Horace and Pete (TV Mini Series) Episode #1.2 (2016) User Reviews

All About the Dialogue

[Icedooitle · 25 April 2016]

Though I can't imagine there will be much monetary gain to speak of, there is palatable sense of freedom with this format. It seems there will be no uniform length to these episodes; and the liberties that can be taken with this freeform media will be, but not for the sake of taking liberties. Episode one established a setting, episode two is all about depth of that setting. At its best, dialogue is exchanged with the audience feeling like they are overhearing it, not being presented it. There is no rush to get to exposition with these people, and we are free to absorb their lives voyeuristically. Comedic writing of this quality is normally accompanied by a studio audience's reaction that acts as beats to the stories rhythm. With no guidance from these familiar rhythms, something special happens; you become an audience of one. Truly funny dialogue is exchanged but you are never safe in levity for a moment. Alan Alda as the viscous curmudgeon Uncle Pete has the pivotal role of putting the brakes on any tangent. Any character who has something profound or sincere to say has this looming bartender to puncture it with an outstanding cynicism. The other side of that coin is the deadpan genius Stephen Wright, you can't afford to miss a single line he delivers. There will be viewers who are "waiting for something to happen" This is it. No doubt this story will grow, but at no obligatory pace. I won't take any more stabs at "what this show is." I'm just happy it exists.

slightly lighter than its predecessor but no less brilliant

[framptonhollis · 10/10 · 9 May 2018]

Although the first episode has plenty of heavy laughs, 'Horace and Pete''s second episode is even more comic by nature. Of course, it being the show it is, there is still plenty of drama to go around throughout and some of the strings of dialogue communicate a kind of pain that only the greatest of writers could truly express, but there's also a bit more joy and hope this time around, which can also be seen as a means of preparing the audience for the proceeding episode which is extremely dark and has practically no laughs throughout it's entire running time, but I'll get to that one later. This episode is jam packed w/fantastic moments that range from being subtle to broadly comic or dramatic. Various monologues show off the wonderful humor and honesty that marks much of Louis C.K.'s simply fantastic writing; the show is able to delve into more philosophical territory this time around, as well, and this philosophy is always punctuated w/extraordinary comedy, which is occasionally laugh out loud funny whilst also being somewhat thought provoking. A real feat.