This week’s episode of Inside Amy Schumer introduces us to ‘A Chick Who Can Hang’, which, as we all know, is ever guy’s fantasy girl. Keeping with the flow that the show has maintained into its second season, the episode features a combination of skits, stand up clips, on the street Q&As, and the one on one interview ‘Amy Goes Deep’.
The theme of being rejected is a common one in Schumer’s comedy and it plays well with her overly self-conscious persona. The first skit in this episode has her playing a girlfriend hiding in wait for her boyfriend’s ‘Birthday Surprise’. Unaware of her presence, her boyfriend and his buddy begin to chat about what’s going on with their relationship. The conversation goes from, ‘Are you gonna pop the question?” to “I can’t stand the sight of her…and she’s put on some pounds” pretty quick and before you know it, out pops Amy from a giant cake…wearing army fatigues I might add. So awkward, so sad. But at least she gets an uneasy show of thanks for her service.
If nothing else, Schumer’s stand up always offers very on point observations. Speaking to her love of American Apparel, she admits, “I like the models and the marketing. I like that the photos look like the last time they were ever seen.” Because what Amy is looking for in a pair of sweatpants is the fear and desperation of young women who aren’t her. And I bet you hadn’t even thought about how good AA was for your self esteem.
Ok, enough sob stories. It’s time to meet the woman of every red blooded American male’s dreams. This skit is with the guys, for the guys, about the special girl that you wish you had. As a group of dudes at the bar are deep into some very manly conversation, here comes butch, lewd, crude and one super tough dude Amy. As the boys watch on in awe of how much she fits in with their way of life, they begin to talk about other women they’ve known who could ‘hang’. And I mean, boy could these ladies hang. Liking pizza? Playing Xbox? Pfft. How about building a deck, possessing a comprehensive knowledge of WWII, and having a prominent dick. Oh yeah, that will give your boner a boner. If the sentence “Going to the can; gonna make some room.” doesn’t do it for you, I honestly don’t know what will.
After hitting the streets to ask real people what their ‘type’ is, Amy’s back with another clever skit. This time it’s for a very important service that a lot of real woman might be looking for right now. Schumer is out with her female friend, who is being shadowed and addressed by a notably timid, emotive gentleman. When Amy asks her if that guy was her boyfriend, she clarifies that he’s someone she met through a website called ‘hello m’lady’. If you’re wondering what that is, it’s an app that allows you to manage all the clingy guys in your area that just think they’re dating you. Brilliant. Instantly your mind is flooded with the image of spineless men who lack an attractive features in personality or appearance, but desperately want a close relationship. It’s depressing. It’s creepy. It’s so true you can’t help but laugh. And if it’s not a real thing by the end of the month I’ve lost all faith in society.
More on the streets observations, and a witty satire piece that sends the fast food business into Aaron Sorkin written, Newsroom-esque drama make for passable entertainment. Though the latter feels more admirable for its diligent application of tropes and current events than a true foray into gut busting comedy, it still provides a solid punch. The next skit is back to what Amy does best: relatable, soul crushing humor. The internet is down at her place and she’s ready to take on the task of calling customer support to deal with the issue. Oh boy. The dreaded phone call to your cable/internet provider. The wait is long, and the desperate sense of dependence-dejection you feel for your seemingly removed customer service representative is enough to drive you into some dark places. So several hours and a mental breakdown later sees Schumer ready to do what needs to be done; hop on row boat and paddle down to New Dehli. It’s in India, at the call center, where she finds her representative, Jnardin. Now let’s play a game. Guess what she’s holding in her hand when she rests her head against his and says, ‘I love you, Jnardin’.
Surprise. It’s a gun. Sweet release.
Last but not least, it’s Amy Goes Deep. And man, if you’ve ever been curious about what it’s like to be a phone sex worker, this was the interview you’ve been waiting for. Another walk of life that draws curiosity gets a very human and hilarious observation and it definitely show’s the Schumer has all the talent and potential makings of a late night host (just putting it out there). Any way you cut it, she’s definitely a chick that knows how to hang.
