Ep 3. Strategy

In the third episode of season 2 of Important Things with Demetri Martin, titled "Strategy," the comedian explores the ins and outs of strategy – from war tactics to everyday decision-making.

Opening with a segment on chess, Martin muses on the importance of having a plan and thinking ahead, before launching into a series of sketches and stand-up routines that explore different facets of strategy.

In one segment, Martin plays a WWII-era general, dispensing advice to his troops on how to defeat the enemy. The advice, however, soon veers into absurdity, as the general suggests building an army of cows and using them to trample the enemy. The sketch is a hilarious send-up of traditional war movie tropes, as well as a commentary on the foolishness of some military strategies.

In another segment, Martin takes on the persona of a self-help guru, preaching the power of positive thinking and outlining a series of steps for achieving success. The segment is both funny and insightful, as Martin pokes fun at the cliches of the self-help industry while also offering genuinely useful advice on goal-setting and motivation.

Throughout the episode, Martin also weaves in a series of one-liners and visual gags, such as a chart titled "The Best Times to Say 'That's What She Said,'" and a sketch in which Martin draws a maze that leads to a dead end. These moments add levity to the show and showcase Martin's razor-sharp wit.

One of the highlights of the episode is a sketch in which Martin plays a businessman who has invented a machine that can predict the future. The sketch is a clever satire of corporate culture and the obsession with data-driven decision-making, as Martin's character becomes addicted to the predictions of the machine despite their often ridiculous nature.

The episode also features a recurring bit in which Martin plays a man who is terrible at poker but insists on playing anyway, much to the annoyance of his more skilled friends. The segment is a comedic exploration of the psychology of gambling and the many ways in which people can be their own worst enemies.

Overall, "Strategy" is a witty and insightful episode of Important Things with Demetri Martin that showcases the comedian's unique brand of humor and his ability to find humor in everyday situations. Whether he's poking fun at war movies or corporate culture, Martin is always sharp-eyed and quick-witted, making for a truly enjoyable viewing experience.