Veep Preview: Episode 5 - Nicknames

HBO's Veep is really starting to hit its stride. The American heir apparent to Armando Annucci's The Thick of It, which you can and should catch on Saturdays at midnight on BBC America (or start from the beginning by purchasing them on iTunes), isn't quite up to snuff with the BAFTA winning British television series (nor the Academy Award nominated In the Loop) but Veep is well on its way. Last week's "Chung" was the shows strongest effort yet as the serialized plot lines (mostly related to the VP's various initiatives) and episodic elements meshed perfectly and produced a lot of laughs.

And more than a few awkward exchanges. I love the way that Iannucci managed to work in some of the recent absurdities surrounding the American political theatre - the whole 'birth certificate' silliness with President Barack Obama - especially since Iannucci put our team on the politically incorrect side of the argument. And judging by the title of this week's show, "Nicknames," I would wager that the political incorrectness continues as probably more than a few of the 'sincerest form of flattery' are sure to be not just unflattering but probably full on inappropriate. Here's a brief look at Sunday's Episode 5,



Unfortunately the tease for "Nicknames" didn't actually involve any nicknames. I'm dying to hear the cast start throwing around 'affectionate' monikers for each other or whomever happens to be the target of the titualr nicknaming. My favorite in the first four episodes is when Selina's daughter Catherine called Jonah 'rapist face,' so I can only hope for more of the same for the rest of the excellent ensemble. The best comedies often come down to casting and the political satire has compiled an impressive ensemble of comedians and actors capable of the kind of improvisation that Iannucci's style allows. All Veep needs is some Malcolm Tucker and it would be the best new comedy on TV. He was always good with the nicknames too.

Veep airs on Sundays at 10 p.m. ET on HBO. It stars Julia Louis Dreyfus, Matt Walsh, Tony Hale, Anna Chlumsky, Sufe Bradshaw, Tim Simons and Reid Scott. It was created by Armando Iannucci.