The way the situation kept getting more and more out of hand made this episode a worthy premiere without breaking the usual feel of the show. I liked Randy, too. Just as simple as he was last year, but not as dumb. The sequence where he and Joy were coming up with ways to ensure the hostage wouldn't tell anyone about the incident had me in stitches. So did the last-minute turnaround where Joy got arrested. "That was my second guess."
Definitely not a classic for the series. That said, the reveal that Randy had painted his own name in giant letters across the side of the truck had me absolutely dying with laughter.
It had a few good laughs. My favorite was Joy's "Robin Hood, Batman, Jesus" line.
But it was all in all a mediocre ep that was TOTALLY outshadowed by the proceeding Office premiere. There were too many parts that should have been funnier (like the flashbacks to Earl not taking Joy's side -- smile inducing perhaps, but not laugh-worthy) and the whole kidnap plot left me uneasy rather than in stitches. I also kept thinking it should really stink in the back of that truck -- I mean, really really stink. He was eating and drinking the whole time if you catch my drift.
I liked the episode, it could have been stronger but it was still goofy enough to be fun, all through it I kept thinking that karma isn't going to like this at all lol.
Funny, it must have just struck me right. When Joy called the Spears-Federlines 'American Royalty' then yelled 'Oh Snap!!' when she saw the 'hidden TV furniture.' The multiple Juicy pants, buying an entertainment center bigger than the trailer. All of that kept me giggling for some time. I dunno, maybe I was loopy or something.
If you watch the alternate universe mini-episode "Bad Karma" on the Season One DVD set. Darnell actually gets to do one of those spin towards the camera knock-out takes.
DAMN! I missed the first episode due to the time change!! Oh man! I read what it was going to be about when I was searching for the next new episode. HOLY CRAP! I hope it lives up to what I have in my sleezy little head.
p.s. If we all don't hear from John after next week, we'll know he died happily!
Which disc is the "bad karma" episode on? I want to order that one from netflix but not planning on rewatching the entire first season (at least right now)