StuckeyGilmore
Feb 10, 2009 @ 8:59 pm
Relief Pitcher Kenny Powers was poised to rule the Big Leagues, but two things got in the way: his fading fastball and his insufferable personality. After a spectacular career flame-out, Kenny came home to Shelby County, NC and picked up a job as a substitute gym teacher (mostly so his brother Dustin would stop threatening to kick him out). He's spent every moment since then cashing in the last of his dying fame while plotting his inevitable comeback... one beer at a time.
'Eastbound & Down' is the latest project to come out of Will Ferrell and Adam McKay's comedic goldmine Gary Sanchez Productions, which also launched FunnyOrDie.com. Starring Danny McBride ('Pineapple Express'), Katy Mixon ('Four Christmases'), John Hawkes ('Deadwood') and a host of other talented comedians, 'Eastbound & Down' was created by McBride along with two friends from film school: Jody Hill and Ben Best. The hilarious new series was shot on location in North Carolina and also includes a few guest appearances by Ferrell as a local car dealer with marvelous hair.
AimingforYoko
Feb 11, 2009 @ 7:49 pm
Is this the first time a show has been named after a Jerry Reed song? Obviously Kenny Powers = John Rocker.
The Onion's AV Club interview with Danny McBride.
StuckeyGilmore
Feb 12, 2009 @ 10:38 am
I've worked as an extra on the show and heard a lot about it, it looks like it's gonna be hilarious. I wish I had HBO so I could actually watch it and contribute to the ratings.
Circumvrent
Feb 15, 2009 @ 11:45 pm
I had prepped myself for the worst, but I actually really, really liked it. Danny McBride is pretty great; he totally sells the speech at the end, even though he's such a scumbag.
Props to the casting of Powers's high school sweetheart. She's not the standard Hollywood "hot," but she looks like an actual person, and you can see why Kenny's still attracted to her.
I also really like that this is just a six-episode series. Any more than that, and the concept would probably start to wear out its welcome.
Rockbell
Feb 17, 2009 @ 1:08 am
Props to the casting of Powers's high school sweetheart. She's not the standard Hollywood "hot," but she looks like an actual person, and you can see why Kenny's still attracted to her.
To me, she looked like a young Edie McClurg.
I like the show so far. Danny McBride is hilarious. He can say anything, and I would laugh. The very sight of him makes me want to laugh. I'm looking forward to the next episode.
braggtastic
Feb 17, 2009 @ 12:27 pm
To me, she looked like a young Edie McClurg.
To me she looks too much younger than Danny McBride to have been in high school with him.
This isn't my usual vein of comedy (I couldn't stand Arliss), but I gave it a try and it was funnier than I thought it would be, so I'll watch this tiny little excuse for a season.
pakelihe
Feb 18, 2009 @ 8:16 pm
Despite the dreadful review in my local paper, I gave it a chance. I was out in fifteen minutes, with zero smiles. At least I've got ninety minutes of HBO on Sunday night that I love. In a couple of weeks, Breaking Bad will be competing for my attention at that time, anyway.
pakelihe
Feb 18, 2009 @ 8:16 pm
Sorry, my first double post, ever!
Jackson Mahoney
Feb 19, 2009 @ 11:04 am
This show is funny as hell.
NegativeCreep
Feb 20, 2009 @ 11:58 am
Wow. Kenny Powers is quite possibly the biggest asshole and egomanic on the face of the Earth. This fact alone is a goddamn guarantee that I am tuning in every week.
dick simple
Feb 20, 2009 @ 4:55 pm
To me, she looked like a young Edie McClurg.
Edie McClurg was never young.
Rockbell
Feb 20, 2009 @ 6:55 pm
Edie McClurg was never young.
Good point. I should have said "younger version."
In any case, a dead ringer if you ask me. They should cast her as the mother.
drl
Feb 20, 2009 @ 9:07 pm
I thought it was pretty funny- the autobiography bits alone were hilarious.
buckeyegirl
Feb 21, 2009 @ 12:30 am
I happened to be staying in a hotel (yay, free HBO) and caught this. It was so outrageously funny that I probably would watch it if I had HBO at home. My favorite quote (as an aspiring triathlete) was: "I play real sports. I ain't trying to be the best at exercising."
And who can resist the mullet?
heatherduke
Feb 23, 2009 @ 5:18 pm
I also really like that this is just a six-episode series. Any more than that, and the concept would probably start to wear out its welcome.
NOOO! Six episodes - that's not enough! I am loving this show, and I wish more people were watching!!!
teddysmom
Feb 24, 2009 @ 9:31 am
OMG I ABSO FUCKING LUTELY LOVE THIS SHOW!!!
I thought the first episode was a fluke, but I was lmao at the 2nd one last night.
I love this show so much I talked a male friend of mine into getting HBO just so he could see it.
I really think it says a lot about the actors that know just how far to take material that is so crude, because as I watch, I'm thinking, "why do I like this, I would normally not think this is funny, but every idiotic thing that Kenny does makes me like him more."
HBO: Pay Attention!!! Give them a full 13 episode 2nd season!!! Good lord, the shape the world is in right now, we need something to laugh at.
