About a Boy - Episode 1.07 - About a Poker Night - Review

It seems that the writers finally listened to my prayers! Or they planned this episode months ago completely before my reviews of the show. But either way, we finally get more Fiona! Everyone loves Minnie Driver!* (*Note: not everyone, I’m sure, but if not, why not? She’s great!) Both the audience, and Fiona herself, get to see what Fiona’s like without the titular boy nearby. Since her role on the show so far has revolved completely around her as a mother, it’s fun to see who she is beyond that. Without the constant need to mother Marcus, Fiona becomes a fun, likable person, and the life of the party at Wet Willy’s poker game. She’s able to relax in a way Will normally does, getting “trollied” and teaching the gang “Oxford Stud.” Will, on the other hand, is the preoccupied one, waiting for Dr. Sam to finally call him. It’s clear that Will is actually hung up on this girl, more so than his many unnamed or unremembered flings, so if she ever decides to go out with him again, maybe she can help him to mature, just the teeniest tiniest bit.

While Fiona becomes friends with Will’s friends and Will grumbles about it, Marcus goes off to his first sleepover, packed with a backpack and a suitcase -- you really never know when you might need your entire wardrobe. It may be a little off that Marcus is heading to his first sleepover at age 11, but considering his mother’s general obsessiveness about him, it makes sense. Not only is it Marcus’ first sleepover, but it is his and Fiona’s first night apart, ever, which is pretty impressive. (They spent the last 4,000+ nights together -- that’s commitment). Marcus doesn’t have the best time, though since he’s going in order to expand his friend base, it’s really more of a work function for him. Finally, he has enough of the irresponsible video games and emotionally scarring scary movies, and he calls his mom to come get him. Of course by that time she’s properly sloshed and has to peek through the dumbwaiter door to ask Will for help. Fiona and Will have another pseudo-co-parenting moment as Will needs to speak for an inebriated Fiona and convince Marcus not to give up on the sleepover. His advice is pretty genius -- watch the scary movies without the sound -- and Will even gives Marcus a fun tune to listen to instead (“MMMBop”). Oh Will, we’d never judge you for having Hanson on your iPod.

One of the weirdest/greatest things about the episode was the slowest, saddest montage to The Lumineers “Ho Hey.” As Fiona drops off Marcus for their first night apart, they both turn from each other in dramatic slow-mo. Fiona then tries to have a quiet evening by herself, reading a book, knitting and straining curd cheese, but it doesn’t really work out. At one point she rolls off a coffee table with knitting needles in her hands, and I definitely thought she stabbed herself in the eye. In the end Will’s urinating friend, TJ, invites Fiona to poker, an offer so much more exciting than her night that she can’t refuse.

Also in this episode is the promised Parenthood crossover, as Crosby shows up for Will’s poker game, though his baby daughter quickly gets in the way. Crosby has to leave soon after arriving so that he can go back and film his own show-- uh, I mean, take care of his daughter’s explosive apricot situation. I’ve mentioned it before, but it’s odd to imagine that Parenthood and About a Boy take place in the same universe. Crosby, I’d recommend you stay in Will’s world -- there are a lot less tears than you’re gonna have back with that Braverman clan.

Another great episode of “About a Boy,” which is quickly becoming one of my favorite new comedies.

What did you think of the episode? Did you like seeing Fiona let loose a little? Or actually rather a lot? Did you sympathize with Marcus’ sleepover experience? Let us know below!

About the Author - Kimberly

Kimberly is a college student studying Writing for Film & TV, and a big TV nerd - willing to talk any show, any time. Her tastes are various and sundry, but she’s got a soft spot for comedy. She currently writes the SpoilerTV reviews for Parks and Recreation and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.