Commentary: ‘Life, Larry And The Pursuit Of Unhappiness’ Is Worth It For One Scene
by Frank Martin
Variety sketch shows are often hard to judge because every segment is a new chance to entertain the audience. These skits can vary wildly from one to the other in terms of style, tone, and any number of other factors. While one may be conservative in its storytelling, another could take a very big risk. So, it’s often easier to judge each skit individually as opposed to the show as a whole. In Larry David‘s Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness, however, the show’s final sketch is worth all of the mediocre ones preceding it.
As a historical version of his popular Curb Your Enthusiasm, Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness recreates various historical events. Some are specifically famous, such as the Lincoln assassination, while others are merely events taking place during a historical time, like the Great Depression. The skits range through all periods of American history, with the final one taking place relatively close to the modern day. It features President Barack Obama talking with Larry David in the oval office before the President is about to give a press conference. After accidentally spilling a smoothie on the President’s suit, Larry convinces him to wear a tan suit instead, leading to the infamous press conference Obama conducted during his presidency.
While some of the sketches were humorous, many throughout the show were not. Some went on way too long while others were too niche to connect with modern audiences. Obama is the only historical figure to represent himself on the show, which added a level of realism to this particular scene. Also, it’s a breath of fresh air to see the former president poke fun at a ridiculous controversy during his time in office. Rather than fabricate a historical character, David also played himself, adding even further hilarity to the situation. It was by far the best segement of the entire show, which is probably the reason they put it at the end. The rest of the episodes varied in quality, but by saving this idea for last, it left the viewer on a much stronger note than the overall show should have.
Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness is now streaming on HBO Max.
