'You're the Worst' is actually the best

I’m not even going to apologize for the pun in the title. Blame You’re the Worst creator Stephen Falk for titling his show as such, when the actual show itself is not the 'worst' by any means.

I wanted to write this a week ago, but I figured I should watch the third episode to make sure the first two weren’t a fluke. They weren't. You’re the Worst is one of the best new comedies to debut on television in recent memory. 

The show centers around two adults: Jimmy and Gretchen. The former is played by Chris Geere, who’s frequent exasperated expressions are always on the mark. His incredulous yelling, as he is prone to do, is even funnier when heard in his British accent. Gretchen, whom actress Aya Cash embodies with a mix of self- deprecating charm and an absolutely no-holds-barred attitude. 

The two meet in the pilot at Jimmy’s ex-girlfriend wedding and proceed to hook up. Their relationship is purely physical at first, but as the show progresses, there is a certain amount of emotional intimacy that develops, too.

But, seeing as how neither are particularly crazy about the idea of “settling down” they seem perfectly happy to continue on as maybe-dating. It does get to the point where Jimmy is jealous about the idea of someone else sleeping with Gretchen, and Gretchen slowly lets down her walls and can maybe see Jimmy become someone important in her life.

You’re the Worst has yet to falter - again, there’s only been three episodes - but the way it allows these characters to be selfish and insulting, demeaning and most of all, truthful, is ultimately refreshing. It doesn’t bullshit with the viewers. Jimmy will not pretend to like you and engage in small talk. Gretchen tells it like it is, she speaks her mind and isn’t going to back down.

Then there's Edgar, whom actor Desmin Borges describes in his Twitter bio as the "least worst" person on You're the Worst. And he's probably right. A war vet with PTSD, and recovering drug addict without much direction in the world, he lives with (and cooks for) Jimmy, has befriended Gretchen and provides much of the humor on the show. 

(Photo credit: You're the Worst Facebook)

Honestly, his performance in the second episode was so on point, every expression made me laugh out loud. 

Kether Donohue rounds out the main cast as Gretchen's best friend, Lindsay. A woman always trying the latest fad diet (for reasons unknown to me, she looks fantastic, it's a strange character trait, or flaw) and married to a bore of a man. She could be used as Gretchen’s insult punching bag, but she holds her own with an incredibly polished and put-together look, and facial expressions that could make me cower.

All in all, it stands to reason that these people are not actually “the worst” - unless Gretchen starts murdering people and Jimmy begins cooking meth - but for now, they do remain fairly terrible people who tell it like it is. 

Honestly, it is no surprise I love this show. The humor is dark and dry and it is one hell of an entertaining half-hour. It's almost worth it to record all of them just so I could binge the entire season in one weekend. But I am weak, and don't have the will power to wait that long. 

Season 1 is just ten episodes and boy do I hope a season 2 pick-up is on its way.

You’re the Worst airs Thursdays at 10:30 p.m. on the FX Network. Check it out.

My Thoughts on the Emmy Nomination Snubs

The Emmy nominations were announced Thursday morning, and boy do I have thoughts and opinions. I just have to keep reminding myself about the intricacies of the Emmy's nominations and the Academy of the Television Arts and Sciences. One of my favorite people to follow on Twitter, Todd VanDerWerff, wrote a great article about the nominations process. (Side note: he just started a new position at Vox, before this he was at the A.V. Club and I read every review he wrote about The Americans when I binged on season 2 last month. I would watch an episode, read the recap he wrote with Genevieve Koski, watch the next episode, read that recap, repeat. It really enhanced my binging.)

My takeaway from the nominations:

The Americans, The Good Wife and Scandal were all snubbed in the drama categories (I don't watch Orphan Black) and network comedies might never be able to gain a strong foothold in their categories again.

The one glimmer of hope for The Good Wife is that they did garner some individual nominations. Julianna Margulies was nominated for best actress in a drama; Josh Charles, best supporting actor in a drama and Christine Baranski for best supporting actress in a drama. It is a shame the show overall wasn't recognized - especially with such a strong, large, cast.

