What I’m Watching: The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Season Finale)

The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Season 1, Episode 13 “Kimmy Makes Waffles!” (B)

I’m finally here, more than two months after most, finishing up this entirely weird and wacky first season. Did the show improve from its uneven irreverence to something much more focused and comedically compelling? A little. I enjoyed the trial more than most since I think it was deisnged to be ridiculous and some of the happenings in New York seemed a bit more far-fetched since they weren’t designed to be so unbelievable. The time spent back in the bunker was entertaining, as Donna revealed her ability to speak impeccable English and Cyndee focused most of her efforts on hating Kimmy for ruining her bachelorette party. I liked that Kimmy was able to storm into the courtroom, interrupt the judge from banging his gavel to finish the birdhouse for his granddaughter, and insert the videotape as Exhibit B to present damning evidence that convinced even Gretchen that he never believed the apocalypse was going to happen. His final request that he be sent to an all-women’s prison was fitting for the charming mad fake preacher. Lillian and Jacqueline driving to Durnsville was a wholly absurd plotline, and now Jacqueline is going to try to reconnect to her Native American roots while Lillian will presumably return to New York to continue to point out preposterous things about her living situation. Titus held on to his fame for a moment, and now he’s been reunited with his…wife? And because Kimmy wasn’t around, Dong got married to someone else. What a mess, but I’m sure this show can pick it back up next season and hopefully turn this into something a bit more coherent and a bit more consistently funny. This is certainly a decent start.

Season grade: B-
Season MVP: Ellie Kemper as Kimmy