bored-to-death-sexy

HBO has ordered a second season of “Bored to Death,” according to the Hollywood Reporter. The noir-comedy stars Jason Schwartzman as a frustrated writer turned private investigator, with Ted Danson as his editor and Zach Galifianakis as his best friend, and the series has managed solid if not spectacular ratings so far.

Despite my general distaste for Schwartzman and his idiotic hair, I had massive hopes for this show. There was so much to like: written by the excellent Jonathan Ames, inspired by the giants of noir like Raymond Chandler, co-starring Zach G., set in Brooklyn… I’m the target audience for this show.

And yet: it kinda sucks. The writing is solid, the acting is good (Jim Jarmusch had a terrific guest spot in the most recent episode), but Schwartzman’s central character is poorly composed. He’s an author who whines about not being able to write his second novel, and he drinks white wine to appease his girlfriend who thinks he drinks too much. After she leaves him, he’s so heartbroken that he continues to drink white wine. I’m sorry, but as an alcoholic writer, that is NOT how it works.

“Bored to Death” fails because noir, whether it’s playing for laughs or thrills, demands a confident central character; Schwartzman’s kvetching shrimp with existential problems just doesn’t cut it. Let’s stop giving this Woody Allen archetype the dignity of the word “nebbish,” and call it what it really is: annoying little bitch.

(image source = WWTDD. Plenty more Annalynne McCord over there)

http://www.thrfeed.com/2009/10/hbo-orders-second-season-of-bored-to-death.htmlXZach Galifianaki