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<i>The Comedians</i> – “Go For Gad” Review. Stolen Workplace Jokes.

Season 1, Episode 5

Air Date: Thursday, May 7, 2015, 10:00 pm ET/PT on FX

Rating: ★★★★★

Freefall

Rumors start to swirl on set that Josh (Josh Gad) is up for a role in the next Martin Scorsese film. Will it create too much of a distraction for the The Billy and Josh Show? It’s already in jeopardy; then again, maybe it will create some much needed buzz.

I got a big laugh out of the opening of “Go For Gad” as Billy (Billy Crystal) and Josh appear to be plunging to their death during a segment for their show. These sketches have been hit or miss on The Comedians but I found the premise entertaining. Given some of the reality shows that have made their way to TV these days, I can’t help but wonder if some producer out there watching “Go For Gad” is trying to figure out how to make Freefall a reality.

I’m sore just looking at her.

As a guy, it’s both painful and astonishing to watch Julie (Dana Delany) doing yoga. Billy sums it up perfectly, “If God had wanted me to be in that position, he would not have given me balls.” Recently, I reached out to Delaney on Twitter about this scene because I can’t believe how difficult and challanging the moves look. So I asked whether she does all the yoga positions herself especially because her face is blocked at certain points. Delany confirmed it is, indeed, her, which I find amazing. I don’t understand how a human can bend like that! I can only imagine the staging given by the director, ‘Ok, Dana, we want you to say your lines while your head is under your knee and next to your ankle.’ I enjoyed watching Delany’s performance because she brings a sincerity to the role. I hope the writers find a way to incorporate her into the show more often.

Josh gives a charming performance when he goes on a liquid cleanse to prepare for the Scorsese role. I did a multi-day juice cleanse last year and can relate to Josh’s unusual behavior around food. Making matters worse are Billy’s hilarious efforts to sabotage Josh’s diet. What I appreciate about The Comedians is despite having two very talented comics, the show isn’t about reaching for the big laughs; instead, it’s the personal scenes between Billy and Josh that I find so entertaining.

Did he get cast in the new film?

The writers continue to do a wonderful job putting Mitch (Matt Oberg) and Esme (Megan Ferguson) in interesting situations together. What I enjoy about Mitch and Esme’s scenes is they feel like an unscripted conversation between two co-workers and help give the mocumentary a realistic feel. While not necessarily important to the story, their scenes provide some entertaining insight into the behind-the-scene workings of the production. I feel for Mitch as he struggles with Esme’s unethical behavior while still longing to impress her. From personal experience, I understand wanting someone you know is wrong for you and yet, can’t help being drawn to.

My praise for the opening skit was quickly diminished because of the second skit featuring Billy and Josh hanging on a crucifix. Perhaps entertaining to some, I have to wonder if there would be a different reaction if other religions or even race had been used. Imagine the outrage if this scene were a lynching set in the 50s with two people telling jokes while hanging from a tree. Yet we don’t blink an eye when it comes to turning a deeply personal Christian symbol into a punchline. I’m not sure if the writers are running out of jokes after just five episodes but “Go For Gad” is the second episode where the crucifix gag has been used.

Overall, “Go For Gad” is an entertaining episode but the skits within The Billy and Josh Show continue to be awful. It amazes me that a single skit can drag the entire episode down when there is such good talent and writers providing such funny dialogue for 90% of the show.

Tweet me @Staffaroadtrip or leave a comment below to let me know what you think about “Go For Gad.”

Tune in to The Comedians Thursdays at 10:00 pm ET/PT, only on FX.

Visit the show’s website at http://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/the-comedians.

Looking for The Comedians on social media? Follow these links:

 

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecomedians

 

You can also follow the cast on Twitter: @Josh Gad, @Billy Crystal, @Dana Delany, and @Megan Ferguson.

Photos © 2015 FX Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

 

Greg Staffa

I provide testosterone to the site. You won’t be reading about how nice a actress looks in a dress or how much of a hunk Matt Bomer is in my reviews. I describe colors using words like brown, not taupe. My twitter name is @staffaroadtrip because I love road trips and have done two different 48-state road trips since 2008. My favorite show is White Collar.

Greg Staffa

I provide testosterone to the site. You won’t be reading about how nice a actress looks in a dress or how much of a hunk Matt Bomer is in my reviews. I describe colors using words like brown, not taupe. My twitter name is @staffaroadtrip because I love road trips and have done two different 48-state road trips since 2008. My favorite show is White Collar.