clark and michael
Clark and Michael: TV Inside Your Computer
Jun 20th
Michael Cera’s Knocked Up outtake might not be as funny as James Franco’s, but his new web-exclusive series definitely is. With my only real television option yesterday being a fifth screening of Goonies on HBO Family in just as many weeks, I took the opportunity to catch up on the last three episodes of Clark and Michael. Coming in at just under ten minutes apiece, it’s the most tolerable form of internet TV-watching. (HBO and Showtime can upload all the pilots they want – I don’t have the attention span to stare at my 12” PowerBook that long.)
Seeing Clark and Michael screw up their pitches to networks, fight over the direction of their show and secretly plot their own side projects, there is something about their catty buddy comedy chemistry that seems familiar. After a half hour of consecutive viewings, I’ve got it figured out. You probably have never seen Dick, but it’s possibly the most underrated movie ever. And in addition to being a masterful work of political parody, Dick was one of the first cinematic venues for Will Ferrell’s manic slapstick. He and Bruce McCulloch played Woodward and Bernstein like they would high school girls vying for valedictorian. Michael’s sweet naivety might have no place in this comparison, but their jousting is unavoidably reminiscent.
Dick was the first time Ferrell actually registered in my memory, and then he pretty much exploded. Unfortunately for McCulloch, it was his final comedic gasp before sinking into obscurity. Let’s hope neither Clark nor Michael meet his dismal fate. Faux-reverence for Becker and Cuba Gooding Jr. alone should guarantee them longevity.
Thanks to a commenter for pointing out that Clark isn’t as young as I previously thought. I’m significantly less bitter. As for Michael, I harbor no jealousy for former child actors, but more power to them. I’m now free to enjoy without reservation.
Clark and Michael: At Least CBS is Trying
May 29th
Looking at the list of scheduled recordings on my DVR, I can’t help but think of how the pilgrims must have felt setting out on their long, treacherous journey across the Atlantic, with so little to nourish and entertain them. The summer may be dotted with potential for greatness, and there’s more than enough new reality fare to keep us busy, but the fact of the matter is that abundant and awesome television is officially gone for the next three to four months. A greater man might take this opportunity to go outside or even crack a book, but I am left to search for pleasures elsewhere – undiscovered shows on DVD and increasingly common web exclusive series.
The newest online series to catch my attention is Michael “George Michael” Cera’s CBS-sponsored endeavor with friend and fellow actor/writer/teen, Clark Duke. I’m not sure what CBS’s exact motivations are with this show, as the website and first episode are almost completely lacking ads, but the tone and humor is an impressive departure from 99.9% percent of the eye network’s programming.
Clark and Michael chronicles the mishaps of two young screenwriters, mocumentary style, as they try to sell their first series. Imploring much of the style of Arrested Development, but on one millionth of the budget, Clark and Michael dopily meander around Los Angeles trying to find a network to buy their script. Along the way they speak to each other like old men, occasionally break into juvenile hysterics and make excellent use of font.
The only significant shortcoming of watching Clark and Michael is the gut wrenching frustration that accompanies seeing any two people well-below the drinking age write, direct, produce and star in something more creative than you’re likely to be a part of anytime soon.