In 'Barry', Bill Hader Solidifies the Case that He's Way More than Just a Comedian

Ex-marine Barry Berkman is unsatisfied with his life as a contract killer.  Having just finished a hit, he’s quickly given another assignment by his handler, requiring him this time around to travel to Los Angeles, which he acquiesces to.  While tailing his mark, he stumbles into an acting class, where he ends up getting fascinated with the art and being befriended by the students who are all dreaming of making it big in Hollywood.  Finding a new passion and purpose in life, he begins aspiring of becoming an actor, enrolls into the class, and decides to quit being a hit man completely.  However, he learns that shedding off his criminal life won’t come easy.

This is Barry, the new dark comedy TV series co-created by comedian Bill Hader.  He also plays the eponymous character, and he’s easily the best thing about the show.  As what’s expected from him, he’s funny and charming in it.  Moreover, he also does a fantastic dramatic turn.  But that isn’t really much of a surprise.  I could buy Hader doing a drama in the first place as many great comedians tend to have the aptitude of being great dramatic actors.  The real surprise is that he’s wonderfully believable playing the badass-type character as well.  All these add up to an outstanding, nuanced performance.  If nothing else, this show should prove that Bill Hader is much, much more than a talented comedian/voice actor.

Right off the bat, Barry compels with its goofy yet ambitious premise; the productive, unpredictable narrative sustains it.  Thoughtful writing is thoroughly apparent, from the jokes to the dialogue to the overall storytelling.    Moreover, as a dark comedy, it’s not only concerned about being comedic.  It also gets just plain dark.  And when it shifts to a more serious tone, the lampooning critique of Hollywood romanticizing transforms into a poignant, profound study of morality and psychology.  On top of this, its dynamic transitions from laughs to gunfights to reflections to heartbreaks go seamlessly.

In the end, there are certain story directions and character developments that I’m hoping the show would undertake.  But until further seasons fall short in meeting them, I really have nothing to criticize at this point.  Thus, I think its eight-episode debut season has been impeccable.

Barry is refreshingly smart, hilarious, entertaining, and even heart-rending.  Highly recommended 2018 TV watching.