The Americans didn't fare nearly as well. Despite the fact their second season was strong from start to finish and Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys acted their asses off, they got a meager consolation nomination for Margo Martindale for best guest actress in a drama. Sure, she deserves that, but to not even been nominated for a technical award - writing, costumes, sound - must hurt. 

Then finally there is Scandal. Kerry Washington 100% deserves a nomination as best lead actress in a drama, as she has embodied a woman many try to emulate (just think about how "it's handled" has become a touchstone phrase in the social media lexicon. 

The Academy might not appreciate you
but we do, Bellamy. 

Bellamy Young deserved that nomination for best supporting actress in a drama so much, I think Twitter might cast a new Emmy just to give her. The way she captures Mellie, the villainous First Lady who is the wedge in Fitz and Olivia's relationship, is just phenomenal. One episode, she's drunk and bitter and you hate (but love) her, the next, she's vulnerable and her emotion's raw and your heart breaks for her.

Despite a strong 22-episode season, it's not a total surprise Scandal was not nominated for best drama. It's on a network. It can't have it's characters fly through the book of swears, or show the aftermath of a gore-y shootout. The idea of a show like Masters of Sex being picked up by a network like ABC is frankly, laughable. 

Network's have it tough now. There's more competition now than ever before - and they are getting the short end of the stick by being relegated to the tame and censored shows that appeal to the masses. Cable, premium and online content are constrained by those terms. They can have as much niche programming as they want and reap the benefits come awards season.

It's also just flat out hard. It is hard to narrow it down to five-six nominees in every category. You could wax poetic about the saturation of television - no longer is there network stations and the occasional HBO nomination, there's HBO and Showtime, FX, PBS, Netflix, mini-series and TV movies, the list won't end. 

But in the end, we must remember that those voting on the nominations - and ultimately, the winners - are a small fraction of the audience these shows command. The Mindy Project might not win an award for best comedy (though it should - season 2 was insanely good) but I will still tune in weekly.

'House of Cards' season 2: Mess with the bull, get the horns. No spoilers!

At the beginning of season 2 episode 3 Frank turns to the camera and states: "There are two types of Vice Presidents: door mats and matadors. Which one do you think I intend to be?"

Well, I think we all knew the answer to that question.

Frank Underwood and his corrupted version of Washington D.C. are back for a heart-thumping second season of House of Cards. After all 13 episodes were uploaded at 3AM EST on February 14, it seemed like everyone tweeted their agonizing wait until they could dive into the season later that day. Some had to wait for their significant other, some had to wait till after work, some had pesky Valentine's Day plans they had to see through before they could settle in for a thrilling ride.

I myself was chomping at the bit to get my binging on, but restrained myself until the afternoon to begin. Then I rushed through three episodes before spending a delightful evening with my friend for a Leslie Knope-approved Galentines day.

I know how this show works. I know each episode is like a chocolate in Forrest Gump's box: you never know what you're going to get. Making it that much more important to savor every blasé side-long glance Frank gives the camera.

Throughout the day I've been slowly but surely moving my way through the season. I'm currently on episode 7 out of 13. I'm cognizant now not to overindulge - if I really wanted to, I could be done already. But, when it comes to the long-game, it's imperative to realize this is all we'll have for another year, at least.

It's a marathon, not a sprint. Yes, I'll finish by tomorrow evening, but I'm determined to stretch it out for as long as I can convince myself to hold out.

As for the show it self, it's decidedly shot with a stronger sense of self-awareness. The cinematography is gorgeous as always, a more film-noir feel than last season, and every aspect - music, lighting, dialogue - definitely ratchets up the political-thriller vibe of it all. Robin Wright was fantastic last season, but that was child's play compared to this season - she's is taking no prisoners.

And if you haven't watched the first season: what are you waiting for!? You now have 26 delectable chapters of television to indulge yourself in. It is Valentine's weekend, after all.