs eventually, but hope we don't have to wait until the end of the season!"
Post-season finale, that was a wonderful season of television, and definitely some of the best work of Martin Short's career. And thank God it's been renewed for Season 4, because that was one hell of a cliffhanger to end on.
Now who's up for a full stage production of Death Rattle Dazzle?
I found this season less fulfilling than the first two despite its highlights and excellent casting. Too many muddled or somewhat tedious plotlines compared to the past.
And now, after winning the Emmy for Best Original Song for "Which of the Pickwick Triplets Did It?", Pasek and Paul have officially hit EGOT status, and Marc Shaiman is now only an Oscar away from the same.