Murphy Brown Season 11 Episode 2 Review: I Don't (Heart) The Huckabee
Kim Russell
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On Murphy Brown Season 11 Episode 2, we have our first problem between mother and son in competition from different networks.
Murphy's been around the block a time or two, and her reputation precedes her. Those in the government, the White House, in particular, know she's mouthy and doesn't take no for an answer. That should be a good quality for a journalist, but Murph takes it too far.
Part of Murphy is still in the old days of FYI, but she's not there anymore.
She didn't for one second think about how breaking into the press room would reflect on her son. Avery's trying to pave his way and doesn't need Murphy trampling all over his path.
Journalists are the only real firewall between politicians and the people they were hired to serve.
Avery
It seems to me she was jealous that Avery was able to sit in the press room and that he had an in with Ms. Sanders. Not in a malicious way, but in a damn-that-used-to-be-me way.
I'm pretty sure if that happened in real life Murphy would've been tossed in the clinker. But for a cloak and dagger routine on a comedy show, it worked.
She shouldn't have expected anyone to walk out of the room with her. We aren't in the times of FYI; it's present day. All of Murphy's contacts are gone, and although she's traveled around the world and back, she's starting at square one.
That's got to be hard for her. She's proud of her son no doubt, and he's got his whole career in front of him. Murphy's got to feel a bit like all of her best times in journalism are behind her.
After all, things have changed. Social media is all the rage, and she's unfamiliar with the tech world. The tools she used back in the day don't necessarily work now.
But let's face it, she's changed too. She's not the hard-nosed Murphy Brown of old. She's a proud mama who has a son following in her footsteps.
If we can't get to the truth, why are we even here?
Murphy
Murphy's also not above admitting when she's wrong.
It'll probably be a cold day in hell before she apologizes to anyone again thanks to Avery's new ringtone, but she even took that in stride.
Avery and Murphy have such fun chemistry that adds a nice dimension to the show. It rounds Murphy out and makes her more palatable to more people.
We did have some political jokes, and that's going to be a part of Murphy Brown. Frank, Murphy, and Corky are on a talk show, and they will address politics. They did dial it down from last week, though, which is a good thing.
Related: Murphy Brown Season 11 Episode 1 Review: Fake News
The show can't sustain the level of political rhetoric seen in Murphy Brown Season 11 Episode 1.
There were political shots, but they were well placed and funny. Like when Murphy was talking about brushing her teeth in the car to save time and spitting on Wisconsin. Yes, it was a political dig, but it was beautifully delivered and funny. There's nothing wrong with that.
Just when everything in my life was going so well. Now we're gonna get arrested and thrown in jail. I'll be tried, sentenced and put behind bars. Next thing you know I'm Bernie Madoff's bitch!
Miles
There were plenty of other funny parts that had nothing to do with politics.
The jokes surrounding age and Miles's paranoia were laugh-out-loud funny.
One addition I love in the new Murphy Brown is Pat, the tech guy. You know those people who walk into a room, and you instantly know they have got to be funny. That's Pat.
He's a naturally funny guy and has great lines to pitch. I'd like to see him more.
Another person who doesn't get a lot of screentime is Phyllis. Tyne Daily is a fantastic talent, and I don't think they have fully utilized her in the show. The team needs to spend a little more time in the bar so we can see Phyllis more and get to know her character.
Ya' know, I didn't say anything when you took that case of printer paper or the batteries out of the remotes but touch my Froot Loops and you and I have a problem.
Pat
I don't know that the political jokes flow as smoothly from her as they do from Murphy. The lines between her and her new hire, Miguel, didn't feel natural.
So, her character needs lines that surround something else. Maybe she's the sarcastic but wise bar owner? I don't know, but I'm looking forward to seeing what they do with her.
Give the woman some good lines. She deserves 'em.
What do you think Murphy Brown fanatics? Did you like the level of political jokes? Do you think they're using Phyllis in the best way? How do you feel about Murphy's softer maternal side?
Hit the comments and tell us your thoughts.
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Kim Russell was a staff writer for TV Fanatic. She retired in January 2019.
