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

Bored to Death: Season 2, Episode 1 “Escape from the Dungeon” (B+)

Part one of the fantastic new Sunday night HBO comedy pairing is back for its second season after an eight-episode run last year that started out a bit shakily but quickly became one of the most dryly entertaining shows on television. It’s clear that season two is going to be even more of a wacky blast, if this first very funny episode is any indication. Jonathan teaching a class about writing is a recipe for amusing scenarios, and the assortment of students he has, only one of whom has, rather obsessively, read his book, is quite clever. I enjoy the fact that Jonathan, Ray, and George all hang out together regularly now, although George may have to cut back on some of his expenses, especially now that Jonathan has come in screaming with a hood locked onto his head while his clients were in the middle of a prayer. Jonathan’s investigation was typically foolhardy – he accomplished his objective yet still stayed behind to participate in the disturbing activity that ensued. I love the fact that the woman wanted to exchange services with him and have him help her with his book – only on this show would something like that seem reasonable. For those who thought the horse-bound cop looked familiar, Lenny Venito usually plays tough guys, as he did in an episode of “Flight of the Conchords,” on a few episodes of “The Sopranos,” and in the short-lived series “The Knights of Prosperity.” He did fine in this role, and contributed to a very fun first half-hour of the season.