MovieChat Forums > My Name Is Earl (2005) Discussion > I really wanted to like this

I really wanted to like this

posted 7 years ago by Birchwood (8)
2 replies | jump to latest

...but I can't. I love the actors, Jason Lee and Ethan Suplee are fantastic. I liked Jason in Kevin Smith's films. Ethan was superb in American History X - granted, scary too and it is really nice to see him in such a lovable, caring character now. I love the setting, this fun hillbilly kind of place.

But I can't get into the writing. Every episode feels the same;

1) Earl picks a number on the list.
2) Earl goes to location. Initially it works out, then suddenly it gets complicated.
3) Earl finds a quite easy solution, often inspired by Randy, otherwise by other friends.
4) Earl solves problem and gets away with everything.
5) Earl regurgitates some cliche morale, crosses stuff off the list, done.

I'm tired of Randy talking bullshit. That was fun one time, two times maybe. Now I'm just sitting in my chair waiting for him to stop talking so we can go to the next scene. The simple sense of humour prevents me from wanting to watch more. This episode where they were implying that Joy had sex with Randy multiple times, but actually no, haha, Randy was just playing and Joy really just missed her kids because she's such a wonderful mum. The "Hey Crab Man" joke would have been very nice if it wasn't so forced and oddly timed, and incredibly predictable.

I love the setting and storylines that take place in redneck / hillbilly kind of places. Big fan of Trevor Philips. If it wasn't for the setting and for the actors that I liked in other productions, I wouldn't continue watching after five episodes. And I really hate that, cause it had a wonderful potential.

[–] MissMargoChanning (6630) 7 years ago

I like the simplicity of it and the funny ways the stories take to get to the conclusion where we get the moral of the story. The guest stars were always a nice surprise too.
Perhaps binge watching this show isn't a good idea. I find that to be the case when watching Newhart. After a while, Larry gets tiresome when introducing himself and his brothers.

Raising Hope is also produced by the same people who created My Name Is Earl. Both shows are similar, and end with a little lesson. I enjoy it, but I can't binge watch it either.

[–] TandyMan (11096) 7 years ago

Hated this show. Love all the actors, liked the characters and the idea of the show, love the gorgeous production quality. But I never enjoyed a single episode. Just wasn't my thing.