January 1st brought two episodes of Better Off Ted last night, one a rerun, one a new one. ABC continued its relentless campaign to hide this wonderful sitcom by airing it, on the East Coast, after a Rose Bowl that ran over-time.
It was a terrific new half-hour. Half of the time, Phil and Lem were stricken to learn that their beloved clean-up robot, Chumley, was being replaced by an actual human employee with a mop. “I think I’m going to be sick,” said Lem, looking for a place to barf when he learned that Chumley would be dismantled.
“I feel like my heart has been kicked in the testicles,” said a woeful Phil.
The more intricate satire occurred with a sexual-harassment subplot involving Ted, Linda, and a new employee, Sheila, played by Merrin Dungey (she’s always be “Evil Francie” to me).
Sheila sobbed over the death of her cat; the animal, Sheila said, loved puns. The animal’s name? “Meow Is The Time For All Good Men To Come To The Aid Of Their Country.”
When Linda hugged Sheila a bit too intimately to comfort her, Sheila lodged a harassment complaint. When Ted went to Sheila and said she’d actually like Sheila if she got to know her better outside of work, and that he’d come along if Sheila would like, Ted got accused of “proposing a threesome.”
Ted protested, “I work long hours, I have an eight year-old daughter — I don’t even have the energy for a onesome.”
Veronica referred to other employees of Veridian Dynamics as having similar “gropey, squeezy, un-zipping problems.”
And when she was told that another exec, an alcoholic, was in rehab for his disease, the always-sensitive Veronica said with what little sympathy she can muster, “He has a disease? Poor drunk.”
Be sure to watch this Tuesday, when ABC burns off two more brand-new episodes opposite the Orange Bowl on Fox and big hits such as CBS’ NCIS and NBC’s The Biggest Loser.
And let’s start the “Save Better Off Ted” campaign, shall we? Comment away below, and say you want your Ted. ABC will take notice, I promise.
Oh, I hope this show survives! I don’t want to go off on a rant about how quality shows I start investing my time and energy into, last about one season, or less, blah blah…
But “Better Off Ted” is really a great show, already. I wish people would give it a chance. I guess I could spend a little time and write to ABC. They’ve pulled the plug on enough shows I liked. Perhaps they need to hear from me, finally.
Anyone notice the “Summerland” love on this show? First, both Jonathan Slavin (Phil) and Jay Harrington (Ted) were on Summerland tv show as “Colby Freed” and “Dr. Simon O’Keefe”. Then, to top it all off, Merrin Dungey played “Sheila” on Better Off Ted, as the woman who kicked off the harassment suits. She played “Susannah Rexford” on Summerland. Who’s next? Lori Loughlin, Zac Efron, Jesse McCartney, Kay Panabaker? Too bad Ryan Kwanten is busy on True Blood to make an appearance. Who knew Summerland was a casting bonanza for future shows? BTW, my favorite line was Ted’s response to Veronica’s “H-a-r” A S S Ment” spelling.
I agree 100%. This is quality TV show. Please ABC don’t cancel it. I already did my own promo clip and post it on facebook to all my friends. I just happen to come across this show yesterday & think it is great comedy. Will spread the word.
Please don’t cancel!!
I can’t believe I missed it! I didn’t watch the Orange Bowl so I didn’t even know it was on. I’m joining that campaign!
The orange bowl hasnt happened yet. Its on monday. I think you mean the rose bowl.
Because of the Rose Bowl win by Ohio State, they didn’t even air the Better Off Ted episodes in the Cleveland market. (At least not the first one.) ABC has got to start putting their shows on On Demand so some of us can catch up.
Yeah, I don’t follow football at all. I have been completely ignoring the bowl games.
I finally watched this show after the bowl game and loved it. It was very funny. Hopefully this show will be saved.
At least they put the new one on first. I was hoping that the bowl game would bring at least a few new viewers and was glad to see they brought their ‘A’ game. What a funny episode
I caught this show because I was waiting for Scrubs. Where is the Scrubs love? It’s in the same boat as BOT!
I’m with you, but I think most of the Scrubs love retired after last year’s brilliant “My Finale”.
i love scrubs and still watch it but “My Finale” was amazing. i thought it was a perfect way to end the series.
Ditto, lots of Scrubs love here too. Thought last night’s episode really seemed to move forward now that JD left.
Oh yeah, BOT ruled as always!
“I feel like my heart has been kicked in the testicles.” LOL! Love that line!
Yeah, I’m saving that line for when Better Off Ted is wrongly cancelled.
Man I love this show. We can’t let it die!! Anybody have the address to ABC entertainment?
Oh yeah, like writing to McPherson will be effective. Fans of Pushing Daisies and Eli Stone are choking with laughter at that suggestion.
When we’re not too busy crying, that is.
Last nights episode was one of the best yet! What sucks though is I can’t really enjoy it because I know it’s going to get canceled. The funnier they get the more it depresses me.
I know! I feel the same way. It’s so hard for me to completely enjoy each episode when I know it’s going to be canceled. The show just keeps getting funnier, and it saddens me to realize that it will all be over in a few weeks because of the way ABC is burning off episodes.
unfortunately last night was the one time I did not watch live becuz my gators were playing in the sugar bowl opposite. but DVR once again pays off — this might have been the best BOT ep yet. 2nd fave line (outside of the heart-testicles quote): “harassment is supposed to be sexy; you’re not doing it right.” and I am going to be using “some of the nonsense splattered on me” all the time now.
this was one of the best episodes yet, definately. I loved when Ted said “don’t fight it,” and then realized what he said and how easily it came out. This show can not get cancelled.
I forgot “You’re not doing it right!” LMAO
ok they never replaced “Hank” why can’t they move “The Middle” to 8 on wenesdays and then have ‘Better off Ted” on at 8:30 before “Modern Family”
I think BOT would be better placed between Modern Family and Cougar Town. Hopefully, Sheila won’t consider this threesome suggestion as sexual h-a-r-ass-ment.
HA! Yes, Veronica trying to disguise the words sexual harassment from Ted’s daughter by inexplicably saying “sexual… sexual H-A-R-ASS-MENT” instead had me in stitches. This show is the most underappreciated piece of genius out there!
I have been screaming for this since the current season started and when Hank went into the tank, they shoulda moved BOT then! It’s an excellent idea since every expects comedy on Wednesday’s any since it’s the only damn night they advertise the comedy block!!
Absolutely move it to Wednesday – it’s a better fit there (hope that’s not sexual h-a-r-ass-ment!) ABC is advertising Wed as their comedy night now.
I loved both plots this week, especially Linda turning into a “Grapes of Wraith”-esque harassment avenger by the end.
Haha that part was so funny!
I just found this show, but I love it. If they put it in a better time slot, everyone would! Save Better Off Ted!
Can you provide some contact information? Or is everyone supposed to have his email?
Yeah. Help us out please, Ken.
God, this show needs a miracle, quickly! There’s enough room for all the ABC comedies, don’t kill Better off Ted!
Phil and Lem assuming that Ted plays volleyball with Ryan Seacrest was hilarious. Wonder if it was a meta inside-joke.