Matt Smith reviews the fourth episode of Veep season two…
Veep is, ultimately, about the people most in power trying their hardest to focus on the little things instead of the big picture. And it manages to stay a comedy because it takes the same tack with its focus. Sticking with just one group of people, with a few outsiders, means we don’t ever see the consequences of their actions beyond the personal torment afforded to them. If we truly saw the effects these people had on the global scale, we’d probably cry. But comedic satire has to keep it funny, meaning it’s more about making fun of the people in power. In a way, is this not the better solution? To humiliate those in power takes it away. At least, that’s the theory.
And while last week the show seemed too fluffy, not fully confronting the true outcome of a man losing his leg, words were eaten this week when Selina Meyer had to work with that fact constantly in her mind. This is all while performing a comedy song in front of her colleagues and eating lunch with her aide Gary (Tony Hale). Dan and Mike (Reid Scott and Matt Walsh providing the funnies) take some time out to discover the secrets of that mighty political stalwart Jonah (Timothy Simons). The show goes on to examine each character going about their little tasks; work related or otherwise, as they each fail in their own unique way.
To further the ritual humiliation, Veep keeps each character embroiled in a battle about the little things. Selina’s comedy song and her lunch with Gary. Jonah’s official car parking space, despite the lack of car. And it’s the fighting about the little things that makes the show great when it comes to laughing at these characters. The way stupid little things matter more to the big stupid people is such a simple comedic route the show takes this week. But it’s done so well, showing simplicity can be genius.
This episode also touches on the well-known battle between new and old. What happens when a lack of communication and understanding plays out, but on a global scale? The only thing I know for sure is that Selina Meyer is somehow even more hilarious when furious.
So, the only thing to be said really, is that it seems this second series has taken all the little things needed to make a great, satirical comedy and fine tuned them to get back up to speed with the first series. This week’s episode has been the definition of ‘political satire’. Everyone is back to where they should be, including the audience. Laughing at the big and little people, ridiculing them without them knowing, as they influence the world. And it’s that little point that political satire’s really all about.
Matt Smith – follow me on Twitter.
Originally published November 9, 2013. Updated April 15, 2018.
