(Season 4, Episode 16 – “Darnell Outed, Part 2″)
It’s just a plain fact that one of the funniest shows on television right now is My Name is Earl. Everything about it is practically perfect: from the writing, to the direction, to the casting. The whole cast is absolutely wonderful, but for me (sorry Randy fans), the highlight of the show is Eddie Steeples as “The Crab Man,” Darnell, the husband of Earl’s ex-wife, Joy. His go-with-the-flow mellow character is a wonderful contrast to the other over the top characters on the show (not that there’s anything wrong with any of them!). His devotion to his pet, “Mr. Turtle,” is also touching.
Last night’s episode was a special treat for us Darnell fans. The conclusion of a two-parter, it concerned the Crab Man having his witness-protection identity blown, when his wife auditioned for a reality show. The show was, “Estrada or Nada,” a show where contestants competed against CHIPS star Eric Estrada in a series of competitions. On the show, “Eric Estrada” was actually played by the real Eric Estrada, proving he has a sense of humor and doesn’t mind making fun of himself. Or maybe he just needs cash. Another good sport was Brian Dunkleman, the former American Idol co-host spoofing his former job. Although, I’m pretty sure he needs the cash.
If you didn’t see the show, I won’t spoil it for you (check out iTunes later!). The scenes of Joy & Darnell and their two kids getting their new identities from the witness protection unit were priceless. They became “The Rosenstiens,” Marty and Phylis, and their boys Ira and Lenny, and began living the Jewish faith. Politically incorrect? For sure, but still funny.
The episode ended with the Crab Man’s fate up in the air, so we fans will just have to wring our hands in anxiety until next week’s episode.
Not to beat a dead horse, but this is a great show, and with Earl as the lead-in, NBC — with Earl, The Office and 30 Rock — almost has another night of “Must-See TV” on their hands.
As soon as they cancel that dreadful Molly Shannon show.
Clacked by Bill White
on Jan 23, 2009 @ 13:00 EST5EDT
I agree–My Name is Earl is a great show. I loved that they finally wrote an episode about Crabman. He is so great and keeps his cool in every situation. Great drawing too!
Crabman, Joy, and the kids will probably be back pretty soon. Earl said he would say good-bye next time. I was hoping they would show more of Crabmans background before the show ends. I liked his hair phone.
Nothing better…well, maybe 30 Rock. It’s nice to see that NBC is capable of giving us a whole evening of giggles. None of the other networks seem to realize that.
Absolutely – great show with fantastic character development over the course of the series.
Love the Darnell caricature as well, Bill – the ‘toons are always a lot of fun and a great addition to your rapier whit. Will look forward to your next installment . . . . do you take requests, btw?!