Last year on "Important Things with Demetri Martin," the eponymous off−beat comedian got rid of his rodent infestation with the power of Jesus, creating a merciless holy war between Christian and Muslim vermin. He called Amanda Peet a "whore" on a number of occasions, throwing a vase in a fit of rage. Finally, he even contracted polio in his man−parts through his escapades as a time−traveling gigolo, gorging his sexual appetite on the likes of Mary Magdalene.
Now in its second season, Comedy Central's sketch variety show is back, with high doses of quirky, awkward humor. Infusing sketch comedy with stand−up vignettes, "Important Things" mimics Comedy Central's "Chappelle's Show" (2003−2006), except this host is a nerdy Greek guy from New Jersey.
With an eccentric sense of humor and a deadpan delivery, Martin has always been on the vanguard of the comedy scene. Known for using drawings, one−liners and guitar during his stand−up routines, he quickly gained popularity as a comic and a correspondent for Comedy Central's "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart." Stewart's production company, Busboy Productions, also produces "Important Things," and Stewart serves as an executive producer of the show.
Martin recently jumped into the public eye with a lead role in Ang Lee's film, "Taking Woodstock" (2009). He is now back anchoring "Important Things" and making it one of the best shows on television that no one watches. Each week, Martin chooses one significant−yet−broad subject around which the entire episode is based.
Thus far, the second season has showcased topics ranging from "Attention" to "Strategy." In the "Attention" episode, Martin played a loquacious, villainous henchman as well as the disgruntled owner of "Bruce the Funny Dog," a bloodhound who has the unbearable habit of wearing oversized hats and sunglasses at the least appropriate moments.
"Important Things" has kept some recurring sketch themes from last season, like "Demetrocles," in which Martin analyzes something related to the show's theme as if he were an ancient Greek philosopher.
Furthermore, new bits like "Good, Bad or Interesting" are sure to pique interest among viewers. In this skit Martin takes an action — like doing the stop, drop and roll — and tells his audience when would be a good time, a bad time and an interesting time to perform such an action.
Creative transitions and continuous jokes captivate viewers as Martin employs graphs and audience members for his comedy. Martin, who has donned an awkward persona throughout his comedic career, frequently parodies social situations.
A recurring segment features Martin at a party, his crooning inner monologue having an internal etiquette struggle. In one sketch, for example, Martin sings about talking to a fellow whose name he cannot remember. A similar sketch presents Martin in a moral dilemma, as he doesn't know if he should take a second slice of pizza because some people have not had their first. Since these jokes are relatable to a college demographic, the show pertains to young adults and acts as a welcome half−hour escape from the stresses of college life.
The one issue that has plagued the show's run is its inconsistency. Often "Important Things" will air one episode that is utterly devoid of humor, yet when this show is good, it's very good and sure to induce sidesplitting laughter.
The final seven episodes of the second season of "Important Things" are sure to dazzle, as the hilarious Fred Willard makes a guest appearance, and cast members like H. Jon Benjamin (the voice of Sterling Archer in FX's new series "Archer") deliver laughs. For fans of Martin's stand−up and fans of sketch comedy in general, "Important Things" is a must−see.
"Important Things with Demitri Martin" airs on Thursdays at 10 p.m. on Comedy Central.
