“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” is one of the richest sitcoms in recent years. It builds a world as vibrant and unusual as that of Westeros on “Game of Thrones.” It also makes good use of its breakout characters like Titus Andromedon.
Season two finds Kimmy Schmidt adjusting to life after putting the man who held her hostage for 15 years behind bars. Ellie Kemper is even better as Schmidt this season. Her energy and endless optimism make Schmidt a treat to watch.
Season two builds on the world showrunners Tina Fey and Robert Carlock built in season 1 and makes it even stranger. There’s a subplot in the first episode about how an older character named Lillian reunites with her first love, who just happens to be accused murderer Robert Durst. Fred Armisen plays Durst in a performance so bizarre it makes me want to watch “The Jinx” just so I can truly understand the joke to its fullest.
I can’t imagine a running joke like this on any other sitcom except “30 Rock,” also created by Fey. Not even the very innovative “Community” would attempt such an absurd gag that becomes a part of the season’s fabric. There’s even a duet between Lillian and Durst as they sing “Under the Manhattan Moon,” which is sweet and shows the genuine love they feel for each other.
The first episode of the season is also a great showcase for Titus Andromedon, Schmidt’s roommate. Broadway-veteran Tituss Burgess plays Andromedon in a performance that is representative of the show itself in its absurdity and depth.
Andromedon’s storyline in this episode finds him being sued by his ex-wife, whom he married before he became open about his sexuality. She knew he was gay, but she still hoped they could have a life together. Now, she is more angry he abandoned her than anything else.
Burgess is great when delivering complicated insults and singing funny song parodies, but this episode shows his talent for drama. He has a scene where he apologizes to Vonda, his character’s ex-wife, that shows his knack for conveying Andromedon’s more vulnerable side.
I haven’t finished the new season of “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” yet. But I have watched the first six episodes, and it gets even funnier as the season continues.
Almost all of the episodes are better the second time, as you catch jokes you may have missed and appreciate new aspects of the actors’ performances. I am glad “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” is on Netflix so I can watch all of the episodes as quickly as possible.
@jessepasternack
