Review: Human Discoveries “And Then They Got Drunk”

Let’s see how the discovery of alcohol will impact humanity

Overview:

With Gary’s discovery of fire, they find that they can cook their food and help it last longer. The added time gives the tribe some wiggle room to take the morning off. While Gary makes attempts to build a connection with Jane, Trog and Minerva accidentally discover wine. Unfortunately, the remainder of the tribe just wants to spend their time staring at the fires in place of accomplishing anything. As the wine begins to spread around the camp, and they discover “bigger fire” the day becomes an entire waste and everyone invents “repercussions for their own actions”.

Our Take:

If you want comedy gold, then show a whole bunch of people getting drunk for the very first time. If the first episode of Human Discoveries showcased what this show is, this second episode showed us what its potential is. This was the story to show us how crazy things can get, and it delivers with moment after moment of hilarity. There is nothing quite like seeing how low our society can go. While this show will focus on what is wrong with the world today, it also allows it to bring it in the light and exploit it for comedic purposes.

There is one central theme that is showcased with a blend of two others. The intention is to speak on societies natural inhibition to procrastinate and be distracted. How we waste our potential. This is brought into the light by the introduction of alcohol, but also with fire representing media and technology. It’s a thoughtful look at the world today. However, it is the message at the end that is valuable. Jane, the one that fought against these distractions for the episode, realizes that happiness is as important as progress. That the tribe needs to have things to enjoy, otherwise what would the point be.

Packed full of comedic moments, narrowing down the highlights is a tough job, the whole episode is highlighting. I specifically have gained an affinity to the deer’s that are often seen observing the humans. In this episode, one of them attempts to breach a peace treaty with the tribe. Maybe choosing the day they discover wine is a mistake because the consequences are hilarious. Then, as with the first episode, the deer is brutally murdered, which I am wondering if it is intended to become a running gag. Also, Gary’s drunken confidence is a clever moment, but you can expect the honest rendition of his night to be even better.

There is a moment that surprised me this early in the season — Gary and Jane kiss by the end of the episode. You would be hard-pressed to find any sitcom where the main character and his love interest hook up by the second episode. Heck, most of the time, they never truly do. That’s because there are a lot of stories to be told about the search for love and infatuation. To have them establish a relationship, this early may create problems down the road.

There is so much behind the show conceptually, and it is held together by such a strong cast, that it is easy to become fond of it after just these two episodes. The commentary is relevant while maintaining a balance between not being too much in your face and not being so subtle that an audience may miss it. The characters are well defined in their roles, with an outstanding casting that makes each of them lovable. All in all, this episode has us incredibly excited for more. And, I would recommend people start watching now, even with just three episodes released.