I really, really, really enjoy Netflix. I try not to make it a habit to endorse one corporate brand over any others but this one has been a great alternative for Kyle and I not having TV. Lately we've been discovering some great TV series on it. I like to think that our collection of discovered shows is like we're forming our own Network; our own Netflix Network. Our network only features back-to-back programming that we love and this "season" we came upon Party Down.
Party Down is a show about a catering business that employs mostly fledgling actors, a writer and a couple of oddballs. Each episode has the main characters working at a different event. The events range from birthday parties to funerals and everything in between. The show stars Adam Scott which you may know from Parks and Recreation (another one of my favorites) and Jane Lynch from Glee (not one of my favorites). The other stars include Martin Starr from Freaks and Geeks (definitely a favorite) and Ken Marino of Children's Hospital (I've heard good things). Ok enough about those shows what about this one. Well, it's refreshing in the fact that it doesn't have that mockumentrary, self-aware vibe like The Office and Parks and Recreation. And since it was on Starz, swear words and some brief nudity are abound. It's also a short series than only ran for two seasons. I'm a big fan of short series because for one, they don't drag on and on with storylines I don't care about (I'm looking at you Jim and Pam from the Office) and secondly, the characters remain true to their original roles (I'm looking at you British Office [2 season superstar]).
Party Down is a show about a catering business that employs mostly fledgling actors, a writer and a couple of oddballs. Each episode has the main characters working at a different event. The events range from birthday parties to funerals and everything in between. The show stars Adam Scott which you may know from Parks and Recreation (another one of my favorites) and Jane Lynch from Glee (not one of my favorites). The other stars include Martin Starr from Freaks and Geeks (definitely a favorite) and Ken Marino of Children's Hospital (I've heard good things). Ok enough about those shows what about this one. Well, it's refreshing in the fact that it doesn't have that mockumentrary, self-aware vibe like The Office and Parks and Recreation. And since it was on Starz, swear words and some brief nudity are abound. It's also a short series than only ran for two seasons. I'm a big fan of short series because for one, they don't drag on and on with storylines I don't care about (I'm looking at you Jim and Pam from the Office) and secondly, the characters remain true to their original roles (I'm looking at you British Office [2 season superstar]).
via tv.com
Characters (from right to left)
Constance is creepy. She sort of lingers around Kyle the most and gives him what she thinks is sage advice about the "biz". She is sort of an optimist but in a misguided psychotic way. Her phrases: "I'm a great wingman", "It's just like when I was in..."
Ron is a sad-sap, for lack of a better word, loser. He is trying to change his life around from being a slacker, alcoholic, drug-user. He does this by becoming a up-tight neurotic ninny who creates sophmoric rules for his staff. He is team leader but gets no respect but his character is endearing because he is trying so hard and has good intentions. His phrases: "Come on, guys", "Please, this is important", "Can you try to..."
Henry is the likeable, relatable guy. His failing is that he has become an underachiever and given up on acting. He is naturally paired with his young, "attractive", female counterpart but he remains likeable throughout the obvious romance set-up. His phrases: I'm going to let you find that out on your own
Casey is a insufferable...well you know. She is self absorbed and plays Henry for a fool. All this is done unintentionally but still I'm not a fan. She is important to carry the Henry story along so she is bearable. Her phrases: Things riddled with sarcasm and snark or non-committal statements.
Kyle is the man. He is the Brah with the emo haircut and he might be able to play 4 chords on a guitar. He is basically one of those eternal, naive optimists that charm you with his dopey earnestness and cheesy insights on life. His phrases: "In your face", "Dude", "It's cool, man"
Roman is a hard-scfi nerd. He is a jaded, pessimistic nerd that hates illiterate, wannabe intellectuals. But he is likeable for the cat and mouse friendship he has with Kyle. You can tell he appreciates his friendship despite Kyle not being of the same intellect. His phrases: "How original", "Sell-out", "I'm into Hard Sci-fi"
(not featured)
Lydia (Megan Mullally-Will and Grace's Karen and Parks and Recreation's Tammy) a neurotic, midwesterner stage Mom. I feel as though the character was designed to look and sound like Sarah Palin but don't let that scare you away she is very likeable and very funny.
Ron is a sad-sap, for lack of a better word, loser. He is trying to change his life around from being a slacker, alcoholic, drug-user. He does this by becoming a up-tight neurotic ninny who creates sophmoric rules for his staff. He is team leader but gets no respect but his character is endearing because he is trying so hard and has good intentions. His phrases: "Come on, guys", "Please, this is important", "Can you try to..."
Henry is the likeable, relatable guy. His failing is that he has become an underachiever and given up on acting. He is naturally paired with his young, "attractive", female counterpart but he remains likeable throughout the obvious romance set-up. His phrases: I'm going to let you find that out on your own
Casey is a insufferable...well you know. She is self absorbed and plays Henry for a fool. All this is done unintentionally but still I'm not a fan. She is important to carry the Henry story along so she is bearable. Her phrases: Things riddled with sarcasm and snark or non-committal statements.
Kyle is the man. He is the Brah with the emo haircut and he might be able to play 4 chords on a guitar. He is basically one of those eternal, naive optimists that charm you with his dopey earnestness and cheesy insights on life. His phrases: "In your face", "Dude", "It's cool, man"
Roman is a hard-scfi nerd. He is a jaded, pessimistic nerd that hates illiterate, wannabe intellectuals. But he is likeable for the cat and mouse friendship he has with Kyle. You can tell he appreciates his friendship despite Kyle not being of the same intellect. His phrases: "How original", "Sell-out", "I'm into Hard Sci-fi"
(not featured)
Lydia (Megan Mullally-Will and Grace's Karen and Parks and Recreation's Tammy) a neurotic, midwesterner stage Mom. I feel as though the character was designed to look and sound like Sarah Palin but don't let that scare you away she is very likeable and very funny.
...
Overall the show is pretty solid and was a great edition to our programming. I read that losing Adam Scott to Parks and Recreation may have had something to do with the cancellation. But I like to think that Henry got his acting career back on track and that Parks and Recreation was his big break.
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