Bored to Death - TV Fanatic

HBO Announces Fall Premiere Dates: When Does Boardwalk Empire Return?

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 20:47:49 EST

HBO has announced the fall premiere dates for a trio of returning shows and one new program. Prepare your DVR, readers...

September 25
Boardwalk Empire

October 2
Hung
How to Make It in America

October 10
Bored to Death
Enlightened (New series)

Bored to Death Review: "Super Ray Is Mortal!"

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 09:39:27 EST

Last night marked the season finale of Bored to Death and, boy, the writers sure did go out with a bang! The whole half hour was filled with nonstop action and fun for each of our beloved characters.

"Super Ray Is Mortal!" started off with Jonathan trying to figure out whether or not it would be a good idea for his new girlfriend (of one date) to move in with him.

Quite frankly, is he for real? What on earth would make him think that this is a good idea? Gosh, men really do think with their other heads, don't they?

Meanwhile, George had to face the music for his failed drug test. Funny how he finally realizes there's no need for him to work any longer. We all know the only reason that he came to this conclusion is because he did not want to go to rehab for his pot smoking ways. I loved that he chose pot over his magazine.

Jonathan tries and fails at trying to get another job. Of course, his arch nemesis Lewis is there spreading vicious lies about him. It was pretty awesome to watch Jonathan chase Lewis around the interviewers desk.

Ray's storyline is by far the best thing that's happened on this show since season one. His comic book is a huge success and with that came a creepy stalker.

The guy leaves Ray a spitting image voodoo doll that is Super Ray, but sans a dong and plus a rather beautiful vagina. Of course he enlists his best friend/fake PI for help.

They are able to head over to where the stalker sent Ray the emails and, after a few dollars thrown to the doorman, are able to get inside the creeps hotel room.

Nothing about Bored to Death ever seems very realistic, so it would make sense that Jonathan and Ray stick around to catch the creepy guy and eat his organic cheese puffs.

Having Ray dress up like his alter ego, Super Ray, was comedy at its finest. If only we'd have seen this getup sooner. I would have loved to see Super Ray's walking about for Halloween.

It's amazing that Jonathan was able to beat down the creepy stalker. Who knew the little guy had it in him? Fortunately for Ray, it wasn't anything serious. That's probably what made seeing him in the hospital as funny as it was.

Now Leah is back in his life and all is well again. Jonathan and George leave the hospital together to go grab a bite to eat and smoke some pot. We never do find out if Jonathan lets his girl move in with him. Guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Until next season, here are a few of my favorite Bored to Death quotes from last night:

Jonathan: Have you let someone move in right after you slept with them?
George: Yes, three times disastrous. | permalink

George: I'm going to drink as much booze and smoke as much pot as I want. Thank you very much. | permalink

Ray: You're an idiot!
Jonathan: Thanks for understanding. | permalink

Jonathan: It looks like you have your own serial killer.
Ray: At least he's helped with sales. | permalink

Ray: If he sticks a pencil in my twat and I feel it, I'm going to regret this. | permalink

Jonathan: This isn't a friend of ours that makes custom made voodoo dolls. This is a deranged stalker. | permalink

Jonathan: Oh s**t. He gave Super Ray a beautiful vagina. | permalink

Bored to Death Review: Escape From the Castle!

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 09:41:13 EST

With only one episode left of the season, Bored to Death finally brought it.

All season long, I've been waiting to be really entertained. Don't get me wrong, there definitely have been a couple outrageously funny episodes, but I've always felt like this show could be better.

And, boy, "Escape From the Castle!" had everything there is to love about this zany show!

Jonathan's new case involves him bringing a love letter to a woman named Hee Cho that works at a bath house.

Of course, Jonathan seizes this moment to kill two birds with one stone and invites George and Ray there to celebrate Ray's birthday.

It was superbly humorous watching these three men awkwardly change with all the naked men around them. As much fun as it would be to see one of the three bare it all, I am happy that they chose to leave it to our imagination.

Jonathan's Scooby-Doo get up was by far one of the funniest scenes I've seen on this show, hands down.

