The Mick Review: The City (Season 2 Episode 12)

On The Mick Season 2 Episode 12, “The City,” Jimmy is back and the gang is better than ever.

“The City” is just really great. The Mick works best when each character is involved. “The City” is a perfect example of that.

The Mick also works best when it is balancing real life stuff with over-the-top comedy. “The City” does that especially well. The episode delicately handles death, loss, and love – all without feeling over-the-top or sappy at any point.

The moment when the police announce Jimmy’s death is gut-wrenching. Kaitlin Olsen plays this so well. I’ve been begging for closure for their relationship, but this wasn’t what I was looking for.

Luckily, after a quick (ass) identification, Mickey realizes that it’s not Jimmy who died after all.

This is just the first twist in this ridiculous, expertly executed episode.

Having Jimmy steal someone’s identity is solid. Having that someone be Ben is brilliant. He also looks surprisingly good with a man bun.

Jimmy’s (or, um, Ben’s?) Wolf of Wall Street act is hilarious and a whole lot more compelling than the real deal. Jimmy has always been a grounding force for The Mick – he’s sensitive and kind – but “The City” takes this to a whole new level.

I’ve never felt so sorry for someone who has stolen a child’s identity and is probably not licensed to be selling the financial products he’s clearly selling.

It sounds ridiculous to say, but the sequence of events that causes Jimmy to burn his front with (Manhattan!) clam chowder, thus bringing Mickey to the point where she has to come clean, is some of the best comedy writing I’ve seen.

It shouldn’t work that she’s caused him to be tragically burned not once, but twice. But it does.

There isn’t a more perfect moment than when Mickey asks Jimmy to come home. He leans in for a kiss… and she turns away in disgust. He smells like clams. This is just one example of how well “The City” balances touching moments with crude comedy.

When The Mick hits these notes it’s some of the best comedy around. I just wish it could hold on to the balance a bit better. It has wavered in the past, but the return of Jimmy should, hopefully, help keep in on course.

So, basically, I’ve gotten everything I’ve ever wanted. The gang is back together and Jimmy is coming home.

Other Random Thoughts:

• Chip is growing on me. His search for his real real dad is compelling and humanizing.
• Sabrina in the strip club made me LOL.
• Ben is so sweet sticking up for the random dead guy. I cannot process what he does with him, though. That’s a bridge too far.
• We all know the “I won the breakup” feeling.

What did you think of this episode of The Mick? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

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The Mick airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on Fox.

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