Take Three: Life’s Too Short

Life’s Too Short: Season 1, Episode 3 (B+)

It’s about time we got to see some of the other little people that Warwick represents in his Dwarves for Hire business. It’s no surprise that they’re frustrated with him for taking all the good roles instead of recommending them, but it seems that overconfidence doesn’t always work out for the dwarf with the big ego. In another understated celebrity cameo, Helena Bonham Carter managed to be more demeaning to Warwick than he is to anyone else by forcing him to climb into a trash can because he doesn’t look like the child he’s standing in for and then exclaiming that he smells and that she can’t possibly do the scene. The episode’s most uncomfortable moment was Warwick’s visit to the school, but that was a bad situation to begin with that was never going to get any better. Rosamund Hanson continues to steal scenes as Warwick’s assistant Cheryl, consistently being unhelpful and often detrimental in almost every case, particularly when Warwick is asked if he has time on his calendar, which happens quite often. This show is turning out to be exactly like “Extras,” which I’d say is a good thing. It’s most definitely not for everyone, but there’s something to be said for a show that doesn’t mind being politically incorrect. Opening with a shot of a dwarf actor being used as a bowling ball makes a statement of sorts, and it’s exactly what this show is trying to say. I, for one, am enjoying myself thus far.