Review: Jeff & Some Aliens “Jeff & Some Energy Trading”

Enron anyone?

Spoilers Below

Jeff & Some Aliens season one episode two continues the hilarious misadventures of Jeff (Brett Gelman) and his trio of alien pals Jimmy, Sammy, and Ted (Alessandro Minoli). Lying on his bed in his tighty whities (Jeff is almost permanently disrobed), Jeff pines for his ex-girlfriend Linda (Natalie Smyka). “What does [Chet] have that I don’t?” Jeff wonders while scrolling through Linda’s new boyfriend Chet’s (John Daly) Gramit, a thinly-veiled Instagram platform. Chet’s social media profiles depict him in lavish locations showing off his six pack. And this isn’t the beer-toting variety of six pack.

“Dating in your 20s is so fun,” a character on an unnamed sitcom that looks eerily like Friends states. If you’re in your 20s and dating, you’ll know full well that this is fiction. When Jeff receives a phone call from Linda explaining that she and Chet broke up, Jeff is ecstatic. While budgeting and pawning possessions to afford a date at an upscale restaurant with Linda, the Jeff’s alien cronies introduce him to a machine that gives anything you want. But there’s a catch: in exchange for matter it takes a certain number of years off of your life.

Continuing the nihilistic vibe, “Jeff & Some Energy Trading” is incredibly poignant. Primarily, this episode mocks the media and its whitewashed portrayal of reality. Social media has been linked to depression which Jeff & Some Aliens touches on. Although Chet appears like the perfect guy on social media, he’s in reality conniving and shallow.

Thematically, “Jeff & Some Energy Trading” echoes the sentiments of films such as They Live. “Love cannot exist without luxury,” an ad on television proclaims. It’s this sentiment that propels the episode. Jeff’s focuses on wooing Linda through masquerading as rich, but there’s a cost: his increased aging. Rather than improving his life, it actually damages his health and his relationship with Linda.

There’s a hilarious scene where Jeff and the aliens three attempt to reverse the aging process. Once again, their banter makes the episode highly enjoyable. Their continued relationship evolution and bumbling collaborations overshadow the hilarity that ensues during the episode.

Unfortunately, “Jeff & Some Energy Trading” doesn’t really feature his boss or co-workers at the smoothie shop in “Great Mall.” The crew of misfit employees were among my favorite characters in the pilot. Nevertheless, it’s immensely entertaining to learn about the Jeff & Some Aliens universe.

In a sense, the viewer assumes the role of the aliens in this episode. Sammy, Jimmy, and Ted were sent to study the Earth’s most average human. That turns out to be Jeff. During “Jeff & Some Energy Trading,” we as the audience examine the universe in which the series is set. It’s a neat dynamic and fascinating to probe the world in which Jeff lives.

Although it’s outlandish, “Jeff & Some Energy Trading” does offer real-world thoughts and criticism. Like the first episode, what I appreciate so much is the way Jeff & Some Aliens balances the humor and over the top goofiness with societal commentary. Moreover, it’s a series that’s not afraid to delve into pretty dark territory and cover taboo topics. The final scene of this episode is incredibly bleak in its dismal portrayal of a mundane existence. Often, it’s these in-between moments that provide the real digestible nuggets.

Riotously funny yet contemplative, “Jeff & Some Energy Trading” further expands the Jeff & Some Aliens cast and universe while making you rethink those social media accounts you’re probably about to go view.