Really, did Jonathan think wrapping his hair in a towel, stuffing his chest, and wearing a towel to cover his man scruff would trick anyone? He might as well have gone in as himself.

I was pretty surprised to find out that Hee wasn't a she after all. Perfect name for a tranny, don't you think? It was pretty great watching him/her go off on a romantic boat ride with her lover at the end. Do you think the dermatologist knew that Hee was a he and not a she?

I really wasn't expecting the action scene at the end. Especially when the Asian goons took out there guns and pointed them at Jonathan. Super Ray failed at coming to the rescue, but once again he provided the laughs when he fell into the grave.

Ray has to be my favorite character on this show. He always has great one liners and never fails to bring the humor. When George questioned him about his love life, I was on the floor laughing. How can he be so nonchalant about his current lovers? I mean, one of them truly believes she's an elf!

So Ray's birthday may not have been the day he wanted, but it sure was hilarious! Just like last season, Bored to Death finally gets me hooked towards the end. Why couldn't the writers make the whole season this entertaining?

Until next week's season finale, here are a few of my favorite Bored to Death quotes from last night:

George: Hey, Jonathan told me that you are quite the ladies man nowadays.
Ray: That's right, I've been with two woman since Leigh left me. A drunk and an elf. | permalink

George: Why are you always picking on me? I don't procrastinate. I just like to do things later. | permalink

George: Oh Ray, Happy Birthday!
Ray: Oh you shouldn't have, but I'm glad you did. | permalink

Jonathan: Now you want a spanking?
Nina: Don't break character. | permalink

Dermatologist: I've never used a PI before.
Jonathan: That's okay, most of my clients are virgins. | permalink

Bored to Death Review: "The Case of the Grievous Clerical Error!"

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 09:53:54 EST

In a rather unusual twist, Jonathan came super close to making-out with Ray's ex, Leah, in "The Case of the Grievous Clerical Error!".

I wasn't too thrilled with this storyline. Isn't Jonathan supposed to be Ray's best friend?

He knows how much Ray is still in love with Leah. Whatever happened to bros before hoes? Not only did Jonathan try once, but even after getting denied, he went in for it a second time. This situation is totally messed up.

The only redeeming quality Jonathan had was telling Ray the truth. It was comical to see Ray run away and then agree with Jonathan that Leah is the most beautiful woman ever. It was weird how quickly Ray was able to forgive Jonathan just on that reason alone.

I loved how Ray seized this moment to help Leah find Little Ray. He searched high and low and got the dog back for her only to walk away at the end and not let her in on his feelings.

Meanwhile, George is due to have surgery on his prostate. I loved that he used the same line on his ex-wife and his doctor to get them in the sheets. Turns out his doctor didn't find it as humorous. Couldn't blame the guy for trying.

I do find it rather strange that his ex-wife went to see him before the surgery. Did they make up? Whatever happened with her current husband? Are they still together? All of this seemed rather forced to me.

Some people may be annoyed that George doesn't have cancer, but I'm relieved. George is a critical character to this show and cancer humor can only go so far. Now, we can expect to see a ton of humor coming from this second lease on life. I can't wait to see what type of zany antics he gets himself into.

Probably the little hidden Hangover reference with letting the dogs out was my favorite part of the episode.

It amazes me how these three men have come to rely on each other. Their friendships are what keeps them sane and crazy at the same time.

This show has the potential to be a huge hit, but for whatever reason, the writers keep missing the bullseye. What do you think? Do you think this shows a comical hit or miss?

Until next week, here are a few of my favorite Bored to Death quotes from last night's episode:

George: The best positive thinking in life is thinking of others. | permalink

Ray: I'll tell you who let the dogs out. | permalink

Ray: Tell George I'm rooting for him and that I'm praying for his c**k. | permalink

George: I'm so glad that possibly my last erection is with you. | permalink

Ray: (to Jonathan) : You didn't actually kiss her and she is the most beautiful girl in the world. | permalink

Nurse: (to George) Strip down and I'll be back to shave your pubic zone. | permalink

Jonathan: We were just projecting our love for you onto each other. | permalink

Jonathan: We only leaned. | permalink

Bored to Death Review: "I've Been Living Like a Demented God!"

