meboja

Reno 911 is one of the best shows on television. It doesn't take itself too seriously, yet maintains a level of professionalism. The characters are cliches, but they are funny without going into that factor. The relationships are key in this show and shine when they are interviewed together. The show cares for the characters, but not so much as to guard them from harm. The perps are also very funny. Michael Ian Black was awesome as the sex offender and the Truckee Strangler was terrifically deadpan. The prostitution man is a delight and Terry can Xanadu it any time. Dangle is the strongest character, but I wish that the others were given a bigger chunk of screentime.

This show manages to be funny, while remaining truthful. Hank's emotional unavailabilty and qualms about giving physical affection are both very true to life. Bill's character is also very realistic. All of the characters have quirks, but the show gives an intelligent background to why they are there. For instance, Dale's paranoia is brought on by his father running away blaming the government, when he was actually ashamed of his own homosexuality. That also makes Dale hyper-aware of society, but not the problems in his own home, i.e. Nancy's obvious infidelity.

This show may be the first cartoon to have any emotional truth.

I don't usually like shows starring stand-up comics. They end a great comics career and usually aren't acted that well. Drew Carey is different. Every part is played pitch perfect and it has good, plausible storylines.

The show went downhill after Kate and Oswald broke up, but that happens with all shows. The Mimi/Steve pairing was well-played and emotionally fulfilling. I'm not much of a fan of Drew/Kate and the show would have been better without it. Wick is the strongest character, albeit cartoonish. But the whole show is.

My favorite episode would be when they attempted to win an Emmy. It was the epitome of the show-goofy.