Ep 1. The Cleanest Liver In Columbus, Ohio

In the season 2 premiere of Kidding, titled "The Cleanest Liver In Columbus, Ohio," audiences are welcomed back into the whimsical world of Jeff Pickles, a beloved children's television personality played brilliantly by Jim Carrey.

The episode opens with a 1950s-style commercial for Pickles' "Mr. Pickles' Puppet Time" show, complete with jaunty jingle and cheesy voice-over. But the playful tone quickly evaporates as viewers are presented with the aftermath of season 1's shocking finale: the death of Jeff's young son, Phil.

This tragedy has ripped Jeff's family apart and left him struggling to maintain his sunny, upbeat persona on the air. As the episode unfolds, we see Jeff's efforts to continue the show while grappling with grief and complicated family dynamics.

The action is set against the backdrop of a new subplot involving Jeff's sister Deirdre (Catherine Keener), who has taken up residence in the family's Ohio home with her film-maker boyfriend, Scott (Ginger Gonzaga). Deirdre is eager to use Jeff's fame and influence to get her own projects off the ground, but her intentions quickly come under suspicion.

Meanwhile, Jeff's estranged wife, Jill (Judy Greer), is living in a separate residence with their surviving son, Will (Cole Allen). Will is struggling to come to terms with his own grief while also navigating the tricky waters of teenage romance.

Despite the heavy subject matter, "The Cleanest Liver In Columbus, Ohio" retains Kidding's signature blend of surreal humor, visual flair, and poignant emotional depth. As Jeff tries to soldier on with his show, we see him grappling with the same questions that have haunted him throughout the series: Can he maintain his ideals in the face of tragedy and sorrow? Is it possible to heal from such profound loss? And can he continue to make a positive impact on the world, even as he struggles to find meaning in his own life?

Throughout the episode, Carrey gives one of his most nuanced and heartfelt performances to date, balancing Jeff's childlike whimsy with his crushing sorrow and mounting frustration. The supporting cast likewise shines, from Keener's acid wit to Allen's raw vulnerability to the always-excellent Frank Langella as Jeff's gruff, domineering father.

While "The Cleanest Liver In Columbus, Ohio" is clearly setting the stage for what looks to be another emotionally fraught season, it also offers moments of pure joy and whimsy, including a hilarious montage of Jeff trying to film a new commercial, complete with wacky animal costumes and juggling hipsters.

Ultimately, Kidding continues to earn its place as one of the most unique and affecting shows on television, offering a singular mix of surrealism and heartbreak that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.