Baskets’ first season officially aired in 2016 (same year La La Land came out) on FX. It received positive reviews from critics and viewers alike. The late stand-up comedian, Louie Anderson (may he Rest in Peace) won a Primetime Emmy for “Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.” “Baskets” spawned three seasons airing from 2017-2019. Zach Galifianakis announced he’ll play Jumba in a live-action remake of “Lilo and Stitch.” As of September 2023, no release has been announced. I think it’s gonna suck big time.
This review contains no SPOILERS. I’m giving some of you a chance to see this dramedy.
Smart & Dumb Qualities
Smart: Zach Galifianakis did a hilarious job for his dual role performance as twin brothers Chip & Dale. This is not a joke. It’s their actual names. Zach also co-created the show. Dale’s my favorite character. Whenever Dale does something funny, he earns one point per hilarious scene.
Other Cast Members such as Martha Kelly, Louie Anderson both did a great job for their respective performances.
Jonathan Krisel (Portlandia, SNL Digital Shorts) directed all ten episodes.
Humor features elements surreal and dark comedy. Although a comedy, the show manages to blend a touch of drama.
Pacing for each episode didn’t feel like a drab. I was hooked since the pilot episode.
Zach also did his own stunts in character as a rodeo clown getting hit by bulls.
First Season fleshes out Chip and his family on what they do for a living.
Chip chemistry with Dale, Martha, Penelope & Christine serves as the main highlight. Each episode moves the story forward.
Dumb: Cinematography’s often finicky.
Louis C.K. co-created the show. This is before he killed his career for whacking off in front of women. That son of a bitch got fired after Season 2 aired. He was on top of the world and later shunned by the public.
Product Placement (Pee Pee for short) featuring brands such as Arby’s, Costco, Kirkland, Coors, Klondike Bar, Microsoft, Pepsi & Canon. I’ll let this con slide, because I couldn’t any other brand to shove down my throat. If there’s more than twelve brands, I have to subtract a point down. If a movie has more than six brands, a point goes down.
Episode 1 – Renoir
Coming home from France, Chip works as a rodeo clown. He also meets Martha. A soft-spoken insurance adjustor with a cast on her right arm.
A drive-thru scene got me laughing.
Episode 2 – Trainee
Chip’s evicted from his apartment. So, he looks for a place to stay.
Chip helps a fellow rodeo clown.
Martha tries to sell a Costco membership.
My favorite part is Christine “rescuing” Martha. Made me laugh so hard.
Episode 3 – Strays
Chip tries to impress Penelope.
Chip delivers a speech. Zach’s really a good actor whenever he’s not a buffoon.
Martha faces a predicament with a critter.
Episode 4 – Easter in Bakersfield
Chip & Christine have lunch at a casino.
Episode 5 – Uncle Dad
Chip & Marta babysit Dale’s two kids.
Christine hangs out with Penelope.
Episode 6 – DJ Twins
A hilarious montage got me crackin’ up.
The Baskets Family have a mini-family reunion with a pair of adoptive twins.
A Fart Scene made me laugh.
Episode 7 – Cowboys
Chip’s boss recruits Chip & Martha on a road trip for “unfinished business.”
The seventh episode is my personal favorite.
Chip’s boss’ mission is definitely worth a pay-off.
Episode 8 – Sugar Pie
Something terrible happened to Christine.
Dale “coaches” an all-girls volleyball game.
Chip receives a package.
Episode 9 – Picnic
One Year Ago in Paris, Chip meets Penelope during his early days as a clown.
Chip mentioned the reason why he became a clown, makes absolute sense.
Episode 10 – Family Portrait
As financial issues become a problem, Chip applies for a job.
Dale reveals a dirty secret.
Somebody quotes Wilford Brimley’s catchphrase, “Diabeetus.” You know, the old guy from Liberty Medical commercials?
Without giving anything away, Chip has a sad revelation.
The Final Verdict: A-
Baskets’ first season is a fresh start for a great show. If you’re curious to watch Baskets, stream it on Hulu.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 