That's On Point: The Web Site

I did it for the free robe.

About a year ago this local, mom-and-pop takeout food place closed. I drove by it practically everyday and only ate the food there once -- it was nearly inedible. Perhaps the worst piece of lasagna ever forged by human hands.

In a word, revolting.

One day, when walking down the sidewalk to get a sandwich at Subway, located in the same building as the family takeout place, I noticed a handwritten note in the window. It stated the business was closing, how sad they were and how they'd miss the customers dearly.

Me? As usual. Meh. No reaction, although my non-patronage probably contributed to the joint's quick demise.

Meanwhile, for a long time my friend Scott, who was probably the first person I knew beside myself that enjoyed "Parks and Recreation" -- it was just farts -- kept recommending HBO's "The Life and Times of Tim" to me. You should watch it. Do you watch it? You should definitely watch it.

My brother kept pumping me about it, too, using the caveat that me and Tim are very similar. (Not sure that is ultimately a compliment.)

Lo and behold thanks to the marvels of HBO Go I finally began watching the understated animated brilliance of Steve Dildarian's brainchild. Naturally, I fell for the show immediately.

And as if on cue, after my second or third episode, came the news a few weeks ago that HBO decided to cancel "Tim" after three seasons and 30 episodes.

Now this, unlike that awful restaurant closing, I feel bad for this particular demise.

The fact, as a douchey, ineffectual white person, that I didn't support "Tim" during it's run makes the stomach turn, almost as much as knowing there will never be another episode featuring Stu Balls, Rodney and The Boss, whereas Seth McFarland will probably continue to cash checks for his three unwatchable animated shows up until we're all dead from global warming.

The blood, err, ink is on my hands.

Having said all this if you've read my blog for a while or follow my tweets, chances are you've thought to yourself? Does this guy hate everything? Do he go around kicking puppies and spitting on babies?

"The Life and Times of Tim," however is the rare gem that deserves a full stamp of approval, hell, my friend Mike who is about as hard a marker as it comes enjoyed it after one episode. Consider that the highest of high praise.

There's no sense breaking down what makes "Tim" work like the latest episode of "Louie" or "Mad Men" which tv critics have given nearly biblical status, decoding each frame as if it were from a higher power. If you enjoy "Seinfeld" or "Curb" or any solid comedy, chances are you're going to enjoy "Tim."

It does, ultimately what a good should: make you laugh. (with some fun quotable dialogue to boot!)

The ultimate shame of "Tim" is that unlike other, and I hate the term, "cult" shows like "Arrested Development" that were canceled before their time, few if any mourn for it. Perhaps that's not the worst fate in the world, because those who've watched it, know it's brilliance and hilarity.

Now, with HBO GO, you've got the chance to go through and enjoy 15 hours of terrific comedy.

There's nothing good on TV in the summer anyway, double that for tonight when there is literally zilch on the tube. So instead of wasting your time hate-watching the ESPYs, fire up "Tim" and discover a totally underrated and overlooked comedic gem.

Anyways, that's my spiel.

Sounded a lot better in my head that when I actually wrote it.

Labels: HBO, television, the life and times of time, whimsy