Post-apocalyptic mirth in ‘Last Man on Earth’
WILL Forte and Kristen Schaal play reluctant mates in a world with very few inhabitants.
A VIRUS wipes out most of the human race and leaves Phil Miller (Will Forte) foraging for supplies and looking for other survivors. Yes, there’s mirth to be found in the post-apocalyptic “The Last Man on Earth,” created by Forte, who’s best known for his eight-year stint on “Saturday Night Live.”
Inheriting the Earth does have its perks, one of which is accumulating stuff—from historical objects and masterpieces, to various types of grocery items. With his freed-up schedule, Phil does as he pleases, and eventually settles in a house at a posh Arizona neighborhood.
Spending considerable time alone nearly drives him to commit suicide, though, but he soon discovers the existence of a possible companion—and based on the intimate apparel hanging on a clothesline, it’s a female. Phil is excited understandably, wondering giddily about the mystery woman before the big reveal.
Far from the bombshells of his dreams, the lady in question turns out to be “regular”—and an annoying control freak!
Carol (Kristen Schaal) has her life mapped out, soldiering on despite the end of civilization. While not always the most skillful person, she’s unusually spirited and determined. She declares that they’re there to repopulate the planet—but, first, she demands that Phil propose to her before they get married!
“The Last Man on Earth” gets on to a sluggish and bleak start. Forte’s ultimate “alone time” initially borders on depressing but, in due time, it draws viewers in.
PHIL takes a dip in a cool tub of alcohol.
Unkempt and lonely, he draws faces on a variety of balls, inspired by Tom Hanks in “Castaway,” where the character’s sole “companion” was a volleyball, and talks to them like they’re his drinking buddies. His monologues extend to speaking sweetly to a pretty store mannequin, pre-Carol.
Schaal was the scene-stealer from “Flight of the Conchords,” her stalkerly character leading to yet another odd role on “30 Rock.” This time around, she shows viewers how good she is at playing a pesky, if adamant, kook.
“The Last Man on Earth” effectively mines its post-doomsday concept for laughs, extending the humor past its initial season. Phil’s crowded world becomes even smaller when he meets other survivors, who later form a minisociety that exiles him!
Season two starts with Phil’s new life away from the group. He’s living comfortably with Carol, who now “gets” his idiosyncrasies. By the episode’s end, however, the two are accidentally separated, without ways to communicate with each other!
(The show airs Mondays, 8:55 p.m. on Jack TV.)
