He was a writer and actor on Comedy Centrals underratedDog Bites Man.
And of course there is his ongoing successful online TV talk showBetween Two Ferns.
Those shows, however, were merely involving Galifianakis.
His new FX series, co-created with Louis C.K,Baskets, IS Galifianakis.
Basketsis perhaps the most pure, uncut version of Zach Galifianakis brought to television yet.
Then again, its hard to articulate precisely just what pure, uncut Galifianakisis.
He has one of the most undeniably hilarious yet dry and inscrutable sense of humors in comedy.
Its no coincidence that thefirst promo FX produced forBasketsis Galifianakis character making comedic mincemeat of the word Schweppes.
Chip is singularly obsessed with one thing and one thing only: becoming a clown.
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*So this is where you live?
is actually involved in it.
*Theres no official term for this yet but thats the one I prefer to use.
The appeal ofLouieis that no two episodes will be the same.
Each episode ofBaskets(or at least each of the first five screened for critics) is very serialized.
In terms of goals and comedic storytelling fundamentals, Id place it closer to something likeTrailer Park BoysthanLouie.
And based on eight-plus seasons ofTrailer Park Boysand these first five episodes ofBaskets, theyre certainly right.
Other characters have similarly bizarre traits.
Martha Kelly as the co-lead Martha, in particular, is a tremendous character and acting find.
She forces herself into his life by driving him to all of his appointments.
Shes soft-spoken and milquetoast but randomly, utterly devoted to Chip.
In another inspired bit of casting, comedian Louie Anderson turns up in drag as Chips mother, Christine.
Christine Baskets is utterly devoted to her children, the Reagans and Costco.
Dedication to consistency in characters cant be easy but Galifianakis and Louis C.K.
are well-trained in these arts.
At times, it may seem strange and off-putting but theres substance in the center.
And that center is Baskets himself.
Rating:
4 out of 5
