‘Mr. Throwback’ Recap: ‘Charlie World’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

MR. THROWBACK -- "Charlie World" Episode 102 -- Pictured: (l-r) Adam Pally as Danny, Ayden Mayeri as Samantha -- (Photo by: George Burns Jr/Peacock)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘Mr. Throwback’. To revisit the Series Premiere, click here.

It is quickly becoming apparent, that the wondrous Peacock comedy series, Mr. Throwback, is going to explore every single reason as to why people lie for incredible self-benefit. For the series opened up with a powerhouse exploration as to how lies are something we learn, and how when someone we trust uses them enough, we see that as acceptable behavior. Not to mention, unresolved trauma and a diminished sense of self-worth from it can also contribute to such matters. All of which was explored via Danny Grossman in the series premiere. Since we learned that his checkered past and pain pushed him to tell one whopping lie about his daughter to obtain personal gain.

One that his ex-wife, Samantha, was made aware of, and that knowledge allowed for the next examination regarding lies to take place. Because what’s also amazing about those big lies, is that other people know about them, a la Samantha, and yet… nothing happens. No one really tells or pushes the liar to stand down, and well, ‘Charlie World’, explained why. But it sure didn’t seem as though that would be the case early on. Simply because Samantha was hammering Danny to tell Steph about the lie and end this before it got out of hand, and believe it or not, Danny almost did a couple of times. But Mister Curry’s desire to have Danny set up the charity game, and the fact that he gave Danny a credit card and planes to use… made that hard.

Because how does one turn that down? A bottomless credit card and cars, and planes from an NBA Superstar? But that wasn’t the only thing that kept the lie going. Because sometimes, as it turns out, when a lie grows, it can bring about benefits for all involved in it, and that can motivate someone to enjoy those spoils and well, an ugly moment between Samantha and Charlie, and the mom that Samantha hated to no end, brought that forth. Because that mom was quick to rub her daughter’s big shindig in Charlie’s face. Which prompted Danny to mention it to Steph, who as part of his competitive nature, demanded that Charlie outshine that girl. So, he bought the club where the annoying/rival party was going to take place and shut that down… then he had Kimberly build a party for the ages.

So, once Samantha had a chance to see what Steph was investing into Charlie’s party, she was on board with letting it happen. At first to just give Charlie some joy, since she expected Danny to expose the lie after the confetti settled on the dance floor. But in the moment, when she was pressed by that annoying mom once again… she spilled out the lie and exerted a bit of emotional power in that moment. The kind that gave her a rush and helped her to understand what the lie could do for her, and her daughter as well. Allowing for it to live and showcasing to all of us, how these lies persist when others know about them. Because others find value in them, or perhaps they are made promises for its endgame. The kind that makes it easy to just go along… and let the lie be.

All of which made, for another amazing episode of this show. One that once again blended together that beautiful examination regarding lies, with outstanding comedy. Simply because, the jokes once again were just on fire here, and a lot of them came courtesy of Stephen Curry. Since the situations he was in, in this story, were wild and outlandish enough to work, and his competitive edge, and dropping ‘Night-Night’ on a teenage girl, is the stuff of comedy legend. Plus, Adam Pally and Ayden Mayeri lit it up here with their comedic chemistry. Not to mention, Ayden outright slayed by showcasing how the lie gets buried into someone’s soul, and well, just like that… Danny and Samantha are in deep, and it will be interesting to see if they can step away from the power of the lie, before Steph finds out, and drops ‘Night-Night’ on their future. Until next time.

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