Ep 2. Shared Workspace

In the second episode of the eighth season of Portlandia, titled "Shared Workspace," the show takes a satirical look at the recent trend of co-working spaces popping up in urban areas.

The episode follows Fred and Carrie, the main characters of the show, as they attempt to find a co-working space to work on their latest creative project. They start off by checking out a sleek and modern co-working space, complete with all the latest amenities and technology. However, they quickly realize that the space is more focused on creating a superficial image of productivity, rather than actually allowing its workers to be productive.

Next, they visit a co-working space that emphasizes working in a more community-oriented environment. However, they quickly discover that the community-oriented approach actually hinders productivity, as they are constantly being interrupted by their fellow co-workers.

Finally, they try out a co-working space that is geared toward creatives and artists. The space is filled with eccentric personalities, including a performance artist who creates art out of trash and a man who claims to be a "life coach" but is really just trying to sell his self-help book. Fred and Carrie end up finding some inspiration in this environment, but ultimately realize that they need a more structured and focused space to actually get work done.

Throughout the episode, Portlandia pokes fun at the idea of co-working spaces as a "solution" to modern work woes. The show emphasizes that these spaces can be just as distracting and unproductive as working from home, and that they ultimately cannot replace the need for self-discipline and hard work.

As with most episodes of Portlandia, "Shared Workspace" is filled with plenty of absurd and humorous moments. Fans of the show will appreciate the return of beloved recurring characters, including a couple who are overly obsessed with the Portland Trail Blazers and a feminist bookstore owner who is struggling to adapt to the changing times. Overall, the episode is a hilarious and insightful take on a trend that is both ubiquitous and often misunderstood.