1x03 Don't Worry, It's His Sister

[7.6/10] Easily the funniest episode of the show so far! Something good for each member of the Rose family to do!

Catherine O’hara, as she is wont to do, totally steals the show. Her turning a simple high school anti-drug play into a rigorous theatrical workshop, where she herself is working through the mean thing said about her online, is totally inspired. Moira going with her affected theater teacher mode to a room full of bored high school kids makes for a very fun clash of energies, and her low level slights for the town while making very thinly-veiled references to her own troubles is a hoot.

I also enjoyed JOhnny’s efforts to fix the...provocative town sign. Him trying to source the place up so they can sell it is a good long-term story engine, and this makes for a nice turn to have to navigate. The way the town seemingly doesn’t realize what makes it risque is a good bit, and Roland’s “fix” for the brother/sister connection is a hilarious case of not understanding the problem. It’s a good laugh to go out on.

David and Alexis’s stories are shorter, but still fun. I enjoy David’s failed attempts to be a working stiff. Stevie’s sarcastic responses to his queries continue to be fun, and the sequence where he tries to be a bag boy, only to get interrupted by his dad calling is a good one.

By the same token, Alexis being surprisingly enchanted by “Mutt”, only to discover that cheery waitress Twyla is his (apparent) girlfriend makes for a solid sitcom conflict, and Alexis’s failed attempts to flirt are entertaining.

Overall, this was the best episode of the show yet, and I’ve realized that it’s started to develop a nice “Arrested Development meets Parks and Recreation vibe.