In an alternate universe, this would be a 7 season NBC classic. in THIS universe, it should be talked about right up there with classics like The Office, Arrested Development, and any other beloved network comedy. however i do understand how a show with a faceless protagonist might throw off the boomer crowd, thus its lumped in with more artistic and surrealist programming on adult swim which led to mixed reception.
regadless of its reception, this show is consistently a hoot and a half. Jon Glaser's semi-anonymous "Jon" is possibly one of the most hysterical protagonists second only to the ever-obnoxious Michael Scott. he is rude, inappropriate, egotistical, delusional, and tries the patience of anyone willing to spend more than two seconds with him. if thats not the makings of a hysterical protagonist, i don't know what is.
the subplot of the Russian mafia eternally tracking him down, while significantly less developed, still manages to keep the show interesting with Eugene of Bob's Burgers fame bringing non-stop laughs in Season One with his assassin-turned-comedian but his brother, the cold-blooded killer really begins to shake up the narrative from Season Two until its closing. he manages to be both genuinely terrifying and absurdly hilarious which makes him a compelling foil to Jon.
the biggest hook of this show though, is always Jon. those familiar with Parks and Recreation's Jeremy Jam will find Jon as the proto-Jam. as funny as many of the situations and other characters are, its often Jon delivering absurd one-liners and catchphrases that will leave you in stitches. i particularly love the Dog Mayor episode where Jon becomes psychedelically entranced by sub sandwiches and waxes spiritual poetry about its ingredients.
its a shame that this only ran for 3 seasons and a finale, though what we have is endlessly watchable and quotable. every episode is available for free on the adult swim app, so theres really no excuse to miss this underappreciated masterpiece of comedy tv. its surely worthy of a full ten star rating.
