Ep 1. Green Means Go

In the first episode of Kidding's first season titled "Green Means Go," we are introduced to Jeff Piccirillo (played by Jim Carrey), a beloved children's television personality known as Mr. Pickles. He's the host of a popular show called "Mr. Pickles' Puppet Time," which has been on the air for over 30 years.

However, behind the scenes, Jeff is struggling. His personal life is falling apart after the tragic death of his son Phil a year ago. He's separated from his wife Jill (played by Judy Greer) and is barely holding himself together, with his sister Deirdre (played by Catherine Keener) serving as his only support system.

Despite his personal struggles, Jeff is trying to keep his show going. In the beginning, we see him preparing for an episode with a guest star, none other than Danny Trejo, who's playing a cactus. Jeff is a perfectionist and wants everything to be just right, from the puppeteers to the script. But things quickly go awry when one of the puppeteers accidentally drops a prop and Jeff loses his cool, causing the situation to escalate into a full-blown meltdown.

After the taping, Jeff meets up with his father Seb (played by Frank Langella) to discuss the future of "Mr. Pickles' Puppet Time." Seb is the head of the network that airs Jeff's show, and he's worried about the ratings and the show's longevity. Jeff, however, is adamant about keeping things the same, citing the importance of his show for children and families.

As the episode comes to a close, we see Jeff in his personal life, visiting his estranged wife Jill and trying to reconnect. It's clear that he still loves her and misses their life together, but Jill is hesitant to let him back in. Jeff leaves, heartbroken, and we're left wondering what will happen to him and his show.

Overall, the first episode of Kidding does an excellent job of setting up the tone for the series. It's a dark comedy that balances humor with poignant moments of grief and loss. Jim Carrey shines in the role of Jeff, showcasing both his signature wackiness and dramatic chops. The supporting cast is also fantastic, particularly Langella as the conniving network executive and Keener as Jeff's steadfast sister. The episode is a promising start to what would become an acclaimed series, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating the next installment.