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 09:27:41 EST

Since last week's episode was probably the funniest one I've seen in a long while, I thought that the writers would presumably drop the ball this week and bring us back to being bored...to death.

Alas, my pessimistic view was wrong,

Last night's episode, "I've Been Living Like a Demented God!," really had me laughing out loud.

All of our three main guys were going though hilariously funny situations. I'm going to take this time to rank the comedic performances:

3) Ray and his ability to sell the comic book. He's been working on this thing for over a season and who knew it would be such a hit? He even has comic groupies! And probably his most hilarious comedic scene had to be when Ray took the lady home. Did anyone else think this broad was a bit off? She didn't even remember him in the morning. And tonguing his beard? So weird!

2) Jonathan and Lewis' mad dash out of the drug dealer's place. Not only did Jonathan steal the book (and a bag of pot) back, but in the process smashed open a bag of cocaine. It would be fair to assume that these guys got plenty of hits from running into it. Call me crazy, but wasn't Jonathan acting a bit strange at the end of the episode? His reenactment of the fight was suburb! It was nice to see Jonathan man up for once and show that he really isn't a little girl.

And the best comedic scene from last night goes to....

1) George! I've never seen anyone with the ability to turn cancer into something so humorous. From the beginning of the episode all the way to the end, George didn't miss a comedic beat. Probably the best scene had to do with him getting drug tested. First, he tries to get a young salesman to pee in the cup for him, then because he runs out of options, makes a urine concoction with liquid soap!

Until next week, here are a few of my favorite Bored to Death quotes from last night:

George: I don't have to go to rehab. I have cancer. | permalink

Lewis: My ankle will never be the same because of you.
Jonathan: What? I just saved your life. | permalink

Ray: Couple shots of nice whiskey for me and the lady. | permalink

George: I have to take a drug test? | permalink

Ray: (to Jonathan) Let's go have a drink and get drunk. Sixteen gin and tonics. | permalink

Ray: (to Leah) I'm sorry about the other night. You know with you're lover with the orange pubes. | permalink

George: Okay we both need to do better with our positive thinking. | permalink

Bored to Death Review: "The Gowanas Canal Has Gonorrhea!"

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 09:41:36 EST

Last night, Bored to Death finally nailed it! It's still very early on in the season, so the show could go either way, but I do have high hopes for this sitcom...if you know what I mean.

"The Gowanas Canal Has Gonorrhea!" finally put Jonathan in a very realistic, frightening situation that should have happened a long time ago. Reasonably, anyone that is walking around pretending to be a PI should realize that the job can come with certain dangers.

And last night, the music finally caught up to him. When he destroyed the information from the S&M dungeon, two goons kidnapped him for payment that they felt entitled to. I found it interesting that they didn't wear masks or seriously hurt Jonathan. They even offered him some liquor. Strange, yes, but very amusing none the less.

Probably the best part of last night's episode was George and Ray joining forces to save Jonathan. These two are obviously the stand-outs from the show and having them go in (or try to go in) guns blazing with rubber bullets was comedic genius at work.

The subtle humor throughout the episode killed me. Primarily George and his pot-head ways.

First, he's too stoned off his volcano vaporizer to even pick up a pen and paper to write down the kidnapper's instructions. Then instead of having the walkie talkie device, he has another portable vaporizer. Gosh, I love this man!

I do feel bad that he has prostate cancer and found the situation surprisingly sad for a show like this one. I wonder if his lady doctor will play a larger role and maybe be the light his life has been searching for?

Who am I kidding, that light in his life is Jonathan. These two guys take bromance to another level.

Ray played the role of the sidekick quite well, but I am still just wanting him to have more on air screen time. I am a HUGE fan of Zach and probably think he's one of the funniest guys out there today. I think his role could be a bit bigger.

At the end of the episode, we get introduced to Jonathan's parents in a very weird way. I didn't understand why his dad would even pay the kidnappers anything. Especially since they weren't going to shoot them anyway. Weird scene and even weirder ending scene.

Overall, I really enjoyed this episode and found myself pleasantly not bored to death.

