TVSquad

(S02E22) I need to pay more attention to the opening credits, because I had no idea Kelsey Grammer directed this episode. You can see a video of Grammer talking about it here.

First of all, I loved how Chris' dad thinks everything can be fixed with duct tape. Who knew Julius and Red Green had something in common?

This episode had me, and then it lost me. When Chris decides to final exact revenge on Caruso, I was all set up. This was going to be yet another great episode of a series that never relies to heavily on sitcom conventions for its humor, but by the end, that's exactly what the episode had done. I'm sure a bunch of cats being turned loose in a school might work on a lesser show, but it's an idea that seems way too "sitcom-y" for a show like Chris. Also, isn't the show supposed to be based, at least somewhat, on Chris Rock's real childhood? What school did he attend that would allow him the ample time he needed to set up such an elaborate prank?

As I typed that previous sentence a part of my brain spoke up and said, "yeah, but what about suspension of disbelief?"

Well, brain, that's fine, but the reason I admire Chris over a lot of other sitcoms is that it's grounded in reality, and the outlandish moments come from the occasional cutaway scene, not from the main story.

That's not to say the episode was a total waste, because it did have some funny moments. I especially loved how Greg kept disguising himself (first as Magnum P.I. and then as Banachek) so they could spy on Caruso, and the battle between Julius and Mr. Omar over Omar's clogged drain was funny, too. Overall, though, I think the season ended on a bit of a downer.

I want to give it 4.5 out of 7, but since I can't I'll give it a 5.