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Cheers: A Smoove Move for 'Til Death

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JB Smoove and Brad Garrett by Justin Lubin/FOX
Cheers to 'Til Death for bringing in J.B. Smoove. The explosively funny actor, who earned huge laughs as Larry David's hurricane-survivor houseguest Leon on Curb Your Enthusiasm, scored again as Kenny on Fox's sitcom. The setup: Eddie (Brad Garrett) signs up for the Big Brother program and mistakenly gets matched up with 38-year-old Kenny. The episode gave Smoove a chance to show off his skill for physical shtick in a roller-skating sequence almost as sidesplitting as his recent robot-dance throwdown with Conan O'Brien on Late Night. Now that's Smoove!


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Posted by Bruce Fretts
Mar 25, 2008 10:24 PM
I think I'm redefining insanity. My new definition is "watching 'Til Death week after week, expecting a different result".

This show is just not funny to me, and worse, it's painfully self-conscious in its attempt to be funny. I knew I had seen JB Smoove somewhere before, so I imdb'd him while the show was on and I realize the only thing I remember him from is an occasional appearance on SNL.

As I watched this episode, I was at a loss to explain why he was being treated like some kind of big guest star. He wasn't awful, but I'm surprised he rated either a Cheer or a Jeer. This is normally the sort of thing I'd expect to be passed over without a mention at all.

To be honest, I came on here for your take on the Jericho finale, Bruce. I guess in a roundabout way, you reminded me how resentful I feel that a show such as Jericho can't find a significant viewership, yet 'Til Death looks as though it might even get a third season.
Posted by TV Gord
Mar 26, 2008 4:40 AM
TV Gord--I usually don't find 'Til Death to be either Cheer or Jeer-worthy, but I was pleased to see J.B. Smoove. I've been waiting for him to break out ever since I first saw him on Cedric the Entertainer's short-lived sketch show years ago, and it seems like his moment has finally arrived. Plus, I'm not a big Jericho nut, so I didn't feel like I'd have much to say about the finale.
Posted by Bruce Fretts
Mar 26, 2008 8:31 AM
THAT'S where I know him from! Dayamn! That Cedric The Entertainer show was FUNNY! You're right, I remember him vividly from that show, now that you've jogged this feeble brain of mine! I can't believe that show didn't take off like In Living Color!
Posted by TV Gord
Mar 26, 2008 8:46 AM
Oddly enough, with the exception of JB Smoove, I thought the episode was lackluster for Til'Death.

I think the Woodcocks are the best part of the show, yet they had absolutely zero time in this episode.
Posted by Zinger314
Mar 26, 2008 12:52 PM
The Woodcocks were peripheral at best. I wonder if this marks a change in direction for the show, away from the old married couple/young married couple concept.
Posted by Bruce Fretts
Mar 26, 2008 2:29 PM
There's been a definite change in direction this season. The Woodcocks aren't even in the opening credits anymore. I like both Brad and Joely, but I think it's a mistake. I think the two couples are what give the show any kind of depth.

mmph. (hack cackle cackle)!
:^O:^Odepth:^Oha ha. I kill me!!!
Posted by TV Gord
Mar 26, 2008 7:31 PM
The best part of the show is the wife's boobs. She sure likes showing them as does Fox. I think Joely can fix her hair style and look more kempt. I also think Mrs. Woodcock is very cute and likes to show her "girls" too. Smoove will add alot if used properly and not in a pandering way just to get better ratings but what is new about that? I liked him in "Curb" but the language will be way different and rated only PG. Will he be in every week? I hope the Woodcocks aren't forgotten. They are part of the nucleus of the show just like Ed Norton/Trixie to Ralph Kramden and and Alice. I hope the show gets a third season.
Posted by trombone
Mar 26, 2008 11:47 PM
'Til Death is a mediocre sitcom at best, and adding J.B. Smoove didn't help, actually I turned it off during the roller skating scene. The premise of him being in the big brother system for 25 years was just ridiculous. I agree with trombone I enjoyed J.B. in Curb Your Enthusiasm, but this was just dumb.
Posted by Melissa
Mar 27, 2008 4:46 PM
I love Til Death. I think it's really funny and look forward to when it's on. Brad is just drop dead hysterical and Joely is fantastic. They truly make the show. I do agree that they need to keep the Woodcocks in, though. It's also good to see that the couples each have other friends, too. I think it's come a long way in 1 1/2 seasons. Keep up the good work, and it's good to see it get a 'cheer' once in a while.
Posted by buddy123
Mar 27, 2008 11:01 PM
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