Until next week, here are a few of my favorite Bored to Death quotes:

Ray: George, you're the greatest pothead I've ever known. | permalink

Ray: George, I don't like talking on the phone that much, but um you can call me all the time. I won't pick up, but you can leave me a message. | permalink

George: I don't negotiate with kidnapers or terrorists. | permalink

George: We gotta go. We'll be seven minutes early.
Ray: That's hardly a surprise. | permalink

Jonathan: What's your secret?
Kidnapper: Never go to bed angry. Pass this on to you.
Jonathan: Come on that's your secret? Never go to bed angry?! | permalink

George: Jonathan is this a joke? I've already vaporized two bags of pot. | permalink

George: I've never had anything removed before. I mean like my appendix, tonsils, wisdom teeth. I hold onto everything. I'm like a hoarder I guess, I'm like completely intact. | permalink

Bored to Death Review: "Make It Quick Fitzgerald!"

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 09:19:55 EST

Last night's episode of Bored to Death was much better than the season premiere, but I am still not in love with this show.

HBO is probably one of my favorite channels and usually it hits the nail on the head with its critically acclaimed series, but for whatever reason, I can't get myself to LOVE being Bored...to Death.

"Make It Quick Fitzgerald!" brought into the light the secret affair George has been having with his ex-wife, Priscilla. I did find it humorous that Richard hired Jonathan as the PI to find out if his wife's having an affair. Weren't these two in a boxing match just last season? So if your enemy trusts Jonathan, you trust him by default? Strange thinking, Richard.

Off topic: great cameo PC guy...we missed you!

Back to Richard.

Okay, so he comes home early to find his wife is having an affair with someone he loathes: George. Why ask him out to grab a drink? This situation really confused me. One minute they were fighting and the next becoming best friends?

I also found it strange that Stella wanted her ex to be apart of their love making sessions. I mean, sure, if you're down with the whole poly amorous relationships, that's your business, not mine. (Shout out to my favorite Red Head who is in one!) However, don't you think it crosses the line to involve someone you once had strong feelings for.

Why on earth would Jonathan agree to such terms? Really, Stella's argument that all good writers go through these things is rather silly, don't you think? Whatever happened to the love of his life - his ex?

Something about Stella just rubs me the wrong way and I definitely don't think that these two are MFEO.

It was rather funny watching Jonathan ask Ray for his opinion on the size of his penis. Only to be reassured by Ray that his, too, is about the same size. Being a woman, I've never been in a situation where I compare my lady bits to my girlfriends. So I ask all you guys out there: is this situation fact or fiction?

I feel most badly for Ray. He's still trying to get back with Leah, but she's already moved on. I do hope that they are able to work out what went wrong, but I'm not sure if I'm really loving Leah anyway.

Overall, I do really like these guys! Each one has such a strange, yet comical personality. I just don't know exactly what it is that puts me off.

Until next week, here are a few of my favorite Bored to Death quotes:

Richard: Want to get a drink?
George: Sure. | permalink

George: I got that vaporizer you told me about . | permalink

Jonathan: Oh my God! What is that?
Ray: I've got long foreskin. Not everybody is Jewish ya know. | permalink

Jonathan: Can you please look at my penis and tell me I'm an adult male. | permalink

Jonathan: I think I may have the smallest penis in the world. | permalink

Jonathan: George, why are you having an affair with your ex-wife?
George: Because I've never fallen out of loved with her. | permalink

Jonathan: The meat packing district really has become Los Angeles. | permalink

Bored to Death Second Season Premiere Review: "Escape From the Dungeon!"

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 09:55:05 EST

Last night was the premiere of the second season of Bored to Death - and the title really hit home for me, because I found myself to be a bit bored...to death. Like last season, I really wondered where the writers were taking our main guys.

Okay, don't get me wrong, I do have high hopes for this show. Especially, with such a dynamic group of actors (Zach will always have my heart).

I found myself wanting to know more about what was going on and yet felt a bit robbed because the time spent watching these guys didn't really add up to much.

