Mitch, is that you?


Alright. So, I don't usually do this; make a topic here, or just plain write about television (yes, I still call it that). But as I was watching the pilot of this show, it felt I needed to say something.
I know a lot of you people here love Mitch Hurwitz and Arrested Development, and you probably- like myself- have had an itch you couldn't scratch ever since you saw the last episode of AD season three. Maybe you felt something tinkle when you saw season four, but let's be real. The itch remained. And yet, finally something comes along that maybe possibly potentially might just be it.

Now, I am not saying this is the new AD. But it sure has the vibe. Bamford and Hurwitz have created something utterly confusing, weird, layered, unconventional and just plain funny. The timing is great, the meta-ness is on point and its popculture references delight me. I truly haven't felt this since... well, a long time.

I don't know exactly where I'm going with this. I only saw the first episode, and it struck a chord in me. And maybe by writing this I will give someone else the opportunity to enjoy this as well. I myself am a great fan of comedy-series like Seinfeld, Curb, Monty Python/Fawlty Towers, Community, Spaced and, as mentioned, Arrested Development- to name a few. So if you like those, give this show a chance.

Well, anyway, do some of you feel the same? Or utterly different-- I'm curious. After I've watched the entire season I will post my thoughts in this topic. In the mean time, I hoped we could talk about it a little :)

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Also instantly recognizable and warm-welcomed by my brain was David Schwartz. The man providing the music for this series and who also collaborated with Hurwitz on AD (also in the music-providing department).

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I love AD, and I'm on episode 7 of Lady Dynamite, and I had no idea that Hurwitz was working on this until now. It makes sense. It's quick, that's what I like about it, and detailed enough that I think I would learn new things with a second or even third round of viewing, and that's exactly how I feel with AD too.

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Which were some of the things I loved most on AD. It's great to watch a show that seemingly knows its audience and treats them with respect. It is great to have to think, wouldn't you say?

Tonight I will watch the remaining episodes (five left at this point). I have not been disappointed as of yet, and I doubt that will change. My confidence in Hurwitz and the upcoming fifth season of AD has been fully restored as of now.

Side-note. I absolutely loved the "Pussy-Noodle" storyline. That payoff was great ("Pussy or noodre?"). This is the second awesome noodle joke I have heard from Hurwitz (well, if he wrote it of course), the first being AD s4 when the Asian ladies rise up against Lucille in the female prison.
Damn, I love noodles.

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I'm starting episode 10 now, and I will say that the main difference I see between lady dynamite and AD is how dark LD will occasionally go. As someone with bipolar II myself, the scenes with her screaming into a rag and watching her mania is very uncomfortable for me (which doesn't make it a bad show and I don't even consider it a negative, but I'm not sure if those scenes are coming off as comic and funny for other viewers). I can't remember AD ever getting dark.

I wonder if this show would work if people weren't able to binge. There are the little things -- like all the little lamb references -- that I think would be easy to lose if you had to watch over 12 weeks.

I've really missed a show that was willing to make fun of itself.

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I'm thinking I have to agree with you, it does have its dark moments. But still, AD could be pretty dark. Let's take the pilot, where Gob says to some children "... a trick is something a hooker does for money... or cocaine!". I mean, pretty dark. Or just the whole incest thing.

Lady Dynamite is more focused on one character and her 'flaws', instead of an entire family and their 'flaws'. It portrays the struggles and extremes of people with bipolar disorder, or just people with plain ol' depression, really really well (also speaking out of personal experience). And as stigmatizing as those things are to people, it surprises me how unstigmatizing this show is. I mean, most people seem to really like it, which is awesome.

I now have watched the first season in its entirety, now starting a second run. I love it. I absolutely do. Not as much as AD, but it's still extremely refreshing and well-made. The first few episodes are the best of the season, with the finale a highlight as well. Though I have to say the same level of quality drips through every episode. My favorite episode is the pilot, whilst a bit confusing the first fewing, sets the tone perfectly for the rest of the season. In its first scene even...

Man, I did not expect this. A solid 9/10 for now, it might grow on me even more.

And thanks for replying :)

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Have you ttried STrangers with Candy? (NOT the movie)I like all those shows you mentioned except I never tried Community. Hmm should I? You seem to have excellent taste. One prob( yes this has nothing to do with LDyno) is TV schools do stuff no staff could/would ever do. It just ruins it for me. The way lawyers have trouble watching law shows.

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I'm sorry it took me this long to reply. But man. Yeah. You should definitely watch Community. And also Rick & Morty. Both have Dan Harmon as showrunner, a twisted soul who was sent here to redeem us from stale television.

I could go in further detail, but I am drunk and placing my trust in your taste.

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