What I’m Watching: Casual

Casual: Season 1, Episode 4 “…” (B+)

When you watch a lot of TV, especially all in a row, it’s always important to remember exactly what type of show it is that you’re watching. For instance, when Alex learned about an interview with a journalist that he was being kept from doing because of fear that he would embarrass the comedy, it wasn’t going to turn into some sitcom storyline about how he said all the wrong things and ruined the company’s image. Instead, he took the journalist to a bar and played pool with him, and actually did a tremendous job of exactly what he needed to do. And then he vented by talking to the bartender and made a human connection, and the whole thing would have been perfect if he hadn’t dismissed her in the morning by thanking her for giving him a wonderful experience by opening his eyes up to sleeping with someone who isn’t physically attractive. That Alex didn’t realize that he did anything wrong says a lot about him, and his sadness at not even having one false, manipulated match speaks volumes too. Valerie’s uneasiness about James not texting her back led her to do something impulsive but even moreso strange, stopping by to bring spoons and then just walking out the door when he didn’t react too enthusiastically. Laura didn’t hide her resentment one bit when her teacher didn’t pick up on her advances, and it seems like he got the hint now, which just means it’s a matter of time until someone gets into big trouble. And we got to meet the even more relationship-proof matriarch of the family, Dawn, played by Frances Conroy of “Six Feet Under” excellence, whose physical presence in the next episode should be quite something. I’m also very pleased to report that this show has already been renewed for a second season!