Linoleum is the new Brunette

2008 was a rough pilot year. Because of last year's writer's strike there were barely any new pilots and most didn't take (see ABC's Life On Mars amongst others). But two gems have emerged from the post-strike season from two of the greatest writers in the business - Joss Whedon's Dollhouse and Rob Thomas's Party Down.

Rob Thomas is probably best known for his work on Veronica Mars, the spy drama starring Kristen Bell that stole so many of our hearts (only to have them were subsequently ripped out by those bastards at the CW). So when I heard that Rob had a new comedy coming out, starring many Veronica Mars alums, I knew it was going to be a must see. The cast is stellar - VMars fans will recognize Ryan Hansen, Ken Marino, and Adam Scott (Dick Casablancas, Vinnie Van Lowe, and Mr. Rooks from 1.14 "Mars Vs. Mars"), Freaks and Geeks aficionados will recognize Martin Starr, and almost anyone will recognize Lizzy Caplan and Jane Lynch - Lizzy's best known as Janice "I have a big lesbian crush on you" Ian from Mean Girls and Jane's been in a variety of movies and TV shows, including Role Models and a guest spot on Arrested Development.

So I'm guessing this is probably the first you've heard of Party Down, seeing as it's from a fairly obscure writer and on Starz (does anyone actually get Starz?). But for the love of cheese bongs, please watch this show.

Party Down is brilliant. It's got a similar tone to Arrested Development - understated, deadpan humor. Each week, the Party Down catering team, made up of struggling actors and headed by Ken Marino's Ron Donald, tackles another bizarre party while dealing with their own drama. This week was a senior's singles seminar led by senior sexpert Pepper McMasters, author of "Seniorlicious!" The entire team was a little grossed out by the idea of old people boinking - Jane Lynch's Constance in particular, especially when she was approached by an old flame from a vacation in Cabo, Bruce (Ed Begley Jr.) Here's a clip -



Another great subplot includes Ryan Hansen's character, Kyle, trying to get revenge on Roman (Martin Starr) for screwing up an audition for him by secretly slipping him an "insta-boner" (viagra). There's also strippers, pot, and many shots of vodka for an emotional Casey (Lizzy Caplan). So go watch it for yourself at Starz's website here.

And finally, some fantastic quotes:
"We are all getting way laid, right!"
"Really, last time this guy hooked up with one girl - hour later, hooked up with her twin. And TWINS!" "Actually I figured out later it was just the same girl, but with a sweater on."
"No personal business on company pond."
"It was like watching a mummy battle."
"Are you talking about this job, or becoming a supercop?"