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« My Name Is Earl
Episode Recap: "Camdenites"
In terms of one-liners and such, this episode was pretty much the most jam-packed of the season. I'll try to sum up the plot as quick as I can so we can get to as many funny moments as possible.
Things got started where they left off Billie was being a shrew and Earl tried his best to deal with it. Wondering why karma gave him a raw deal, Earl set about trying to find a solution. He decided to throw himself full-throttle into working on the list after realizing that working hard was how his own father had dealt with his mother's quirks over the years. However, this brought him face-to-angry-face with other women who were not so happy with him (namely Joy and Didi, the one-legged girl). After crossing them both off of his list (Didi's finally off, after all this time!), Billie starts being a little nicer. Earl figures that if he corrects all the misdeeds he's committed against women, karma will reward him with a happy marriage.
This brings him to #204: Seduced Seven Virgins. Earl and Randy used to take advantage of local Camdenite (akin to Amish or Mennonite) women who are given 21 days to experience the outside world upon turning 21. All of the girls they seduced decided to not return to their community, so to make up for it, Earl and Randy take the now-21 Greta under their wing to ensure she returns after the end of 21 days. When Billie snaps after Earl appears to be choosing the list over her, she goes on a rampage undoing all of his good deeds. After almost getting arrested, she takes asylum with the Camdenites, whose property is sovereign and out of police jurisdiction. In the end, she joins the Camdenites, obtains an amicable divorce from Earl, and gives him the rest of her money.
Whew, these hour-long episodes pack a lot in. This one is definitely worth it though. It was fantastic seeing most characters from the show reunited while helping to un-tip the trailer (it doesn't get any better than seeing Tim Stack working right alongside Nescobar-A-Lop-Lop). It was great to see Stuart and Kenny settling into their relationship as well. Kenny's come a long way.
Randy, Darnell, and Joy were all at their best. I love Crabman's deserved status as the smartest guy Earl knows. The tension was quite palpable as Joy read Darnell's poetry while husband and ex-husband helplessly stood by waiting for her wrath, which didn't come ("Did you pee a little?" "Yeah." "Me too."). And apart from his being a scene-stealing powerhouse tonight, I enjoyed watching Randy's blossoming romance with Greta. He deserves it, and it provided much needed insight into karma for Earl. Catalina had some funny moments, especially the bit where they used her to try and scare Greta about the outside world. Still, I can't wait for them to get down to a more substantial Catalina subplot.
So it looks like that's about it for Alyssa Milano. It's really a shame she's been quite an addition. Hopefully there will be a cameo or two down the line. I liked how she was able to become a good person only after being removed from the "evil," non-Camdenite world (especially the part about how it's "hard to be greedy around people so happy to give").
Judging from our little forums here, we've all had our ups and downs with this season. However, I have to admit they wrapped it up in style. For now, it's back to Earl reruns for all of us. See you back here for Season Four!
So many funny moments tonight. Let's get to as many as we can:
"You should just cut her head off like that King of England guy, or the guy downstairs."
"There's nothing like a crap and a shower to make you feel better."
Billie putting Randy through all sorts of embarrassing stunts in exchange for a Klondike Bar.
Upon seeing an ATM card, Randy says, "Oh . . . there's a special card you got to put in."
Randy on sleeping outside near the railing: "I feel like I'm in a giant crib, which is nice."
"A good farmer always finds something to plow."
So many hilarious references to CSI: Miami: According to Randy, it stands for "Crime Stuff In Miami," and David Caruso is "that creamsicle-looking guy." The send-up of the much-lampooned CSI: Miami intro was fantastic as well.
Randy's explanations of things to the inexperienced Greta. Alka Seltzer turns water into champagne; "That's phone. Isn't it cool?" "How does it work?" "Nobody knows.".
Greta wants to stay in the outside world for "Zippers, mirrors, and tampons that are not made of hay."
I got a huge kick out of Randy and Greta romantically blowing bubble gum and a stressed-out Earl yelling through the window, "C'mon, Randy, you're killing me!"
"Are you magic?" "Yes."
Mr. Turtle has "his own little park" due to the tipped-over trailer.
And so much more. Help me out with the ones I can't fit.
Catch more Earl in our Online Video Guide.
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May 16, 2008 12:11 AM
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I think this was only the second post-strike episode that I've liked. It was nice to see everyone and to get Earl back on track.
Ah, so much to like: Billie's response to Earl's foreplay (inspired by Kenny and Stuart), any visit by Nescobar Alop-lop (the greatest name on TV), the tremendous CSI Miami send-up, the plethora of Memmonite/Amish jokes (esp. the tampon made of hay), Joy's severed ponytail, another visit to the sideways trailer, etc.
I do wish they'd continue to explore the idea of Earl and Randy actually getting jobs which they hit on last season. They boys need jobs, they really wouldn't interfere with the list (or would they?), and it offers endless possibilities and new characters. Oh, well, Earl's back to being solvent, single, free, and unemployed. Can't wait 'til next season.
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May 16, 2008 9:54 AM
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Did I miss an episode? Why don't they mention the fact that Randy and Catalina are married? He could have stayed with her. I know she found her Mexican boyfriend a couple of episodes ago, but I can't really remember any kind of resolution about the marriage. I just think they could add a reference every now and then about them being married without making a big deal about it.
I really did enjoy the episode and I like how they wrapped everything up with a bow at the end. Can't wait until next year.
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May 16, 2008 1:18 PM
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What about, "That's what I sound like? Americans should make fun of foreigners. Very funny!
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May 16, 2008 1:21 PM
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Wow, only 3 comments so far on this episode? Well, I ragged on another episode, so it's only fair that I say how much I LOVED this episode.
First of all, The List and karma were front and center (as it should be on Earl). Plus, I liked Billie becoming Earl's "evil leaper" (your random Quantum Leap reference for the day).
Second, I agree that it was nice seeing all the Camden folk again, even if it did mean a lot less Joy than usual.
I usually don't find jokes about the Amish too funny, because it just seems lazy (kind of an easy target and all). But, it did give us the 2 funniest one-liners of the whole season:
'The Wheel!' 'It's the work of the devil. It has no beginning and it has no end!'
and of course...
'Can you tell her to bring back the recipe for flour? We lost ours a few years ago.'
The only bad part was the scene where Earl remembered all the things that happened this year. Uh, I was trying to forget those episodes! But still, I'm only looking forward and now have hope that Earl will be back in form next year.
(This comment was brought to you by Klondike Bar...)
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May 17, 2008 7:57 PM
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I thought Earl's Mom was hilarious (as usual). I loved how her advice for a healthy relationship was the same as Kenny's.
"Do you call her lover?"
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May 19, 2008 9:50 AM
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Considering this recap is all about the show "Earl" it has nothing to do with CSI Miami. Please put Earl back on NBC's recap page where it belongs. There is nothing about Earl worth watching even if he does harp on CSI Miami. It's another network...
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May 20, 2008 8:51 AM
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You screwed up BIG TIME. This is supposed to be about CSI: Miami. I don't care about Earl. Get your ducks in a row.
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May 20, 2008 10:19 AM
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I love the way the season ended. Earl is back to normal and they paved the way for a great fourth season.
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May 20, 2008 4:58 PM
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Yes, where is the CSI Miami recap? I came to check that out and now I"m reading about This is Earl. What's up, TV Guide? I want my CSI Miami page or episode recap!!!!!!!!!!!
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May 21, 2008 12:19 AM
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I guess I would comment on the CSI MIAMI recap if one was posted. Come on...get your act together! I though you were professionals with editors to check for mistakes.
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May 21, 2008 8:20 AM
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