What I’m Watching: Suburgatory

Suburgatory: Season 2, Episode 8 “Black Thai” (B+)

Only this show could pull off an episode like this and not seem foolish. Mixing dance-offs, toddler training, and a misunderstood kidnapping together turned into a rather odd and entertaining half-hour that really served to show just what life is like in this ridiculous town of Chatswin. There were several familiar guest-stars, starting with the return of Malik’s parents, played by Tim Meadows and Paula Newsome, and including Steve Little, best known as Stevie from "Eastbound and Down," as Danny G, Dalia’s dance teacher. Tessa being frustrated that Dalia got a new car for a subpar score on the SATs was understandable, but usually she’s much better at hiding her feelings from others and reserving judgment for her quizzical looks and voiceover narration. George and Dallas spending so much time together has clearly changed that, and it’s interesting to see this new, more competitive side of Tessa. While her dance-off with Dalia was amusing, I think that the fact that they both recognized that they hand ruined their parents’ relationship was much more profound and engaging. George and Dallas’ dance-off was awkward and uncomfortable, far from the smooth style I would have expected from both members of the couple. I liked having Mr. Wolfe involved in a different way with the show, even if his plotline was entirely preposterous. Ryan’s Eugene Goldfarb act was great, and I’m glad to see that his family’s understanding of and appreciator for his love of chocolate pudding skins were able to convince him to come home and end all this highly entertaining nonsense.