Delocated

I've watched all of season one 3 times, so I feel like I can safely review this series now. And you know what? I'm still laughing at something new with every episode.

This is truly a work of genius and is probably the funniest show currently on television. Just consistently mindblowing in every way! So loaded with jokes... the humor is very dry and probably isn't for most people, but there I moments where I almost cry from laughing so hard in EVERY SINGLE EPISODE. Can't say that for any other show currently on television.

Fake reality shows are not a new concept, and the look and concept and feel of the show might be a reason for most people to write it off without thinking twice. But trust me, give this one a look. It'll be a show people talk about in 10 years from now. A future classic...

You have to understand how extreme this show actually is. Their aesthetic is a wonderful reflection of reality television and the real world. Think of it like this. The deadpan humor is gonna be a lot funnier when you realize that sometimes, peoples grip on reality can be fractured. Jon is borderline insane, but comes off as a quirky character, due to the nature of the programming. But in reality, there are too many people who can't appreciate that attitude we see on reality TV in average real life situations, in which Jon is constantly finding himself in. Visiting his girlfriends house and meeting her family while still being "on" for the cameras, the embarrassment the people around him feel, and how it goes over time. In this situation, Jon's reality show really has no hope. It follows the wreckage something like witness relocation can wreak on a family, while be reminded of the surreal quality of television truly invading and exploiting the private lives of people. It's absolutely insane just how understated the insanity is. Because it's completely serious, that's the point. You just gotta be aware of the elements of the show, and how they carry each other to become an enriched fan of the show. But, at the same time, you can just lay back and let it carry you along without a thought and with it's dead pan delivery, contrasting characters, you'll find plenty of reasons to be entertained.

I wish it was never canceled because it might be the best thing Jon Glaser has ever done.

Jon is the ultimate likable moron, oblivious to any social norms. This is classic deadpan humour at its best. You have to laugh out loud as Jon Glaser keeps a straight face with the ridiculous things transpiring around him. Wearing a ski mask and talking with a voice pitch shifter add to the hilarious hijinks. Its funny watching the more normal characters reacting to Jons crazy ideas and behaviour. This is so different then most comedy shows. Its good to see something fresh and original get a chance to grow. If its not you style of humour go back to mainstream sitcoms and let the fans of this show enjoy this offbeat gem.

In an alternate universe, this would be a 7 season NBC classic. in THIS universe, it should be talked about right up there with classics like The Office, Arrested Development, and any other beloved network comedy. however i do understand how a show with a faceless protagonist might throw off the boomer crowd, thus its lumped in with more artistic and surrealist programming on adult swim which led to mixed reception.

regadless of its reception, this show is consistently a hoot and a half. Jon Glaser's semi-anonymous "Jon" is possibly one of the most hysterical protagonists second only to the ever-obnoxious Michael Scott. he is rude, inappropriate, egotistical, delusional, and tries the patience of anyone willing to spend more than two seconds with him. if thats not the makings of a hysterical protagonist, i don't know what is.

the subplot of the Russian mafia eternally tracking him down, while significantly less developed, still manages to keep the show interesting with Eugene of Bob's Burgers fame bringing non-stop laughs in Season One with his assassin-turned-comedian but his brother, the cold-blooded killer really begins to shake up the narrative from Season Two until its closing. he manages to be both genuinely terrifying and absurdly hilarious which makes him a compelling foil to Jon.

the biggest hook of this show though, is always Jon. those familiar with Parks and Recreation's Jeremy Jam will find Jon as the proto-Jam. as funny as many of the situations and other characters are, its often Jon delivering absurd one-liners and catchphrases that will leave you in stitches. i particularly love the Dog Mayor episode where Jon becomes psychedelically entranced by sub sandwiches and waxes spiritual poetry about its ingredients.

its a shame that this only ran for 3 seasons and a finale, though what we have is endlessly watchable and quotable. every episode is available for free on the adult swim app, so theres really no excuse to miss this underappreciated masterpiece of comedy tv. its surely worthy of a full ten star rating.