In the latest episode of 'Lucky Hank,' acclaimed short story writer George Saunders arrives on campus and sends Bob Odenkirk’s character into an existential tailspin. Relatable.
To me, a book nerd, naming an episode after Saunders is already intriguing. But that the episode is actually about a visit from Hank’s one-time friend George Saunders is the kind of hyper specificity that makes for some artful, engrossing, bibliophile-focused comedy. It also establishes’s interest in authenticity. Not only is this a show about an English professor, after all, but it’s adapted from a novel by one of Saunders’ contemporaries,is not your show.
Hank doesn’t really give two shits about what happens to his job, because he already feels like a failure. He fancies himself a novelist, but that second book he’s been working on for years is still just one blank page. The self-loathing Hank feels for being stuck in a job that both bores and is beneath him, yet not becoming accomplished enough to escape it, comes to a head in this episode—once his one-time peer shows up for a talk.
Saunders and Hank were good friends decades ago, when they were both up-and-coming writers of perceptive, pointed, respected satire. But Saunders became Saunders, and Hank became Hank. Spending time with Saunders again after all these years just reminds Hank of his own stagnation. Saunders’ visit to the school sends Hank spiraling into quiet, then loud, despair. The episode follows Hank and Saunders, as one dissatisfied professor tries to hide how miserable he is that his one-time professional equal has usurped him. It doesn’t help that Hank has to chaperone Saunders around and puff him up to everyone, and he’s so freaking nice about it.
“George Saunders” is some peak pandering toward a certain demographic: the one that always brings up what they’re reading right now, or which scans thefully becomes a niche, mannered, self-referential series from now on, I’m on board. I’m crossing my fingers that there’s an episode where Hank accidentally gets
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Can Bob Odenkirk Save the Campus Midlife Crisis Comedy?Lucky Hank tries to do the impossible, with help from George Saunders.
Read more »
AMC Will Submit Bob Odenkirk’s ‘Lucky Hank’ in Comedy Races at the Emmys (EXCLUSIVE)Bob Odenkirk could find himself in the rare Emmy air this year. AMC will submit Odenkirk’s new series, “Lucky Hank,” in comedy categories for this year’s Emmy competition, V…
Read more »
Saunders: Will Rockies’ revamped 2023 lineup hit better than ’22 version?Will Rockies’ revamped 2023 lineup hit better than ’22 version? by psaundersdp
Read more »
Dusty May, student of Bob Knight, has FAU on cusp of the Final Four“All I ever wanted to do was be a high school basketball coach in Indiana,” May said. The Owls will play in the Elite Eight on Saturday.
Read more »
Complete NHRA Arizona Qualifying, Sunday Pairings: Bob Tasca, Alexis DeJoria Lead in Funny CarDoug Kalitta earns 52nd career No. 1 qualifying spot in Top Fuel.
Read more »
Bob's Burgers Season 13 Eps.16 & 17 Review: Pranks & Counting CrowsICYMI: Counting crows, landlord pranking, running from park rangers & much more went down in the recent FOXTV's BobsBurgers double-header: Review / FOXTV animationdomination
Read more »