Episode Two of Super Fun Night, Tuesday 22nd October 8pm on Nine
by Arthuz
The second instalment of Rebel Wilson’s Super Fun Night was admittedly a much
better treatment to the art of her comedic craft. Wilson’s character finally
takes charge and manipulates the situation in her favor, albeit through lying,
but this is the fun of watching Ms. Wilson tap into her zone.
Kimmie’s friends Marika and Helen Alice
(Liza Lapira and Lauren Ash) were more grounded and believable in this second go-round
as you would expect a series to morph during production as the actors come into
their own.
Kimmie’s co-workers, Kendall and Royce
(Kate Jenkinson and Kevin Bishop), also toned down the theatrics as they settle
in and find their footing. As for being a solid “B” story to Kimmie’s outside
life and an addition to the overall interest of the show the law firm element is
fairly limited and forced at this stage. While Kendall and Royce schmooze a
billionaire client to keep an open account the stakes are somewhat unimportant
to Wilson’s dating life so finding a solid connection is difficult.
The absence of weight related humor was a
welcomed change of pace though it didn’t disappear completely and nor should
it. A little self-depreciating comedy is great fun, Jon Stewart and countless
others have based an entire career around it, but it shouldn’t replace quality
storytelling or be a crutch for weak humor.
While trying not to judge to harshly and
let a fledgling show find its wings the diary aspect of the show is unnecessary
and adds little to the show. If it gets phased out it’s doubtful anyone would
notice.
As the girls venture out into the dating scene
via an Internet dating site specifically designed for three-on-three meet-ups
Kimmie devises a slightly dishonest plan to enhance her chances. When it works,
Wilson’s comedic chops are given the opportunity to shine through. As Kimmie
fashions a Russian accent there’s the hint of genius viewers familiar with
Wilson’s work have come to expect. For those tuning in for the first time they’re
getting a first glimpse of the star quality in action. Sort of like a female
John Candy, Wilson at her best seems capable of anything.
While Marika and Helen-Alice are along for
the ride they remain reluctant to the process until it finally looks like
Kimmie’s meddling will pay off. When it doesn’t work the girls’ friendship is
pushed to the edge. Okay the middle. Still they were really sort of mad at her,
kind of. Triumphantly Kimmie does the right thing and they all end up in a bed
of roses.
Careful not to ruin your viewing pleasure this
is of course the shortened version. Towards the middle of the episode is where
you can expect the laughs to start rolling. The formulaic ending dulls some of
the laughs but at least it’s going in the right direction. If the show lasts
past midseason, hopefully the writing and the characters will become a more
cohesive unit.
Oddly enough, this viewer is pulling for
the show. Maybe therein lies the appeal. Wilson for whatever reason projects
the vulnerability and the correct comedic masking to be very likable. As the
show finds its voice there could be real potential to see more of her range.
While this last episode was just short of
the song and dance routine Kimmie’s got a long way to go before her voice roars
like a lion. In the hard-fought battle of female-lead comedy the defining
quality amongst the most successful is a distinct and poignant voice. This was
as true for the Mary Tyler Moore Show
as it was for Ugly Betty or 30 Rock. As it stands now Super Fun Night isn’t quite there. If
they make it out of the first season still intact they may have a better
understanding of their place in the canon of female lead comedies. Only time
will tell.
