Round Two: Casual

Casual: Season 1, Episode 3 “Animals” (B+)

I had high hopes for this show following the double-decker premiere last week, and I’m pleased to report that they were met by this third installment, aptly named “Animals” to correspond to more than one of its plotlines. Alex adopting a dog to try to encourage Valerie and Laura not to move out was a smart move in a sense, but his lack of interest in actually taking care of the animal led to an incredibly short period of ownership. Trying to get through sex while Carl was whimpering didn’t help matters, and his low point was sneaking out in the morning only to have Carl run back through the dog door and wake up an unamused April. I like that Alex keeps calling Leon to come with him on misadventures, and that Leon is hopeless to refuse and has to come along and suffer his ridiculous plans. Valerie enthusiastically putting an offer down on a house was triumphant while it lasted, and discovering that she too was on an allowance was an unfortunate blow to her newly renewed confidence. Zak Orth is particularly cruel as Valerie’s ex Drew, and it’s no wonder she’s in her current state thanks to his bitter attitude. At least she’s found some fulfillment in sleeping with James, while Laura has to settle for fantasizing about her homeroom teacher who less than subtly made a pass at her mom during the parent-teacher conference. I wouldn’t be too surprised if what Laura imagined in her mind is so far off from what may end up actually happening soon.