Review: Legit ‘Love’ – Mention A Floor

In this day and age, optimism is a hard thing to find.

Whether it’s on the news, on comedies, or just reading the average blog, genuine optimism for the human race is a hard thing to find. It’s part of what makes Legit so damn appealing – a show that’s able to hide raw emotion under raunchy comedy is not a simple thing to do (in fact, some would suggest those two tones belong on separate shows). It’s astounding how quickly this show’s found its balance between the heartfelt and the obscene: ‘Love’ is the best episode of the series yet, continuing to build on the foundation of its first two episodes in impressive ways.

Jim and Billy’s relationship is again front and center in ‘Love’, but in a different light than in last week’s episode: it actually kind of paints Jim in a really depressing light, an interesting contrast to Billy’s position. He might not be able to walk or jerk himself off, but Jim realizes that he’s never had a satisfying relationship with a woman in his life – which isn’t completely surprising, considering his attachment to the simple pleasures of prostitutes we’ve seen so far.

Through most of ‘Love’, Jim is living vicariously through Billy – he even tells Billy’s mother that “we’re” in love with her when she shows up during the Skype sex date (an appearance that doesn’t quite make any sense, she just kind of appears out of nowhere). There’s two narratives going on in the masturbation scene: one is about Jim doing everything he can to make Billy happy, but it’s also about Jim trying to find some happiness, too.

Part of becoming ‘legit’ on Legit is being able to be honest with yourself and the others around you: as it turns out, sometimes the shit we think holds us back actually brings us together. Billy, Steve, and Jim all bond over conversations about picking up women (which all works for Steve, until they walk in on Jim masturbating Billy) – and in the end, what Billy is trying to hide from his internet lady is the thing that connects them.

‘Love’ is all about characters stepping out of their comfort zones – Billy dating, Jim touching a dick, Steve picking up a woman – to make bigger revelations about themselves. It speaks to the quality of the writing how well the show manages to blend these important moments with its own off-kilter brand of humor: as Jim leaves for his date with a prostitute, he asks her “what is the meaning of life?” – and although Steve doesn’t score, he realizes his sense of humor and sheepish ways actually work for him trying to get laid. Top it off with 50’s Dad, and you’ve got yourself a great half hour of TV.

Grade: B+

Other thoughts/observations:

– Steve yelling to Lauren (from accounting) as she drives away: “LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT YOUR FLOORS!”

– Meta humor! Billy’s Australian lady friend tells him he “looks like that guy from Road Trip.”

– another interesting theme: ‘Love’ is less about external love, and more about internal love, particularly with Billy and Steve. They both unlock the best sides of themselves when they finally are accepting and comfortable in their own skin.

– best 50’s Dad quote? “I have to go work at the asbestos plant.”

– when Jim is suddenly awoken from sleep, he says “Billy rolled away!”

– Steve’s material was really great – I didn’t talk about it much, but there aren’t many shows that will give the punching bag character a personal victory like the one he had tonight. He didn’t get laid – but he did get a date and a prolonged hug, a big step forward in his new single life.