Martin Carr reviews the fifth episode of Kidding…
There is pushing the envelope, breaking the fourth wall, challenging conventions and redefining expectations. In just five episodes Kidding has achieved all bar one of these serial milestones whilst managing to go meta with Conan. Aside from that this additional half hour of off kilter social commentary slash comedy drama continues dishing dirt, moving censorship goalposts and being savagely prescient.
Carrey, Keener and Langella are given more meat on the bone, more left of centre character moments and genuine emotion to bolster their dramatic contributions. As the aging patriarch of a global brand who manipulates his son, daughter and anyone else into doing his bidding Langella demonstrates untapped comedic abilities this week. Delivering bone dry sarcasm, sardonic asides and weed induced life lessons without once dropping the ball. Having scant regard for his children he ignores one, builds mountains from molehills to serve his purposes elsewhere but remains sympathetic, relatable and most importantly human. Catherine Keener similarly has her moment in the sun communicating to her isolated father through puppetry. Psychology as much as theology bleed through into episode five as well as significant backstory.
This is still a programme which requires work and the flashbacks provide insight which in turn explain Jeff Pickles and his social dysfunction. As ever Carrey plays his cards with care only letting out minor flashes of repressed anger, momentary elation or paternal concern. His relationship with Vivian who is terminal continues providing a light comical element, which gives the episode emotional balance and relief from the rapier like barbs of calculating dialogue. Moments of social media interaction and a fascination with footwear are cleverly worked into quieter moments which neither preach or spoon feed audiences.
As usual there are scenes which cross the line but Carrey is able to temper the impact, engage in the acts within context and imply character growth simultaneously. That this also provides a darkly comedic moment which is only bettered by the Pickle Time writer’s room recruits is a coup few other shows could pull off. Personal and professional image manipulation remain at the forefront and prescient comments slipped into conversations make no secret of it. Kidding remains challenging, unconventional, unrepentant and most importantly essential in its aims, actions and intentions. This is what television should be used for and it’s nice to know there are a few people out there who are still brave enough to speak up.
Martin Carr
Originally published October 8, 2018. Updated January 8, 2019.
