We are at the beginning of the second part of Season 2, and here we have an episode that introduces all sorts of different characters. Some who just appear one time, some that we will see for just a few episodes, and one key character who will become one of Park's great supporting characters.
"The Set Up" centers around Ann setting up Leslie on a first date with one of her co-workers at the hospital. Now in the past, Leslie has been very open about how poorly her first dates with men normally go. In the Season 1 finale, "Rock Show," we saw a brief glimpse of this as she was set-up on a blind date with an older gentleman by her mother. In "The Set-Up" we see basically the worst date humanly possible from the moment they meet to the moment they part ways, and somehow it gets more and more awkward as the episode goes a long. What makes this storyline even more funny is the casting of Will Arnett. He's not only a funny actor in his own right, but was also Amy Poehler's husband at the time. Overall, it's a good premise, but it does end pretty predictably and sometimes it gets a little too uncomfortable. Arnett's character can be too insulting at times where the humor doesn't always land.
Other scenes in this episode include the introduction of Justin Theroux's character, Justin, who Ann clearly seems to have an attraction towards which makes things awkward for Leslie and Mark. Mark appears to get jealous over Ann's obvious attraction over Justin which causes some conflict between the two. I consider the scenes with Ann and Mark (who have a long-term relationship throughout this season) to be the weakest in Season 2. So, any episode that showcases them as much as this one does I have to knock down a little.
By far, the best scenes in this episode are the ones with Ron and Tom, who are trying to hire a new assistant for Ron. Ron's whole philosophy of hiring the least qualified person makes for great humor and Tom asking interviewees impossible questions is great as well. Also we get the introduction of Jean-Ralphio, Tom's energetic best friend, who makes a very memorable debut as one of the people seeking a position as Ron's assistant. Ron hates him immediately but the writers of the show clearly don't (why would they?)because we will see plenty more of his character throughout the series.
