Martin Carr reviews the second episode of Kidding…
Although the title of episode two implies a lack of backbone intrinsically linked to our central protagonist Jeff Pickles, his actions and apparent emotional stasis reveal something considerably stronger. By turning a moment of mental instability on its head Pickles shows a level of manipulation, which both appeases his corporate boss, wrong foots his old partner and plays into the television persona which pays the bills. There are few actors who could carry off such a delicate tonal shift and still remain sympathetic.
There are acts of audience sabotage which take place in Kidding which would alienate most lead actors irrespective of charisma. Whether this is conversations about gender reassignment, ticking time bomb gas cooker house sales, real estate stalking or dinner time interrogations, Carrey just about escapes unscathed on numerous occasions. Humour here of the blackest variety appears between the cracks of situational moments and always at the expense of corporate advertising. Similarly moments of sympathy which come from extra martial confrontations and play out in silence before any emotional fireworks, understating impact and maintaining focus on character.
Frank Langella is becoming increasingly essential as a counterbalance during studio scenes where Carrey is visibly going off script. Part counsellor, part relative but primarily a sensible voice in the maelstrom, this corrupt corporate mouthpiece represents one sane sound amongst the character carnage. These darkly kinked interpretations of normal life take away the happy family elements which define so many conventional fictional set ups singularly setting this show apart.
Full frontal nudity and foot fetishes continue to counterpoint domestic meltdowns, psychological disarray and moments of childlike innocence as demonstrated during studio time. Less of a straight up drama and more an observational life exercise Kidding carries on the off kilter feel. In entertainment terms this falls into the bravery category as very little about the show could be called light hearted, humorous or dramatically satisfying right now, yet remain the thing which keeps you engaged.
We know that Jeff is going off the rails and we know others are likely to share a similar fate, yet any satisfaction we garner from watching will ultimately be at a price. This then is perhaps the underlying point in that entertainment itself can manipulate, influence and undermine whilst hiding behind a veil of televisual virtue. Here more than in anything else I have ever asked to review we are dealing with ambiguity, misdirection, unintentional humour and human frailty much like everyday life.
Martin Carr
Originally published September 19, 2018. Updated January 8, 2019.
