[9.9/10] This is one of the absolute pinnacles of the sitcom form, with tons of intersecting storylines that are each as clever as they are uproariously funny.
What’s great about this episode is all the little gags that just come back in small but hilarious ways. The big stuff in this episode absolutely works, but whether it’s GOBs misuse of the word “circumvent,” or Starla’s snafus with the printer, or even just the oh so funny look on Lucille’s face when she closes the door on GOB, all the small gags work just as well in this.
The main story is pretty brilliant, with Michael’s quest to find his father (and retrieve the world-famous staircar) in Mexico coinciding with his efforts to have some alone time with his son, which George Michael sees as a way for his dad to get to know his girlfriend, Ann. It’s an insane situation mixed with a relatable one, which is something this show knows how to pull off. The absurdity of the group’s misadventures in Mexico is well done, and I just love the verbal gags of Michael referring to Ann as “egg” or “plant” or “Ann-hog.” It’s a little mean, but too too funny.
The bits with the bounty hunters are great too. Martin Mull is a hoot as Gene Parmesean in his escalating series of poor disguises and poorer accents (and Lucille’s reactions are absolute gold). GOB worrying that he doesn't have any friends, and hiring Ice the Bounty Hunter to chase after Michael, only for Michael to make them be GOB’s friends is clever and amusing writing.
Last but not least, I am over the moon about Buster’s storyline. There’s some great commentary in him going 6 minutes away from his home and thinking he’s in Mexico, great comedy in him feeling at home because his mom gave away all his stuff to the housekeeper, and great comic irony in him trying to run away from his mom for sleeping with Oscar, only to accidentally end up right back where (and seeing what) he tried to run away from.
Overall, this is a tour de force, and quite possibly the best and funniest episode of this show, which is no small accomplishment.
Review by Andrew BloomVIP 9BlockedParent2018-06-21T02:53:35Z
[9.9/10] This is one of the absolute pinnacles of the sitcom form, with tons of intersecting storylines that are each as clever as they are uproariously funny.
What’s great about this episode is all the little gags that just come back in small but hilarious ways. The big stuff in this episode absolutely works, but whether it’s GOBs misuse of the word “circumvent,” or Starla’s snafus with the printer, or even just the oh so funny look on Lucille’s face when she closes the door on GOB, all the small gags work just as well in this.
The main story is pretty brilliant, with Michael’s quest to find his father (and retrieve the world-famous staircar) in Mexico coinciding with his efforts to have some alone time with his son, which George Michael sees as a way for his dad to get to know his girlfriend, Ann. It’s an insane situation mixed with a relatable one, which is something this show knows how to pull off. The absurdity of the group’s misadventures in Mexico is well done, and I just love the verbal gags of Michael referring to Ann as “egg” or “plant” or “Ann-hog.” It’s a little mean, but too too funny.
The bits with the bounty hunters are great too. Martin Mull is a hoot as Gene Parmesean in his escalating series of poor disguises and poorer accents (and Lucille’s reactions are absolute gold). GOB worrying that he doesn't have any friends, and hiring Ice the Bounty Hunter to chase after Michael, only for Michael to make them be GOB’s friends is clever and amusing writing.
Last but not least, I am over the moon about Buster’s storyline. There’s some great commentary in him going 6 minutes away from his home and thinking he’s in Mexico, great comedy in him feeling at home because his mom gave away all his stuff to the housekeeper, and great comic irony in him trying to run away from his mom for sleeping with Oscar, only to accidentally end up right back where (and seeing what) he tried to run away from.
Overall, this is a tour de force, and quite possibly the best and funniest episode of this show, which is no small accomplishment.