The Zone

by **Fawst** on Fri May 01, 2009 11:55 am

Starz Channel's Party Down

Good stuff. If you don't know, it's a show about a catering company employing struggling actors. Pretty much half the cast of Veronica Mars has made an appearance in the four episodes I've seen. I'm waiting for Ms. Bell herself to show up. The first two episodes were directed by Fred Savage (!!!), and they are GOOD. Not many shows can pull you in immediately then keep the quality going into ep 2. This pulled it off.

I am loving this new era of comedy. This isn't quite the "realism" of an Apatow comedy, but it's close. The situations could certainly be real, but the ways in which they play out aren't exactly realistic every time. That doesn't stop it from being funny as all hell!

Has anyone been watching this?

by **so sorry** on Fri May 01, 2009 12:00 pm

Never heard of it, and me no have Starz... maybe its availble online somewhere....
I will say this: Mr Savage has directed a bunch of Always Sunny in Philadelphia episodes, and they are hi-larious, so I'm not surprised you like his style Fawst.

by **stereosforgeeks** on Fri May 01, 2009 12:13 pm

Been meaning to start a thread on this! My gf and I love it! Subtle humor slapstick, etc... its all there! Rob Thomas, Paul Rudd etc.. have created a wacky band of misfits that you just canbt be drawn into their catering mishaps. Martin Starr and Ryan Hansen are my favorites but Ken Marino isgreat as usual. The cameos are great as well. Watch for other Veronica Mars vets!

"Soup or Crackers the number on non poultry non coffee franchise is southern California!"

by **Fawst** on Fri May 01, 2009 3:54 pm

"Soup or Crackers the number on non poultry non coffee franchise is southern California!"

LOL that's the last one we watched last night. I've been catching up on my comedies lately, having just flown through S1-4 of The Offce. I've seen every episode of Better Off Ted (with the exception of the one that was pre-empted by Obama this week), just started watching Arrested Development (also fantastic), and now Party Down.

"WHAT - WERE YOU DOING - IN MY BATHROOM?!"
"It was nothing, I just had to rub something out!"
"Oh my god..."
"No, you don't understand. I was used my stick on your mother this morning, and it was great!"

I think my favorite line of the first episode has to be "I DON'T WANT YOU SERVING THEM TWO JIGGERS!"

Fucking hilarious.

by **Fawst** on Wed May 13, 2009 4:18 pm

Excellent. Just read that Starz picked this up for a second season! The show is insanely funny, better than a lot of stuff on TV these days.

by **John-Locke** on Wed May 20, 2009 8:08 pm

Thanks to the recommendations I devoured the first 9 episodes over the course of 3 days last weekend, absolutely loving this series, it's really fucking funny and I love all the characters in their own way but I do have a soft spot for Ron, Ken Marino is just excellent.

by **papalazeru** on Wed May 20, 2009 8:18 pm

OK. Watching it now. Opening 5 secs...It's Vince from Veronica Mars

I'm in.

by **John-Locke** on Wed May 20, 2009 8:20 pm

It gets better too, even with a strong start.

by **papalazeru** on Wed May 20, 2009 9:03 pm

John-Locke wrote:It gets better too, even with a strong start.

First ep...really good. Nice start to the show.

I'm getting a whole shake and Vac vibe to it. True story, known to a few - the lady who did the shake and vac commercials, fantastic actress but because of that one commercial, never got any serious work ever again.

This series is going to make me smile.

by **Peven** on Wed May 20, 2009 10:48 pm

funny ass show, i like the episode with Rick Fox

by **Maui** on Sun May 24, 2009 11:24 am

papalazeru wrote:First ep...really good. Nice start to the show.

This series is going to make me smile.

I've watched the first 2 episodes. HILARIOUS! I couldn't stop laughing. I ♥ Party Down.

That one scene with the boss in the bathroom cleaning off his pant stain while the couple is making out on the bed. :lol:

Cool to see Lizzy Caplan (True Blood) in this. So far, the boss (Ken Marino) is my favourite.

by **stereosforgeeks** on Sun May 24, 2009 8:12 pm

Loved the finale.

Kristen Bell was hilarious you could tell she was having a ton of fun.

