Imagine that you are an author with one critically-acclaimed book under your belt but writer's block has got you stuck in a rut on your second novel. Your girlfriend just left you due to your inability to dump the first loves of your life, alcohol and marijuana. You've literally got nothing left to lose, so what do you do? Live out your innermost fantasy as a private detective, of course. This is the premise of HBO's latest original comedy Bored to Death.
In the great anticipation of a new potential hit from HBO, millions of viewers nationwide tuned through satellite TV and cable to watch the series unfold, and for many it did not disappoint. Created by real life author Jonathan Ames, the offbeat comedy follows the calamities of a fictional Jonathan Ames, played by Jason Schwartzman (Rushmore, The Darjeeling Limited), as he tries to live out his dreams moonlighting as an unlicensed private investigator with nothing to go off of other than what he thinks a detective does based off what he read in classic crime novels.
Ames finds his very first case almost immediately after posting his ad online and is sent out into the night searching for a woman's lost sister before he even realizes what he's getting into. After this first one, more cases continue to pile up, ranging anywhere from a boy's stolen skateboard to suspicion of adultery to stolen sperm. As is to be expected, Jonathan's lack of professional experience leads to some entertaining bumps in the road on his newfound career path.
Other central characters in the show are Jonathan's needy boss and big-shot magazine editor, George Christopher, played by Ted Danson (Cheers) and Jonathan's best friend and comic book illustrator, Ray Hueston, played by Zach Galifianakis (The Hangover). There is also Jonathan's ex-girlfriend Suzanne, played by Olivia Thrilby, who plays a driving force in some of the storylines, not least importantly of which is the catalyst to Jonathan's secret career change. Jonathan has to balance his social life with George, Ray and occasionally, Suzanne with his private detective gig, often resulting in conflict and awkwardness in one arena or the other.
Unlike most American comedies, the humor in the show is typically very subtle and not easily detectable to some audiences that are used to brazen, in-your-face antics. The style is almost reminiscent of a Wes Anderson movie (fittingly enough given that Jason Schwartzman is a favorite recurring actor in his films), which while highly acclaimed by most movie buffs, has mixed reviews among the vast majority. For those who can appreciate it, it's genius.
Much to the relief and delight of fans of the show, HBO has decided to renew the series for a second season due to such a great first reception. Michael Lombardo, president, Programming Group and West Coast Operations, has announced that production is set to begin in 2010 and will air HBO and HBO HD through satellite TV and cable providers.
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