The Office and Earl
It's been a while since I've written about the magic box. The only show I watched, up until a couple of months ago, was 24.
That changed in February, when I got hooked on The Office and My Name is Earl.
The Office was a rather obvious viewing choice. Steve Carell starred in my favorite movie of the past five years (The 40 Year Old Virgin), and in addition, the show takes on a Christopher Guest-like direction, with characters doing interviews and explaining their actions.
Last night was the season finale, and while it wasn't as funny as some prior episodes, it was still pretty good.
There was a bit of a cliffhanger at the end, but what impressed me the most is how bit characters are given a chance to shine. Take last night's episode, where Creed (Creed Bratton) goes out of his way to steal everyone's chips at "Casino Night." Because of his persistance, he wins the refridgerator.
According to www.imdb.com, Creed was a member of the Grass Roots. Hmmm.
I enjoyed last night's episode, but will miss the show for four months.
Earl has some solid acting from Jason Lee, and some terrific performances from Jaime Pressly as his ex-wife. Even as someone who doesn't really believ in karma, I think the show has a good message hidden in its at times low-brow humor. There's a character who has messed up and is trying to make it right. Last night's show was one of the best, where Earl gives all of his money to a man he stole $10 from.
Pressly continues to steal the show. First she uses Earl for practice in body piercing, then (in a flashback scene) she steals Barbershop Two out of a video return box, exclaiming "I just saved us $3!"
The show has a happy ending, but any fans hoping the beautiful Catalina to become romantically-linked with dim bulb and oaf Randy will be disappointed.
So now, it's time to focus on 24, the Cavaliers, Reds and Indians.