Team Payne splits out to work on a variety of passion projects in American AutoSeason 2 Episode 10, “Passion Project.” Consequently, everything backfires in their faces.
Even though Passion Project is the least successful film to date, it still has some entertaining parts. Another highlight of each episode is the fascinating character dynamics. Humphrey Ker is at his best in the Elliot plot, which pairs Katherine and Cyrus for comedy effect.
The Wesley/Dori storyline hurts the story because it isn’t as interesting as the other two plotlines. Passion Project feels more like a filler episode than anything that advances the main narrative because it doesn’t contribute much to it.
When the team remains intact, American Autoflourishes; yet, the production gets credit for including more supporting/outside characters. Both Jon Miyahara, who played Brett, and Matthew Moy, who played Dale and appeared a few times this season, are back.
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When the series includes lower-level workers, the world seems more fully developed. The play does perform better with the primary group working together, but it really shines when a diverse range of characters is involved. The Letter, for instance, does a fantastic job of handling this by letting the regular staff members observe the antics of the central ensemble. They kind of embody our point of view.
Cyrus’ outburst is hilarious for a lot of reasons, not the least of which is the fact that we’ve never seen him act out in such a way. Michael Benjamin Washington is the reigning monarch of sarcasm and biting wit. His explosion in front of Katherine (and directed at her) outshines this on the humorous scale, even if he delivers the Cyrus bite to perfection.
Cyrus is usually calm despite his propensity for moaning. Ana Gasteyer, who always brings her hilarious A-game, and Washington have a natural on-screen chemistry. Whatever joke or practical joke she tells always works.
Ultimately, Passion Project has a few standout moments, but its execution and ability to advance the plot are lacking. It seems like the season wouldn’t be significantly impacted if the episode were eliminated. Still, it’s worth seeing since Humphrey Ker, Ana Gasteyer, and Michael Benjamin Washington give strong performances.
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Unexpected Observations
- Jon Miyahara s character in American Auto boasts the same name as his Superstore character: Brett. It s all part of the Spitzer verse.
- If Elliot is the barometer, does that mean Jessica passes the Turing test? He does t recognize her as AI.
- I d let Katherine jam with me in my nonexistent band. The world could always use more uke.
- Dori did the right thing: we don t need a ton of old white dudes adorning our walls. Maybe one, and that s a stretch.
- Who says you can t put snow tires on a sports car? Payne could introduce the latest in automotive innovation with this tweak. Subvert expectations!