[9.3/10] I am running out of ways to talk about how great Season 2 of this show is. Every few seconds there’s another great gag or clever bit of wordplay or some ridiculous but hilarious set piece that just makes this whole thing so enjoyable from start to finish. Let’s try to unravel a couple of these expertly tied comedic threads and start, as usual, with Michael. I love the subtle thread that Michael is just as terrible as the rest of the family, since rather than be honest with his son about his concerns, he concocts this circuitous and awful scheme to use his family to scare the Veals off so they’ll forbid Ann from getting “pre-engaged” to George Michael. It is, as a later episode put it, an clear goal with lots of comedic potential, however insane it might be. Watching Michael interacts with the Veals is great, from his awkward attempt to defend “religious nuts” to Pastor Veal, to his efforts to keep Mrs. Veal away from his “secular ways.” Everything from his disbelief that someone as attractive as Mrs. Veal is Ann’s mother to his fight with Pastor Veal (Alan Tudyk!) are great. And the way he lies to George Michael about it being about not taking marriage too lightly, while George Michael thinks his dad is a hypocrite for (what he thinks is) macking on Mrs. Veal is an amusing misunderstanding. I also like the subtle character motivation from Lindsey being invested in George Michael proposing (replete with her toe ring) because it reminds her of her own young love with Tobias. Plus, George Michael’s awkward reactions to a hot and bothered Ann interpreting Michael’s speech as permission to “do it” is just uproariously funny, especially with the music cue they use. On top of that, the way that Oscar’s plan to throw Lucille an anniversary party to show her that George Sr. isn’t there for her like he is, which conflicts with George Sr.’s efforts to abscond with Lucille to show her he still cares is another brilliant comic set piece. The failed (and eventually successful) kidnapping efforts are funny throughout; Oscar’s eyeroll-worthy hints about him being Buster’s father, and the symmetrical combat between the twin brothers are all great. There’s even the slightest bit of emotional setup and payoff with Lucille appreciating that Oscar stayed and fought for her. And my god, the comedy on the side! Maeby getting into trouble with variations on “marry me!” and “babysit me!” had me in stitches. Tobias as Mrs. Featherbottom, racing between personas, is just the comedic gift that keeps on giving. (His little jump from the second floor is such a great bit of physical comedy.) And good lord, GOB’s puppet Franklin is one of the best bits this show ever did, from the comic zoom in a tense moment, to his use as an ether rag, to Buster’s deranged use of the puppet in the tag. Overall, this is just wall-to-wall laughs with clever, interlocking stories and gags throughout. What a great show.