What I’m Watching: Miracle Workers: Dark Ages

Miracle Workers: Season 2, Episode 5 “Holiday” (B)

I’m always excited to see who gets cast in guest roles since it’s a great opportunity for engaging talent that might not otherwise be available for a regular gig. I’m not sure who I expected to be playing Uncle Bert, but the choice of Kevin Dunn was decent, even if he was much funnier in “Veep” and “Samantha Who.” This was definitely another instance of reflecting modern-day issues through medieval metaphors, with Al ultimately shutting down her rude and chauvinistic uncle with a truth that stung way too much, no longer considered trading barbs and more just being mean. Since Al continues to be the most intelligent and coherent person on this show, she of course was able to be the bigger person and apologize, especially after her affable father pretty much froze up in the face of conflict. The dim-witted Mikey really endures a lot because of his trust in other people, but at least he seems to enjoy himself. What I liked most about this episode was Chauncley’s eagerness to lighten up the tension in his family, having them move from stiff, formal handshakes to icebreakers, but that didn’t work so well, resulting in his father murdering all of his relatives. Fortunately, he was able to find the energy he needed, if not necessarily the proper teammates, to let off some steam and just have fun being with people for the sake of human interaction rather than needing to stand on ceremony and pretend to be having a good time.