What I’m Watching: Veep (Season Premiere)

Veep: Season 2, Episode 1 “Midterms” (B+)

I forgot just how funny this show was, and how Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ dry interpretation of the desperate, attention-seeking vice president, while not the only good part of it, grounds the show in such a fantastic way. This episode also had two great background guest stars, Gary Cole of “The Good Wife” and “The West Wing,” among other things, as legendary strategist Kent Davison, who really doesn’t like Selina, and Kumail Nanjiani, who plays Pindar on “Franklin and Bash,” as the more helpful of Jonah’s minions. Jonah continues to be such a hilarious supporting character, and I loved the myth of POTUS, still unseen, being awake or asleep in the Oval Office. I’m thrilled to report yet another excellently creative version of Selina’s “Did the president call?” which this time was uttered without any expectation of a response only to receive a shocking confirmation. Amy’s father’s stroke could have been an odd emotional point of the story, but instead it was just an interesting look into her family life and just how much she doesn’t get along with her sister. Mike’s boat scandal was funny, and the fact that Gary now has a girlfriend is actually pretty awesome. This show tends to fly under the radar in terms of buzz compared with other HBO shows, but I’m very glad that it’s back since it’s easily one of the best political shows on TV as well as one of the funniest comedies currently airing, with a superb and well-rounded cast to boot.