Ken Marino does such hilarious work. so much self depreciation in that character.

by **Maui** on Mon May 25, 2009 12:03 pm

Indeed, the finale was amusing. Zulu with his rash. :lol:

I really missed Constance (Jane Lynch) in the last 2 episodes. Jennifer Coolidge just isn't as funny, although I did enjoy her shroom trippin' and dolphin tapes.

All of the episodes are hilarious but my favourite are the first 2: Willow Canyon Homeowners Annual (pant stain) and California College Conservative Union Caucus (flag burning).

by **stereosforgeeks** on Mon May 25, 2009 7:38 pm

Maui wrote:Indeed, the finale was amusing. Zulu with his rash.

I really missed Constance (Jane Lynch) in the last 2 episodes. Jennifer Coolidge just isn't as funny, although I did enjoy her shroom trippin' and dolphin tapes.

All of the episodes are hilarious but my favourite are the first 2: Willow Canyon Homeowners Annual (pant stain) and California College Conservative Union Caucus (flag burning).

I thought the porn one was pretty damn funny too. Martin Starr almost maybe able to get laid but nope "elves arent scifi!"

by **Ribbons** on Mon May 25, 2009 7:43 pm

I've seen a couple episodes of this and it entertains me whenever I watch it, but I have to admit I tend to hold a grudge against sitcoms where it's clear right off the bat that the whole show is about whether or not the attractive male and female leads end up hooking up (especially since the answer is almost always "yes"). Still, "Party Down" does a good job with its ensemble, and it's hard to not like the cast.

by **Maui** on Mon May 25, 2009 7:52 pm

stereosforgeeks wrote:
I thought the porn one was pretty damn funny too. Martin Starr almost maybe able to get laid but nope "elves arent scifi!"

Or Ron in the back room showing his goods to the competitive BJ actresses. :lol:

by **Maui** on Tue May 26, 2009 11:00 am

Ribbons wrote:I've seen a couple episodes of this and it entertains me whenever I watch it, but I have to admit I tend to hold a grudge against sitcoms where it's clear right off the bat that the whole show is about whether or not the attractive male and female leads end up hooking up (especially since the answer is almost always "yes"). Still, "Party Down" does a good job with its ensemble, and it's hard to not like the cast.

The couple is really the least interesting of the bunch. I really don't care if they hookup or not and YEAH, fairly obvious from the get go that these two have a connection. zzzz

by **Maui** on Fri Apr 23, 2010 10:58 am

Party Down enthusiasts, season 2 starts tonight.

by **John-Locke** on Fri Apr 23, 2010 11:03 am

Already seen the first 2 episodes :-P

by **Maui** on Fri Apr 23, 2010 11:10 am

John-Locke wrote:Already seen the first 2 episodes

hmmmmm ....

Did Ken bring forth the funny? Is Jane Lynch back? I'm curious because of the success of Glee.

by **stereosforgeeks** on Fri Apr 23, 2010 11:13 am

Maui wrote:
John-Locke wrote:Already seen the first 2 episodes

hmmmmm ....

Did Ken bring forth the funny? Is Jane Lynch back? I'm curious because of the success of Glee.

No Jane Lynch but they were trying to get her for an episode or so. I havent seen the first 2 eps from season 2 yet though.

by **papalazeru** on Mon Apr 26, 2010 9:18 pm

Lizzy Caplain, back again. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Really enjoyed the first ep. I kinda hope that 'Dennis' becomes a recurring character. I liked him.

by **Maui** on Wed Apr 28, 2010 11:16 am

papalazeru wrote:Really enjoyed the first ep. I kinda hope that 'Dennis' becomes a recurring character. I liked him.

The Jackal Onassis Backstage Party? It was hilarious. The jury is still out on Mullally's character. I'm not convinced she can bring forth the funny like Lynch did.

And when did Ron become cool? Fast car, long hair, 13 yr old girlfriend? :lol:

by **tapehead** on Wed Apr 28, 2010 11:44 pm

ARE WE HAVING FUN YET?!

by **Maui** on Sun May 09, 2010 12:37 pm

“Have you been to a lot of orgies?”

“No, but I’ve read a lot on the subject. I’m a reader.”

:lol:

by **John-Locke** on Mon May 24, 2010 8:20 pm

The Guttenberg episode was brilliant, he needs to be in more quality stuff again.

