Yodelling Llama

Apparently Channel 102 will soon be redubbed Channel 101: New York. Mixed feelings. On the one hand, I suppose removing the confusion for the uninitiated is a good thing. But the new name definitely has a subservient vibe. Sort of like “The Original Ivar’s” vs. “Ivar’s Santa Clara.”

I’m still not feeling “Mr. Glasses.” I dig on the look. But the recurring players are one-note and largely odd-without-purpose (although I do like Hard Hat’s newfound ability to articulate himself using voiceover). Where’s the heart, Mitch? And where are the non-funny-voice-related gags? And is it just me or is “Mr. Glasses” structurally turning into yet another variation on “Kung Fu“? C-

A timely election-themed episode of “Defenders of Stan” has some great campaign ad parodies. I particularly dug on the exploding head effect, Austin’s expression when he touched the child’s hair, and the repeated use of the word “hung.” A-

Newcomer “Majestic Dragon” is a strange, mellow offering. The way the “banter” at the bar was handled got me giggling. But the overall effect may be a little low-key for the mostly sober. C

In its latest installment, “Welcome To Our House” made excellent use of the word “wino,” less effective use of “AIDS” (better choice would have been “herpes” or “chlamydia”), great use of oranges and “The Velvet Underground,” and middling use of various narcotics (the effects tended to be hallucinogenic, but the named consumables did not). I do like that Natalie is clearly getting frustrated with Nina’s obviously reduced brain function as the series progresses. But I am wary of narrative. Keep mining this great format for chuckles, girls! B+

I’m finding “Police Procedures: NYC Casting” has settled into primetime quite well, with standout repetitive and aborted kissing gags, theatrical-vs.-director’s-cut-as-truer-story quandries, and Kenny Rogers. B+

While I’ll admit the last installment of “Video Schmideo,” pickle juice drinking notwithstanding, was not particularly stellar, it looked to me as if the program adopted a penultimate narrative form this time around. And for that, I have regrets. Because I would have loved to see the story arc completed and allowed it one last hurrah. C+