If I'm forking over $15 a month for the last 10 years for your stupid channel that shows the same stupid movie 100 times a week, then you can give me something I really want to watch!!
"I play real sports. I ain't trying to be the best at exercising."
Best line ever!!
empty2
Feb 25, 2009 @ 8:44 pm
Am I the only one totally hot for John Hawkes in ways heretofore unimagined?
I was completely addicted toDeadwood and didn't pick up anything, but I guess with Timothy Olyphant brooding testosterone all over the screen it was too hard for me to notice anything else.
mrsflair
Feb 27, 2009 @ 7:06 pm
Living in the south, I KNOW these people .
I watched both episodes that are out on demand last night and LAUGHED.
The show should be getting more attention. Will Farrell was funny as the slimy used car salesman, I figured bjs to sell bmw's was a standard option, now I know LOL
chris93
Mar 2, 2009 @ 1:15 pm
I watched the first three episodes this morning and got such a kick out of it. I love Jennifer Irwin and am surprised this is her first gig since Still Standing. I thought they took Stevie to a strange little place, but I will keep watching to see how it plays out.
elle3
Mar 2, 2009 @ 4:32 pm
Living in the south, I KNOW these people .
I thought the same thing: I grew up with these people! So, so funny.
Thought the u-turn into the boat was uproarious.
Halfpint Ingals
Mar 2, 2009 @ 4:50 pm
Living in the south, I KNOW these people .
I actually went to high school with Katy Mixon. She is awesome. I don't have HBO, but was watching some parts online. She is great and funny as always. Danny McBride is great.
Rockbell
Mar 2, 2009 @ 5:03 pm
I'm enjoying the show so far. After last week's ep., I thought that this was no longer a comedy. I felt sure that at the end of the 6 episodes someone will be dead. Kenny Powers himself, or he will kill someone. (Pure speculation.) And that was kind of awesome.
Last night's ep. somehow left me feeling that no one will die after all. It feels like a standard redemption arc is ahead, and that's oddly comforting.
teddysmom
Mar 3, 2009 @ 8:55 am
It feels like a standard redemption arc is ahead, and that's oddly comforting.
I was kind of shocked that Kenny was sinking even lower, stealing money from the kids' wallets, doing cocaine in the lunchroom.
I was however, lmao the whole time. Loved the Thunderdome gym class, and
"Cassandra, we have an internet emergency! Meet me in the computer room!!"
"Can you score me some juice? "
"From, like, the store?"
MsFortune
Mar 5, 2009 @ 1:18 am
"and if you are a woman...he will finger you with his penis"
My favorite line so far!
elle3
Mar 9, 2009 @ 7:50 am
I was certainly LMAO over episode 4, until the crisis ending, that is.
Before that, loved that Stevie brought devilled eggs (which are standard at all Southern parties), the way Katy Mixon said "nekkid," and I totally fell off the couch at the end of the makeout session. Great music, too.
Poor Kenny, I was surprised that it all finally got to him. Still hope they close with a happy ending.
calvinthefish
Mar 9, 2009 @ 10:49 am
I haven't watched last night's episode yet, but so far this show is winning me over. There are some pretty low parts, but Danny McBride is killing me with his delivery of lines. And Stevie as his assistant is brilliant!
teddysmom
Mar 9, 2009 @ 2:03 pm
Favorite line last night, Kenny to Tracy
"I had a personal stylist, and you basically shoplift your shit from Fashion Bug".
And when Kenny told Stevie to change clothes, and Stevie not only took his shirt off, but left it off the entire cook out.
The ending was pretty depressing.
Rockbell
Mar 9, 2009 @ 7:52 pm
So Kenny's gone from Denial to Anger, I guess.
I'm a little surprised that it was the principal who told Kenny what a loser he is. I thought the principal liked Kenny - he begged him to take the job, and pretty much lets him do whatever he wants. Who knew he had secret contempt for Kenny? Is that why he's so happy to be with April? (By the way, those two having sex is the most depressing thing I've seen yet, on this show.)
davidpuddy
Mar 10, 2009 @ 1:25 pm
the end of the first episode with the jetski was the funniest thing i have seen in a long time
braggtastic
Mar 10, 2009 @ 2:31 pm
Kenny's brother looks like a total smash up of
DJ Qualls &
Joey, Bill's brother from Big Love.
rayray
Mar 11, 2009 @ 3:12 am
On the subject on the principal's attitude, I think he(after quite a few beers) realized that the guy he likes has nothing but contempt for him, doesn't respect his authority, and is making a play for his fiancee. Considering how hot April is, I don't blame Kenny for his interest.
elle3
Mar 11, 2009 @ 6:55 am
Yes, I think the principal (what's his name?) was finally able to let out some pent-up rage after those tequila shots. At first, I thought he would be a sympathetic character, to make more sense that April would be with him, but apparently not. And I totally buy that April would be weirdly attracted to Kenny.
Still smiling every time I think of this show...
thumbelle
Mar 11, 2009 @ 11:50 am
This show is really growing on me. The Fashion Bug line is my new favorite of the series, replacing, "What's his name, f***in' Shrek?" The end of Kenny's audiobook was great, too.
