What I’m Watching: Search Party

Search Party: Season 1, Episodes 5 and 6 “The Mystery of the Golden Charm” and “The Secret of the Sinister Ceremony” (B+)

There is no denying that a lot of the things that happen on this show are really weird. What keeps this show in check is the way that its characters react to them. When Dory, Elliott, and Portia were trying to infiltrate the cult, they heard some off-putting stories and then tried to contribute their own. As usual, the mention of Chantal killed it all, and then we got our first real confirmation that something bad is really happening, following the creepy birthing and the very direct message left on the wall of Dory’s apartment. She was also able to get some support in the form of the private investigator hired by Chantal’s family who had been tailing her and who was close to being on the same page with her about what was going on. Of a handful of guest stars in these installments, the best and most notable was Ron Livingston, perfectly cast as Keith, who talked his way out of nearly being arrested when Dory realized he was tailing her and then helped her find a few clues. Christine Taylor is entertaining as Gail, and I couldn’t figure out who Brick was played by but immediately made the connection when I saw Parker Posey’s name in the credits. Among the best moments of these two episodes were Drew’s family’s reactions to Dory’s absence and her role in Drew’s life in general and the sudden realization of the director that Portia was supposed to be playing a Hispanic character.