No Risk, No Reward!

by **stereosforgeeks** on Mon May 24, 2010 10:18 pm

John-Locke wrote:The Guttenberg episode was brilliant, he needs to be in more quality stuff again.

No Risk, No Reward!

The GUTE looked absolutely scary!

Hilarious ep though.

by **Maui** on Tue May 25, 2010 11:09 am

stereosforgeeks wrote:The GUTE looked absolutely scary!

Yeah he did. I was a bit worried when he hopped into the hot tub but thankfully they spared us.

I'm just not finding this season as funny as season 1. I've been underwhelmed since the orgy episode.

by **DaleTremont** on Tue May 25, 2010 11:21 pm

Maui wrote:
stereosforgeeks wrote:The GUTE looked absolutely scary!

Yeah he did. I was a bit worried when he hopped into the hot tub but thankfully they spared us.

I'm just not finding this season as funny as season 1. I've been underwhelmed since the orgy episode.

I still like it but honestly my favorite part of the show was the relationship between Jane Lynch and Ryan Hansen. Best bromance ever.

Fuck that Glee shit, Jane Lynch, come back to Party Down!

by **tapehead** on Wed May 26, 2010 10:08 am

stereosforgeeks wrote:
John-Locke wrote:The Guttenberg episode was brilliant, he needs to be in more quality stuff again.

No Risk, No Reward!

The GUTE looked absolutely scary!

Gutenpackage? Haven't seen this latest ep yet...

by **Maui** on Fri Jun 04, 2010 10:34 am

I thought the latest episode was magnicifent. The scenes with Lydia and Ron were hilarious - especially when Ron thought his butt was getting the once-over from Lydia.

by **DaleTremont** on Sat Jun 05, 2010 12:43 am

Maui wrote:I thought the latest episode was magnicifent. The scenes with Lydia and Ron were hilarious - especially when Ron thought his butt was getting the once-over from Lydia.

I completely agree! Actually the last two episodes have been nearly just as good as the first season.

I'm so glad Ken Marino gets his day in the sun. I honestly always loved him as Vinny Van Lowe in Veronica Mars.

Hell, I'd still watch a Vinny Van Lowe spin off if such a wonderful non-possibility were to suddenly become possible.

by **Maui** on Sat Jun 05, 2010 12:03 pm

DaleTremont wrote:
I'm so glad Ken Marino gets his day in the sun.

He's the funniest character on the show. I still have fond memories of him being on fire AND catering his own high school reunion from season 1. I never watched Veronica Mars :shock:

but it seems like I should give it a shot. So many peeps here on the Zone seem to love it.

by **Maui** on Fri Jun 25, 2010 11:53 am

RDDs (Ron's Do's and Don'ts). :lol:

I have to admit, I'm really glad Ron is in charge again - he really shines when he is trying to keep his staff in line. The Mongus discussion was hilarious. The horrified look on the SciFi author's face when Jar Jar Binks was mentioned. The guy code stuff was amusing - piss champagne anyone? Lydia was even funny in her cocaine-addled state confusing all the guests with famous actors.

by **tapehead** on Sun Jun 27, 2010 12:54 am

I've just watched the season finale - Jane Lynch making a comeback to get married, Kyle's band Karma Rocket blasting out a Matchbox 20-ish sounding Pro Aryan epic, and Henry (maybe) getting his shit together. I really hope this show gets another season, Imean someone should start an online petition or something - it just gets better and funnier all the time, and all the characters have their own thing that they have going on - I'm especially enjoying watching Roman slowly come to the realisation that he'll never become a great Sci Fi writer unless he learns to deal with people and expose his work to criticism, and tripping out on hash cookies.
Hopefully there will at least be a season 1 & 2 DVD released, and even more hopefully we'll get more eps.

by **stereosforgeeks** on Sun Jun 27, 2010 1:23 am

tapehead wrote:I've just watched the season finale - Jane Lynch making a comeback to get married, Kyle's band Karma Rocket blasting out a Matchbox 20-ish sounding Pro Aryan epic, and Henry (maybe) getting his shit together. I really hope this show gets another season, Imean someone should start an online petition or something - it just gets better and funnier all the time, and all the characters have their own thing that they have going on - I'm especially enjoying watching Roman slowly come to the realisation that he'll never become a great Sci Fi writer unless he learns to deal with people and expose his work to criticism, and tripping out on hash cookies.
Hopefully there will at least be a season 1 & 2 DVD released, and even more hopefully we'll get more eps.