VioletViolet
Mar 12, 2009 @ 2:36 pm
"What's his name, f***in' Shrek?"
This was also my favorite line until I saw the episode with the school dance. Now, I can't go around anywhere without saying, "How much will ya'll give me to slam dunk this thing into the trash can?"
I love this show and am trying to tell everyone and anyone about it. How many episodes are left?
thumbelle
Mar 12, 2009 @ 3:21 pm
Two, I think. Sob!
eblairj
Mar 16, 2009 @ 12:38 am
I actually went to high school with Katy Mixon. She is awesome. I don't have HBO, but was watching some parts online. She is great and funny as always. Danny McBride is great.
I went to that same school, though I was a few years older than Katy. I can't remember if we went there at the same time. I think she would have been a freshman when I was a senior. Anyway, I met her when we were in some local theater things together. She has always had a star quality. I'm glad she's doing well.
yuliya
Mar 16, 2009 @ 2:46 am
In my late 20s, I lived in Atlanta for 2 years and worked as an associate in a law firm.
The Kenny Powers character reminds me a lot of one of the "star" associates in my firm. Alex always billed the most hours, but I know he wasn't seen as "partner" material. I recall one senior partner (not surprisingly Baptist) quietly referred to him as "trash."
I mean could totally imagine Alex delivering the line, "Can I wear the Scream mask, the mask from Scream, when I do you from behind?"
I think you really have to have lived in the South and encountered real life examples of Kenny to really appreciate how well Danny McBride plays this character. He really captures the thoroughly Southern quality of brazenly aggressive, righteous pride.
calvinthefish
Mar 16, 2009 @ 12:24 pm
When that eyeball popped out last night I was freaking out! Loved the scene in the bar where Kenny was talking about settling down. So funny! "Kenny, I already have 2 kids."
isiscloud
Mar 16, 2009 @ 3:43 pm
Good to see Dusty growing a little bit of a backbone. Hopefully it won't cost him too much in the end.
Stevie comes through in the end. What a monstrous needle!
Rockbell
Mar 17, 2009 @ 9:45 am
That was pretty hilarious. It could have been done in a very rote, standard way - The protagonist wins! Everyone cheers! Yawn. But the little touches that tips this show over to sheer lunacy is what makes it awesome. Craig Robinson's Jesus-love, the riot, the eyeball, Kenny sharing with the world that he ejaculated in his pants, even Will Ferrell's speech about his son was inspired.
What a waste of Gina Gershon. Other than that, I loved it.
calvinthefish
Mar 17, 2009 @ 6:25 pm
Oh Rockbell, I totally agree about Gina Gershon. Especially since I just watched the "Making of" on On-Demand and she was saying how excited she was about getting to do the part. Can't wait for next week!
sarahendipity
Mar 17, 2009 @ 11:27 pm
I thought it was only 5 episodes...
Never mind, where did I get 5? Apparently it's 6 episodes.
I really want a copy of the audiobook.
Rockbell
Mar 19, 2009 @ 11:52 am
http://www.kcrw.com/etc/programs/tt/tt090318jody_hillJody Hill on Elvis Mitchell's "The Treatment"
(And yes, I totally want the audiobook! Make it happen, show people!)
Rockbell
Mar 23, 2009 @ 5:36 am
re: finale
That was goooood.
I can't belive it ended like that, though. I'm so depressed for Kenny! He ended up with less than he had before. He thought he hit rock bottom in Chapter 1, now he's really got nothing left.
I also can't believe nobody is watching this show. Maybe people will discover this series on DVD.
Sharon1059
Mar 23, 2009 @ 10:14 am
I love this show. I haven't seen last night's finale yet; still smiling at the thought of all the wonderfulness that went into Chapter 5. That eye lying there was amazing, I didn't see that coming! That town and several of its people will never be the same since Kenny came back.
Any word on whether it will come back for another few episodes here and there next year?
braggtastic
Mar 23, 2009 @ 2:50 pm
So was that a body double for Katy Mixon? I've always thought when they don't show the face at the same time, it's not the actress. But it's not like she has a lot of clout/credits to demand a no nudity clause.
davidpuddy
Mar 24, 2009 @ 7:41 am
who knew Kenny's career was brought down by alcohol, drugs, human trafficking, dogfights/orgies...
Sharon1059
Mar 24, 2009 @ 8:06 am
I too think those were stunt boobs. You don't have to be a big star to not want to do nudity. There's plenty of people whose only talent is being less inhibited than most of us (think the Bada Bing gals).
ETA: my second thought is that the ending left the door open for this show to come back. Who knows where Kenny will have been and what he will have done by the time he comes knocking back on Dustin's door...
eblairj
Mar 24, 2009 @ 10:31 am
Yeah, I'm pretty sure that was a body double. The bra in the nude shot fits totally differently than it does in the full-body shot.
SnippyScholar
Mar 24, 2009 @ 4:54 pm
I watched the first two episodes so far, and that dance-plus-barf scene had me roaring. I had to rewind just to see it a few more times.
This show has its moments.
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