Sarah: Bored to Death

So, after havign watched all of Mad Men, Arrested Development and needing a break from 30 Rock, I was rummaging through the messy shelves of my very lame local DVD store (I miss Mondo Video in Annandale!) when I came accross Bored to Death.

Now, the fact that it stars Jason Schwartzman (who can do no worng) and Zach Galafianakis (I'll admit it - even though he can only play that one character, I really love that character!) meant that I was either going to be extremely excited by this show, or extremely let down.

Thankfully, it's a hit!

I think I hadn't heard of it previously because it's the kind of show where, to like it, you have to already be a huge fan of all the actors involved. Luckily for me, this recipe meant that I can add another brilliant series to my every-growing list of TV addictions (who knew that amongst all the reality crap that has been produced in the last few years, some of the best real TV was being made alongside it!).

The show is about Jonathan Ames (the writers real name) - who is left with nothing to do after his girlfriend breaks up with him and his career as a writer starts to wane. He is inspired by a Raymond Chandler detective novel and lists himself on Craigslist as an "unliscened private detective - with reasonable rates".

The episodes take us all around Brooklyn and often feature interesting cameo's - director Jim Jarmusch being one of my favourites from Season One.

Ted Danson plays Jonathans old and bored Magazine Editor boss, who has a drinking problem and likes to involve himself in as much trouble and adventure as possible.

Zach Galifianakis plays Jonathans loser best friend, who struggles to convince his girlfriend to have regular sex with him, because she thinks his being a career "illustrator" is highly undesireable.

The storylines are comical and intersting - who knew a modern day faux-detective sitcom with a pot head Jewish lead character would work?

Well, it does, and I think everyone should go out and rent this series immediately if not sooner.

S.