Adam Scott and is gone next yr to Parks and Rec. The premise is open enough that they dont need his character but he's been the center of it for these 2 seasons. Ryan Hansen is gone next year as well and the kyle/roman stuff is normally solid as well.

Id definitely like to see more episodes but the forecast is not all that positive. Im sure it's pretty cheap to produce though so there's always that.

by **tapehead** on Sun Jun 27, 2010 1:29 am

I've just been reading on Hitfix that they have Scott for 3 eps next season, should they get renewed - I think the show would need to change or maybe get a new central character, but it's such a strong ensemble and entertaining premise that it almost demads that characters come and go from the show eventually. I'll miss it if it gets canned, but I suppose at least we've had a couple of great seasons.

edit: Hansen too? yeah that might be tough to work around... maybe that Ken Marino spin-off idea should come to pass

by **Maui** on Wed Jun 30, 2010 10:54 am

I enjoyed the season finale quite a bit. I loved how Constance's husband signed the prenup as Jack Shit. Bobby Ewing (damn he looks old) even had a cameo. I was also amused by Constance's jealousy towards Lydia and Roman quite possibly has written something worthwhile in his THC induced state and it's on toilet paper. :lol:

I'm a bit disappointed to read that Party Down is losing some of it's main characters. Like Tapes mentioned though, at the very least we will have 2 great seasons on DVD.

by **stereosforgeeks** on Wed Jun 30, 2010 2:47 pm

Party Down is cancelled

by **DaleTremont** on Wed Jun 30, 2010 3:02 pm

stereosforgeeks wrote:Party Down is cancelled

But we were having fun! [yet]

by **tapehead** on Thu Jul 01, 2010 5:41 am

stereosforgeeks wrote:Party Down is cancelled

I need closure on that casting call damnit!

It's a real shame, I was really growing to like it a lot.

by **papalazeru** on Thu Jul 01, 2010 5:53 am

tapehead wrote:
stereosforgeeks wrote:Party Down is cancelled

I need closure on that casting call damnit!

It's areal shame, I was really growing to like it a lot.

I absolutely loved the show. The characters were so relaxed in their role..and it had Lizzie Caplain!!!!

This is a crying shame and that comment at then end of the article...

Starz remains committed to aggressively expanding our original programming lineup

Really?

This all smacks a little too much of Arrested Development Syndrome.

by **Maui** on Thu Jul 01, 2010 10:24 am

RIP Party Down

by **stereosforgeeks** on Thu Jul 01, 2010 11:22 am

tapehead wrote:
stereosforgeeks wrote:Party Down is cancelled

I need closure on that casting call damnit!

It's a real shame, I was really growing to like it a lot.

Henry got it!

Roman actually gets someone to buy his script.
Ron Donald gets the gal.
Kyle's band or acting career go nowhere

Casey gets another movie because the Appatow people like her.
Lydia gets with the old head of party down.
Constance is rich.

by **John-Locke** on Mon Jul 05, 2010 9:45 pm

Adam Scott really is one hell of an actor, I just watched The Vicious Kind, it's a fairly good film but he is pretty much outstanding in it, I didn't know he had it in him, check it out.

by **Wolfman Nards** on Wed Feb 09, 2011 2:12 pm

I'm late on the Party Down bus, but I just finished this last night. Damn. What an incredible disappointment that this show got canned. Here's to Park's and Rec getting cancelled so Adam Scott can come back. Put this show on FX or something.

by **Tyrone_Shoelaces** on Fri Sep 02, 2011 2:12 am

THE COMPLETE ORAL HISTORY OF PARTY DOWN

The creators and cast—including Paul Rudd, Adam Scott, and Jane Lynch—reveal all the wild antics from the cult comedy series canceled before its time.

by **papalazeru** on Fri Sep 02, 2011 4:52 am

Tyrone_Shoelaces wrote:THE COMPLETE ORAL HISTORY OF PARTY DOWN
The creators and cast—including Paul Rudd, Adam Scott, and Jane Lynch—reveal all the wild antics from the cult comedy series canceled before its time.

It most certainly was. It had a fantastic cast and had some hysterical eps.

I loved Steve Guttenberg's episode.