Ep 1. Mixologist

Portlandia Season 2 Episode 1, named Mixologist, is a hilarious take on the current mixology craze. The episode takes place in Portland, Oregon's hottest cocktail bar, where two mixologists (played by Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein) work with their customers to craft the perfect cocktail.

To start with, the episode nails the vibe of a trendy Portland cocktail bar perfectly. From the eclectic decor to the carefully curated cocktail list, everything about the bar screams hipster sophistication. The characters that populate the bar are no less quirky and entertaining. Each one is looking for something unique to satisfy their thirst, and the mixologists are there to help them find it.

Throughout the episode, the mixologists' approach to mixology is interrogated. Fred Armisen's character is a traditionalist, who believes that a perfectly mixed drink should be able to stand on its own without the addition of anything too flashy or gimmicky. Carrie Brownstein's character, on the other hand, is all about experimentation, using everything from liquid nitrogen to smoking pistachio shells to create the perfect cocktail.

The dynamic between these two characters is a big part of what makes this episode so entertaining. They both have very different approaches to mixology, and they're both passionate about their craft. But at the same time, they're constantly bickering and trying to one-up each other, which makes for some hilarious moments.

One of the standout scenes in the episode involves a woman who wants a drink that will help her forget about her ex. Carrie Brownstein's character decides to create a cocktail that incorporates a memory-erasing drug, which leads to some unexpected consequences. The way the scene unfolds is both funny and surprising, and it's a great example of the show's ability to take a simple idea and turn it into something unexpected and hilarious.

Another highlight of the episode is the various cameo appearances. This episode features guest spots from several high-profile actors and musicians, including Kyle MacLachlan, Jeff Goldblum and Aimee Mann. Each one brings their own unique energy to the show, and they all fit in seamlessly with the show's quirky humor.

Overall, Mixologist is a great opening episode for Portlandia's second season. It's funny, clever, and full of the offbeat humor that the show is known for. If you're a fan of the show, you won't be disappointed by this episode, and if you're new to the show, it's a great introduction to what makes Portlandia so great.