'Duncanville' Season 1 Episode 2 Review: 'Red Head Redemption' puts sibling rivalry in context
Spoiler alert for 'Red Head Redemption' - Episode 2 of Season 1 of 'Duncanville'
Siblings have a complicated relationship with each other when they're growing up. No one is more antagonistic towards each other while also being supportive of each other when the situation calls for it. Only siblings will dedicate their entire focus into humiliating the other one while also being the first one to help the other one out in a crisis, and Duncan's (Amy Poehler) family is no different. This episode sees Duncan go head to head against his sister Kimberly, only for them both to realise no amount of humiliation they can heap on each other is greater than that heaped upon them by their parents.
After a pilot episode that was about as average as it purpots Duncan himself to be, the second episode picks up the humour with the introduction of the online multiplayer game that Duncan is a part of. The show is decidely committed to Duncan's unexciting nature, as in a game with archers, barbarians, and wizards, Duncan's chosen role is group baker. When he has to leave the computer, though, Kimberly proves bloodthirsty enough to turn even a baker's skill into a horrific elf massacre that convinces Duncan's team to drop Duncan and give Kimberly his spot.
In the meanwhile, Annie (Amy Poehler) tries to convince Jack (Ty Burrell) to give up his rock & roll memorabilia. To be honest, though, Jack has a pretty impressive collection of rock history, and could probably open up his own museum. Annie turns out to be a bit of a hoarder in her own right, however. Both Annie and Jack are apparently immune to the Marie Kondo method of decluttering - there is nothing they own that does not spark joy in them.
The show captures the dynamic of a small town American family pretty hilariously - especially the sibling dynamic. From the show's early sibling negotiation of favours to the rivalry, then eventual allying in the face of their embarassing parents, it all captures just what it's like growing up in a weird but supportive family. 'Duncanville' knows the tone it's going for, and hits its marks with a pleasant pace of humour. The aggressive gamer dads - the Stay at Gnome Dads - is a great concept. Every competetive story needs a group of jerks, but the Stay at Gnome Dads are at least progressive ones.
The next episode of 'Duncanville' airs March 1, on Fox.