What I’m Watching: Better Off Ted

Better Off Ted: Season 2, Episode 10 “Lust in Translation” (B+)

This episode is a rare case where I’m actually wholeheartedly into the Ted storyline, and where it’s that storyline that both dominates and carries the episode. I wasn’t so into Linda and Veronica’s bagel-throwing competition only because it didn’t use them that excellently, but it wasn’t bad. What really made the episode for me was the translator device. I thought it was incredibly clever that Phil and Lem decided to use Phil’s voice instead of the fear-inspiring, godlike booming voice they first tried. What made it so amusing was how much it bothered Ted, and how funny all of his German girlfriend’s dialogue was coming out with Phil’s voice. My favorite part of the whole thing was how old-fashioned the translator devices looked, like something out of the 18th century. Ted is really growing on me as a character, and while I’ve said in the past that this show would be better titled something else more related to its ensemble and Veridian Dynamics, I do think that Ted is a great straight man lead, and he’s even capable of being hilarious if the moment calls for it. This was a terrific episode for him, and his bumbling in response to the accidental initial come-ons of his German flame were topped by his subsequent ambition to date her and ensure that it didn’t adversely affect their professional collaboration. Ted really is driven to succeed, but he’s also foolhardy, something which Veronica knows well, and that’s just plain enjoyable. There isn’t much “Better Off Ted” left this season since “Lost” premieres in less than two weeks, and I do hope all these rumors of cancellation aren’t true since I’d love to see this show stick around for a while.