joel wosk busts out of the cubicle…
I’m psyched. Really psyched. This is going to be an awesome week for TV comedy. With the premiere of Workaholics on Comedy Central and Archer on FX, my repertoire of quotable lines will be replenished once again. My DVR and I have a lot of good times to look forward to over the next several weeks. Wednesdays at 10 PM on Comedy Central, for the next two months or so, is the place to check out the fourth season of the hit show, Workaholics.
The premier episode finds the show’s three protagonists: Anders Holmvik (Anders Holm), Adam Demamp (Adam DeVine), and Blake Henderson (Blake Anderson), in the same position they’ve been in for the extent of the series. They are still working as telemarketers at TelAmeriCorp. And by working, I mean engaging in all manners of behavior not conducive to productivity. I’ve grown increasingly attached to this show since it began, and seeing all of the characters in the same position is strangely comforting. It is as if nothing in their lives ever changes, and whereas this would seem depressing otherwise, in this case, it’s reassuring.
As is the case with many shows lucky enough to make it past their first few seasons, Workaholics uses this episode to expand upon some of the show’s minor characters. In this episode, the plot focuses on a roast being given in “honor” of fellow employee, Bill (Bill Stevenson). Anders, Adam, and Blake are horrified to discover that they were not invited to participate because their boss (the perpetually pissed, Alice – Maribeth Monroe) does not think they are funny. After attempting to demonstrate their comedic abilities in front of their co-workers in the company break room, and failing miserably, they decide to stalk Bill over the weekend in order to gain greater insight as to who Bill really is. And this is where things get a little dark and crazy. Without giving away too much, let’s just say that our heroes discover that Bill has a very personal and very intimate talent, that disgusts Anders and Blake, but leaves Adam in a state of awe and admiration. Bill also likes to dress like a robot mime. I’m sorry, but I really wanted to type that sentence. Things escalate pretty quickly from that point, and the situation descends into a revenge/gross out extravaganza.
The show’s main strength comes from the dialogue that goes on between the main characters. The banter is outrageous and at the same time completely accurate. If you have ever spent a significant amount of time with three or more men who have been friends for an extended amount of time, you would probably agree. In the right context, we all become ridiculous children. I’m excited for the rest of the season, with returning characters like Alice’s oblivious and sometimes psychotic assistant, Jillian (Jillian Belk), and a special guest appearance by Bradley (Alice’s disabled and hilariously vulgar brother), I have a lot to look forward to. And so for the rest of the winter, I’m just going to pretend I’m living in sunny California with three of my favorite sociopaths. And speaking of sociopaths, check out Archer on Thursdays at 10 PM on FX.
All Photos Credit: Comedy Central
