TV Review: Bored to Death - "Nothing I Can't Handle By Running Away"

Season 3 - Episode 8

HBO (US)

The third season of Bored to Death has been absolutely fantastic. But the ratings have been absolutely abysmal. Even for HBO's standards. So this, the third season finale could well end up as the last episode of the series. Which would be a shame for a few reasons.

Last week saw Jonathan accidentally shag his sister. I say accidentally because he didn't know that she was actually his sister, having found out in last week's cliffhanger that his biological dad provided all the sperm at his sperm bank. We revisit the story this week, which ends up having Jonathan being held captive at Coney Island's baseball park while his "father" leaves to gather the cash he owes the kidnappers. Not looking good for Jonathan at this point.

Elsewhere, Ray hosts a signing in a local comic book store and is delighted when he finds out he has a group of loyal fans of "Super Ray". In amongst finding a new senior citizen to shack up with, his new found fans give him a new sense of confidence after some dark times. And George reconnects with Emily and Bernard, and offers to throw them an engagement party at the restaurant. The three stories come together pretty brilliantly when Ray and the rest of the Super Rays, along with George, save Jonathan from being murdered by his captors. It's a glorious scene, capturing the essence of Bored to Death perfectly.

But it's the last scene at the engagement party that falls flat. Jonathan is continuing his incestous relationship with Rose. To make it worse, he's not going to tell her that they're actually half brother and sister. Oh, and Ray is ok with it, as long as he uses a condom. It's so out of character for Jonathan, and we really need a fourth season to explain where it's going. Because if it ends here, it does leave a bit of a sour taste in the mouth. The rest of the episode though, was great, and shows exactly another reason we need a fourth season. Bored to Death is one of the most original and best shows currently on TV.

It's never easy to know what HBO are going to do with their shows. Just because they don't rate well on that network really doesn't mean much. I really really hope it continues. But if it doesn't, other than the last 2 minutes, it's left a great legacy.

****