Ep 8. House for Sale

In "House for Sale," the eighth episode of the fifth season of Portlandia, viewers are treated to a satirical look at the world of real estate. Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein return in their roles as various characters living in Portland, Oregon, a city known for its quirky, alternative lifestyle.

The episode opens with Armisen and Brownstein portraying the owners of a trendy, but rundown home that they're looking to sell. As they prepare for an open house, they receive advice from a cadre of quirky real estate agents, each with their own unique approach to selling the property. Some of the agents include a woman who specializes in selling homes to progressive people who want to live off the grid, a couple who takes an emotional approach by holding a séance to connect with the “spirits” of the home, and a slick salesman who uses all the buzzwords of the day to appeal to tech-savvy buyers.

As the agents come and go, viewers are treated to some imaginative and humorous sequences that poke fun at the real estate industry. One memorable scene involves a wealthy couple, played by Kyle MacLachlan and Natasha Lyonne, who tour the home with the intention of buying it. They make outrageous requests, such as wanting a pool filled with endless champagne and a sauna that's always filled with a different type of soup each day of the week.

Another amusing sequence features Armisen and Brownstein trying to figure out how to make their bathroom look more chic, as they overhear a trendy real estate agent telling a client that "the bathroom is the new living room." They take her advice to heart and turn their bathroom into an elaborate, serene oasis filled with fluffy robes, candles, and a small waterfall.

Throughout the episode, Armisen and Brownstein's characters bicker over their differing visions for the future and what they want to do with the proceeds from the sale. They also seem to have different ideas about what kind of home they want to move into next. This tension leads to some awkward and humorous moments, such as when they give conflicting answers to questions from potential buyers about why they're selling and what their future plans are.

Despite the comedic tone, "House for Sale" also manages to capture the heart and poignancy of the home buying and selling process. Viewers will likely recognize the universal themes of wanting to start a new chapter, looking for a fresh start, and trying to navigate the often overwhelming process of buying or selling a home. These themes are communicated through the show's trademark quirky humor and offbeat brand of satire.

Overall, "House for Sale" is a clever and entertaining episode of Portlandia that will resonate with anyone who's ever been involved in the world of real estate. The show's talented cast and witty writing combine to create a memorable and enjoyable viewing experience.