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Episode Recap: "Fish Story"
An alternate title for this episode could have been, "One fish, two fish, overfed fish, fried fish." I doubt PETA will be particularly thrilled with the outcome of the story. Me? I just kind of want to go out for seafood. While the fish-as-child metaphor was not exactly subtle (or original — they did it on Frasier in the episode "Flour Child," leading to Niles' wonderful line, "After all, a real child would have cried before it burst into flames"), it did create an almost Stooge-like backdrop for what was actually a pretty heavy topic: Is it healthy to everyone involved for Gracie to spend time with Chuck? It's obvious they will, and luckily for her, small as she might be, Gracie won't fit in a coffee cup.
The writers could have had no idea that a story about tasers would be so relevant when this episode was in development, so this was quite fortuitous timing. I'm glad there's a force out there bringing such screamingly funny physical comedy around once in a while, reminding us that taser-related sitcom storylines will never go out of style. If taking a "Whale Stopper" to the chest doesn't restore Gary Crezyzewski's macho credentials after the unfortunate baby-llama ear-munching incident, I'm not sure there's much hope left for him. In any case, bravo to Ty Burrell for going whole-hog in that scene.
Marshall and Montana had some really delightful interactions this week; only Fred Willard could throw away a line like, "Oh, Montana, would you see if you can get this orange in my pants without me knowing it?" instead of hammering it into the viewers' skulls, and I'm really enjoying the way Ayda Field has toned Montana down to be less of a cartoon and more of a true supporting character. Ditto for news director Ryan.
The bottom line is this: I liked the first episode, but I was cautious. Now I'm starting to get a feel for where this show's going and I have to admit, I'm dropping my guard. The first five minutes of dialogue were undeniably painful (to wit: "I'm sorry if I invaded your space by a few inches." "At least this time it won't get me pregnant."), but after that funky credit sequence, the episode hit its stride. So yes, it may indeed have been, "the bloodiest day in fish history," but it was also a strong second showing for the gang at WURG.
Check out clips from Back to You in our Online Video Guide.
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Sep 26, 2007 9:33 PM
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Leah, I really enjoyed this episode. The interaction of the ensemble was pretty terrific.
I'm sure no fish were harmed in the making of the show (so to speak). I'm looking forward to next week's episode!
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Sep 26, 2007 10:12 PM
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Well, outside of a bullet, those poor fish were meeting their makers in rapid order. I really am starting to enjoy this show-- I keep waiting for Nils to walk in but that feeling is starting to leave me. The whole bit with the taser was laugh out loud. And watching the attempts to eat cereal-- well, writers and actors great job!!
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Sep 27, 2007 2:29 AM
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I laughed out loud. I knew the fish were going to keep dieing but that didn't stop me from laughing every time it happened.
I really like this show.
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Sep 27, 2007 6:14 AM
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Well, I tried a second week. The only bit I really found funny throughout the entire show was Ty Burrell and the taser. I may record this show just to see his craziness every week. Otherwise, I think I may check out Pushing Daisies. Enjoy!
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Sep 27, 2007 7:31 AM
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Marshall is the only funny thing on this show. I am with jayhawk. I will record it and get around to it sometime.
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Sep 27, 2007 9:31 AM
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I think the second episode was pretty good. Lots of funny lines and physical comedy. Grammer, Heaton and Willard were hilarious as usual and the rest of the supporting cast are starting to grow on me. I'm very optimistic about the show. I say it's a keeper.
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Sep 27, 2007 9:42 AM
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I loved all the different ways to kill a fish without a hook! Very clever. I must admit I'd love to see someone from Frasier drop by--how about Roz or Daphne as an old girl friend from L.A.? But I'll continue to watch this show. Maybe Martin Mull could come by to see his old friend from Fernwood?
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Sep 27, 2007 9:50 AM
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Montana "covering the pumpkin festival" cracked me up...
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Sep 27, 2007 10:03 AM
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Well, I tried for 2 episodes, but I'm giving up. I like Kelsey Grammar and Fred Willard, but am indifferent to the rest of the cast. And the story tonight was so superficial -- just fluff. I'm passing on.
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Sep 27, 2007 12:53 PM
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I laughed all the way through the first ep until they got to the kid. I was praying, "PLEASE don't do the obvious," but they did. Wouldn't it have been funnier if Chuck WEREN'T the father but kept trying to subtly insist that he was because of his ego? Oh well.
Didn't laugh through much of this ep. The painfully obvious fish joke got old real fast. Where was the rule of three? Violated!
Chuck and Ski (pardon me if I don't spell it out) seem to be the only characters fleshed out on the show. Ski's performance was very funny (I kept waiting for them to do a last-minute voice-over substitution for the scene). Willard is marvelous and can do wonders with his one-note role. I want whatsherface to be more than merely "that chick who had sex once with Chuck and is the mother of the kid." As the supposed second top banana, her role should be more than that. She's certainly got the chops to pull it off.
Speaking of pulling it off, the pumpkins joke would have been funny if the director hadn't lingered for so freaking long on those pumpkins. Timing, people! The news director could use some major work. He'd better watch any Trekkie-isms since his anchor is Trek-related, too. I'll stick around for one more week to see if things get better. After all, the second performance is usually the sukky one and now that's behind us. Moving along!
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Sep 28, 2007 9:58 AM
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