What I’m Watching: Veep (Season Finale)

Veep: Season 2, Episode 10 “D.C.” (A-)

This has been a fun season, but what an utterly fabulous and wholly fantastic closer this was. Selina’s prospects as a serious presidential candidate have never been great, and therefore it’s entirely fitting that her plans about whether and when to run would be made public in such an inconsistent and unimpressive fashion. The speed at which Dan got and accepted four jobs was rather startling, and the same goes for Sue, who negotiated formidably with Kent. Amy’s wavering interest in her relationship with the ever-present Ed was entertaining, and I continue to believe in her as one of the show’s best all-around characters. Gary’s cheese-filled future with Dana seems miserable, and I do hope he’s able to salvage that. More crucially, however, this episode did what this show does best, which is make POTUS into a majestic figure whose very presence is cause for awe and celebration. Cleverly not showing him by having him enter Selina’s office without her seeing was terrific, and her triumphant exodus was great. “Sue, did the President call?” has been uttered so little this season, and to have her dismiss him as insignificant was truly satisfying. This was an exciting and enthralling episode, rare for a comedy like this, and it makes the prospect of a third season, for which the show was renewed at the beginning of May, so wonderful. This show really does have one of the best ensembles around, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus is a great centerpiece for an excellently-written and biting comedy.

Season grade: A-
Season MVP: Kevin Dunn as Ben