Recommendation: The Life and Times of Tim

Another animated gem on HBO is Life and Times of Tim, now ending its second season. This show reminds me somewhat of Home Movies, one of my favorite adult-oriented cartoons of a few years back. It is very smart and dialogue-driven, complemented by an assortment of great voice actors. I'm not sure if the dialogue is as much improvised as it is great writing, but just listening to the characters' banter is as humorous as the plot of the episodes.

The main character is, of course, Tim, a young employee in NYC's Omni-Corp. Tim is the normal one of the bunch, surrounded by an assortment of eccentric characters—his girlfriend Amy, neighbourhood prostitute Debbie, his coworker Stu, and the Boss of Omni-Corp, to name a few. Tim's best intentions get him involved in situations that invariably spiral out of control and end badly for him.

This half hour show is broken into two fifteen minute episodes. If you're a fan of such shows as Home Movies, Venture Brothers, Frisky Dingo, and the like, this one will be appreciated.

Recommendation: The Ricky Gervais Show

CHIMPANZEE THAT!

I saw the ads for this animated show on HBO months back and had no idea what to expect. Ricky Gervais and two of his blokes, Stephen Merchant, and Karl Pilkington have converted their regular podcast (how did I miss this one?) into an animated format.

The concept is simple enough—their animated characters sit around a table and discuss various subjects, answering viewer questions, but particularly mocking Karl's long, rambling observations.

This show has always been consistent with guaranteed laugh-out-loud moments each episode, and even afterwards can warrant a chuckle when I think back on particular moments. Karl's softspoken observations that go on and on, are comic gold, spurred on by Ricky and Stephen's merciless, biting sarcasm.

The animation is old-school—reminiscent of a Flinstones/Jetson’s style, and there are numerous vignettes that play off on the stories the trio are discussing. The regular segments of Karl's Diary and Monkey News are particular favorites.

If you're a fan of Ricky Gervais, or quirky British humour, I guarantee you'll enjoy it! However, if even the thought of a Monty Python or Little Britain sketch makes you wretch, this is not for you.

Check it out on HBO.