With the release of MTV’s “The State” finally getting a DVD release last week and Comedy Central’s new show, “Michael and Michael Have Issues”, there seems to be a new resurgence of an
audience for members of “The State”. Fans of both of these shows, however, should check out Comedy Central’s 2005 show “Stella” starring Michael Ian Black, Michael Showalter and David Wain.
“Stella”, which only had one, 10 episode season, featured the same wacky, random humor that fans of this group should admire. Michael, Michael and David play three guys living in New York City, always clad in their suits, in an absurdist take on the usual sitcom. For example, in the second episode “Campaign”, Michael Ian Black takes on the resident board president of their apartment in an election to try to let the tenants have more fun. Yet it gets ridiculously bizarre when an assassination attempt on Black’s life shows that he has been a robot for the entire time. Also, instead of checking weather reports before dressing for the day, the three take their best guesses and go out into the world dressed in a rain poncho, a mountain climbers’ outfit and a swimsuit. It’s this type of ridiculous humor that makes “Stella” unique. “Stella” takes many of the familiar sitcom techniques that have grown tired and plain and reinvigorates them with a style that is new.
The shows’ short run also was blessed with some great guest stars, including Sam Rockwell, Topher Grace, Edward Norton, Janene Garofalo and “The State” member favorite, Paul Rudd.
But the comedic timing between Michael, Michael and David. The three are almost like a modern day Marx Brothers, all in their own unique world, where everyone else just happens to inhabit.While not all their comedy plays, when it hits, it hits hard. The three have found a unusual brand of comedy that is for a very niche audience. If you have seen Wet Hot American Summer or The Ten and didn’t laugh, “Stella” is probably not for you. But “Stella” brings a new twist to the usual comedy that is seen on TV. Thankfully, the DVD is now available at a very reasonable price, and all episode are available on Hulu and on iTunes.
Those looking for a new type of humor or are fans of the work of Michael, Michael and David, “Stella” should be right up your alley.
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