Round Two: Blunt Talk

Blunt Talk: Season 1, Episode 2 “I Experience Shame and Anticipate Punishment” (C+)

This second episode was not much of an improvement over the first episode, still intent on classifying itself mostly as a show about an unstable, questionably depraved person and the hijinks he constantly gets himself into. Using Harry as a muse and then having his painting ruined by a flying ball from next door was a bizarre introduction to this episode’s main guest character, Ronnie, who was played by Brett Gelman, who stars as A.J. on “Married.” His obsession with having Harry star in one of his erotic films and the fact that he actually demanded that as payment for the favor of using his green screen was a bit much. I did laugh at Celia nearly derailing the porn star’s attempt to sweet talk Harry and prepare him for their big scene. Not getting on the plane because of Walter’s neurosis and the automatic flushing toilet continuously pulling the seat cover in as soon as Walter had so carefully set it was a drawn-out moment, and the kind of thing that seems all but guaranteed to be repeated throughout this show on a regular basis. The ultimate call that the hurricane he had tried so hard to falsely report on was downgraded and he was supposed to fly back from the city he never actually made it to emphasized the absurdity of all this. This show has a certain style and tone, and while I see how some might find it appealing, I don’t, and I think I’ve seen enough to make that call.

Pilot Review: Blunt Talk

Blunt Talk (Starz)
Premiered August 22 at 9pm

Brits and Americans are very different, and it’s the subject of many television shows. In the case of this new Starz series, the fact that news personality Walter Blunt is British is almost inconsequential, really contained to him spouting Shakespeare when he’s hopped up on any number of substances. It’s his addiction to all those products that is immensely problematic and makes him a train wreck just waiting to derail. I imagined that this episode would feel a lot like the first hour of “The Newsroom,” but it lacked that certain cathartic moment in which the audience could truly understand what Walter brings to the table. Instead, he interviewed himself, which was odd and not so impactful, and then he passed out on screen. This show’s title has many meanings, and it is indeed blunt, edgy, and unfiltered. Patrick Stewart is a fantastic actor making his major return to television after a long run over two decades ago as Captain Jean-Luc Picard (I enjoyed the cameo by Brent Spiner, his longtime costar on that show), and it’s great to see him in more of a comedic light. That said, his performance is controlled but his character is all over the place, and it’s hard to latch on to him as a protagonist. In the supporting cast are a few familiar faces, including Timm Sharp from “Enlightened,” Dolly Wells from “Doll and Em,” Romany Malco from “Weeds,” and Jacki Weaver from “Animal Kingdom.” I’m willing to give this show another chance, but this debut installment wasn’t exactly satisfying or inviting.

How will it work as a series? I’d imagine that Walter has to still be alive, and maybe passing out on air will help spike ratings in the way that the show and network desperately need. He’ll be on a tight leash to be sure, and it could be entertaining to watch him try to stay out of trouble. It could also be depraved and directionless; I’m hoping for the former.
How long will it last? Starz has already ordered two seasons, which makes for twenty episodes in total. It’s too hard to know whether the network will want to stick with it any longer so far down the road, but I also suspect that, no matter what the ratings are, two seasons of this show will be exactly what the network wants to produce.

Pilot grade: C+