Speechless' second episode delivered another bunch of laughs and really kept the quality level high. The show kept giving all characters equal focus and closer introduced the charming DiMeo family to us.
Quick Recap:
- The prime focus of the episode was Kenneth's introduction into the family and discovering a JJ's rebellious side who with Kenneth finally felt some freedom. Maya continued to smother JJ but Kenneth was giving him the necessary freedom he needed. Maya found a way to fire Kenneth but after seeing how much he cares for JJ by taking him to the bathroom she changed her mind and accepted Kenneth into the family.
-Ray was trying to speak to the girl he loves but his world gets turned upside down when Maya forces him to take on of JJ's physical therapy session. The therapist made him realize he is a petite walker making scaring the shit out of Ray.
- Meanwhile, Dylan and Jimmy introduced themselves to their neighborhood and Dylan pulled some weird pranks and Jimmy tried to repair their family image.
What worked:
- Minnie Driver and Marin Hinkle, the scenes shared between this two hysterical women were perfect. Maya teaching Dr. Miller how to negotiate with her was just perfectly played out. Marin's awkward attitude and note taking really made me laugh hard.
- Kenneth and JJ scenes. All of them. They were really sweet and funny, especially when Kenneth helped JJ go to the bathroom. Going to the bathroom is one of the biggest difficulties of people with disabilities and the way they handled it here was done with so much grace and understading. The two of them quickly formed a bond. Kenneth giving JJ a makeover with the stuff from the Lost and found box was really something different and something I haven't seen on TV before.
- The fight between Maya and JJ over Kenneth were he confesses he doesn't like the Bachelor. Maya's face was just so hilarious and Ray not even wanting to speak JJ's words was another charming moment. I hope they will do more brotherly bonding down the road.
- Ray and the physical therapist. Ray forgetting how to work properly was hilarious and was a perfectly fitting story considering how insecure he is.
- The family explaining to the neighbors that they are Idiots and not Jerks. They are a really a complementary group of characters and the whole scene set up did a great job in showing that. Showing off their strength as a family was a great move. Also, Ray mentioning their snake got lost was really a hilarious moment.
What didn't work:
- Dylan pranking their neighbor, I really didn't feel it. The whole situation felt very random and not funny, it was a poor build up to the previously mentioned great family scene.
Speechless got a full season pickup yesterday and after seeing this episode I only can say it is so well deserved. It is your time now, share your opinion in the comment section and let me know what are your thoughts on the newest Speechless outing.
