Would It Kill You to Laugh?

Hilarious, highly-sophisticated genre-bending show in the mold of the British League of Gentlemen or Inside No.9. Ostensibly, the frame story is about a duo of actors of a an embarrassingly idiotic show which, after years of trying to destroy each other are reunited in a talk show, which provides them with the final opportunity to - well - destroy each other. Or perhaps to make amends. Or maybe something else is going on? There are enough clues to make you wonder what exactly are you watching, what's "real" and what the parody. What is the show and what is the show about the show. So yeah, amazingly witty and complex, and also goofy and slap-sticky. Brilliant.

Watched this after "Cinnamon in the Wind" and it serves as an interesting contrast. The striving for spontaneity in "Cinnamon" is replaced with this more mapped-out series of skits.

The concept behind the skits is certainly clever, if you've seen the trailer. The skits move pretty quickly, with a couple of threads connecting them, a heavy book and Kate/John's answer to Apple Pay, i.e. "Do you take Hot Caramel here?"

I'm trying to remember where I first saw them, I think it was some cable comedy short-lived story, or maybe via "I Think You Should Go Now." Their comedy here is relatively gentle (well it is on Peacock) and there is the challenge of meta-comedy in taping a show that at its heart spoofs taped-shows.

I thought it worked just fine, and the two stars have more than a chemistry, some telepathy. Their tackling of the sexual double-standard was definitely funny in multiple ways, even if it leaves a funny taste in your soul. Arguably it should.

Some of Kate's mannerisms (especially in dude-with-a-soul-patch mode) I think indicate her promise in more theatrical roles, although like Miranda July her undying commitment to the absurd and beyond, may always keep her, and her pal Early, late to the party for success.

Time will tell, for now this is a nice slice of stale celebrity cheesecake. Try to make it at least to the dance class... Honestly this made me appreciate "Cinnamon" even more, but both shows are a cut different and above most comedy imho.

These two are absolutely hilarious together. A fair amount of the sketches fall flat and the reoccurring joke of hot plates and melted caramel didn't hit for me, but the interludes of Meredith viera interviewing them is pure comedy gold. I was laughing so hard I nearly chocked. Watching them discuss who got to keep certain comedic mannerisms was brilliant. I recommend if you're already a fan but if you're not on their comedic wavelengths you're gonna have a hard time clicking into this one.

John Early is one of the most underrated comedians of our generation. Loved watching him back in action. Truly happy he and Kate Berlant finally got their own show. So well deserved and long overdue!

Just when the world seems to be careening off a cliff, deuxmoi scoops that Kate and John have reunited on Peacock after their devastating falling out years ago. I rushed to watch and spent the next hour lol'ing heartily, just like in the old days, when a glass of natural wine cost but $10. Just then, as the scent of hot caramel (or was it toast????) wafted through my living room, I felt a twinkle of something I hadn't since before my divorce. A sense of H O P E.

Kate and John, carry on!!!!