Season Three, Episode Two is one of my personal favorites---combining cringe-inducing weirdness, amped up bathos, and just enough strategically employed Richard Dunn, “Chan,” is a triumph for Awesome Show.
Theme:
Awesome Show’s penchant for dark humor started early in Season One. While Season Cinco is rightly lauded for having more disturbing and violent content, Season Three doesn’t skimp on the terror or the tragedy. With the “Sexual Romance” saga and “Quilting With Will,” these two sketches introduce real-world themes that may be upsetting to many viewers. “Sexual Romance” starts off with the absurdity level pitched to the rafters, but it ends with a woman being murdered by her jealous husband. “Quilting With Will” takes the trauma of childhood abuse and makes it into a slow-motion train wreck. United not so much by a theme as a pervasive sense of violence and anarchic madness, “Chan” is one of Awesome Show’s more controversial entries.
Hi-Lights:
It’s Not Jackie Chan by Cinco
Faux commercials are some of Awesome Show’s best work, and here, the group of hapless friends forced to list things that aren’t Jackie Chan are in for Sartrean levels of existential torment. One overzealous player hits the buzzer--and just keeps pressing it. The annoying drone goes from irritating to agonizing as the other players cover their ears. The best part is the buzzer guy’s face, which transforms from a creepy perma-smile to an even more unsettling scowl. Thanks, Cinco!
Sexual Romance (Part 1)
Before all the bloodshed, things are still delightfully weird as Eric bids farewell to Abbey Brooks (credited as Holly Browning, who first appeared in the “Pizza Boy” sketch in the Season One episode “Abstinence”). No sooner has Eric driven away than Tim, complete with skimpy tiger-patterned underwear and a luxurious rat tail, shows up, ready for a good time. And what a time it is--between all the Tommy Wiseau inspired rose play and furious groaning, it’s no wonder their tryst inspires the sensual rhythms of “Sexual Romance.”
Steve Mahanahan: Care for Your Child Clown
Just when you thought it was safe to leave your child clowns unattended, Steve Mahanahan is back, and he’s ready to make you uncomfortable all over again. Apparently, people haven’t been treating their enslaved child clowns with enough respect, and Steve is here to teach us how to lure them out of their cages, how to properly deploy poison spray, and how to use a horn to keep your child clown performing for 12 hours straight. Really, it’s a must-watch if you want to get your money’s worth out of your child clown investment.
Anatomy of an Episode:
Celebrating 100 Years of Jackie Chan
David Liebe Hart, Jan, and Wayne Skylar, and an assortment of people chosen at random off the streets celebrate the centennial reign of Jackie Chan.
Sexual Romance (Part 1)
See Hi-Lights. Tim has a rendezvous with Eric’s wife.
It’s Not Jackie Chan by Cinco
See Hi-Lights. A light-hearted game of “It’s Not Jackie Chan” takes a turn for the sadistic and the surreal.
Zits with Tim Heidecker
Lest you think that Tim and Eric are always polished sex machines, Tim talks candidly with Eric about their skin problems. Proving that vulnerability is the most alienating trait of all--Great job!
Sexual Romance (Part 2)
Eric discovers his happy home life is not what it seems.
Congratulations Jackie (Part 1)
The cast of “It’s Not Jackie Chan” and the singer of “Sexual Romance” congratulate Jackie.
Quilting with Will
Will Grello had a worse childhood than you, and to prove it, he made a quilt.
Steve Mahanahan: Care for Your Child Clown
See Hi-Lights. Want to get the most out of your child clown? Watch this helpful video!
Congratulations Jackie (Part 2)
My darling angel Richard Dunn wishes that Jackie Chan was his father.
Sexual Romance (Part 3)
Eric uses violence and deception to get even with Tim and his wife before apparently teleporting away from the scene of the crime.
Winner:
Listen, I know you might want me to go off the beaten path and give it to Will Forte for his searing portrayal of damaged man-child Will Grello. And you wouldn’t be wrong...Forte’s commitment to the absurdity and sadness of Grello’s character is admirable and deeply unsettling. But, Tim did wow us, not just once, but three overly generous times with his speedo clad, rat-tailed physique and his Room worthy sexual acrobatics. You earned it, Tim. Just don’t be surprised if you end up as a square on Will Grello’s newest quilt.
Pennie Sublime