I don't remember exactly when I first came across this show. I think it was in fact many years ago, perhaps even on the old chain that it was recommended to me by another member of the community. I was going through the films of Wes Anderson and Jason Schawrtzman at the time, very much enjoying the works the two had created together. It seemed as it Schawrtzman had only worked with Anderson at first, seemingly rarely delving into the world of television and just sticking to feature films. Perhaps this wasn't the case and there are still many series featuring this actor, but I just haven't really seen him elsewhere beyond the artistic creations he's mostly famous for under Anderson's wing, even since his youth. Despite that, I'm quite a fan of Schawrtzman as an actor. He has quite a lot of charm to him and fits very specific roles that I feel he chooses well. It does make sense that most of his works come alongside Anderson though, with his debut as a child actor being in 1998's Rushmore.
For some reason, it took me years to finally watch Bored to Death. I think I just kept forgetting about it as I watched other things, and the fact that this was unfortunately cancelled likely only pushed me away from watching it even more. Though yet again it came about my way as a result of more recommendations from others, still not from my own accord. In fact, I again forget it existed until it was again mentioned to me. Despite the many years that have passed, I am glad that I've finally given it a chance. It's a fun show that definitely didn't deserve being cancelled, with many little special elements that make it unique for a series. Even despite that, it remains unique and easy to watch. Short, but straight to the point and with few characters. It's a television show that I wish other television shows followed. Not trying to be overly ambitious, but engaging enough to be fun and enjoyable to keep watching episode after episode.
Bored to Death
Shot in New York City, Bored to Death follows in inspiration of the many detective series and feature films that came before it many decades prior. The old detective noir stories that became much loved by all across the world in the late 40s to 60s. So much so that we follow a struggling writer that illegally decides to moonlight as a private detective for everyday citizens of New York City in the night. Throwing up a CraigsList advertisement, ensuring he states that he is not acrually licensed to be a private investigator, and still managing to get the odd call for work. This struggling writer is the assistant of a very successful magazine publisher, portrayed by Ted Danson. His best friend being a struggling comicbook artist portsywd by Zach Galafianakis. For the most part, the show show surrounds itself around these three characters throughout everyday activities. Highly out of the norm thoughts and events that show the crazy side of New York City out in the open.
It is a very interesting idea to setup a bunch of highly dysfunctional set of characters within the craziness of New York City. A location highly famous for its wild side that seems to take place hidden in plain sight to most. Something we came to discover recently with John Wilson's "How To with John Wilson" documentary series, which takes a documentary styled look at life of everyday citizens within the city. The craziness that takes place at all times and the many unique stories that go overlooked. Bored to Death takes a more fictionalised look at this all with the inspiration of those old film noir detective stories as its foundations. I'm not surprised at all to find Ted Danson in yet another weed smoking, egocentric and highly out of touch character role. Having seen The Good Place in which he plays a demon tormenting humans in the afterlife, his character is oddly similar. But I think Danson suits these sort of youthful roles with his older age. He has a very millenial aesthetic to him that adds some fun comedy to the show, constantly relying on our protagonist to help him despite him actually being the one of financial power and success.
It's quite interesting to see the ways in which the show pushes and pulls using a small range of characters. Each of them adds something different to the story with their personalities and it makes the show stay dynamic despite this simplicity. With a general 24 minute runtime per episode and around three seasons in total before its unfortunate cancellation, I don't think I've found myself growing tired of it at all. If anything just more addicted to it. Schawrtzman in a leading role seems to fit nicely as well, offering this very fragile, easily manipulated small man character with a ton of ambition. Constantly throwing himself into the unknown despite being easily swayed and clearly not having the strength to really go through with things. I think it's great to see him as such a balanced character. Incapable of having his own life be functional and free of stress, but capable of picking up the pieces for his boss who seems to be in the position he's in out of a sheer miracle. But in a way it reflects that New York City luck that people come across that sometimes just may not make sense. Galifianakis as a side role also seems to fit well, but is hardly far from his expected roles elsewhere. Playing the generic slightly overweight but lighthearted stoner creative type. Magically managing to get by but often high or drunk or getting his heart broken.
It is highly unfortunate that this show was cancelled. I'm not sure why it got axed but so far it seems pretty unique. Low budget in a good way. Managing to entertain and be short enough to keep your attention. It seems almost perfect for something streaming services may want these days. Perhaps it came at the wrong time and suffered as a result. Or perhaps it came at the perfect time, displayed the life of New York City for what it is, and was cut short as things only got worse for the world. Regardless of the reason(s), Bored to Death seems really fun so far. I'm really liking how it is taking its time to try to get some sort of broader story across. Each episode seems different and just a regular day on the life of people struggling to get by for different reasons. Bored to Death is a fitting name for the show, showing the extreme lengths people are going to just to make life a bit more interesting. Bored to death, mad and lonely.
