For nearly a year we’ve been living with the news of a return for one of HBO’s most under-appreciated television shows. Back in January of 2013, it was first reported that the once-cancelled, 30-minute comedy show, “Bored to Death”, would rise from the grave … but this time, in feature length form. While any news of a resurrection had my attention, the truth is, I wanted more. Call it greed, call it wishful-thinking, call it whatever you want. Bottom line: “Bored to Death” NEEDS TO MAKE A COMEBACK!
While the television show’s typical small-mystery format would translate nicely to a longer feature-length film boasting a more complicated and developed riddle, simply giving “Bored to Death” the movie-treatment is like trying to cover a gunshot wound with a tiny band-aid. Clearly ahead of its time and undeniably original, “Bored to Death” developed a trio of characters that were lovable and laughable all at the same time. Leading star and unlicensed private detective, Jonathan Ames (played by Jason Schwartzman), helped relieve boredom from all of our lives. His quasi-dangerous and often hilarious mysteries transformed the mundane into a spectacle, giving each of its “trapped in a 9 to 5 lifestyle”-viewers a method of escape.
Schwartzman was hardly the lone highlight in HBO’s lost, but never forgotten, masterpiece. Along with his pot-smoking sidekicks George (Ted Danson) and comic-book creator, Ray (Zack Galifianakis), the trio of bone-headed heroes made for some of television’s finest moments during its short-lived run from 2009-2011. These three comedic actors are all household names in their own right, yet still, “Bored to Death” feels like the pinnacle of their performing careers. With each progressive season outshining its predecessor, this is truly the best you’ve ever seen Zack Galifianakis, Ted Danson and Jason Schwartzman … and I do mean EVER (yes, I’m including The Hangover and “Cheers”)!
“Bored to Death” also landed a ton of fantastic cameos from Kevin Bacon, Kristen Wiig, Olympia Dukakis, and the list goes on. In fact, one season three regular,Wedding Crashers co-star Isla Fisher, spoke out emphatically about the show after receiving word of a potential movie in development. Fisher would be thrilled to reprise her role in a “Bored to Death” feature length film, however, fans of the show desperately need to come together and clamor for more.
With the recent string of television show revivals over the past decade, including “Family Guy” and “Arrested Development”, now is as good a time as any to band together and stand up for “Bored to Death”. Fans of the show, and I know you’re out there, need to be vocal in our efforts. Social media has become a modern tool for spreading messages, and I have one message that I want heard LOUD AND CLEAR …
BRING BACK “BORED TO DEATH”!
The time is now.
Visit my host site HERE or you can now follow me on twitter @MovieCriticDave