In post 100, zoraster wrote:
Anyway, I totally agree that the whole "gang nearly disintegrates" thing has gotten old. They got a waiver to do it a few more times than they otherwise would have by doing self-referential stuff, but now that they've done that it makes it even WORSE when they do it again.
I'm looking forward to seeing what Chang does as the head of security. It's about time he gets back to a position of power that he can abuse. He was always funniest as the crazy-and-a-little-sad Spanish teacher with an attitude rather than a complete sad sack.
This. A thousand times this. I actually loved the Chang B-plot in this episode for two reasons--first, I agree that Chang is at his funniest when he has power that he can abuse. I liked him WAY more in Season One than in Season Two. Second, it was a nice change of pace for what I typically think of as Ken Jeong-type humor. When Jeong is totally over-the-top, like bashing in Jeff's Lexus with a keytar, or bringing his own equipment to paintball, then I totally agree with reck that a little bit of him goes a long way. But this wasn't the case--it was like a slow descent into Chang's madness as opposed to being hit over the head with it, and I actually really liked it.
I also disliked the group's A-plot because the whole "group realizes they're dysfunctional and nearly disintegrates" plot was already done different ways in season two, and I'm tired of it. Honestly, it was the Chang subplot that saved this episode for me.
That said, zoraster, I shall not abide by your heresy about the chicken fingers episode. That is one of the best episodes the show has ever done.
I also agree that the show could be using Jim Rash more. I'm not sure if there has been an appearance by him that has failed to make me laugh.
And, what the heck happened to John Goodman? He was far and away the best part about the premiere and we haven't seen him since.
On hiatus from any new mafia commitments.
Jesus loves you. But that doesn't mean you're town.
James 2:13
