Television Review: Party Down

“Party Down” (Season 1, Episode 1: “Willow Canyon Homeowners Annual Party,” Starz)

If television serves as a window to our culture, then the barometer sitcoms use to measure how society operates needs to be fixed. In no way does the traditional TV program offer an accurate view of our world. So, when a show like “Party Down” comes around, it sticks out like that shiny toy buried underneath your bland cereal. Going against the mainstream, “Party Down” rewards its viewers with real people facing real problems. It also doesn’t hurt that the show is tremendously funny.

Set in Los Angeles, the often politically incorrect but steadily hilarious pilot episode introduces us to Henry Pollard played by Adam Scott. For a majority of his life, Henry struggled to make it as an actor. Despite his efforts, his career amounted to no more than a commercial. Downtrodden and tired, Henry gives up on his dream and joins the catering company, Party Down. There, he meets his ragtag group of co-workers.

Unlike typical sitcoms, this cast is comprised of characters either jaded or delusional. Akin to Henry’s younger self, these caterers are convinced that they are destined to be stars. As a result, every employee on the staff acts as though the job is beneath them. It’s not surprising to see how poorly they perform their duties - that is, if they perform them at all. They’re usually too busy getting high in the company van or convincing each other that method acting includes shaving your eyebrows. This total lack of concern not only delivers laughs but also helps create the show’s dynamic relationships.

As the leader of the team, Ken Marino plays Ron Donald, a boss who cares too much and works too hard for a dead-end job. Unfortunately, Ron is inept at controlling the group and is tremendously clueless. For example, he recently returned from a seminar where he learned that the term “Mexican” is, in fact, not offensive. Certainly, this resistance between egos plays a major role in creating comedic tension.  

However, a more esoteric element provides the program with its unique perspective. Underlining these comedic scenes is a layer of sadness. Themes of delusion, hopelessness and cynicism surround the characters. The show’s gloomy tone is not meant to demean the characters’ positions but offer the viewer a sense of empathy. Judging from the pilot, the creators don’t wish to convey the idea that everyone gets their happy ending. Rather, the message to take from this episode is that not everything works out like you dreamed. At first glance, the show may seem depressing for the average TV audience but, if you are looking for something different among the standard rehash of sitcoms, “Party Down” can be your oasis.