Season 8 Episode 1: The Divorce – reviewed
Larry learns that his divorce lawyer is not kosher; Larry cancels a Girl Scout cookie order.
Larry is back. And the master of the painful laugh has lost none of his penchant for the awkward moment. This is one of the stronger season premieres from memory. I can’t say I was in stitches for 30 minutes but there were some really funny moments, and classic curb situations. Spoilers follow:
Like previous seasons, this first episode is used to set up part of the scenario for a possible season arc. Larry gets divorced in this episode, so his relationship with Cheryl seems like it will remain “complicated” at best for the majority of the season. Marty Funkhouser is back and seems like he will be joining Larry on the newly single 60 year olds scene. Jeff, Susie and new favourite Leon all make their return. It really is like seeing old friends again. The episode also sees Larry lose the house to Cheryl, meaning he and Leon will be packing and heading to… New York? At some point anyhow. Apart from that, not a lot about a potential arc is revealed.
Larry and the rest look like they are really having fun this season and that’s a good sign. The banter between the characters is fresh and a joy to watch. I’m looking forward to the inclusion of guest stars including Michael J. Fox and Ricky Gervais.
My highlights:
- “The delicious brown crumbly stuff… cinnamon.”
- “And I can call you bald, it’s like black people calling each other (the n word). Hey baldy!”
- “I’m taking your balls and I’m thumb tacking them to the wall” (yes, Susie is most certainly back :))
- The buffet situation that I have always thought about acted out in the surreal reality only Curb can provide.
- Larry gently pushing a tampon into his armpit was one of the funniest things I’ve seen in a while.
- “Good afternoon General Petraeus.”
- “You are a colossal prick”
- “Excuse me, do you have a scissor?”
Key lesson for this episode: “It’s not a negative thing to run an ass into the ground.”
Next week’s episode 2 is titled “The Safe house”.
What did you think of “The Divorce”?
excellent episode, as per usual. Crammed full of gags. Loving Leon’s return.
Good to see your return too Si!
Great way to start season 8! Love how it picked up from the last scene of season 7 – with Larry and Cheryl getting into the “do you respect wood” argument. Classic! Also, the tampon scene is unforgettable. “It slides out!!”, Larry exclaimed. Great stuff!
Yep, this was a great show. I mean, every time you have Larry with kids is dynamite, very funny. I also thought this was one of the strongest season openers ever. I just can’t wait to see them in NY, and by the preview at the end the next episode will be hilarious. Cheers everybody.
thanks Alex
& thanks for the excellent site
btw if anyone read the tabloids about David Beckham’s baby’s new name, I immediately thought of this:
Haha, thanks for posting that Si – I had the exact same thought!
I loved the Funk man! It was hilarious how you didn’t really know they were eating with Larry, Susie and Jeff until they panned around to them and I also loved the look he gave Larry when Larry wouldn’t stop insisting that Nan take the trip with Marty. Classic!