Monday, March 2, 2009

Flight of the Conchords – Prime Minister

Season 2, Episode 7

Murray signs Jemaine and Bret up as Simon and Garfunkel impersonators for their next gig. This catches the eye of Mary Lynn Rajskub who likes to go “Garfunkeling”. Meanwhile, Murray tries to set up a meeting between the visiting New Zealand Prime Minister and the U.S. President, and falls ridiculously short, of course. The non-music stuff is as funny, perceptive, and unique as ever: Murray’s relationship with (the lurking) Greg, Mel’s psychotic sub-table plea, Dave’s inappropriate vulgarity, Bret’s attempt to pass for a bodyguard and just about everything Jemaine does. And the plot comes together in a very Larry David-esque kind of way (that’s a good thing – and tough to do well). But . . .

the musical numbers are the weakest of the new season. “Demon Woman” is an uninspired tribute to late 80s crap rock and the karaoke song is funny for about 2 seconds. Separating Jemaine and Bret for different but complimentary stories is a great way to go and yet another way the new season has stayed sharp. The non-musical stuff has been consistently strong this season, right at a B+ or so. But the musical sequences can either raise or lower the overall impression. B

3 comments:

Lawyer said...

I liked this episode a lot. Devil Woman was funny, and I liked Bret's Mick hip dance. I thought the karaoke song was genius - with the brilliantly bizarre lyrics and Bret's delivery and feathered hair - scattalogical genius. I also thought the scene when Jemaine opens the door for Art Garfunkel was one of the best of the series. Lots of great one liners throughout, and love Bret's practicing Paul Simon's solo stuff at the end. A classic.

Lawyer said...

Karaoke Lyrics-

He looks at you
you are healthy
with the qualities of a pheasant
of a pheasant

But love, sometimes what a hindrance?
problems such as this kind are manifold

Sometimes love is as
sweet as kalbi (beef delicacy)

Sometimes the taste is likened
to milk of a cow who has
done nothing wrong

Sometimes love is as hard
as a certain kind of stone
for building houses

Sometimes it is otherwise

Oh dance baby, oh dance baby
Oh, happy dance, yeah!

Oh dance baby, oh dance baby
Oh, happy dance, yeah!

Doctor said...

I'm liking the songs after a couple more viewings. They're just not as catchy as past episodes. But I agree with you. The actual lyrics (also for Demon Woman) are hilarious.