SkimIt
Episodes delivers another strong episode as that dog show continues to nip at Merc's (John Pankow) heels.
Do Sean and Beverly Have a Future?
Beverly (Tasmin Greig) and Sean (Stephen Mangan) spend most of the day engaged in amusingly awkward discussions about her date with Rob (James Purefoy) the night before. Sean's discomfort with the situation is so pronounced that before the second date, Bev calls him, and lets Sean know that if he wants her to -- if he thinks there's still a chance for them -- she'll cancel. Sean struggles a bit, but gives her a sad one-word answer: "Go."
Merc in Hot Water
Someone apparently leaked to the media that the hit talking dog show that's destroying "Pucks" was originally developed at the network, but that Merc decided to sell it. Stupidly-named bigwig Elliot Salad (Michael Brandon) flies in from New York to meet with a stressed-out Carol (Kathleen Rose Perkins). She loyally defends Merc, but learns that the decision's already been made: Merc is out and she is at the top of the list of possible replacements.
Take Your Stalker to Work Day
Matt (Matt LeBlanc), after his weight-related booty call to Labia (Sophie Rundle) last week, compounds the problem by bringing her to the studio. Beverly and Sean point out the foolishness of Matt's behavior, but he's enjoying Labia's worship. Still, faced with the possibility of his ex-wife, Diane (Fiona Glascott) finding out that his "crazy stalker" is staying in his house, Matt finally finds the strength to gently kick Labia out. Unfortunately, on her way out the door she answers Matt's cell and Diane finds out anyway.
A Doozy of a Finale
It's all leading up to what looks like a really wacky season finale, with secrets being spilled and Merc, Sean, Beverly and Matt all involved in a clumsy physical altercation. Of course that's not what I watch the show for. I mean, it isn't really about the story so much as the characters, the witty banter and the pointed looks at the vulgar mendacity of Hollywood. That said, I still wish there was a way for Showtime to tease next week's show without revealing quite so many major plot points.
Is all hope truly lost for Sean and Beverly or is her defense of her in that teaser a sign that there's still something there? Will Carol get Merc's job?
Best Lines
"Okay, speaking as someone who knows you fairly well, I'm thinking you're gonna get weirder before you get less weird. You may want to step away."
--Beverly notes Sean's response to her discussing her date.
"Am I the only one who noticed that everyone's got vampires but us?"
--Merc complains to his team.
"Apparently it's 'Bring Your Stalker to Work Day'."
--Sean tells Beverly that Labia is at the studio.
"I listen to her and she's just so into it and just so happy. It makes me wanna grab a bat and f__king kill someone. Smash them and hurt them and kill them."
--Elliot describes watching his young daughter watch the talking dog show.
"What are we paying LeBlanc? I would pay that much to watch the dog eat him.'"
--Elliot expresses his displeasure with "Pucks."
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