What I’m Watching: Casual (Season Finale)

Casual: Season 2, Episode 13 “The Great Unknown” (B+)

In a lot of ways, this was a strange finale, because it involved a character who played little to no role in this season taking up a major part of its storyline. But Charles showing up and announcing his intention to euthanize himself helped to ground events going on for his two children and his granddaughter, putting them in a more optimistic and productive perspective. Of course Laura was completely cool with the idea of him ending his life, and that prompted her to lash out at Spencer for not dying after her frustrating experience picking up Charles’ prescription as a minor and his nonchalant attitude about everything. Sending Spencer a movie with a request for their next marathon suggests that they might have a shot if he’s willing to give her another chance, but like her uncle, she connects strongly to someone and then ditches them at the first sign of impending permanence. Alex trying to find another venue for his father’s death so that it wouldn’t kill the resale value of his house was funny, and he stepped up to help him even though he really wasn’t feeling like it. Calling Jennifer to complain seemed like a step backward, but their scheduled therapy session at the end of the episode implies that they’ve found a healthier professional arrangement. Leon driving Valerie to get her car at Chili’s was a nice way to check in with this show’s thankless hero, who said that he’s amused by Alex and entranced by Valerie. And he carries a checkbook! Valerie not going back to Drew is probably for the best, and who would have thought that she’d finally move out! This season was a very strong follow-up to the first, and it’s great to know that a third season was ordered way back in June. Now, what can we do to get this show some awards love?

Season grade: A-
Season MVP: Tara Lynne Barr as Laura