"Escape From the Dungeon!" showed us just a smidgen of where the last couple months have taken our trio. Ames is not only still working as a unlicensed PI, but has also taken an day job as a teacher. Meanwhile, George is having difficulties keeping his magazine afloat. Like George, Ray is also having a bit of hardship because his girlfriend decides to break up with him.

I do have to give props to the writers for having Jonathan stuck inside a locked leather gimp suit. It was pretty hilarious watching him run around Manhattan, as all the New Yorkers and tourists gawked at the unusual sight; then having him barge into an important meeting George was in.

Something tells me that this season George will play a huge part in all of Jonathan's investigations. I think Ray may be important, too, but will go with it almost unwillingly.

Another scene that had me laughing out loud was Jonathan (again) in the gimp suit trying to explain the situation to Ray, but Ray not realizing what type of predicament Jonathan was in.

I still think there are a lot of areas that need answering and perhaps we will find out more about what will happen with George and his ex and Jonathan and his ex, but for now, I am still happy to come along for the wild ride.

Stella is an interesting new character in Jonathan's life. I like seeing him happy with her, but do you really believe that he is truly happy? It's pretty funny how he chooses to discuss his personal life with everyone, including a dominatrix.

What did you think of the second season premiere? Will you continue to tune in? Leave your thoughts and opinions below!

Until next week, here are a few Bored to Death quotes:

Ray: Are you trying to break up with me?
Suzanne: Yes.
Ray: Why?
Suzanne: I'm sorry Ray, I'm just not happy. | permalink

Jonathan: I'm fiscally responsible, but sexually out of control | permalink

Jonathan: You know Stella, you're the best thing in my life. | permalink

George: It's a good thing to stay in the dark about things - it keeps life interesting. | permalink

Bored to Death Sets Season Two Premiere Date, Releases Trailer

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:11:26 EST

I think I may have the smallest penis in the world.
- Jonathan Ames

On September 26, Bored to Death returns for its second season. All three main cast members - Jason Schwartzman, Ted Danson and Zach Galifianakis - return for the comedy, which found its comedic footing as its opening season progressed.

By the looks of the trailer below, the stoner/buddy vibe will get amped up this fall. See what we mean now:

Bored to Death Season Two Trailer

Bored to Death Review: "Take a Dive"

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:47:39 EST

Last night wraps up the first season of Bored to Death and did they ever go off with a bang! Or should we say get off?!

Each of the three main character's got lucky with their desired suitors - Jonathan nailed his first crush since his ex - Stella, George rekindled a burning flame with his ex-wife Priscilla, and Ray finally had sex with his girlfriend Suzanne.

The hyped up fight was more that we expected it to be. Watching Ray get weirded out by his opponent was one of the most comical parts of the night. He nailed looking totally creeped out. It was awesome to see him be so excited to fight - to being completely okay with getting knocked out after one punch.

We were surprised to see Jonathan kick the living daylights out of the Mac - PC guy. It needed to be done and it was grand. Who would've thought scrawny Jonathan had the ability to do some ass-whooping? That guy just needed to be punched in the face -and it is not only because of the stupid commercials that wont go away, this guys was so obnoxious the entire time on Bored to Death.

George's tender side shined and you could see the monogamous man he wants to be - too bad the lady in question is already married. Next season you know it will be on like Donkey Kong between them. He may have lost the fight, but we know he (will) win back the lady.

It is nice to see Jonathan with a stoner. She seems like a more perfect match for him. His ex was just a little bit too rigid and demanding and Stella seems like she'll bring on a happier and more carefree side of him. Wonder what his ex will think?

All in all, Bored to Death will undeniably be missed. "Take a Dive" definitely left us wanting more. With all the season finale changes taking place, we can only imagine how crazy the second season will be...

We leave you, until next season, with a few of our favorite quotes from last night's episode:

George: It's a good thing to stay in the dark about things - it keeps life interesting. | permalink

Jonathan: Sal, I'm scared.
Sal: That is okay. All fighters are scared, but once you get into the ring, you are like a God.
Jonathan: But I'm agnostic.
Sal: I'll say a prayer for you. | permalink

Stella: My whole body is vibrating like a tuning fork. | permalink