Better Off Ted – “Love Blurts”

It’s been a long few months since we last got a glimpse into Veridian Dynamics, but it was really worth the wait. In it’s split up first season, Better Off Ted emerged as an original, very funny show that was consistently charming and fun to watch. The season two premier, “Love Blurts,” lived up to the show’s standards in every way possible.

In an attempt to pair up all it’s employees, Veridian matched them up based on similar genetics in a promotion called “Whee….Love is in the Air.” This sets off a range of different reactions around the office, with Ted and Linda being opposed to it, Phil being asked to have a vasectomy, and Lem being matched with Veronica, who wants to freeze his sperm. Yes, just another day at the office for the folks at Veridian.

Ted and Linda end up forming a pact not to succumb to the match ups, but Ted breaks it when he meets his supposed perfect match,  Danielle. Jealous, Linda goes on a date with her match, Greg, played by Taye Diggs. Ted is having a great time until he tells Danielle “I love you,” which he covers with by saying “I love Utah,” which he covers with an Indian language that he speaks. Linda on the other hand is having a fine time too, that is until Greg reveals he likes to dress up in a realistic bear costume and go to the park. Gosh, I love this show.

Meanwhile, Phil’s suggestion for a vasectomy throws him into a downward spiral of depression while Lem does everything he can not to give Veronica his sperm. If there was a weak part of the episode, it was this plot. It felt like it dragged a little, as not much really progressed from beginning to end. It did have a satisfying conclusion though, with Veronica threatening to go “balls out crazy” on a receptionist to get Phil’s medical records.

“Love Blurts” was a solid episode of a show that’s still trying to establish itself in the world of TV comedy. I really liked how they used their first big guest star, Taye Diggs. When he came on, it seemed like he was going to be playing Taye Diggs, which bothered me. But the way he revealed Greg’s secret passion to Linda, as if it were witty, sexy banter instead of a really weird habit was absolutely hilarious. Also working well in the episode was the usual string of one-liners and throw away jokes that are half the fun of watching Better Off Ted. Everything there was pitch perfect and great to see again after the season break.

That I think was the best part of the episode, that it was good to have Ted back. To a certain degree, I think that made the episode better for me. Like I said, the Lem, Phil, and Veronica plot dragged a bit without going very far, but that’s excusable for a premier. This apparently is actually the sixth episode written and shot, but it makes sense that it would be moved up to the premier for that reason. Regardless, it was a strong start for a show that promises to have a great sophomore season.

Michael’s Score: 80

Tangled Up In Wires Grade: B+