W/ Bob and David — Blue Fairy Film Blog

Although series creators Bob Odenkirk and David Cross don’t want to agree with me on this point, to understand this show you have to know its origin story. Back in the nineties Odenkirk and Cross met and instantly became writing partners. From that came an idea for a sketch show, where all of the sketches tied into one another for one coherent but strange storyline. The show was called “Mr. Show,” and it ran on HBO from 1995-1998. The sketches were more on the edgy side of the spectrum, being a compatriot with “In Living Color,” and “Mad TV.” Collaborators on the show included comedians Brian Posehn, Sarah Silverman, Tom Kenney, and Scott Aukerman. There were lots of cameos and throwaway jokes, and the show itself gained a huge cult following after it was cancelled. Most recently the show has enjoyed reruns on IFC and huge DVD sales have re-generated interest for a new generation of fans.

Fast forward to now, and the many changes in both Odenkirk and Cross’ respective lives. Since the show ended each has found a niche in television, Cross notably starring on “Arrested Development,” another cult hit, and Odenkirk in “Breaking Bad,” and “Better Call Saul,” on AMC. Each has worked extensively in film and television, and their stars have risen. With such little time to accommodate a reboot, the two former writing partners came together again and made a four episode run, and one hour behind the scenes episode, which are currently streaming on Netflix.

Though the show mirrors its predecessor, Odenkirk has described it as “lighter", "less complex" and "faster." There’s a mix of pre-taped pieces with cameos by comedians like Keegan Michael Key and cast regulars John Ennis, Scott Adsit, and others, and live pieces, which were shot in front of a live audience, often warmed up by former cast member Paul F. Tompkins. The episode often starts on a quick non-sequitur, and then the rest of the sketches flow into each other creating one connected story featuring various characters and performers. The format makes the show feel like a nineties venture, including having the live studio audience, which faded away with “Inside Amy Schumer,” “Key and Peele,” and “Kroll Show,” filling the vacuum left by its nineties predecessors. Still, the material says a lot about today’s society, and it’s perfectly off-color and insightful. The sketch on the civil rights guy trying to get cops to stop him at a sobriety checkpoint was inspired. Everything to do with the “stay-at-home” Pope made my day.

This series run is supposed to be a pilot, and if it does well Netflix will order more episodes in the future. This is an excellent addition to Netflix’s new policy of reviving old, and beloved television programs, like it’s doing for “Gilmore Girls,” and “Full House.” It’s going to be exciting to see what else Odenkirk and Cross will come up with, since they haven’t been writing together for almost twenty years. Comedians Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim are producers on this show, and have stated they were inspired by the zany nature of Odenkirk and Cross’ comedy styling, which didn’t play it safe in a format that was traditionally very safe. Watching this show will renew your love of the nineties, cult, and the wonderfully absurd.