There just might be a winning show here yet.
Wow, where did that show come from? I was getting very ready, very aligned, very poised to completely write off How to Make it in America after the last two episodes, but this thing came out of the gate and changed my mind completely. This is a series with a lot of potential.
And I’m glad, and not just a little bit proud of myself (haughtily so? you may say yes), for sticking with it.
Here’s why:
Focus shift: from work to love and fun
I was getting seriously bored with the adventures of Ben and Cam (Victor Rasuk) trying to make it in the pants trade (I know it’s not called that, but whatever). Things started to click when the show laid off that stuff and got into partying and love interests. It should stay in this mode if it wants to make it on television.
Way better use of the supporting cast
We need much much more of Eddie Kaye Thomas (who plays David ‘Kappp’ Kaplan). He’s a huge asset and has been sorely underused to this point. He was great in the American Pie series (particularly in the second one) and he’s intriguing as a rich Wall Street misfit here. Same goes for Martha Plimpton (Edie), who adds a lot of sass and personality to the mix. Kappo and Edie are spicing up what has been a somewhat bland and unfinished stew. But now I’m encouraged.
The storylines worked well together for once
The various running plotlines in the first episodes felt disconnected; perhaps it was a matter of trying too hard to introduce stories and characters that would come later. Everything worked this week as we left the career striving and everyone was more or less was able to hang out and party, or hash over relationship issues. Interesting that as great as Luis Guzman (Rene) is, he wasn’t a major player in this episode. I’m not sure that his character (a somewhat obvious play as the “Ari Gold” in this series) works for this series.
Rachel and Ben are better off apart, story-wise
I like that Ben and Rachel (Lake Bell) are separate and dealing with their own love interests for now. I’ m not sure what kind of role that will leave for Rachel (and Edie) going forward, but I’m looking forward to moving past their breakup issues and some fresh storylines.
The stew is starting to gel
More Edie, more Kappo, and a general sense of gelling made this episode far more comfortable and enjoyable to sit through.
They mentioned Veselka and blueberry blintzes!
At the end of the episode and a long night of partying, Kappo leans out of his silly looking white car and shouts, “can we please go to Veselka?” That elevates “Unhappy Birthday” to greatness right there, as Veselka is an absolute jewel of an East Village, New York City spot to grab blueberry blintzes, perogies, and Ukrainian beer 24/7.
More thoughts on “Unhappy Birthday”:
- I’m embarrassed to say that it took me this long to connect series lead Bryan Greenberg (who plays Ben Epstein) with series lead Nick Garrett on October Road. I knew the guy was extremely familiar looking, but kept referencing David Boreanz when trying to remember where I knew him from for some reason. In any event, Garrett was terrific on October Road, a show that while diving overboard into too sweet territory at times, was a very very good show cut down way before it hit its prime.
From Around the Web: How To Make it in America, “Unhappy Birthday”
- TV Fanatic: Ben gives Rachel a bag of cheese doodles because he wanted to say happy birthday to her in person. She happily accepts them and then they depart. David and Cam roll up in his Bentley to pick him up and continue the party.
- If you find yourself in New York City, downtown NYC, the East Village, or all three, get yourself down to Veselka. The website explains: “Ukrainian soul food in the heart of the East Village.” It’s a great neighborhood and an amazing spot to hang out, grab food, and to get one’s chill on. And you can get the cookbook!
Some stats and info about How to Make It in America, “Unhappy Birthday”
TV SHOW – How to Make It in America
SEASON/EPISODE – Season 1, Episode 4
AIRED ON – March 7th, 2010
NETWORK/STREAMING SERVICE – HBO/Max
GENRE – Comedy, Relationship Shows
CREATED BY – Ian Edelman
CAST – Bryan Greenberg, Victor Rasuk, Lake Bell, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Kid Cudi, Luis Guzman
This review originally appeared on TV Geek Army.