Grid Effect

They’re going to have to knock it the fuck off with these episode titles if they want me to keep recapping their show. I’d be on board with if their was ever a significant reason for two separate not-sequitur titles, but there isn’t. For two episodes its just been two, unrelated quotes that the only thing in common with them is they happen to reside in the same episode. This week Ray describes his relationship with Tanya as “strange friends” and Ray giving his neighbors lyric cookies, one of which has a lyric inside the says “the truth is, you’re sexy”, that the wife is obviously going to misconstrue.

But still, we thought this was another successful effort from Hung, despite the absurd episode title(s). It’s building much in the same way that Breaking Bad* did, in that just learning the tricks of the trade dominates the story while they react to the fallout from their ill-preparation. That fallout isn’t nearly as perilous on Hung as it is on Breaking Bad, but it’s the main source of comedy, and since this series bills itself as such, its fitting. But I think they’d be better off labeling it a dramedy of sorts, because as much as I enjoy Hung I don’t really laugh that much when I’m watching it.

So the struggle continues, they finally get Ray’s wallet back from Lenore after numerous avoidances and bold-faced lies from her. What I can’t understand is why she took $400 off his card if she’s as wealthy as she presents herself to be. I mean, it’s $400 and seems to mean a lot less to her than it does to Ray or Tanya. I know she’s supposed to be vile, but a thief, liar and con-artist seem to preclude any chance of redemption, despite what she may look like. And I tend to be especially shallow.

I think it’s time we started to see a little evolution from Tanya, as well. This is three episodes in a row of her beating around the bush, timidly approaching everyone she interacts with. What makes her and Ray so great on camera together is she’s considerably more forthcoming with him and he always has a response for her new wave arguments and lifestyle. I’d like to see more of that personality inflicted on the rest of the world, including her date with overly pretentious yet clueless Floyd. Not that Floyd’s necessarily a bad guy, right now he seems like the furthest thing from it. But if he has ulterior motives its not really going to surprise anyone, and Tanya seems to recognize how full of shit he could be but elects to ignore it.

The trials and tribulations of Jessica and the twins still aren’t matching that of Ray and Tanya, and usually the second they come on screen I’m waiting breathlessly for them to leave it. We will say that we did like the decision to purchase the rescue dog and their subsequent shared awkward moment over it. Jessica seemed like she had some good will coming her way, even if we still find her pretty loathsome. Who would have thought that the second you show your kids you have something to offer other than doting after them, they will immediately respect you more. Life’s funny like that sometimes.

The show continues to impress when Tanya is on screen with Ray, and it seems Ray is the only character whose definitively compelling in every scene he’s in and manages to be likable in spite of his many, many vices and flaws. I like the move to repair the house by himself. He started out the series lamenting the changes in the country that would have his parents rolling over in their graves, I’m pretty sure one of the principals these dead paternal figures would live by is self-reliance, and nothing is symbolizes that more than rebuilding your own home.

Rescue Me and Weeds recaps later today.

*We gave in and bought the first six episodes of Breaking Bad’s second season on Amazon because I can’t stand not wasting my money, and it’s easily the best series on television right now with the exception of Mad Men. Just un-fucking believable television and significantly better than Hung, which we obviously enjoy.