Round Two: Lucky Hank

Lucky Hank: Season 1, Episode 2 “George Saunders” (B+)

This was a great follow-up to the show’s first episode, though I must admit that, being a movie and TV person, I’m not actually familiar with the real-life George Saunders, which I imagine might enhance the enjoyment of this hour. I do like Brian Huskey quite a bit, from shows like “People of Earth” and “Veep,” and it was great to see him take on a slightly more serious role. He got in Hank’s head in a big way and then upset him by asking him why he hadn’t been able to write in front of his students, only to then give him a major compliment just as he was about to go on stage for a lengthy moderated conversation that ended up being fantastic. I like that Hank told Dean Rose that he was afraid he would say something “consistent with his personality” and that Lily felt she knew her husband well enough to get the insufferable Finny to moderate in his place. Bartow continues to be a tremendous nuisance, putting up a sign that said “23 days without an apology” and then forming an “excellence committee” to hold teachers accountable that will surely be very irritating. Hank and Lily seemed convinced their daughter was pregnant but apparently she and her dimwitted boyfriend are just building a pool, and maybe Hank’s job proposition will help distract from this ill-conceived plan. I love the rivalry between Gracie and Paul in which neither of them is anywhere close to innocent and both are behaving in a very petty manner. I also must take time to praise supporting cast standout Shannon DeVido, who was spectacular in the film “Best Summer Ever,” and is hilarious as Emma, who is gifted with an inability to be anything but very rude to people she admires.