‘The Kids in the Hall’ Recap: ‘Episode 2’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘The Kids in the Hall’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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​It’s rare in this day and age for reboots and revivals to recapture the magic of what came before them. Simply because, we firmly believe that moments in time simply cannot be replicated and that anyone involved with the story has grown and evolved, which brings forth new perspectives and thoughts when they return to the world they created. But over on Prime Video, something outright incredible is indeed taking place. In that, there is a revival on the network that is doing the impossible and is actually recreating the magic of what once was, whilst improving upon the original and staying true to its roots, and that is allowing for The Kids in their Hall to once again revolutionize the sketch comedy industry and set the standard for how revivals are reboots are assembled going forward.
 
Because the next chapter in the return of this triumphant troupe, simply feels as though… we are watching a lost episode from the original series. A feat that this episode accomplishes, by providing the viewer with more of those incredible avant-garde sketches that made the series famous to begin with. Since ‘Episode 2’ opens up with a wild sketch about a man that just so happens to own the greatest hot-rod recliner in the history of ever. Something that he manages to lose because of machismo and ego, but this writer will be damned if it isn’t a flawless KITH sketch, one that is nicely bookended by an equally as off-the-wall one involving a doctor that believes mightily in his skills when it comes to delivering babies.
 
But while it is wonderful that this episode feels as though this series never left the airwaves, making it clear that you can create a revival or reboot that feels akin to a continuation through clever writing and a celebration of what made the original so great, there was mention that the show is finding ways to grow and that’s handled here, by having the series take its biting commentary and satire to new heights. As evidenced by that wild A.T.& Love sketch where self-pleasuring on a Zoom call takes place unexpectedly. Since that entire sketch speaks volumes to corporate hypocrisy and how it enables its own problems and mistakes, and having that here, at a time when corporate disdain is at all-time high, makes the show incredibly relevant and even more intelligent. Which is no small feat, considering it was already regarded as a whip-smart comedy show to begin with, and it is amazing to see it evolve in this manner.
 
However, there is another way that this show manages to grow and improve upon what came before it… all while staying true to it roots of course. In that, it is now beginning to catch up with other iconic characters not named Bellini. Which in this case, involved the return of Buddy. Who returned to his old playground to save the last glory hole from being torn down as only Buddy can, and it was just incredible to see Buddy once again after all this time, and learn that he is still as saucy and as awesome as ever. But what matters more here is that by bringing Buddy back into the fold and growing the character in all the right ways… informs us that this series is going to continue to evolve in subtle ways that make it something new and exciting without ever alienating its base and that’s comforting to know.
 
If anything, this was just… a perfect and groundbreaking episode of this series, the latter of which should come as no surprise, since the Kids have always been about pushing the envelope and finding new ways to make sketch comedy inventive and fun and revolutionary, and they did that here for certain and it is safe to say we will likely see other revivals and reboots follow the magical formula put forth here, now that the Kids have made it clear how it can be done seamlessly. But all of that and all innovation aside, this was also a hilarious episode as well, one that once again puts a smile on your face and tears in your eyes and it of course, motivates us to hit play on the next episode… so we can enjoy top notch comedy from the finest comedy troupe to ever hit the airwaves. Until next time.

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