If you don't know what a platitude is, it's a platypus with an attitude

[vovat]

I can say that I am a fan of Michael Showalter and Michael Ian Black. Not having had cable growing up, I wasn't able to watch The State or Viva Variety. I did, however, enjoy their recent absurdist comedy show Stella, Showalter's film The Baxter, and their live stand-up. So it stands to reason that I would watch their new show, Michael & Michael Have Issues. Unfortunately, I don't think it's as funny as other projects of theirs. If the two episodes I've seen are any indication, it's essentially a comedy show about a comedy show, with the main plot taking place behind the scenes, with the two Michaels playing self-centered, childish parodies of themselves. There are hints of their Stella characters present, but the humor doesn't work as well in a more realistic setting. Interspersed within the episode are bits of the Michaels hosting their show-within-a-show, and traditional sketches with the Michaels are other cast members playing characters. It seems that they aim for a running theme with each episode, so that these other parts have some link to the overall plot. While there are good jokes on the show, I don't think the format really showcases their style of comedy all that well. If I had the choice, I would have preferred more Stella, but I don't think it received very good ratings.

Comments

[poisonyoulove.livejournal.com]

I'm a little disappointed with Michael And Michael have Issues, too. The show-within-the-show is fun, but I'm just not feeling the behind-the-scenes quarreling.
I'd love to get The State, now that it's out on DVD, because that was awesome.