Are you caught up withBlunt Talk? No? Then there is still time! I can understand why you may have been wary of starting Season 1.Seth MacFarlane’s involvement can be a red flag for some, and the show’s early promos seemed to focus on Blunt Talk getting all of its kicks from seeingPatrick Stewartdoing drugs. ButJonathan Ames’ (Bored to Death) Starz comedy turned out to be a truly underrated gem as its first season progressed, and it’s absolutely worth catching up with. (You can read my review of Season 1here).
For those unaware,Blunt Talkstars Stewart as Walter Blunt, a sort ofPiers Morgan-style newsman who is surrounded by a gloriously neurotic bunch of co-workers (includingJacki Weaver,Dolly Wells, andTimm Sharp) who double as family. Though Walter shares different kinds of relationships with each of them, the best is with his manservant Harry (Adrian Scarborough) who decided to devote his life to “The Major” after Walter saved his during the Falklands War. The Falklands come up a lot inBlunt Talk, and there’s a great blend of both American and English humor. And yes, a lot of it involves drugs and prostitution, but it’s approached in an unexpectedly marvelous way, as Walter’s almost childlike inquisitiveness explores these things (and much more) from new angles.
For those are caught up with Season 1, Starz has announced thatLesley Ann Warren(In Plain Sight) will be joining the cast for Season 2 as Cornelia, Walter’s long lost love (seen in this new photo). The second new photo released shows Walter and Harry about to embark on some new madness, where a little fortification is necessary …
Mary Holland(Shelly) andKaran Soni(Martin) have also been bumped to season regulars for the show’s next 10-episode installment. The synopsis for the new season is as follows:
In season 2, Walter Blunt and his team are on top of the network ratings when Walter runs into an old flame, in town to investigate a conspiracy involving one of Los Angeles’ most crucial environmental threats. Rosalie, Jim, Celia, Martin, and Shelly (with all their various neuroses intact) are by Walter’s side as he delves into his past, which leads him into a web of intrigue affecting the future of LA.
Sounds likeTrue DetectiveSeason 2, except much better. Admittedly, Ames’ neurotic and extremely referential humor (in both high and low brow ways) isn’t for everyone, butBlunt Talkwas much more of a casually wonderful series than one might expect. Its TV newsroom cast and humor are also elevated by a revolving door of great guest actors, includingJason Schwartzman,Moby,Brett Gelman, and Stewart’s formerStar Trek: The Next Generationco-starBrent Spiner. But ultimately, the first season is made by Stewart’s magnetism as Walter, who can be petulant and naive, or soulful and wise depending on the moment. WatchBlunt Talkfor Walter, but stick around for Harry and the newsroom gang. The show may surprise you.
