Barry

There’s a very original idea unravelling throughout the 4 or so hours of the overall footage. A relatively serious story about a hitman who doesn’t have a drop of emotion in him, situated in a completely bungling theatre in Los Angeles, which is exactly where the hitman wants to do his dirty work. A serious tone takes turns with some scathingly dark humor which is really amusing. Bill Hader has really surprised me, and truth be told, I wasn’t even disappointed by the literal ending. It may underline the show’s overall absurdity, but the general quality of the show, confident even in its action scenes, makes up for it. (20/08/2018)

I came back to Barry after a couple of years, and right when I was stuck at home (except for work), with my only other entertainment being a 1,000-piece puzzle. But man, season 2 really delivered. It picks up where it left off—following a hitman who’s trying to leave the killing behind to become an actor—and then hits you with episode 5, which is just epic. It’s the kind of show that keeps you entertained, makes you laugh, and gives you a solid break from reality. Episode 5, though, has to be one of the most absurdly botched assassination attempts I’ve ever seen on TV, and that includes Fargo. It’s so wild, it could stand alone as its own short film. If for no other reason, watch Barry for that episode—Bill Hader absolutely nails it. (09/03/2021)