House of Lies
Season 1: Episode 4: “Mini-Mogul”
“Frisco’s got the best food trucks. I’m so ready to try some street meat!” – Roscoe
“Don’t say Frisco. Only losers say Frisco.” – Marty
This episode steered clear of any plot progression on the Galweather/MetroCapital merger, but that’s probably for the best because nobody cares about any of that stuff. You know what we do care about? Roscoe! SO. MUCH. ROSCOE. Marty’s dad was off at some hippie retreat sexing up ladies (hint, that scene was disgusting) and his wife is a crazy, so nobody could watch Roscoe at home. Marty was forced to take him on business with the rest of the Galweather gang to “Frisco”. This, of course, threw a wrench into our mostly sleazy, gropey, sex-crazed group because they had to watch themselves around the kid. Or at least try to.
Marty
In his work environment, Marty is usually cool, collected and can get whomever sucking on the Galweather “tit” without even breaking a sweat. But throwing his kid into the mix set him back a bit — Roscoe’s innocent stories about Dad-Marty, like the fact that he is rather grumpy on Jenny Craig, is the chink in Work-Marty’s armor, and his facade starts to slip in front of his coworkers. And I think that’s why he suddenly became kind of self reflective when dealing with the boy genius. Marty hated him why? Because he was a sad nerd drowning in paid for sex and expensive booze because he could. I think his actions hit a little too close to Marty who also drowns in expensive booze and sex. It’s a theme, people! However, he still managed to not only play the boy genius software engineer like a fiddle, but saved his company in the meantime.
B
Roscoe
I loved having him around. Not just because he’s amazing, but he kept the Galweather gang on their toes the whole episode. He didn’t do anything out of character for a 10 year old boy. He asked questions (questions that his dad hates, by the way), talks about stuff at home, and rocks purple sequins Ugg boots the whole time. He ends up under Doug’s wing, mainly because Doug is a) the only one with no personal life b) the only one nice enough to watch the kid. We get a little more insight into how Roscoe feels about his school life, where he’s bullied by some gigantor with a thyroid problem, and it was nice seeing a more personable side to this vastly underused character. Team Roscoe for days.
A+
Doug
Doug, the perpetual loser and nerd to end all nerds, was amazing this week. First off, he is the only one responsible enough to take care of the child that Marty lugged along on the trip. A+ for actually acknowledging there is a child. But beyond that, he has a heart-to-heart with Roscoe that was rather touching. Everything about that scene, right down to the throwaway Bieber joke was perfect. Also he says ‘giney instead of vagina. Immature? Yes. But somehow it makes him even more endearing. You’re back, buddy! Let’s just forget that whole thing with Kiki the tranny ever happened.
Besties!
A+
Jeannie
So… she’s… engaged? What? And to a goofy looking guy with massive ears? I’m pretty sure he played Rusty Cartwright’s nerdy RA on Greek like, 5 years ago. Anyway, the audience and her co-workers have no clue who this guy is, she puts the ring away almost immediately after receiving it. No wonder she’s always been so cold and shrew-like to her friends. She’s keeping them at an emotional distance the size of the Grand Canyon to make sure they never find out about her FUTURE HUSBAND. This bitch is cray.
While in Frisco, Jeannie falls captive by some SF Douchebag with a trendy haircut and tattoos who makes her dance around in her underwear or whatever. But, much like Marty, something about this moment with tattoo dude allows her to let her guard down, and we start to see the real Jeannie. And dare I say I’m starting to like her?
A
Extra Credit
- Tap Dancing Don Cheadle! Next stop, Don Cheadle on a bed of rice.
- Roscoe leaving Marty a chicken taco with a note. That’s love!
- Roscoe: You guys on Facebook?
Doug: No, Myspace.
Roscoe: What’s Myspace? - This whole exchange:
Demerits
- Who goes to super top secret software hacking parties? Where guys in hoodies sit around with laptops not talking to each other? Sounds like a BLAST.
