Rules of Engagement – Does Timmy think cricket is “football?”

I don’t know why the grouping had never occurred to me before, but last night’s episode of Rules of Engagement made a brilliant character pairing move, throwing Jeff and Timmy together in a battle of wits … and cricket.

Aside from Jeff and Audrey’s attempts to have a baby, and Jen and Adam’s wedding, this show has little continuing substance to sink your teeth into. So then how is it so consistently great? Because the comedy is fantastic, and the cast of characters spewing the lines is extraordinary.

How awkward of a human being can Jeff possibly be? What did he say to Timmy? That he talks one way but looks another? I mean, how wrong on so many politically correct, socially acceptable, behaviorally normal levels? And yet he does it so well, and with such ease, that you can’t help but laugh, even as some small part of your brain might be offended in some way.

That scene with Timmy and Jeff was a great start to a really funny cricket challenge that lasted the rest of the episode. Unfortunately, it did highlight how Russell can easily become nothing more than window dressing on the show. He literally was just “also there” both during their video game competition, as well as at their live cricket “match.” I hate to say it, but Russell might become expendable if the show doesn’t act fast, because if Jeff and Timmy can replicate Jeff and Russell’s banter, than what’s his point for being?

I’m not sure whether or not Audrey can go it alone, as made evident by her swing and miss sexual harassment problems. It was funny in and of itself, and was certainly great fodder for comedy when she brought the problem home with her, but I really didn’t enjoy the office scenes with her co-workers standing around talking about the mail room guy. I loved when Audrey made a fool of herself, though … how did the elevator not rip her dress clean off of her body? How did it stop at her waist?

And Jennifer and Adam are just lost. All there is for them to do is give one another massages, and have sex? I suppose it was funny that Adam came equipped with all sorts of techniques that last time, but it was also painfully obvious that the discomfort she was in would lead Jen to stop Adam for sex. Something is definitely missing there.

So I guess I should actually qualify my original comment about the show consistently bringing it by saying this: Jeff is this show, and he makes it fantastic just by stopping by. He makes everyone better. Jeff and Audrey? One of the best couple chemistries on TV. Jeff and Russell? Awesome banter. Jeff and Adam? Hilarious insults. Jeff, Adam, and Russell? More of the same banter and insults. Jeff alone? The guy makes sitting in his armchair watching TV destination viewing. And now Jeff and Timmy? Talk about bringing it every time you come out to play.

CBS would be crazy to let this show go.

Clacked by Aryeh S.
on May 18, 2010 @ 12:00 EST5EDT