A Televisual Feast

Who knew Thomas Calabro was so funny. He guests as Stacey’s New Year’s Eve date and he’s fantastic, excellent timing, good delivery. His portions of the episode are some of the best, as are those featuring the drunken doorman or Rico and Amanda’s attempts at having an evening to themselves. The problem comes at the end, when the episode gets all sweet. It’s a competently put together sentimental ending, but it just isn’t a good close. It’s “Ned and Stacey” pretending it’s a real TV show instead of an absurd one.

The whole thing starts going south when Ned’s moping around the party (while Stacey’s off on her date). Given the show’s never shown them slow-dancing at one of the parties or anything close, it’s hard to believe Ned’s really upset over her not being there (except it makes him come up with endless excuses). The episode never explains why Ned’s upset, which makes the final ten minutes peculiar.

Actually, past the plotting problems, it’s an excellent episode. Messing is quite good (no idea how long it’ll last though) and Rico and Amanda both have great material. They’re being with Calabro out on the date doesn’t hurt. But the episode starts with good material for Ned, then sort of shoos him aside (except when he crashes Rico and Amanda’s private New Year’s celebration).

It should have been better–not schmaltzy.

The scene under the end credits saves it.

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