2x04 Good Grief

[9.5/10] Another absolute gem of interwoven storylines and brilliant comedy. The prospect of George Sr. dying has a great effect on everyone, especially George Sr. Him getting to watch his own funeral, Tom Sawyer style, is the best thing the character’s gotten to done in the show, between his befuddled commentary, to his interactions with George Michael, it’s where George Sr. really comes into his own as a character.

It’s also a nice episode for Michael and George Michael as father and son. George Michael being in the awkward position of having to cover for George Sr., but not being good at lying, makes for some good laughs. And Michael thinking that his son is covering for his girlfriend (“the mere fact that you call making love ‘pop pop’ tells me you’re not ready”!) when he’s really covering for his grandfather is a superb comic mix-up. And the way Michael flips the situation at the end (using GOB’s magic box once more!) is a clever solution.

Tobias is also on fire here, with his speech about projecting feelings and general presence throughout. Maeby trying to be emancipated by goading her mom into an affair is weird, as befits AD, but still leads to a number of good laughs as Lindsey tries to court Ice (the bounty hunter/caterer). Barry claiming to have forgotten the will while Lucille wants what’s owed her and everyone blurts out “I don’t know what I’m saying” is wonderful dark comedy.

And the running gags! Everyone doing the sad Snoopy walk is just the best. And the bit about “glisten” coming back is perfectly setup. And again, Buster is a comic boon to the series, between him pretending to be in the army using a stripper outfit, to the scenes of his young fits on receiving bad news.

Overall, this one is a laugh and a half that sets up a lot of the comic premises for the rest of the season, and brings out the best gags in everyone.