What I’m Watching: 2 Broke Girls

2 Broke Girls: Season 1, Episode 21 “And the Messy Purse Smackdown” (B+)

It’s hard to be timely with television because of a show’s designated night and the disconnect between the filming date and the airdate, yet this show somehow pulled it off just right. While most viewers, this one included, hopefully filed their taxes a while ago, Monday night was in fact April 16th, the day before tax day. Giving Earl a spotlight was entertaining, and it’s nice to see him featured so prominently. Caroline’s expertise with financials made sense, as did Max having never filed her taxes before. In this case, Caroline and Max clashed almost more than ever before, as Caroline being organized and obsessive-compulsive offended Max’s lackadaisical laziness. It didn’t take long for them to end up standing side-by side knee-deep in garbage in a dumpster, and that’s what makes this show work. Ending the episode with everyone standing in line helping Max file her taxes was a blast, and the postal worker giving Max a stamp after she slid the envelope in right under her “Closed” sign was sweet. While Sofia is hardly my favorite character, it’s amusing to see her in over her head with a surprisingly romantic Oleg, purporting not to be charmed by him but acting in a manner quite contrary to that sentiment. This show is quickly nearing its hour-long season finale, and while it’s unlikely that it will provide any major closure or summation similar to what a drama series might, it will be interesting to see if the format of the second season is the same as this one, or if the girls embark on a new adventure.