TV Review: W/ Bob & David, Season 1

By Tyler Hodg

Netflix is expanding their catalogue with not only new shows, but old revivals as well. Sleeper hit Mr. Show with Bob and David originally aired on HBO from 1995-1998, but has since received a spiritual successor by the previously mentioned studio in the form of W/ Bob & David.

The five-episode season of the sketch comeday show brings Bob Odenkirk and David Cross back together once again. The two have worked on a number of projects outside of Mr. Show and W/ Bob & David, including what is arguably the best comedy program of all time, Arrested Development. Seeing their chemistry showcased one more time is comforting in the oddest way; really, it’s like hanging out with two great friends (that you will probably never meet).

Odenkirk and Cross are joined by their actual great friends to create an ensemble cast nearly identical to that of Mr. Show: John Ennis, Brian Posehn, Jill Talley, Paul F. Tompkins, Jay Johnson, and SpongeBob Squarepants himself, Tom Kenny, all return for the new project. In a world that needs fresh ideas, getting the gang back together is a welcome exception.

Aside from the actors, the format of W/ Bob & David is what makes it special; each segment flows into the next, with usually at least one character carrying over. The show’s strengths are easily its seamless transitions, in addition to a mixture of subtle and outrageous humour.

There are a handful of memorable skits in the first season of W/ Bob & David. A good-cop, bad-cop routine gone wrong, the best/worst country music video of all time, tech-guru Shangy, and a bar dweller who can summon people buying using the “c word” all make up various scenes worth remembering. Of course, some sections fall flat, but the majority of the writing is exceptional.

And then there is the final episode, which is an hour-long behind the scenes look at what goes into making the show. The amount of effort required to make this project possible is quite outstanding, and peeking behind the curtain reveals interesting moments backstage and in the writer’s room. The fact that this documentary was included in the season is an interesting move, and the episode itself pays off on so many levels.

As a whole, W/ Bob & David is a quick and easy watch. The show doesn’t alienate viewers with overly-intelligent humour, but also refuses to dumb down to the level of nearly every sketch show. There is something wonderful about seeing Odenkirk and Cross back together, and their newest creation exploits their chemistry in the best possible form. Should stars and schedules align, a second season of W/ Bob & David could be yet another rarity to look forward to.