Bored to Death

When I first heard of this show, I sort of shrugged it off, more excited for the new season of 'Big Love' and the new mini-series 'The Pacific' that HBO had to offer me. And then, one day, I started to watch. This show is absolutely hilarious and well done. Jason Schwartzman, Ted Danson, and Zach Galifianakis are all amazing here. It takes the classic detective story, puts it in a martini shaker with modern day, and serves you one satisfying experience. Each characters antics and flaws are hilarious and endearing, and as messed up as they each are, you can't help but adore them. Hopefully, HBO will renew it for a second season, as I was left impressed with the first. This is definitely not a show to miss.

I've only seen 4 episodes, but think the show is excellent. The subtle and not-so-subtle lines are hysterical. I love the humor in "Flight of the Concords" but think that this show will be more accessible to a larger audience.

All of the actors, Ted Danson in particular, give depth and nuance to the characters they play. The entire cast use their bodies, from face to feet, to express their over-the-top characters. The script is intelligent, farcical and just plain fun and all of it is enhanced by the camera work and direction.

I am rationing the remaining episodes or I'll devour them in one day and have to wait for HBO's interminable next season!

I've got to say, I'm loving this show so far.

I've never seen a TV comedy show with this sort of sense of humour before, it reminds me, as my title suggests, of a Wes Anderson movie but with a pinch of Kevin Smith.

Imagine if "The Life Aquatic With Steve Zisou" was about a young writer-turned-unlicensed-private-detective instead of an over-the-hill documentary-maker, and throw in a scene from "Mallrats" every now and again and you get close to the feel of "Bored To Tears".

Jason Schwartzman is, IMO, the perfect choice for the lead role - he's almost reprising his "I (Heart) Huckabees" character.

Keep an eye out for little details - objects on screen, reactions of "extras", the lyrics in whatever song is playing in the background... there's alsorts of really funny things you might miss if you're only half paying attention.

I can't wait for the next episode!

The funniest thing on TV since "Seinfeld". In fact, when I describe "Bored to Death", I tell people it's the modern Seinfeld, re-conceived as a drama in which people actually have sex and smoke dope like normal folks.

Who the hell knew Ted Danson was so funny? Best role of his career. Everyone in this series is fantastic: Jason Schwartzman as the new Jerry Seinfeld, Zach Galifianakis as a seedier, dirtier and, yes, sexier version of George. I think this comedy is aimed squarely at the contingent of New Yorkers (and wannabees) who love reading "The New Yorker" while regretting their fondness for its pretensions. It's the perfect blend of high and low-brow NY sensibilities.

Due to the representation of cheerful, harmless drug and alcohol consumption, and all the many references to male genitalia, it would be impossible for this show to air anywhere other than on cable TV. For that reason alone, "Bored to Death" will never be the smash with the masses that Seinfeld was, but still, those of us who love cable and who are always waiting for the next best series will continue to be delighted with it -- and we'll tell our friends. Keep it coming!

The story is very straight forward from the beginning, and has elements of a "fish out of water" character trying to be something he is not.

It would be close to impossible not to love the cast, and they do a great job with what they are given. By that, I mean that the jokes that fall flat are not due to poor acting, they were lazy, stereotypical jokes to begin with.

Still, I enjoyed this, and re-watch it every few years for a chuckle. I'd recommend it if you like the Woody Allen, fumbling, New York kind of comedy, so it's not for everyone.