Never Overrated: Portlandia

On Christmas day of 2013, I discovered the gem that is Portlandia. Portlandia is an IFC (Independent Film Channel) sketch-comedy show that features the comedic brilliance of Carrie Brownstein and Fred Armisen as multiple characters that coexist in the cool alternative land of Portland, Oregon. From the very first episode I was hooked. Who knew that the dream of the ‘90s is alive in Portland? This show uses a variety of running gags and unconventional original characters to poke fun of the various personalities that dwell in Portland. One of the funniest running gags is that whenever a Portland local is asked a question they shrug and nod their heads without answering the question. In addition to it being a Portland original, it has it share of various and talented guest stars like Bill Hader, Johnny Marr, Steve Buscemi, even Roseanne Barr has been in the mix. It is evident that Portlandia kinda has it all.

Fred and Carrie portray some of my favorite exaggerations of people. From the hilarious antics of the Feminist bookstore owners of “Women and Women First”, Candace and Toni (The Poni), to the untraditional relationship of Spyke and Iris, this show marches to the beat of its own drum. I’ve never seen anything like it and I don’t think it could ever be matched with any show right now. As a never overrated title, I’d love to share some of my favorite sketches with you all. 

Dream of the 90s

The sketch to kick off the rest of the series (and to never leave our hearts). Upbeat, a quick look of the Portland citizens, and nostalgia. It’s the dream! (Season 1, Episode 1)

Blunderbuss

I couldn’t stop laughing the first time I watched this. Describing it is not enough, you have to watch it! (Season 1, Episode 5)

One Party At A Time

The screwed-over millennials need to find the voice of their generation. Unluckily, they’re too busy dancing to Bot Dylan to actually mobilize any movement.  (Season 3, Episode 2)

Put a Bird On It

Probably the most iconic sketch from Portlandia. Apparently, putting a bird on it is an art form. (Season 1, Episode 2)

Cool Wedding

Are you too cool to have a stereotypical wedding? Spyke and Iris are. They don’t believe in the institution. They would rather have a giant sign out detailing the divorce statistics. Now that I have your attention, you should check out this sketch. (Season 2, Episode 3)

Banana Daiquiri

A very infectious song about the relationship between a man and a woman featuring Maya Rudolph. (Season 4, Episode 6)

Gay Wedding 

The greatest plot twist. (Season 3, Episode 7)

Grover

These parents’ attempt to get their son into a very prestigious pre-school is the sketch that inspired the name of my kitty. Unlike my cat, this Grover came to teach us about the Icarus myth, quotes Barack Obama, and his favorite color is…red. (Season 2, Episode 4)

(Picture of my kitty, Grover)

This isn't it. You can watch Portlandia (seasons one through four) now on Netflix.

If you want to be up to date, IFC is currently showing the fifth season of Portlandia on Thursdays at 8 P.M. This season’s main focus is to develop the stories of their original characters such as exploring the origins of the feminist book store owners, the next step in Nina’s and Lance’s relationship, and Peter's illness.

 Hoping you guys will tune in,

- Vianey

Vianey is a nineteen year old self-identified ranter who can be easily wooed by funny three dimensional TV characters. When she is not watching sitcoms, confiding in her pets, or dancing sporadically. She posts every Friday on "Kaleid-Eh-Scope".