Instead of catching up on television shows that I’ve been actively watching for years, I decided to start two new ones! But they are short ones, so I feel like it’s justified.
Last week, I watched the 10-episode Comedy Central original, The Other Two. Aside from reading a crap-load of reviews raving about this comedy, after listening to a few interviews with the cast also convinced me to watch. Molly Shannon and Ken Marino were the big sellers for me, but the leads in Heléne Yorke and Drew Tarver, as Brooke and Cary, really delivered.
As the titular “other two,” they have to deal with the sudden internet fame of their younger brother after spending many years struggling to succeed in their own lives. Shannon plays their mother, who is riding on the coattails of Chase’s fame, and Marino plays Chase’s doofy manager, Streeter. Also making quite a few appearances is Wanda Sykes as the sassiest record label executive. I would say most of the comedy is sarcasm, but there are plenty of laugh out loud moments in this half-hour comedy! You feel bad and also frustrated for Brooke and Cary, who at the end still aren’t the famous ones in the family!
The end sets up a perfect second season, so I can’t wait to see where the comedy goes next! My personal favorite minor character was Brooke’s ex-boyfriend Lance, “oh hell yeah!”
In approximately two days, I watch the Netflix show, Special. It’s unique in that it’s a limited series (8 episodes), but each episode is only fifteen minutes long! All total you’re basically watching one movie. Not mad about it, just different. Either way, this show follows Ryan who has a mild case of cerebral palsy. After he gets hit by a car, he blames his physical disabilities on it to all his new friends and co-workers.
There were plenty of topics covered in this show, but the one episode that really stuck with me focused on Ryan’s mom, Karen. It perfectly encapsulates what it’s like to be the sandwich generation without really focusing on Ryan’s disability. I really felt for her. Another part that really stuck with me was when Ryan’s condescending and sarcastic boss points out that yes, Ryan is disabled (from the car accident) but should stop feeling so sorry for himself. The whole exchange was really profound.
The shows content itself is loosely based on lead Ryan O’Connell’s life with cerebral palsy. While some scenes were a little cringe-worthy, I did really enjoy the humor throughout. I especially liked his co-worker/friend, Kim. She was fantastic! With all that, the ending was really sad and unresolved, so I’m hoping for a second season!