What I’m Watching: Bored to Death (Season Finale)

Bored to Death: Season 1, Episode 8 “Take a Dive” (B+)

This season comes to a fitting close as the characters take on their rivals in the boxing ring, which, in keeping with the nature of the show, is hardly the place for them to compete. This show has been fantastically entertaining since its third installment, and it feels like it’s barely been given a chance to get started since this is only the sixth good episode that’s been produced. Fortunately, the show was renewed a while ago for a second season, and the writers will have a nice long time to get the show in order before it returns next year. The opening interview with Richard and George demonstrates just how ridiculous this fight is, and how the main characters know it. George sums it up perfectly, deeming it inane but necessary because Richard challenged him. It’s gratifying to see George approached by his ex-wife and have him take a dive for once and help someone else out rather than always turn to Jonathan to help him get out of a sticky situation or deal with a problem. Jonathan’s speedy response to the calls of an attempted blackmailer who needed to inform him that he had to go at the end of each call was impressive, and it’s great to see him getting out there and trying to be debonair and shrewd when he can be. I loved how each of the fights went down, all with different outcomes that were completely right for each set of opponents. It was hilarious that Richard hired a cartoonist because Ray was fighting alongside George and Jonathan, and the man’s admiration for Ray was amusing. Even funnier was the fact that the rival cartoonist accidentally knocked Ray down for the count with one punch, and then beat himself up accordingly so that he would have scars to show too. Jonathan’s takedown of his bullying opponent was a nice moment, as was George’s decision to go down, even though it wasn’t clear that he was actually a stronger fighter. This show has been a lot of fun, and I’m glad I stuck with it even though the first two episodes weren’t stellar. I look forward to its return, and I also hope to see more of the lovely Olivia Thirlby next year.

Season grade: B+
Season MVP: Zach Galifianakis