Martin Short’s Over-the-top Antics
Short has a reputation for exaggerated comedic moments which work in sharp contrast to Martin’s (his long-time frequent collaborator) more subdued style. OMITB allows Short to live up to his reputation, and then some. Oliver is essentially a version of Short’s own personality but with the knob turned to 100. His energy is infectious, his reactions are the biggest laugh-out-loud moments of the show. Please protect your devices from being sprayed with water, or better still, don’t consume any liquids when Oliver is on screen (you will laugh very hard – your safety is important to us). The way he bickers, banters, gasps and overreacts is simply priceless. With every episode, he leaves us giggling like a kid who just discovered the joy of whoopee cushions.
Steve Martin’s Ease
From the first season, we’ve seen Martin bring his poise and calm to this rather hectic trifecta. Charles has a quiet comedic style, he’s adorably funny. But, there’s a deep looming sadness in his eyes, and his senior moments are the cutest beats of the show. In one episode, we see Charles making his ritualistic omelette, this time around he tosses the eggshells in the trash can behind him – a flex – they land inside every single time. That scene captures the essence of Martin, who is also one of the co-creators of this show. He’s been doing this for so long, it’s effortless. For Martin like for Charles, it’s no biggie, “it’s a smallie.”
A Treat for Musical Theatre Fans
A large part of this new season revolves around Oliver’s Broadway show Death Rattle. Theatre kids won’t be able to resist memorising the entirety of Charles’ patter song (for non-theatre folks: it’s like a rap but in musical theatre), which has a surprising earworm quality to it. We witness lots of theatre traditions, lores, superstitions, and a whole lot of meta-gags. This season features original music by the creators of La La Land, Waitress, and Hairspray – holy mother of Sondheim we’re excited!
Self-Aware Comedy
The show’s wit and charm seep into every crevice of the storyline. The way they play with suspense and comedy is like watching a tightrope walker dance on a banana peel – simultaneously thrilling and absurdly funny! The show makes fun of its own tropes, even sprinkling acknowledgement of the fact that the last season paled in comparison to the first. There are running meta-jokes, silly physical comedic bits, and even a ridiculous dance number. The writers of this show are holding all the cards and pulling all the strings.