Broad City Review: House-Sitting (Season 4 Episode 8)

On Broad City Season 4 Episode 8, “House-Sitting,” Abbi goes on a date with her pedophile high school English teacher, and Ilana and Lincoln finally find a compromise between Lana’s “No Labels” Mantra and Lincoln’s need for commitment.

This episode has its funny moments but it could’ve been better written and thematically placed. For all intents and purposes, it isn’t horrible but it’s not on par with the rest of the season.

If we continue with the Trump/2016 election extended analogy that season 4 explores, I can see why this episode has pedophilia in it. Trump had 13 open sexual assault investigations around the time of the election with many 13 or 14-year-old girls as the accusers.

Although, for this anology to work in the context of Broad City, Ilana Wexler, the most liberal leftist to ever be a liberal, is somehow being compared to Trump supporters. How? If there is supposed to be a connection, it’s faulty.

But even this aspect is not why this episode is subpar. As I explained in my review of Broad City season 4 episode 5, every episode does not have to be a part of this extended metaphor nor do they have to largely push forward the plot. “House-Sitting” just isn’t well-written.

The cast gives a great performance, as usual. They never fail us in their comedic timing or their acting chops.

But Abbi and Lana’s episodic arcs don’t connect with each other, Jaime’s story has no purpose, and they actually have Ilana defend and romanticize a pedophile. Some jokes fall horribly flat, especially Ilana’s lecture about hoping her kids’ future teachers jack off to them.

I can’t place this type of humor. They honestly have us sit there and listen to Ilana say it’s completely normal to fetishize children. The only story I enjoy is Lincoln and Ilana finding their relationship footing.

In Broad City Season 3, Lincoln had to move on and try to find happiness elsewhere because Ilana wouldn’t listen or accommodate his needs. Now, she’s willing to meet him half-way and I love her growth. Lincoln’s smile when she calls him boyfriend warms my heart.

Ilana: Here’s Lincoln. He’s my ba- my boyfriend.

Abbi’s English Teacher: Wow. That took a long time to say.

Ilana and Lincoln’s relationship is just as funny as ever, and even more supportive than ever. I’m on cloud 9. I just wish rest of the episode had this form of thematic, plot, or character growth.

I mean, really. Jaime’s story is reduced to penis problems… why? He deserves better than this episode.

Abbi tries to look past a man’s pedophillic ways, only to realize she can’t because he’s an actual pedophile. What point does this have?

I realize every episode can’t be a slam dunk, but this episode doesn’t even land in the hoop. Now that I know what Broad City writers are capable of with this season’s perfect balance of theme, drama, and hilarity, I won’t go back to empty sitcom humor.

Stray Observations:

• I’m here for Broad City‘s not so covert way of breaking the fourth wall.
• Lincoln and Ilana forever! …oh, wait… did I already say that?
• Ilana talking to Oliver: “nothing will happen in the globalized economy that will make you need to work.” Phew. Isn’t that the truth?

What did you guys think of this episode of Broad City? Did you like it? Tell us why in the comments below!

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Broad City airs Wednesdays at 10:30/9:30c on Comedy Central.

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