Ep 6. Larry Bird and the Iron Throne

The Neighbors season 1 episode 6, "Larry Bird and the Iron Throne," takes viewers on another hilarious and surprisingly heartfelt journey into the lives of the Weavers and their peculiar alien neighbors. As the title suggests, this episode is filled with eccentricity and unexpected twists that keep the audience entertained from start to finish.

The episode begins with Marty Weaver, played by Lenny Venito, getting excited about the upcoming fantasy role-playing game "Zabvronian Conquest" that he plans to play with his friends. Much to his dismay, his wife, Debbie (Jami Gertz), and their alien neighbors, led by Larry Bird (played by Simon Templeman), think it is just a silly Earth game. The Weavers' discovery of a Game of Thrones DVD box set further complicates the situation, as the aliens become fascinated with the concept of an "Iron Throne."

Meanwhile, their youngest son, Dick Butkus (Ian Patrick), is struggling to fit into his new school. In an attempt to help Dick make friends, the family invites some of his classmates over for a game night. However, the Weavers soon realize that hosting these Earth kids with their alien neighbors might not be the best idea.

As the evening progresses, Larry Bird becomes increasingly intrigued by the concept of power and the "Iron Throne." He starts to see himself as the ruler of Zabvron and believes that the residents of Earth are merely his subjects. His grand delusion takes a comical turn as Larry goes to extreme lengths to claim the "Iron Throne" for himself, even constructing a makeshift version in the backyard.

While Larry's antics provide plenty of laughs, the episode also delves deeper into the dynamics of the Weavers' family and their relationships with their new alien friends. Through the game night, the Weavers and the Zabvronians find common ground, realizing that they are not so different from each other after all. The episode highlights the importance of acceptance and embracing diversity, delivering a heartwarming message amidst the laughter.

The performances in this episode are stellar, with the ensemble cast expertly delivering the humor and charm that The Neighbors has become known for. Simon Templeman's portrayal of the eccentric Larry Bird is particularly noteworthy, as he perfectly captures the character's absurdity and determination. The chemistry between the Weavers and the aliens is palpable, and their interactions create some truly hilarious and memorable moments.

"Larry Bird and the Iron Throne" is also visually impressive, with vibrant sets and costumes that add to the overall comedic tone of the episode. The production values are top-notch, creating an immersive and visually appealing world for the characters to inhabit.

As with previous episodes of The Neighbors, the writing is snappy and clever, delivering witty dialogue and clever nods to popular culture. The episode strikes a balance between comedy and heart, ensuring that viewers are entertained while also being emotionally invested in the characters' journeys.

Overall, "Larry Bird and the Iron Throne" is a standout episode of The Neighbors' first season. Its blend of comedy, heartfelt moments, and social commentary make it a must-watch for fans of the show. Whether you're a newcomer or a dedicated viewer, this episode is sure to leave you laughing and feeling warm and fuzzy inside. Don't miss out on this hilarious and heartfelt installment of The Neighbors.