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Movies & TV

30th Jun 2015

CULT FICTION: Six reasons why everyone should watch Eastbound and Down

Add it to your list.

Paul Moore

Add it to your list.

Every week I’m choosing one TV show that deserves your attention because time is precious and there are some stunning shows available to watch.

This week it’s the hilarious Eastbound & Down.

Kenny1

1) What’s it about? : Have you ever wondered what happened to that person in your secondary-school that seemed like they had the world at their feet but absolutely pissed their talent away?

Welcome to the depraved world of Kenny Powers then, a former professional baseball player whose ego and sense of entitlement is only matched by his lunacy and hilarity.

Kenny2

The man had more talent than everyone else but a life of drink, drugs, dames and debauchery has now meant that he has to return to his old high-school and teach P.E. There’s one problem though, Kenny still has the superstar ego and along with his whipping boy/ best friend Stevie, he plans on getting back to the top.

2) It’s almost like : Imagine a more 18’s rated Will Ferrell character – that sense of unearned cockiness is rampant in Kenny – and putting him in a comedy show.

This description is slightly strange though because Ferrell actually has a recurring role in the show as the strange, touchy-feely car-dealer Ashley Shaffer.

3) It’s worth your time because: I genuinely can’t remember seeing a comedy pilot that made me laugh so much because the character of Kenny Powers is so intricately linked with Danny McBride’s persona that it’s hard to see where the character ends and the actor starts.

Yes, it’s juvenile and narcissitic at times but Stevie’s weird devotion to Kenny is oddly sweet and what’s not to live about a character that enters the field, dressed as a Maricahi, while riding a donkey.

4) Did you know?: The second season of the show was shot in little over 30 days.

5) One episode and you’re hooked: As mentioned previously, the pilot is absolutely hilarious especially the opening montage, the dinner table scene and Kenny’s triumphant exit.

6) If the show was a person then:  That show-off friend of yours who can’t help but think that they’re gods gift to the world but they’re actually a clown. Then again, clowns either appal you or make you laugh. That’s pretty much Kenny Powers.

Topics:

Cult Fiction