What I'm Watching: Eastbound & Down

Eastbound & Down: Season 2, Episode 5 “Chapter 11” (B+)

He was gone almost as quickly as he appeared, but it was fun (and enlightening) to see the man who helped to create Kenny. Starting with the classic western standoff score was an amusing way to position the two remarkably similar men, and Kenny almost doesn't seem as ridiculous or objectionable with his pop around. In fact, Kenny almost seems happy with his dad, making him into a generally more likeable person, despite the fact that he still takes out all of his anger on poor Stevie. Kenny trying to start a feud with his brother was terribly entertaining as well, as was his defense for doing so (“if you find someone you don't like in your family, it is perfectly okay to fuck them over”). I also love the way Kenny talks to Stevie, if I haven't mentioned that already. And of course, Stevie does have his best interest at heart, reminding him that he belongs on a baseball field. The revelation that April isn't actually married to Cutler is a godsend, because it may be able to help Season Dos get the hell out of Mexico and back to the U.S. Kenny's dad turning him into the police for the reward money and his stepmother hitting on him are funny developments, but I'd pick April over them anyway. It's good just to hear her voice on her answering machine, and Kenny's short and simple message of “I'm coming for you” is just the battle cry this show needs.